[Gpdd] (Care) Re: Fleas

[Stacy Harvey]

Alge,
   
  When I was in Hawaii, my veterinarian used Revolution on Oscar and Felix when they had mites and it worked pretty well. Revolution (selamectin) works on fleas and intestinal parasites as well (in cats and dogs, anyway). It's supposed to kill adult fleas, their eggs, and the larvae, so it targets most of the life cycle stages (no product on the market as yet can kill the encased pupae). DO NOT use Advantix. And if you use Advantage (imidicloprid) or Revolution, it should be the one prescribed for cats (about 1/2 the kitten dose topically) ; the one for dogs would be too strong for the piggers. My Exotic Animal Formulary book says ivermectin can be used for ectoparasites at 0.2- 0.4 mg/kg, but I would check with my vet before giving any medications just to be safe. Stay away from the pet store flea sprays and shampoos as the concentration of insecticides in them varies and you could accidentally overdose your pig.
   
  I have used Malaseb shampoo for itchiness before, but I really don't like the smell. I have also used an Oatmeal & Aloe shampoo by Earthbath which is great--it's all-natural and makes the piggies soft and fluffy, and it smells nice too. I was getting it at a natural pet foods store, but since I moved to North Carolina, I haven't been able to find it :(
   
  Boric acid is good for treating the house, as is a product made from orange peels called Orange Guard--both are safe to use around animals (as long as they don't eat any). You can usually find both at health food stores.
   
  Hope this helps!
  -Stacy and the Squee Squad

       
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