i think my pet has hay mites

Question
i have 2 guine pigs there both 9 weeks old!since i have had them they have had little specs of white on them and i have seen somthing like a nit on them..i did some research and could see tht they mite b hay mites! how do i get rid of them and do they catch onto humans..i am scared to hold them now in case i get these mites!please help me!thanks!

Answer
Hey Charlotte,

Most mites cant be seen with the naked eye, though I do believe that what you describe is most likely to be lice.

Normally these sorts of parasites cant pass onto humans but to be safe, it may be an idea to not handle them till you can sort them out.

The way to solve the problem is to buy some specialised guinea pig shampoo from a pet supplies shop, or go to your vets and Im sre they can supply you with this or some other form of treatment. The shampoo you should buy will say that its for piggies and kills lice, etc.


I hope i was able to help!

Jo