Worming Guinea pigs

Dazie

Hi Cat I have a question the worming of guinea pigs and just wanted to know what your thoughts are on this.

I don´t worm my guineas and neither do a lot of other guinea pig owners. It has been suggested to me that I should worm them on a 3 monthly basis with Valbazen or Panacur. Pancur I beilieve is for rabbits and Valbazen is for sheep?

Do you think it is necessary for me to worm my pigs or recommend to other guinea owners to do this? Do you think it could be causing more damage than good putting these chemicals into my piggies rather than just letting them be until the symptoms of worms arise and then seek veterinary help?

Thanks in advance for the help :)

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02. Vet Chat

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25 Mar 2010 22:05

Dazie

Thank you!

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25 Mar 2010 21:20

Cat the Vet

Hi Dazie,

In my experience not many people who own Guinea Pigs worm them and it is not a question I have been asked much before. However, pigs who have access to the outdoors are at risk from picking up parasites and regular worming treatment is a good idea.

The only product I have experience of using in pigs is Panacur but when I have used it it appears to have worked well. If your pigs have been examined by your vet in the past year they may be happy to supply it without seeing them but they may prefer to check them over first. They will definitely want to know their weights so they can prescribe the best dose, so do put them on the scales before you call.

Cat