Behavior Guinea Pigs Itching

[Rakkk]

I've noticed recently, my 2 girls keep itching themselves numerous times in a day. Is this normal or what?

 

[bpatters]

Most likely mites, particularly if you can't see any critters crawling on them. Mites burrow under the skin, and can really drive a pig crazy.

You can treat them yourself with ivermectin -- available at feed stores or from Amazon. The .5% (that's point five percent, not five percent) pour-on is the easiest to use, in my opinion, but you can use any of the other preparations -- you just have to dilute the heck out of them.

Read https://www.guinealynx.info/mites.html and follow the ivermectin links. Post back here if you have any questions.

 

[Aisteraina]

If you have not noticed them scratching that much before, I suggest checking their fur for fleas, lice etc. Normally, pigs do not scratch very much. If you do not see anything in their fur, then it is most likely mites. Do NOT give them a bath. It will make the matter even worse. Mites are microscopic parasites that live in the skin of guinea pigs. They can become very serious if not treated. The guinea pigs will start to scratch excessively, and might even start to bleed from too much scratching. It can even lead to death. The cheapest way to cure them is by doing it yourself with ivermectin. (broken link removed) Make sure to not exceed the dosage amount or else they could possibly die. It is very quick and easy to apply, though. And if they don't have mites, no harm is done. If you want the vet to see what is wrong, do not let them do a skin scraping. They are very painful for guinea pigs, and it is not very accurate. I hope this helped. Good luck with your pigs! I hope they feel better soon.

 

[Rakkk]

They never scratched before, the only scratch a little now. I'm not sure if they have it as they don't have eggs or anything on their body. Is it just them scratching because they are itchy or do they actually have mites?

 

[DawnM]

You cannot see mites on pigs.

 

[Aisteraina]

They never scratched before, the only scratch a little now. I'm not sure if they have it as they don't have eggs or anything on their body. Is it just them scratching because they are itchy or do they actually have mites?

Maybe you should watch them to see if the problem gets worse. Ironically, my guinea pig Muffin is having the same problem right now. Mites and mite eggs are not seen, for they are burrowed in the pigs' skin. Since you don't see anything on her (eggs, bugs, etc.) , I now REALLY think she has mites. I think my pig might have mites as well, because she is also scratching herself more than usual. I ordered ivermectin on amazon just in case she does. If the medicine does not work after abut 3-4 weeks, then I will take her to the vet. The other option is that it might be a sign of an early fungal infection, but it is most likely not the case. Mites are actually very common in most guinea pigs, especially if you got your pigs at a pet store, so you're not alone in this.

 

[Rakkk]

Maybe you should watch them to see if the problem gets worse. Ironically, my guinea pig Muffin is having the same problem right now. Mites and mite eggs are not seen, for they are burrowed in the pigs' skin. Since you don't see anything on her (eggs, bugs, etc.) , I now REALLY think she has mites. I think my pig might have mites as well, because she is also scratching herself more than usual. I ordered ivermectin on amazon just in case she does. If the medicine does not work after abut 3-4 weeks, then I will take her to the vet. The other option is that it might be a sign of an early fungal infection, but it is most likely not the case. Mites are actually very common in most guinea pigs, especially if you got your pigs at a pet store, so you're not alone in this.

I'll observe their scratching behaviour, and if it continues rapidly, I'll try to order some of the stuff you told me about. I didn't get either one of them from a pet store, though.