Guinea pig ears typically have smooth, silky flaps with a curly interior full of crevices and folds. Their hearing is excellent and can pick up frequencies beyond our own human range.
Their ears are quite veiny, covered in sparse, fine downy hair. Behind the ears, it’s common to find bald spots, and many guinea pigs love to be stroked in this area. Some guinea pigs might also have hair inside their ear, particularly along the inner rim. The visible skin in this region can range from light pink to black or even be speckled, and typically depends on their overall hair colour.
Can guinea pigs get crusty ears?
It’s perfectly normal and healthy for a guinea pig to have a small amount of wax inside the ear, However, certain breeds like teddies and texels, as well as particularly hairy guinea pigs, like Winnie (below), tend to have more crusty ears.
Do guinea pig ears need to be cleaned?
Regular ear cleaning is vital for guinea pigs to prevent issues like excess wax buildup, fungal infections, or mites. While a lot of ear wax isn’t usually a sign of health problems, keeping their ears clean helps avoid complications. The frequency of cleaning varies; guinea pigs producing more wax will need their ears cleaned more often.
How to clean a guinea pig’s ears
When cleaning your guinea pig’s ears, always be gentle. Thoroughly clean around the folds and crevices just inside the ear using a damp cotton bud dipped in lukewarm water, using a circular scooping motion towards the outer part of the ear. A few drops of olive oil can help soften hardened wax, making it easier to remove.
Never poke further in towards the inner ear, or anywhere you cannot see, as you might damage the ear or inadvertently push in foreign objects like hay seeds, causing complications.
If you have a guinea pig with dark or black ears, you may get a lot of black bits on the cotton bud when cleaning. This doesn’t necessarily mean the ears are particularly dirty, it’s simply the natural colour of the skin cells.
The outer flap of the ear can also be cleaned using a drop of olive oil and a damp cotton wool pad, helping to remove any crusty or dry skin.
Bathing your guinea pig every three months with a mite and anti-fungal shampoo, ensuring to clean around the ear, will also help maintain their ear health.
Ear problems in guinea pigs
Maintaining proper ear hygiene is crucial for the well-being of guinea pigs. By providing a clean environment for your guinea pigs, you can largely prevent ear-related issues. However, problems can still arise when bacteria or pests find an opportunity to flourish, even in seemingly clean conditions.
Even with the best care, some guinea pigs may still experience ear issues. Just like humans, each guinea pig is an individual with its own unique susceptibilities. We’ve covered some of the potential issues you may encounter below, but if you notice any abnormalities, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian to ensure your pet receives the appropriate treatment.
Dry skin on ears
Dry skin on your guinea pig’s ears might indicate the presence of mites or ear fungus. While it’s essential to consult a vet for an accurate diagnosis, cleaning the ears both inside and out can be beneficial. Refer to the sections below for treatment options related to mites and fungal infections.
Ear mites
If your guinea pig consistently shakes his head or scratches his ear, he might have ear mites, often brought in by hay (also known as hay mites). The head shaking or scratching can also be accompanied by squeaking. There might also be inflammation and hair loss on the neck where the mites have spread.
Keeping the ears clear of excessive wax can help prevent mites, as they feed on this substance.
Treatment for ear mites
Medicated ear drops, available at pet shops, can assist in eliminating these mites. Guinea pig expert, Peter Gurney, recommends using Otodex ear drops, a formula made for dogs but perfectly safe to use undiluted for guinea pigs too. He recommends two or three applications over a couple of days to get rid of the mite problem. Otodex is available to buy online. Find out more about mites…
Fungal infections
Guinea pig ears, being moist, oily, and with many folds, are the perfect environment for fungal growth. Especially hairy breeds or those with particularly hairy ears are more prone to fungal infections. Signs of this condition include dry, white scaly or flaky skin in and around the ears.
To treat the infection, clean your guinea pig’s ears with a diluted anti-fungal shampoo in lukewarm water, followed by a topical anti-fungal medication such as Clotrimazole. It’s essential to remove all fungal spores and ensure thorough cleaning.
Middle ear infection
A distinguishing symptom of a middle ear infection in guinea pigs is a head tilt. You can find out more about this on our page about middle ear infections in guinea pigs.
Ear wiggling when eating
Significant ear movement in your guinea pig while eating may indicate underlying tooth problems. These can be serious, potentially leading to severe health issues. Check your guinea pig’s teeth to check if they are overgrown. If they are or if you are concerned there may be a problem, make an appointment with your vet promptly. You can find out more about tooth problems and malocclusion here.
Ear nibbling or bitten ears
If your guinea pigs ears look nibbled, or if one guinea pig is seen biting another’s ears, this could indicate aggression, irritability, or boredom. Addressing these behaviours promptly is crucial to prevent a nibbled ear leading to potential ear infections. Ensure your guinea pigs have ample space, plenty of hay, and a stimulating environment, as these factors can often alleviate such issues.
Why are my guinea pig’s ears red and hot
The colour and temperature of guinea pig ears vary. A guinea pig’s ears are typically warm to the touch; however, if they seem redder than usual or feel excessively hot, it may indicate potential issues. Natural variations in ear colour can range from pale pink to darker shades or even black.
Excessive warmth or reddened ears can suggest that the guinea pig is feeling overly warm, possibly pointing to overheating, especially on hotter days. Guinea pigs are susceptible to hyperthermia, so it’s crucial to monitor their comfort during warm weather. In addition to temperature concerns, red and hot ears could also be indicative of infections or irritations. If you notice such changes, inspect the ears for signs of mites or other potential problems.
Why are my guinea pig’s ears cold?
A guinea pig with cold ears might be feeling chilly. Guinea pigs prefer temperatures similar to what humans find comfortable. If you find the environment too cold for your comfort, it’s probably too chilly for your guinea pig as well. During winter, it’s recommended to bring them indoors to avoid the risk of hypothermia.