How often should you clean guinea pig ears?

How often should I clean my guinea pig's ears? Clean their ears a maximum of 2 to 3 times a year. You should keep an eye on your guinea pig to see if there is a real need. Earwax will often look similar to the colour of your piggy's ear, to the untrained eye, it may be tricky to spot!

Can guinea pigs get their ears cleaned?

Some guinea pig care guides suggest that you use a product like Oti-Clens or use a drop of mineral oil in your guinea pig's ear or on the cotton swab. But HappyCavy likes to keep the ear cleaning process simple by using just one supply: cotton swabs (Q-Tips).

What is the black stuff in guinea pig ears?

If your guinea pig's swollen ears also feature black spots or a dirt-like appearance, she could have ear mites or other parasites. This is usually treated with a mineral oil-type topical supplement, but vet consultation is the best way to ensure you know exactly what the problem is before attempting to eradicate it.

What should guinea pig ears look like?

All your guinea pigs' ears should be free from crust and white marks. If there are any white marks then this could indicate a fungal infection, and your guinea pig will need to see a vet.

How do I know if my guinea pig has ear mites?

The guinea pig may be seen scratching and shaking its head and the wax in the ears may appear dirty and reddish brown (sometimes just described as "dark"). A dried sugary exudate has been described in some guinea pigs, which may be an early case of psoroptes cuniculi.

How to clean guinea pig ears and fungal at cavy central guinea pig rescue

Do pigs need their ears cleaned?

Pigs actually usually like their ears to be cleaned in my experience. Instead of Q-tips, which have a point under the cotton head, you can use the ear cups to gently scoop out wax if there is a reason to remove any wax. Brown wax in the ears is normal.

Can guinea pigs get mites from hay?

Can Guinea Pigs Get Mites From Hay? Yes, guinea pigs can most definitely get mites from hay, as well as bedding, food and even toys. This is because the parasites can live for up to three weeks without a host. Unsuspecting cavies can quickly become infected if exposed to parasites in their hay or grass.

Do guinea pigs get ear mites?

Guinea pigs do not develop ear mites; however, they are often presented with intense pruritus caused by Trixacarus caviae. This sarcoptic mite, which has zoonotic potential, can cause severe skin problems. Guinea pigs with sarcoptic mange often scratch themselves raw, which can lead to secondary skin infections.

Why do guinea pigs tilt their heads?

In guinea pigs, a severe head tilt can be from an ear infection spreading to the middle ear and inner ear. This type of infection causes the head tilt (torticollis), which is often called “wry neck” in rabbits. It also causes the loss of equilibrium and nausea.

What are guinea pig years?

Guinea Pig – The first year for a guinea pig is about ten human years progressing at that same rate so that by the time five human years has passed, your guinea pig will be fifty! Hamster – Hamsters age very rapidly. One human year is equal to twenty hamster years with few hamsters ever reaching their fifth birthday.

Is there a guinea pig shampoo?

Kaytee Squeaky Clean Critter Shampoo is our pick for the best overall guinea pig shampoo available. This brand uses a tearless formula to provide maximum comfort for your pet while bathing. It's also pH balanced, so it shouldn't irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction.

How do you massage ear wax out?

To do this, just gently massage the outside of the ear using circular movements. That way, the impaction will soften, which can help the earwax drain more easily. Once you've finished making these circular movements, pull your ear slightly backwards, from the lobe to the top of the auricle.

Can I put coconut oil on my guinea pig?

Fungal infections - VCO Coconut Oil has anti-fungal properties AND it is very soothing when applied AND it is not toxic to your guinea pig.

Can I put olive oil on my guinea pig?

If having a digestive issues (there is no poop), guinea pig can also be feeded olive oil in small quantities (about ½ mL per feeding), preferably before feeding the main supplementary food. For guinea pig digestive issues, Your vet might also prescribe probiotics.

What are the signs of mites?

How often should guinea pigs itch?

Typically, a guinea pig will have a good scratch when he wakes up from a nap, or he might scratch himself after grooming. An occasional itch during the day is usually nothing to be concerned about either, and changing bedding or hay may provoke some scratching due to dust or other irritants.

What does it mean when a guinea pig jumps and twitches?

When content and running around you may occasionally see your guinea pig jump, twist and jerk, making a grumbling purring noise as they go. This is usually as a display of happiness and if witnessed in a healthy guinea pig, exploring or playing in their environment, then it should be enjoyed as a sign they are happy.

What do hay lice look like?

They are about 1mm long and look like tiny worms wriggling around. Their eggs are laid at the base of the hair, near the skin and look like small specks of dust. Lice 'n' Easy Shampoo can help guineas with external parasites to feel more comfortable as they may cause irritation if left untreated.

Do you have to clean pigs eyes?

These pigs get folds over their eyes as they age, and have naturally runny eyes, but any excessive tearing or crustiness may be a sign of a more serious problem. If your pig has excessively crusty eyes, use a warm cloth to soak its eyes and clean them out. Sometimes a good cleaning clears up the problem.

Why do pigs eyes need to be cleaned?

Potbellied pigs often require ear and eye cleaning, and these vulnerable areas must be kept clean to prevent infection and make the pig more comfortable.

Why does my guinea pig keep shaking his head?

Each pigy has her their own individual popcorn style, the same way that every human dances differently. Please have your little one checked if the head shaking is repeated and also happens outside the popcorning. It could be a sign of a build-up of wax, ear mites or ear infection.