Why does my guinea pigs fur look weird?
They include parasites, fungal, scurvy, barbering, functional cystic ovaries, slobbers, pododermatitis, greasy seborrhea, abscesses. Most of these problems are treatable at home, but it is advisable to seek veterinary support when the issue is advisable.
What is barbering in guinea pigs?
Hair Loss Due to Barbering in Guinea Pigs. One of the common causes for hair loss is due to barbering, a behavior by which guinea pigs will chew or tear their own or each other’s hair off as a result of conflicts between adult males or between adults and young.
Why is my guinea pigs hair matted?
Be sure your guinea pig’s fur is completely dry so that he or she won’t get sick. Some guinea pigs, especially males, might have an active grease gland at the base of their spine. This is a small area of skin just above the anus that can get greasy and matted and stink. The need for cleaning varies by guinea pig.
How do I know if my guinea pig has mange mites?
With sarcoptic mange mites, the following signs may occur:
- Affected skin will get thick and sometimes yellowish and crusty.
- There may be hair loss in the affected area.
- Secondary bacterial skin infection commonly occurs.
How do you stop guinea pig barbering?
Apply taste deterrents or lemon juice to the barbered guinea pig’s fur. Spritz a bit of lemon juice or Bitter Apple on your fingers and apply it to the fur of the guinea pig that’s being barbered. These substances will make the hair taste bitter and unappealing to chew.
How do you treat a guinea pig with hair loss?
Itchiness and patchy hair loss in guinea pigs may be due to fungal infections. As with mites, the itchiness can be intense, leading to self-trauma. Treatment involves medicated shampoos, or in more severe infections, antifungal medication is given.
How do you remove matted hair from guinea pigs?
If the matted fur is too close to the guinea pigs skin, then try to smooth it out as best you can with your fingers and do this daily. Eventually, the piece of fur will be long enough to remove with scissors. The best way to prevent tangles is to detangle your guinea pig daily.
How do you Unmat a guinea pig’s fur?
Brush the fur lightly out one stroke at a time. Avoid sharp tugs as it will irritate the skin and cause havoc among your guinea pig. Use a comb. With the fur brushed out, continue untangling the knots with a comb.
Why do guinea pigs shed so much hair?
Guinea pigs can shed excessively if they feel stressed out. They are sensitive animals and nervous by nature. Their stress can often manifest as hair loss if the stressor isn’t resolved. For example, if you have two guinea pigs and one is being the “alpha” and bullying the other one, this can be a source of stress for the quieter pig.
Why does my guinea pig keep Sheding hair?
Shedding behavior is connected to the type of hair each race has. However, if your guinea pig is suffering from lack of Vitamin C or any fungal infection as such, then they may shed excessively. You should get your guinea pig examined if you find any signs of excessive shedding in your guinea pigs.
Why is my guinea pig pulling her hair out,?
There are many reasons for hair loss to occur in guinea pigs. One of the common causes for hair loss is due to barbering , a behavior by which guinea pigs will chew or tear their own or each other’s hair off as a result of conflicts between adult males or between adults and young.
Do guinea pigs have long hair or short hair?
Guinea pigs come in many varieties from different parts of the world. Some have smooth, short hair, like the English or Bolivian breeds and some have really long hair, like Peruvian guinea pigs. Rough haired breeds can be quite cute and are easy to care for. Children like the fluffy bits on the rough-haired cavies .