Guinea Pig Skin Problems

A healthy, shiny coat is a sign of healthy skin.

Parasites, mites, fungus, lice and fleas cause many skin problems for guinea pigs. If your guinea pig is constantly scratching, attend to this problem, as it will only make your guinea pig miserable. Most problems will not go away or get better with time and may need to be treated with antibiotics. Take your guinea pig to a veterinarian who specializes in the care of exotic animals if you suspect a serious skin condition. Knowing what to look for can help you and your vet identify the causes of skin irritation.

Facts

Guinea pigs have sensitive skin and are susceptible to skin problems. A healthy guinea pig will not scratch constantly and its coat will be shiny. You shouldn't see any bald or thinning spots of fur and certainly no abscesses, bumps or lumps on your pig.

Identifying Causes

Parasites, mites, fleas and lice cause skin irritation and severe itching in guinea pigs. Parasites can be seen with the naked eye and look like dark, flaky dandruff. Some parasites look like light brown worms moving through the pig's hair. Lice--different from the lice that afflicts humans--are also visible with the naked eye. Fleas look like specs of brown dirt and can cause crusty places on the skin. Mites cause thickening of the skin and hair loss. Mites can cause itching so severe that guinea pigs suffer from seizures.

Types of Skin Irritations

Thinning or missing hair or hair shafts breaking halfway to the root are generally caused by parasites, according to the Small Animal Channel website. Other symptoms of skin problems, such as fungus, include spots that look like goose pimples. Some scratched areas will look like bites.

Prevention/Solution

Many treatments are available for parasites, fleas, mites and general skin conditions. Your veterinarian may want to give your pig ivermectin injections for mites. Pyrethrin-containing products might also be prescribed.

Treat parasites with neem oil. Combine one part neem oil with one part carrier oil. Rub the mixture into your pig's skin and leave on for approximately two days. Give your pig a bath and shampoo the oil from its fur. This treatment not only kills parasites, but also kills fleas and encourages new hair growth.

Try Alphosyl, Selsun or another medicated scalp shampoo to treat skin fungus. Repeat after one week, if necessary.

Considerations

Always clean your guinea pig's environment while it is being treated for any parasites, mites or fleas to prevent them from returning.

Poor nutrition, cold temperatures and stress can worsen any health conditions present in your guinea pig. Make sure your guinea pig is getting adequate nutrition. Keep your pig's area clean and keep your pet in an area where it is not stressed out by other animals or situations. Keep humidity levels low in the area around your guinea pig. Play and cuddle with your guinea pig; they are social animals and need attention.

References

• Small Animal Channel: Common Guinea Pig Health Issues
• The Peter Gurney Guinea Pig Health Guide: Skin Problems
• Pet Education: Common Skin Parasites That Cause Scratching in Guinea Pigs