How do I treat lice / mites / fungus?
For mites, you must go to a vet to confirm that mites are present. Treatment usually requires two shots of Ivermectin. Don’t try to treat the mites yourself; they are under the skin and must be treated by injection. There is no dip or ointment that will help. Lice, on the other hand, can usually be treated at home. Basically, any lice treatment suitable for cats will work for guinea pigs. Make sure that the lice dip contains Pyrethrin, and massage into the coat. Do NOT dip the head; take a small cloth with the solution on it and rub on the head. Dry thoroughly, as in bathing. Before you place your guinea pig back into the cage, change all the bedding and clean the cage with the lice dip, to kill any lice that may be remaining. Two common types of fungal infections are Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis. The skin is usually scaly or flaky, and your piggy will no doubt be scratching at the area. Hair loss usually results. Treatment for fungal infections is fairly easy; top
