Constantly checking your guinea pigs for signs of illnesses is important for their survival. That’s because they are small animals that can get infected quickly and experience painful symptoms.
Generally, pet cats and dogs are known to get worms that cause them to feel pain; But can guinea pigs get worms too?
The simple answer is yes, guinea pigs can get worms and fall sick as a result of it. Although not common, worm infestation in cavies can affect other pets in their environment.
Therefore, it is advisable to seek professional help from your vet once you notice its symptoms.
Now that you know that cavies can get worms, you’ll possibly want to prevent your pets from getting it. But come to think of it, how do guinea pigs get worms?
Keep reading to find out the answer and others in this article!
Table of Contents
How Do Guinea Pigs Get Worms?
One common way guinea pigs get worms is by eating unhealthy diets. Therefore it is important to take precautions while giving your small pets food.
Most times, worms get transferred to cavies if they eat grass or other diets that contain the parasites’ eggs. Oftentimes, the worms might have been passed by dogs or foxes through their feces.
Unfortunately, the parasites can survive for a long time even when the feces is not on the food anymore. So you’ll believe the diet is healthy for your guinea pigs because you won’t see the parasites.
Eventually, the worms will get into the body systems of your cavies to cause health issues in them.
Therefore to be on the safe side, always rinse all foods with clean water before giving your guinea pigs.
Can Guinea Pigs Get Worms From Cats?
Yes, guinea pigs can get worms from cats just as they can get them from dogs.
Having cat pets that have not been litter-box trained will make it easier for your guinea pigs to get worms. This is because your cats can defecate anywhere around your environment.
And if your guinea pigs mistakenly eat grass or other foods that contain parasites from cat feces, they’ll get worms.
So if you have cat pets, avoid keeping them in the same place as your guinea pigs.
Can Guinea Pigs Get Ringworms From Humans?
Yes, guinea pigs can get ringworm from humans easily. In fact, it is one of the most common skin infections that can be transferred to cavies.
Usually, guinea pigs get ringworm from humans by coming in contact with contaminated items.
If the fungus-causing ringworm, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, is passed to their beddings or other materials, they’ll definitely get it.
Some of the signs you’ll notice if your guinea pigs have ringworm include:
- Skin irritation
- Itching
- Bald, flaky patches on the face, around the eyes, ears, and nose
- Skin inflammation
Factors like poor hygiene, and an overcrowded environment can increase your guinea pigs’ chances of getting ringworm.
Ensure your guinea pigs’ cage is well-ventilated, large, and always clean.
Can A Guinea Pig Get Worms From Other Guinea Pigs?
Yes, guinea pigs can get worms from other guinea pigs. Most times, it is easier for cavies to pass worms to another, especially when living in the same cage.
Normally, guinea pigs feed on one another’s poo to get fiber, vitamin K and vitamin B complex. So if a cavy has worms, and the other pets feed on its poo, they’ll no doubt get worms.
Once you notice some of your guinea pigs have worms, it is better to separate them from the others fast.
Without taking this key step, all your cavies may get infected with worms.
How Do I Know If My Guinea Pig Has Parasites (Worms)?
Checking for signs of worms in your guinea pigs is easy. If you’ve always spent time with these tiny pets, you’ll quickly notice some things are not normal and seek help.
With that said, here are some guinea pig worm symptoms you should look out for:
- Sudden weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Lack of energy
- Loss of interest in food
- Rough furs
How Do I Treat My Guinea Pigs For Worms?
Once you notice the symptoms listed above, take the affected guinea pigs to a professional vet doctor. Possibly, the medical personnel will run a test to determine the type of worm in the pets before starting treatments.
Do not try to give worm drugs to your guinea pigs without seeking professional help. Moreover, avoid wasting time visiting the vet with the sick guinea pigs.
No worm symptoms can be managed by your cavies and early treatment is safer and better.
Here are some of the worms that your guinea pigs can get and their possible treatments:
| Types Of Worm | Treatments |
| Entamoeba Caviae | Metronidazole and Dimetridazole |
| Pinworm | Praziquantel |
| Trichomonads | Metronidazole and Dimetridazole |
FAQ:
Can Guinea Pigs Die From Worms?
Yes, guinea pigs can die from worms if care is not taken. Sadly, the symptoms associated with worms in cavies are very serious and can make your cavies die slowly.
If your guinea pigs suddenly begin to suffer from diarrhea for a day, they may not survive the unpleasant experience.
Lack of appetite, which is also a symptom of worms, can cause your cavies to starve to death too.
Therefore, early detection of worms in your guinea pigs and seeking medical help is very important.
Do Guinea Pigs Need To Be Dewormed?
Yes, guinea pigs need to be dewormed to prevent them from getting parasites from food. However, ensure you speak with your vet before giving any worm treatment to your small pets.
In addition, avoid deworming your guinea pigs every time; every 3 months is recommended.
Moreover, only a moderate amount of the treatment will do a perfect job.
How Easy Is It To Get Ringworm From A Guinea Pig?
Getting ringworm from a guinea pig is very easy, the same as the pets can get it from humans. Even without touching your cavies, you can get the fungus quickly if you’re not careful.
Sadly, you can get ringworm from your tiny pets’ beddings, toys, and other contaminated items. Carrying an infected cavy close to your body can also expose you to the risk of being infected.
Practicing good hygiene regularly is a sure way to prevent getting ringworm from your guinea pigs. Wearing gloves when cleaning your cavies’ enclosure is also a great idea.
Why Are There Worms In My Guinea Pigs’ Beddings?
Usually, worms find their way to your guinea pigs’ beddings if an infected cavy defecates on it. It would be best to find out the infected guinea pig and take him for medical examination.
Also, ensure the beddings are replaced with new ones to prevent the other cavies from getting worms. Then you can clean their cage with disinfectants, just to be safe.
Final Thoughts
Keep a few points in mind before you leave.
Guinea pigs can get worms, like cats and dogs, by eating unhealthy foods.
Weight loss, diarrhea, rough furs, loss of appetite, and bloating are the common symptoms of parasites in guinea pigs.
Seek professional help from your vet once you notice the signs of parasites in your pets.
Lastly, maintaining good hygiene and feeding your guinea pigs healthy diets are ways to prevent worm infestation.
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