---
title: "Guinea Pig Mites — UK Treatment Guide"
description: "Mange mites cause intense itching, hair loss and even seizure-like scratching fits in guinea pigs. UK guide to symptoms and vet-prescribed treatment."
url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/guinea-pig-mites-uk"
canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/guinea-pig-mites-uk"
date_published: "2026-07-18"
date_modified: "2026-07-18"
source: "PETHEALTH+"
---

# Guinea Pig Mites — UK Treatment Guide

Mange mites (**Trixacarus caviae**) burrow into a guinea pig's skin, causing intense itching, bald patches and scabs — and in severe cases **seizure-like scratching fits that are an emergency**. There is no safe home cure: your vet prescribes anti-parasitic treatment and tells you how to decontaminate the cage.

## The mites that affect guinea pigs

| Mite | Behaviour | Severity |
|------|-----------|----------|
| Mange mite (*Trixacarus caviae*) | Burrows into the skin | Severe itching, hair loss, scabs; can trigger seizure-like fits |
| Static/fur mite (*Chirodiscoides caviae*) | Lives on the hair and skin surface | Often mild or unnoticed; flares when the pig is run down |

According to the PDSA, skin problems in guinea pigs — including mites, infections and ringworm — are uncomfortable or painful, and **tend to get worse over time**, so even mild signs deserve attention.

## Symptoms

- **Intense scratching** — the standout sign of mange mites
- **Hair loss and bald patches**, often starting on the back and shoulders
- **Scabs, crusts and flaky skin**; red, sore areas
- **Thickened, damaged skin** in long-standing cases
- **Weight loss and misery** — severe infestations stop them eating properly

The PDSA also lists the general signs of skin conditions to watch for: bald patches, sore red flaky skin, lots of scratching or over-grooming, scabs and crusty skin, black specks in the fur, and visible insects.

## When scratching becomes an emergency

Severe *Trixacarus* infestations are so irritating that guinea pigs can have **seizure-like episodes** — falling onto their sides and thrashing as they try to scratch. If your guinea pig does this, **see a vet immediately, the same day**. Fitting pigs can injure themselves, and the infestation driving it is advanced.

## Diagnosis and vet treatment

Your vet will usually examine the skin and may take a **skin scraping** to look for mites under the microscope. Treatment is then prescribed — typically an **anti-parasitic medicine such as ivermectin or selamectin**, given as a course:

- **Never dose these yourself** — they must be calculated precisely for your guinea pig's weight, and your vet will set the schedule
- **Treat every guinea pig** in the household as directed — mites spread between pigs
- **Never use shop-bought dog or cat spot-ons** — products safe for other species can harm guinea pigs
- Any secondary skin infection from scratching may need treatment too

## Cleaning and prevention

- **Deep-clean and disinfect** the enclosure when treatment starts; replace all bedding
- **Keep bedding and hay clean, dry and dust-free** — the PDSA notes clean housing is the easiest way to prevent skin issues
- **Check new guinea pigs** before introducing them to your herd, and keep them separate until any skin problem is resolved — the PDSA advises they can still see each other from a safe distance
- **Weekly health checks** — part the fur and look at the skin, especially on long-haired pigs
- **Feed a good diet with daily vitamin C** — healthy pigs resist flare-ups better; see [Guinea pig vitamin C](/health/guinea-pig-vitamin-c-uk)

For everyday care and housing, see [Guinea pig care UK](/health/guinea-pig-care-uk).

## FAQs

### How do I know if my guinea pig has mites?

Intense scratching, hair loss, scabs and crusty or flaky skin — often starting on the back and shoulders. Severe infestations can trigger seizure-like scratching fits, which are an emergency.

### Can humans catch guinea pig mites?

Guinea pig mites are species-specific and don't live on people, though brief contact may cause mild, temporary skin irritation in some. Wash your hands after handling an itchy pig.

### Will guinea pig mites go away on their own?

No. Mange mites burrow into the skin and infestations worsen without treatment. Your vet will prescribe an anti-parasitic such as ivermectin or selamectin and advise whether companions need treating too.

### Can I use dog or cat flea treatment on my guinea pig?

Never use shop-bought dog or cat spot-ons — some are dangerous for guinea pigs. Only use parasite treatment prescribed by your vet, dosed precisely to your guinea pig's weight.

### Do I need to treat the cage too?

Yes. Mites can persist in bedding and hay, so deep-clean and disinfect the enclosure, replace bedding, and treat every guinea pig in the household as your vet directs.

## Sources

- [PDSA — Guinea pig health](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/small-pets/guinea-pig-health)
- [PDSA — Five common health problems in guinea pigs](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/blog/five-common-health-problems-in-guinea-pigs-and-how-to-prevent-them)
- [RSPCA — Pets](https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets)
- [Blue Cross — Pet advice](https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice)

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Last modified: 2026-07-18