Yes, guinea pigs definitely can get worms. Worms are parasites that inhabit animals. They are mostly ingested from grasses or hay and sometimes spread through infected animals. Ordinarily, these parasites look harmless. Yet, they make our pets sick. What makes them more of a menace is that it will infect other pets around your cavy. For humans, it is a risk, there are parasites that can infect us as well. Although guinea pigs hardly have worms, especially domestic, it is essential to check your pet for symptoms of infestation.
Rarely, your guinea pig may get infected with “The Brainworm Nematode“, or in the scientific name: “Microscopic Roundworm Parelaphostrongylus Tenuis“. This parasite can be vital. It resides over the feces of infected animals, so if your guinea pig is mostly in-house, in most cases it will not be affected. Humans can not get BrainWorm. Neither can animals that mostly eat meat, such as dogs or cats. For other parasites, such as Tapeworm for example it’s a risk also for humans.
This article will furnish you with all the details you need to know how to handle worms with your cavy.
Guinea pigs definitely can get worms. They are mostly ingested from grasses or hay and sometimes spread through infected animals. They can make our pets sick and what makes them more of a menace is that it will infect other pets around your cavy. For humans, it is a risk, there are parasites which can infect us as well
Further Reading: “How To Get A Guinea Pig Come Out Of Hiding?“
Table of Contents
How Do I Know If My Guinea Pig Has Worms?
You can check for skin parasites by looking gently on your cavy fur, do you see any insects? or is looking clean and healthy? scratchings in the skin can be a sign of parasites. Look inside your guinea pig mouth and eyes, and inside the ears, do you see something strange? If you see something moving inside it can be a strong sign.
Guinea Pig Signs For Parasites
Most times, when guinea pigs have worms, you’d know from their feces. Tapeworms usually present themselves in the form of flat like bodies. You might hardly see them in their feces when they are not many.
But with time, when nothing is done to deworm your pet, these parasites lay eggs, hatch, and reproduce. So, they will become visible and impossible to ignore at that point. Sometimes, worms also come out from your pet’s ear.
But if they don’t present themselves in your pet’s feces or ears, illness is one of the signs that you cavy has worms. Parasites can make your pet sick and lose her appetite. Also, when there are too many worms in your guinea pig’s body, she will become weak.
And lastly, some worms eat food before it is digested therefore depriving the body of nutrients. So, your pet might lose some weight if she has worms.
Here is A summary of signs which should raise a red flag:
| Signs For Worms/Parasites In Your Guinea Pig |
|---|
| Lose Weight |
| Have diarrhea |
| Suffering from bloating |
| Your cavy is lethargic |
| Losing appetite |
You may feed your guinea pig fantastic food, but if they have worms, they will not be getting the minerals and vitamins they should get. Remember that worms are very rare in guinea pigs, so if your guinea pig lacks an appetite, it doesn’t mean for sure it has worms. It does mean that you need to take her to your local vet.
Further Reading: “Can Guinea Pigs Eat Chinchilla Food?“
How Do You Get Rid Of Worms In Guinea Pigs?
As soon as you notice that your guinea pig has worms, take her to see the vet. That is essential so she won’t transmit the parasite to other guinea pigs and even to you. The veterinarian should prescribe drugs such as Profender, Revolution, or Advocate to deworm your pet.
Also, it is crucial to wash your vegetables and grasses before giving them to your pet. If you own a dog or cat, never allow your cavy to ingest a dog’s or cat’s feces. Guinea pigs can get infected by ingesting a cat or dog’s feces. You must clean up after your pets as soon as they defecate.
It’s ideal for guinea pigs to be de-wormed every three months. So, set up a worming schedule with your veterinarian. Ask for a prescription to deworm your cavy from the vet.
Rarely, your guinea pig may get infected with “The Brainworm Nematode”, or in the scientific name: “Microscopic Roundworm Parelaphostrongylus Tenuis“. That parasite can be vital. It resides over the feces of infected animals, so if your guinea pig is mostly in-house, in most cases it will not be affected. Humans can not get BrainWorm. Neither can animals that mostly eat meat, such as dogs or cats. For other parasites, such as Tapeworm for exmaple, it’s a risk also for humans to get affected.
It’s ideal for guinea pigs to be de-wormed every three months. So, set up a worming schedule with your veterinarian. Ask for a prescription to deworm your cavy from the vet.
What Are The Risks?
Guinea pigs can get worms and should be dewormed every three months. Allowing your pet to be infested with worms poses a risk to your pet, your health, and the environment.
Infect other animals
If your Guinea Pigs has worms, she could infect other animals. This includes Guinea Pigs and other household pets like cats, ferrets, or dogs. Rarely it can also infect humans. It depends on the parasite type.
Weight loss and other health issues
Generally, parasites feed on the food ingested by your pet. Guinea Pigs need nutrients derived from vegetables, grasses, and hay to gain energy and add weight. But when your pet has worms, she’d lose some weight because the worms are feeding on the food ingested. Your Guinea Pig could also get diarrhea, bloating and you will also notice your cavy gets more sleepy.
Infect pet owner
Apart from infecting other animals, your pet could also infect you. Tapeworm, for instance, can be transmitted to a guinea pig owner through contaminated feces.
Further Reading: “Should I Get My Guinea Pig A Friend?“
Can Humans Get Worms From Guinea Pigs?
Depends on the parasite type, but some of the parasites can be delivered from guinea pigs. Disturbing, isn’t it? That’s why it’s essential to practice proper hygiene when handling our pet’s food and feces. So, after cleaning your pet’s litter box, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
Wash your hands whenever you carry your pet or handle their food. The best way is to avoid contacting worms from your pet is to ensure your guinea pig doesn’t get worms in the first place. If you suspect you have come in contact with worms from your guinea pigs, get a prescription to get dewormed.
Further Reading: “Can Guinea Pig eat Cucumber Skin?“
Related Questions
What Do Guinea Pigs Worms Look Like?
The most common worms guinea pigs have are tapeworms. Tapeworms have flat bodies resembling tape and they are usually long sized. Tapeworms can be found in other mammals too. Wild Guinea Pigs have been diagnosed with whipworms. Usually, they are microscopic, and you can’t see them with your bare eyes. They are rare in pets, but pet guinea pigs can get these worms too. Cavies can also have pinworms. Pinworms are small worms. They present themselves in the form of cream or white threads and usually amass around the anus.
Further Reading: “Can Guinea Pigs Eat Banana Peels?“
Worms In My Guinea Pig Poop – What Should I Do?
Have you ever found worms in your guinea pigs poop while trying to clean up their cage? Firstly you should properly dispose of the infected feces. After, take a picture of the worms to show the veterinarian. You must as well take your pet to see the vet. These worms could either be tapeworms or pinworms. However, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly after handling your pet’s poop.
Further Reading: “Why Do My Guinea Pig Squeak?“
Summary
Guinea pigs can get worms, but they can be treated. It is rare a domestic guinea pig will be infected, but if it does, mostly it will be tapeworms or pinworms. Rarely, even more, it will be whipworms or Brainworm Nematode. So, if you notice your pet has any parasites, usually you will be able to notice it inside the ears, or eyes, take her to see the vet. Pet parents are susceptible to these parasites and must be very hygienic when handling pets with worms.
If your pet has worms and you don’t treat her, she would get sick as the worms multiply in her body. Also, you put every mammal living in your home at risk of getting infected with worms. In conclusion, always watch out for signs of worms in your pet. To be on the safe side, deworm your guinea pig every three months.
