My guinea pig has brown specks on fur. Is it dirt, dander, or lice?

Thanks for reaching out about Lexy. The specks could be nits (lice eggs) or scabs. Not sure about the yellow crusts, but could be residual from self grooming. If continues to be a concerns, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide treatment options. Good luck.

Since both are microscopic, you will need your vet to do a skin scrape and tape impression, then they can look at it under the microscope and tell you which one is found. Lice can look like white flakes on the skin, but then again this can also be dandruff, so it is important to always look at this under the microscope. You will need to schedule an appt for Nova to get this diagnosed and treated. Best wishes.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I recommend taking Looey in to a vet that see GPs when it is safe to do so. They can get lice or ringworm or it may be some other skin disorder. If you would like to post again with some pictures this may help us guide you a little more.

I would be very suspicious that your guinea pig may be reinfected with mites. However they are also very susceptible to ring worm which causes hair loss as well. I would make sure that you are supplementing with Vitamin C and then I would encourage you to have a follow up appointment with your veterinarian. Make sure to sterilize his cage well multiple times during treatments and make sure he does not have contact with other animals. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

It's not likely to be fleas (not common in guinea pigs and you would usually see them) , it's more likely to be mites, which are tiny creatures that you cannot see with the naked eye. you will need to buy a treatment against mites, you can find those at pet shops and veterinary clinics.

I am so sorry for the delay in answering your question. Mites are very common in guinea pigs and may be the cause. Take her to your vet so they can determine if this is indeed the problem, and can advise you on how best to treat it. In the meantime, change the bedding daily and monitor her food and water intake--if she is lethargic, or is not eating or drinking, take her to the vet right away. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach, and again I apologize for the delay!

Guinea pigs often get ringworm, so I would encourage you to have a follow up appointment with your veterinarian and discuss testing and possibly treating for ringworm. In the meantime please practice good hygiene after handling him as human can be infected with ringworm too. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.