How to check if my guinea pig has mites?

Question

My guinea pig scratches quite alot or somtimes he kinda shakes, like a dog shakes when wet.I want to bring him to a vet and i have mentioned it to my father and he only shouted at me saying I was a maniplitive little brat.. I dont know what to do?!? is he only grooming himself or is it mites? And are guinea pigs ment to sneeze? He lives by himself if that helps

Answer 1

Yes, they groom themselves quite often. And they can sneeze every once in a blue moon. Too bad your father won't take him to the vet, that's a shame.

Answer 2

No, sneezing is not normal and often a sign of URI.

You cannot see mites. They are microscopic and live under the skin.

You can read more at http://www.guinealynx.info  

Answer 3

Check out this posted on Yahoo Answers, about a year ago. It also has a good link:.http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?...

I wish I hada seen it or even known about Yahoo Answers, before my daughter lost her pet guinea pig. It really really crushed her. She's a huge animal lover and we had no money to go to a vet. I never heard about a G.P. having mites and what happens when they do until I came across your question and did research today. Thanks and good luck with yours ;)

Answer 4

Tell your dad THIS:I had a little pig who contracted mites. She passed them on to me and the rest of my family. I spent the whole summer with them and passed them on to 28 people, including every child at my ex-husband's family reunion (my daughter slept in bed with them). The sneezing is probably not associated. Show your dad this answer (hi dad) and tell him that you could all end up with this if it is mites. It itches like crazy.

Answer 5

Wow, kid.  The part that scares me is the way you father reacted when you mentioned the problem.  (He could have simply said that he didn't want to spend the money -- it is expensive you know.)  If you're putting up with emotional abuse, I feel for you.

I'd try a fine toothed comb, and see what comes off of him.  Also, drop by a pet store and ask the owner what he thinks.  Pets live and die.  Be a good keeper, but don't become too attached.  As cute as he may be, you're going to outlive him by many years.

Answer 6

my guinea pig had mites before it can be tragic so you need to get him to the vet. You could pop to the pet store and ask for some advise on what to do . Anouther thing you can do which i read in a magazine not sure if it works but get a white piece of paper and put your guinea pig on it and wipe the paper all over him if you see black specks you need to get him to vet.

My guinea pig had an injection which got rid of them but mine had a really big scar down his make which was really raw and he wasnt himself if thats what yours is liek he needs help

but if your dad wont take him then get some sterolised water from the kettle make sure its not too hot and a cotton swab and clen his cuts but i think  really he needs help

hope that was handy

good luck

Answer 7

Well try washing him of with water.but not a lot. My pig shakes a lot to. yeah its most likely mites. You need to take it to the vet.It could get worse. ask your dad in a really nice voice.

Good luck.

Answer 8

>.> sounds weird... go see a vet. ;]