How to Clean Guinea Pig Ears and Spot Ear Mites

Normal ears

Guinea pig ears produce some waxy brown or golden residue. A small amount is normal.

Gentle cleaning

• •Check ears every couple of weeks.
• •Wipe only the visible outer ear with a soft cloth or cotton pad.
• •Never push anything into the ear canal.

Signs of a problem

• •Head tilting or loss of balance.
• •Scratching at ears or head shaking.
• •Crusty, dark debris or a bad smell.
• •Redness or discharge.

When to call an exotic vet

This guide is general education, not veterinary advice. If your guinea pig stops eating, stops producing droppings, struggles to breathe, bleeds, or seems suddenly quiet, contact an exotic vet the same day. Guinea pigs hide illness, so small changes matter.