Alaska And Parasites...

[nmj428]

Hello!

So I am doing research on guinea pigs, our family hopes to add one in a week or two depending on how long it takes to get a cage ordered and arrive and find the right pair for us. I came across somewhere that flea, tick, and anti-fungals are recommended. Now I'll admit I need to research anti-fungals as I've never heard of those but fleas and ticks I'm familiar with after my short stint in the lower US. But here in Alaska, at least my area we don't have fleas, ticks, or heartworm.... I don't use the preventative up here for my other fur kids so I'm hoping that despite this being a UK forum, someone might be familiar with extreme northern climates and parasites?

 

[Guinea-pigGaga]

Guinea pigs do not require preventative treatments/vaccinations etc. . . However, would recommend that you attempt to locate a cavy-savvy veterinarian/exotics specialist prior to adopting your new additions, so that you are prepared should either of your new additions require veterinary treatment in the future.

 

[nmj428]

Good point, I hadn't considered that, I've only had dogs and cats and fish... not sure if our vet does small animal...
Thanks!

 

[Guinea-pigGaga]

Best of luck!

 

[Freela]

I'm in Ontario (not so far north as you, but north!) I let the pigs out in the summer and have never had an issues with fleas or ticks (I do look over them for ticks when they go back in, as they are so low to the ground and we are having a bad summer for ticks.) Guinea pigs don't get preventative flea/tick meds like a dog or a cat. They just aren't made in doses for an animal that size, and they are a totally different sort of animal and med safety isn't the same as for a dog or a cat. So you won't need flea/tick/heartworm preventatives, but as someone else pointed out, it's a good idea to see whether any local vets know about the health issues of guinea pigs (or are willing to learn for you!) Hope this helps a bit!