Can guinea pigs have black skin?
Black is the natural skin colour for guinea pigs whose coat includes very dark hairs, such as self (solid) black or golden agouti. The guinea pig has several diluting genes that affect both the coat and the skin so there is quite a wide range of natural skin colours, from ink-black to various browns and greys.
What kind of skin problems do guinea pigs have?
In my experience the huge majority of skin issues in guinea pigs falls into two categories: mites and fungal. It’s uncommon for me to see flaking skin and hair loss without it being one of these disorders. Skin mites in these pets will always cause itching, sometimes severe enough to lead to seizures.
Are there fur mites on my guinea pig?
Fur mite infestation is a commonly encountered skin problem in guinea pigs. Under normal conditions fur mites are present in small numbers and exist symbiotically, not bothering their host.
Why is my guinea pig losing its hair?
Whether the skin problem is caused by a fungal or bacterial infection or by a parasite, the initial signs are the same; scratching and the loss of small patches of hair. In a long haired guinea pig this will probably first present by the coat looking rather less lovely than usual.
What kind of lice does a guinea pig have?
Lice or mites can be easy to avoid and treat. Lice, sarcoptic mange mites (scabies), and Demodex mange mites (Demodex) are conditions that can all cause itching and hair loss. Lice and their eggs are usually seen in the bald patches behind your guinea pig’s ears and the mites can be seen microscopically all over the body.
Fur mite infestation is a commonly encountered skin problem in guinea pigs. Under normal conditions fur mites are present in small numbers and exist symbiotically, not bothering their host.
Lice or mites can be easy to avoid and treat. Lice, sarcoptic mange mites (scabies), and Demodex mange mites (Demodex) are conditions that can all cause itching and hair loss. Lice and their eggs are usually seen in the bald patches behind your guinea pig’s ears and the mites can be seen microscopically all over the body.
Guinea pigs originate from Peru, where the climate is warm and dry. Fungal skin infection is a particular problem in the UK as there is always moisture in the air: cold and damp in the winter and hot and humid in the summer. Often, guinea pigs present with both fungal and parasitic problems at the same time and need treating for both. Endoparasites
What causes hair loss in a guinea pig?
The most common hormonal problems leading to hair loss in guinea pigs are related to the ovaries. In these cases you will see symmetrical hair loss over the flanks and sides with no itching, scabs, or flakes. Spaying them fixes this particular problem, but it’s also not really harmful. Besides this cause,…
