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Do guinea pigs get worms or fleas? How to prevent and treat safely?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Male

hi i am a new guinea pig owner and was wondering do guinea pigs get worms, fleas etc, if so what should I use to prevent, can I buy similar stuff such as spot on treatment like I would a dog but guinea pig version

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 4th, 2018

Guinea pigs can get intestinal parasites but really it is not that common. They can also get fleas but again, not that common. You have to be very careful what medications you use on them. There are not guinea pig specific medications so it is easy to use the wrong thing and it is easy to overdose them. It is best to not use anything unless you are seeing a problem.

Some signs that he may have worms:

* weight loss
* diarrhea
* lose of appetite
* bloating

Some signs he may have fleas:

* scratching
* hariloss
* bald patches
* red skin

I suggest you just monitor him for any of the above signs and if you see anything abnormal then take him to your vet for an exam so you can give the appropriate medication.

Best wishes.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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