Guinea Pig Lice – Diagnostics And Prevention

guinea pig liceLice are really pesky bugs, and if your guinea pig gets them, they can cause hair loss and scabs. Luckily, lice can be seen with the human eye, and they can be easily treated.

How Do You Know If Your Guinea Pig Has Lice?
It is easy to tell if your guinea pig has lice. Since lice are large enough to see with the human eye, you just need to carefully examine your guinea pig.
Pick up your guinea pig, and carefully look through its fur. The most common place for lice to hide is behind the ears, and around the neck of a guinea pig. Look for a small bug that is between 1 and 2mm long. They will be at the root of the hair, against the guinea pigs skin.
If you see the bugs, your guinea pig has lice. If you do not see any, it may mean your guinea pig does not have lice. To make sure, you can put your guinea pig into a solid colored container (A white one is best), and brush it with a fine tooth comb. The comb will usually knock at least one lice bug off your guinea pig. Look at the base of the container, for any small specks.

This video shows what the lice look like on a guinea pig:

How Do Guinea Pigs Get Lice?
There are a number of ways guinea pigs can get lice. The most common way is if it is exposed to another guinea pig that has lice. Lice, however, can also be transmitted to your guinea pig through a person, or another animal that has come into contact with a guinea pig that has had lice.
Once separated from its host, lice will not live very long, however they can easily spread. If your guinea pig has lice, or you were near a guinea pig with lice, make sure you wash any area that came in contact with it. Take the guinea pigs cage, empty all the fluff, and clean it well. If you have clothing, or materials, tie them up in a plastic bag, and leave them outdoors for a few days.

How Can You Get Rid Of Lice In Guinea Pigs?
Luckily treatment for lice in guinea pigs is very easy. Products like Beaphar Anti-parasite Spot on for Rabbit, Guinea Pigs, Ferrets and RatsBeaphar’s Anti-Parasite Spot On can kill the lice that live on your guinea pig.
Most pet stores, will carry a similar product.

Here is a video that gives more info on lice in guinea pigs.

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