How often should I treat my piggies for mites?

[Grabbipig]

Hi guys,

I was wondering if I could have some advice on treating for mites?

I don't think my piggies have mites, but I like to treat them just in case and also to prevent them from getting mites.

I have been using some 'spot on' stuff that says I should treat them with it once a month, but this is always such a fiasco and stressful for all involved because I obviously have to treat them one at a time and they absolutely hate being seperated. Pickles isn't so bad because she likes a cuddle, but Penny is awful and squeals and kicks and bites because I obviously have to restrain her while I try and find her skin (the curse of long haired piggies).

So, my question is really...how often can I bathe them? Because I bathed them before with some shampoo that treats for mites and this was fine because they can be bathed together and they love it when I towel dry them , but is it OK to bathe piggies once a month? Or can I leave it longer with the shampoo and stick to the usual bathing once every 3 months without using the spot on stuff :{

Any advice would be great because they are due for mite treatment today, but we have just gone through the daily 'Penny-having-a-hairbrush-tantrum' which has been bad enough in itself It really is like having a child! rolleyes

 

[Wiebke]

Frankly, I would treat for mites only if and when they get them!

Shop spot-on treatments are very low dosed and only for the prevention of mites and not for the actual cure. For that you want a stronger topical ivermectin product like xeno 50 or xeno 450 (depending on the weight), or - most effective - an ivermectin injection at the vets. When treated promptly and correctly, mites are usually not a big issue. You can easily go over a year or even a whole lifetime without a piggy of yours getting them!

 

[Amanda1801]

My pigs have only been treated as a precautionary measure prior to going to a rescue for dating, so once each in the 3 years I've had them.

 

[Grabbipig]

Frankly, I would treat for mites only if and when they get them!

Shop spot-on treatments are very low dosed and only for the prevention of mites and not for the actual cure. For that you want a stronger topical ivermectin product like xeno 50 or xeno 450 (depending on the weight), or - most effective - an ivermectin injection at the vets. When treated promptly and correctly, mites are usually not a big issue. You can easily go over a year or even a whole lifetime without a piggy of yours getting them!

My pigs have only been treated as a precautionary measure prior to going to a rescue for dating, so once each in the 3 years I've had them.

So really I'm overly obsessive about mites rolleyes. So, how do I know if my piggies have mites? Because I see them scratching and I am instantly like Ahhhh! Mites! Bit like my mother used to be with us and nits haha!

 

[Wiebke]

First signs are usually increased scratching with real intensity; hairloss in the middle of the back or a bloody spot if a piggy has scratched itself raw.

You may find this link helpful, as you have always be careful that you are not dealing with fungal - the differences between are often much less clear than the exhibition pictures suggest, and not all fungal and mites or always in a typical place. Never treat anything at home unless you are VERY, VERY sure what you are treating for; preferably see a good vet for confirmation. http://gorgeousguineas.com/indentification.html

 

[Hanwombat]

I only treat for mites if either they've got them OR when I rescue new piggies.