My indoor guinea pig has bald spots. Could it be ringworm, and how?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Can INDOOR guinea pigs get ringworm? How?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rebeccah Wood 178

Licensed Veterinary Technician, Registered Laboratory Animal Technologist

Published on January 7th, 2018

Hi there! As ringworm is a fungus, they can contract it from other guinea pigs, from humans, or from contaminated objects, such as bedding. Symptoms of ringworm in guinea pigs are usually bald spots around the ears, neck, and face that can spread along the rest of the body. They can also have crusty, flaky lesions in the middle. If you suspect that your guinea pig has ringworm, I strongly suggest taking preventative measures when handling him or her - good handwashing is essential as ringworm can be transmitted to humans. A visit to the vet is also in order - they will likely take a small sample of your GP's hair to culture for the fungus. They may also use a type of black light called a Woods lamp to examine his or her skin as the ringworm fungus usually fluoresces. If your GP does have ringworm, the vet will likely prescribe a topical or oral antifungal, or a combination of the two. There are other skin conditions that can cause bald spots as well, such as mites, that the vet can also check for. Good luck, and I hope that your piggy gets well soon!

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Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on November 21st, 2021

Hello! this is most likely a ringworm infection (fungal infection), but there are other possibility such as an upper respiratory infection or a mite infestation. i recommend taking him to your vet tomorrow in order to get it checked and treated.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 24th, 2018

I would take the guinea pig back to the store as ringworm does not develop within 24 or 48 hours. Ringworm is contagious to people and other animals. Please make sure you wash your hands after handling the guinea pig. I would not get another guinea pig from the same pen as most likely they all are infected.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on August 16th, 2020

Thanks for reaching out about Bat boi and including photos. These lesions both appear to be fungal lesions (ringworm) and a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. If correct, this fungal infection can be potentially transmitted to humans, so if you or your family develop dermal lesions, you need to see your doctor. Good luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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