Are guinea pigs supposed to have bald spots?
It is absolutely normal for guinea pigs to have small bald patches behind the ears. A photo of a healthy guinea pig is shown below. The only time you should worry is if the skin is red and inflamed, crusty with scabs, or looking sore in any other way.
Is it normal for a guinea pig to lose hair?
Many owners assume that guinea pigs lose their hair as they get older, but this isn’t true. Any loss of hair in guinea pigs that isn’t behind the ears should be investigated. An exception is that sometimes guinea pigs may have a bald patch on their behind, caused by the substance they use to mark their territory.
Can guinea pigs get fleas from hay?
Yes, guinea pigs can get fleas from hay. Fleas will need a host to thrive, but they can lay dormant for a long interval until they find a suitable host to get on. So, if you usually buy hay in bulk like hay bales or from farmer supply, there is a high chance that it might have some fleas as well.
Do guinea pigs grow their hair back?
Guinea pigs do moult, just like cats and dogs and other small mammals like bunnies. They shed hair regularly, and are constantly growing it back. However, they should never have any areas of missing hair. Guinea pigs are prone to mites, which can cause all of the above signs, and are very treatable.
Is it normal for guinea pigs to lose their hair?
Guinea pigs do not lose hair with old age. And those bald spots behind the ears? Totally normal. All pigs have them. Ok, let’s carry on. Parasites are gross, annoying, and inconvenient, but don’t worry they won’t spread to you or other types of pets.
Why does my guinea pig have a bald spot?
Your vet can help provide you with a guinea pig safe flea medication if this is the case. Allergies such as pollens or grasses, or even irritants from the environment may also causes balding spots and itching to occur.
How can you tell if your guinea pig has a disease?
Signs and Symptoms of Common Guinea Pig Ailments. Also be aware of physical changes such as hair loss, constant itching or scratching, redness, swelling, or any other physical change. Monitor any change and speak with your veterinarian at any time you suspect there might be something off with your pet guinea pig.
What should I do if my guinea pig has skin problems?
Be aware before introducing any new guinea pigs if they seem to have any skin conditions. Before introducing food or bedding into the cage, make a habit of freezing it for a day. The extreme cold temperatures will kill off any potential parasites that may have been lurking in the packages. Spaying your female guinea pig is definitely recommended.
Why does my guinea pig have bald spots?
If urine stains stay for a much more extended period, it can cause urine burnings on the soft skin of guinea pigs. That causes bald spots, which is painful for guinea pigs. Including this, longer urine stains can invite flies and other insects, and if these insects lay eggs on the skin, it results in flystrike.
What causes a guinea pig to lose its eyes?
Guinea pigs suffering due to glaucoma can lose their eyes at last. It is due to the optic nerve damage. Abnormal pressure on the eyes can lead to such a condition.
Why do guinea pigs get hairballs when they shed?
Mostly, guinea pigs brush themselves on their own, especially at the time of shedding. That means that your guinea pigs can get hairballs. It happens mainly during the time of summers when they shed a lot. Be sure that your guinea pigs have lots of hay to eat, as this will make their digestion easy.
When do guinea pigs shed their first fur?
Unlike other animals, guinea pigs are born with fur. They shed their first fur coat 3-4 months after birth which gets replaced with a new fur coat quickly, but the color or pattern does not appear to be the same. Most of the time as guinea pigs transition through their childhood to adults, the colors and patterns are going to differ for sure.
