lice or mites

Question
Can you catch lice or mites from a guinea pig?  How do you know you have them and how do you get rid of them?  we just got a guinea last week, and I noticed some yellowish-beige dots in his fur that were moving.  Can they get them from the paper bedding?  or only from another guinea?

Answer
Hi Cheryl,

Lice and mites that guinea pigs can get are species specific.  Only guinea pigs can get them.  What you have are lice and they can be treated with a pyrethrum powder, spray, or shampoo made for puppies or kittens (not dogs or cats).  They also make one specifically for rodents that is safe.

Lice and mites can come in on bedding, but are usually passed from one animal to another.  If you have more than one guinea pig you need to treat them all at the same time.  You don't have to worry about cats, dogs, or humans getting them.  Follow the treatment with follow-up treatments once a week for three weeks to make sure you get them all.  You will also want to clean and sanitize the cage or hutch.  You can use a dilution of one part chlorine bleach to 10 parts water and soak for 10 to 15 minutes.  Rinse well.  The dishwasher or hot soapy water will take care of the water bottle and feeder.  Make sure you sanitize weekly for three weeks as well as treating the guinea pig.  This should take care of the problem.

Please don't be concerned about the lice being the kind found on children in schools. I have checked with a couple of different veterinarians on this issue and have been assured that it is not the same and can not be passed to humans.

I hope this helps.  If you have any other concerns please don't hesitate to ask.

Annie