If your pets happen to have any accidents such as urine spillages on their coats it might be worthwhile bathing them but take precautions and be gentle following the correct steps when bathing a rabbit or guinea pig.It is worth mentioning to your local vet so they can be monitored. Another issue to look out for is arthritis, animals who suffer from arthritis without the support of medicine will have difficulties similar to overweight rabbits and guinea pigs.When feeding your small animals, don’t forget to remove any leftover fruit and veg as this will become the perfect breeding ground for flies making your pets easy targets. This could then lead to an unfit and lazy lifestyle creating difficulties for your pets when going to the toilet, not being able to lift their behinds or clean themselves properly attracting flies. Rabbits and guinea pigs who are overweight are more prone to developing health issues which may result in them not being able to exercise. A healthy and well-balanced diet is key to avoiding flystrike.Again if you are concerned about this then reach out to your local vet. If you notice your rabbit or guinea pig has developed a wound, it is important to keep the area clean and dry, checking it regularly throughout the day.We stock Zero In Fly Papers which are easy-to-use adhesive strips that trap flies using a non-toxic sweet scent. In some instances, a pet-friendly disinfectant will help keep their living space clean and fly-free. Flies are attracted to damp and dirty spaces and are more likely to lay their eggs on an animal living in poor conditions over one living in a clean dry hutch. Their bedding and resting area should also be kept clean and dry.Some small animals such as long-haired guinea pigs might benefit greatly from a trim, this will help to avoid dirt getting trapped in their fur. Good grooming will keep their coat in great condition. Grooming can play an important role in preventing Flystrike, this will help you to keep an eye on their bodies.During the warmer months, it might be worthwhile checking them more frequently as Flystrike seems to be more common during this period. Firstly keep them clean and dry, checking their bodies daily, especially their rear ends.There are several ways in which you can prevent your guinea pig or rabbit from getting flystrike. How to prevent your small animals from getting Flystrike. Maggots under your pet’s skin or fur are a key indicator that they have a fly strike and will need to be treated urgently.įlies near or around your small animals and their hutches could also suggest they have been infected.

Also, look out for patches of wet fur or areas of loss of fur on their bodies. These are the perfect living conditions for fly eggs and/or maggots. As time passes they may collapse, if this happens visit your nearest veterinary practice.Īny open wounds or sores are an open invite to flies. Keep an eye on your small animals especially if they start to withdraw and become less active. Low energy is a common sign and can often be mistaken for them struggling with the rise in temperatures. For example, they may be eating less than usual.

If you notice a sudden change in your rabbit or guinea pig’s appetite. Signs that your rabbit or guinea pig might have Flystrike. If not treated immediately the problem will escalate at an alarming rate causing some serious pain to your small animals. Once these eggs hatch they become embedded in their host and can cause some serious damage. Rabbits and guinea pigs in particular are at risk this time of the year to what is known as Flystrike.įlystrike is when a fly lays its eggs onto your guinea pig’s or rabbit’s coat. With fly season upon us, it is incredibly important to protect our vulnerable pets from Flystrike.

Fly strike chicken treatment