How should a guinea pig be treated for ticks? - briefly
Use fine‑tipped tweezers to grasp each tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight upward with steady pressure to remove it completely. Clean the bite area with a mild antiseptic, watch for signs of infection, and consult a veterinarian for appropriate topical or systemic acaricide treatment.
How should a guinea pig be treated for ticks? - in detail
Treating a tick infestation in a guinea pig requires prompt identification, careful removal, appropriate medication, and environmental sanitation.
First, confirm the presence of ticks by inspecting the fur, especially around the ears, neck, and vent area. Look for small, oval parasites attached to the skin. If any are found, isolate the animal to prevent spread to other pets.
Next, remove the ticks. Use fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick removal tool. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady pressure, avoiding crushing the body. After removal, disinfect the bite site with a dilute chlorhexidine solution.
Afterward, administer an anti‑parasitic treatment approved for rodents. Options include:
- Ivermectin oral paste (dose 0.2 mg/kg, repeat in 7 days)
- Selamectin topical solution (apply 0.2 ml to the dorsal neck area, repeat in 30 days)
Dosage must be calculated based on the guinea pig’s weight; consult a veterinarian for precise amounts. Monitor for adverse reactions such as lethargy or loss of appetite.
Sanitize the cage and accessories:
- Remove all bedding, wash with hot water (≥60 °C) and a mild detergent, then dry thoroughly.
- Disinfect cage walls, food dishes, and water bottles with a 10 % bleach solution, rinse well.
- Replace with fresh, untreated bedding.
Provide supportive care: maintain ambient temperature between 18–22 °C, ensure constant access to fresh water, and offer a high‑quality diet rich in vitamin C to aid immune function.
Finally, schedule a follow‑up examination within 10 days to verify complete eradication and to assess for secondary skin infection. Repeat tick checks weekly for at least one month, as immature ticks may emerge later.