shaking like a wet dog

[AidaB]

Hi!
We have had our 2,boar, piggies since November. They are both shaking like a wet dog..... quite a lot. This has definitely gone up the last few days. Before it was just occasionally. Is it possible this is mite related? I think they are itching more too, although my partner who is home all day with the piggies thinks they are not itching any more than normal!
They both had a health check up at the cat and rabbit clinic after christmas, and we were told that there was no signs of mites at that time.

 

[Free Ranger]

Did they check for mites, or ear mites, or both? We've had skin mites (and lice) which both cause itching but our symptoms were scratching and shedding. I have not seen them shake heads or anything with mites - but we have never had ear mites. Mites are very small and hard to spot so it's possible they were missed. To be honest I've rarely seen a pig shake itself in this way ever!

I think you need to go back to the vet and explain this change in behaviour (any such change is a red flag for a closer look really). If you can get a video of it at home that will probably help because they never perform at the vet! If it was just one doing it there might be another explanation but both makes me think to look for something contagious. Good Luck!

 

[AidaB]

Thank you.

 

[Krazykid]

Did they check for mites, or ear mites, or both? We've had skin mites (and lice) which both cause itching but our symptoms were scratching and shedding. I have not seen them shake heads or anything with mites - but we have never had ear mites. Mites are very small and hard to spot so it's possible they were missed. To be honest I've rarely seen a pig shake itself in this way ever!

I think you need to go back to the vet and explain this change in behaviour (any such change is a red flag for a closer look really). If you can get a video of it at home that will probably help because they never perform at the vet! If it was just one doing it there might be another explanation but both makes me think to look for something contagious. Good Luck!

My Guinea pigs often shake like dogs when they’re on me like if I’m just petting them and I don’t know if it is from being stressed or if they just don’t like what I’m doing at that moment. Any advice is much appreciated,thanks.

 

[AidaB]

Our boy guinea pigs, still shake themselves occasionally. I think sometimes they are trying to tell us they would rather not be touched. I think we treated for mites after I was concerned that they were itching more at the time of writing this post. Which was over a year ago now, when we were only 4 months into having guinea pigs.

 

[Free Ranger]

Generally they have quite sensitive skin so it could just be that they aren't so fond of being petted. My Flora will stand very still and let me stroke her cheeks or under her chin, and her eyes glaze over for a moment. When I stop she always gives herself a good shake after! But if I try to touch anyone on the back or butt they are all "No chance!"