guinea pig worms
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Guinea Pig Worms
- Image via Wikipedia
- Image via Wikipedia
Many first time guinea pig owners assume that like other pets, guinea pig must be regularly de-wormed every three to six months. This is simply not the case. While guinea pigs can be susceptible to parasites like tapeworms, roundworms, and pin worms, guinea pis that live indoors are simply not too likely to ruin the risk of exposure.
Signs your guinea pig may have worms:
Intestinal distress including diarrhea
Lack of interest in eating
Weakness
Weight loss
Worms in feces
Note: Worms will appear like little white streaks.
If you do suspect your guinea pig has worms, or you notice any of the symptoms above – please take him or her to the veterinarian immediately as frequently with guinea pigs small health problems can become LARGE health problems very quickly.
Make sure you do not confuse worms and maggots. If you do not clean out old food and excrement from your guinea pig’s cage, it is not impossible for flies to lay eggs – especially in warm climates. If this is a problem, you will need to take everything out the cage – throw out the bedding, and wash everything else completely.
Lice will also appear as small brownish worms crawling on the surface of your guinea pig’s skin. This can be resolved by extensive cage cleaning and special shampoo available from your veterinarian.
