Category Archives: Guinea pig health problems

can guinea pigs get worms

Can Guinea Pigs Get Worms?

Like most pets, guinea pigs are susceptible to diseases and afflictions that can cause them discomfort and pain.

This is why it is important that they are monitored to ensure that all is well with them and that their health hasn’t deteriorated.

An affliction that can hamper them are ‘worms.’

What are worms?

Worms are parasites that get into the fur and skin of an animal and can cause suffering, illness and even death. There are some worms that can cause diseases and be spread between people and their pets.

So can guinea pigs get worms?

Yes guinea pigs can get worms. However, it is quite rare for them to do so.

In fact, cases of them getting worms are few and far between. However, its not to say that it can’t happen and hasn’t happened!

If they are kept in inadequate conditions and their health is unchecked and unkempt, then they can be at risk.

This is why it is important to keep monitoring and checking them to ensure all is well.

How do I know my guinea pig has worms?

If they do have worms, then your will see them in their faeces or their vomit or even around their anus. However, not all worms are visible to the naked eye.

You may even be able to seem them around the ear of the guinea pig. Tapeworms for instance will appear as small moving segments that will resemble grains or rice when they dry out.

  • The symptoms of a guinea pig having worms are as follows;
  • Their fur becomes dry and course,
  • They can lose their appetite
  • They become weaker
  • Their faeces become more gooey.
  • They start losing weight..
What can we do to help them?

Check your guinea pig regularly for signs of worms.

Have a worms control programme in place as advised by your veterinary surgeon who will be able to prescribe a course of action to help you and your piggy.

Where can they get further help?

If you see any worms on your guinea pig, then wrap them up and take them to your veterinary surgeon as soon as possible.

There are various treatments that they can prescribe to help your guinea pig. We never recommend medicines on this site, but a professional can advise you.

(Source RSPCA, PetMD)