Why do guinea pigs lose their fur?
Hair loss in guinea pigs can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics and underlying medical disorders. Guinea pigs can lose their hair in patches or in full patches depending on the situation.
Throughout the year, all guinea pigs head their coats of fur. While they do shed profusely in the spring, as the summer approaches, they do so less frequently in the fall.
During this time, their coat may appear lighter than usual because they are shedding excess fur in preparation for the summer heat. A slow or rapid loss of hair in a patch of hair, on the other hand, could be an indication of a problem.
You can establish the exact cause of hair loss if you pay close attention to the pattern of hair loss that occurs in conjunction with other symptoms.
Studying additional indicators can assist you in determining if the hair loss is occurring as a result of a natural metamorphosis or whether your guinea pigs are suffering from a medical problem that is causing the abrupt hair loss.
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What is normal shedding in guinea pigs?
Healthy guinea pigs shed profusely during the spring or shortly before the summer season in order to get rid of superfluous hair and keep themselves cool during the hot summer months.
The amount of fur lost by a guinea pig differs from one individual to another, even though the process of light shedding continues throughout the year.
Breeds with longer hair shed more frequently and significantly than breeds with shorter hair, according to research. In most cases, the normal shedding process takes between 4-6 weeks, depending on the breed.
During the major shedding phase, some guinea pigs may lose their fur in clumps, resulting in bare patches on their backs and chests.
However, in the case of patchy hair loss such as this, it is critical to rule out any underlying medical concerns and to ensure that they are not pulling out their own fur out of boredom or stress.
Health conditions like bacterial or parasitic infection can also lead to hair loss in guinea pigs. Still, they’re always accompanied by symptoms like crustiness in the skin, itchiness, redness, and open sores.
Please keep in mind that normal shedding in guinea pigs occurs on a seasonal basis. In the event that they lose excessive hair throughout the year, a trip to the veterinarian is required.
You can also refer to our guide on guinea pig shedding for additional information and recommendations on how to keep the animals’ shedding to a minimum.
Excessive shedding in guinea pigs
One of the most important markers of the health of your guinea pigs is the coat on their backs.
Conditional hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors that can range from minor to life-threatening in extreme situations.
If the loss of fur in your guinea pig is caused by a medical ailment, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
The health of your guinea pig can be restored with proper medical treatment. Some medical conditions are communicable, therefore you must exercise caution while interacting with others who have the same condition.
What can cause hair loss in guinea pigs?
A significant source of concern for pet owners is any form of fur loss that is accompanied by additional symptoms. The following are some of the most prevalent signs and symptoms associated with hair loss:
- Dry and flaky skin
- Dandruff and lice in the coat
- Red or itchy skin
- Inflammation or open sores
Most of these fur loss is often caused by one of these factors:
| Conditions | Causes |
|---|---|
| Bacterial or Parasitic Infection | a) Mange Mites b) Rabbit Ear Mites c) Fur Mites d) Burrowing Mange Mites e) Ringworm Fungus f) Rat Mites |
| Urinary Tract Infections | -Urine Burn( Hair loss due to constant leakage of urine) |
| Other Health Issues | a) Bumblefoot b) Pregnancy c) Guinea Pig Dominance Behavior d) Over-grooming e) Pregnancy f) Hormone imbalance g) Tumor or Cancer(rare) |
1) Bacterial infection
Guinea pigs that are kept outside their home or that live in a warm and humid area are more susceptible to bacterial infection than those that are kept inside.
Because they are unable to maintain their dryness for an extended period of time, moisture collects in their fur, particularly in the lower back and back area, where guinea pigs are unable to self groom.
As a result, the coat becomes odorous, flaky, and extremely susceptible to flystrike. The most effective method of preventing flystrike is to keep guinea pigs indoors in a well-prepared environment.
Maintain the moisture level of your mattress by using high-quality super absorbent bedding. You must check their skin for wetness or skin irritation on a frequent basis if you want to avoid flystrike.
When flies land on your guinea pig’s fur (the afflicted area), they will lay eggs, which will hatch and mature into maggots that will feed on your guinea pig. This condition is known as flystrike, and it can occur at any time.
If you notice any signs of skin irritation or bacterial infection in your guinea pigs, you must take them to the vet as soon as possible to avoid a situation like this.
In addition, your veterinarian will offer you with detailed instructions on how to treat the wound and care for the afflicted region.
2) Sarcoptic mange
Sarcoptic mange, commonly known as “Trixacarus Caviae Mites,” is an infectious condition in guinea pigs that is spread through contact with the mites. It typically begins at the tips of the eyelids, nose, toes, and other body parts and spreads throughout the body.
These mites, which induce intense itchiness in guinea pigs, can cause severe clinical symptoms in the animals. The itchiness can reach such an acute level that your guinea pigs may experience seizures and eventually succumb to their injuries.
Mange mites typically emit a musky odor, which is particularly noticeable around the area surrounding the ears and eyes.
Because of the itching, your guinea pigs will scratch their skin constantly, causing patches of hair to fall out in the area where the itchiness is the most severe.
If left untreated, it can also lead to bacterial or fungal infection, which increases the risk of your guinea pig succumbing to his or her illness.
However, the good news is that these parasites are not difficult to treat, and early discovery and timely treatment from a qualified medical practitioner can help you eliminate it in a short period of time if done correctly. In any case, within a week or so, you should see some beneficial outcomes.
3) Rabbit ear mites
Our guinea pigs are suffering from an infestation of rabbit ear mites (Psoroptes cuniculi), also known as Ear Canker, which is one of the most debilitating and painful mite infestations they have ever experienced.
It was initially discovered that these mites were attacking rabbits, but it was soon discovered that they were also attacking our guinea pigs. The following are some of the most prevalent indications of these mites:
- Extreme irritation in the skin
- Scratching and shaking their head
- Scabs around the ear canals
- Reddish-brown color or dirty ear wax
- Hairloss around the ears
With our naked eyes, we can see these mites since they are quite huge. These mites have a round to oval form and are unable to burrow into the skin.
They will, however, gnaw and pierce the skin, causing inflammation and many layers of crusty and inflammatory skin to form on the surface.
In the long run, these mites can cause hair loss as well as other illnesses that can damage the ears and nerve system surrounding them.
All of the pets that are in close proximity to the diseased one should be separated and treated as a group.
Pain relievers may be prescribed by your veterinarian to help alleviate any discomfort or irritation. The primary treatment consists of three treatments of ivermectin (either by injection or by oral administration) administered once every 18 days.
Your guinea pigs’ ears and afflicted area are then treated with ivermectin, which is applied around the perimeter of their ears and affected area.
4) Fur mites
Chirodiscoides, often known as fur mites, are a type of mite that lives on fur. Caviae has more modest symptoms than Rabbit ear mites and Mange mites, which are more obvious.
Although these mites can cause some itching, they are generally considered to be safe, especially when present in large numbers.
When these mites are identified, they are referred to as “Static Lice,” and they are normally found firmly attached to the root of the hair on the hindquarters of your Guinea Pigs.
Fur mites are most commonly seen as flakes on the skin that mimic dandruff in appearance.
Nonetheless, if the infestations are serious, your guinea pigs may begin to lose hair in small places throughout their bodies.
The diagnosis of these mites can be difficult due to the fact that they do not exhibit any acute symptoms.
However, careful treatment of these mites with suitable medication given by a veterinarian (Selamectin) frequently eliminates the problem at its source.
5) Rat Mites
The possibility of guinea pigs getting rat mites infected exists if you keep them outside in a hutch or other type of enclosure for the most of the year.
(Ornithonyssus Bacoti) is the scientific name for tropical rat mites, which can be found in both temperate and tropical climates.
Guinea pigs are not the major host for these mites; nonetheless, they can be infected by them if they come into contact with other mammals in the region, such as pigeons or rats.
Itching and burning caused by tropical mite infestations can be excruciating. Guinea pig’s mites shed their hair in the vicinity of a badly diseased area.
It is only via adequate medical treatment that you can get rid of these mites. When it comes to getting rid of these mites, the veterinarian will prescribe ivermectin or selamectin.
They may, however, reappear if the primary host, such as rats, pigeons, or any other mammal that is responsible for the transmission, is not removed from the region completely.
6) Burrowing Mange Mite
The Sellnick Mite, a type of burrowing mange mite that is seen in guinea pigs, is extremely unusual.
After being infected, it can cause a variety of medical problems, including extreme itching and inflammation.
Even though the symptoms of the mites do not manifest themselves for three to five weeks, they can still be passed from one guinea pig to another throughout that time period as well.
The following are some of the most prevalent signs of these mites:
- Extreme itching
- Biting the infected area
- Scratching the area continuously
- Hairloss &
- Seizures in some extreme cases.
If you suspect that any of your guinea pigs is infected with these mites, you must treat them all at one time.
Separate them as soon as possible and schedule an appointment with the veterinarian as soon as feasible.
When it comes to treating certain types of mites, both ivermectin and selamectin (Revolution) [Use Under a Vet’s Guidance] are excellent options.
It is critical to carefully follow the veterinarian’s instructions in order to get rid of these types of parasites.
7) Ringworm
Ringworm infection in guinea pigs is one of the most common diseases that veterinarians encounter.
The name “ringworm” comes from the red circular patch on the skin that has a clearing center in the middle.
One of the first indicators of ringworm is a red spot on the skin that is surrounded by a ring of fur loss. A bald or patchy loss with clear margins is more accurate description.
These patches will first appear around the face, such as around the nose, ears, and lips, and then they will spread to the back of the body as they mature.
Ringworms are typically transmitted from one guinea pig to another through contact or through dirty beddings, according to the CDC.
The ringworm fungus can cause mild discomfort in the skin of our guinea pigs, which is followed by the development of small, raised red spots.
It demands quick veterinary assistance and treatment in accordance with their instructions.
In the case of a lesser infection, the veterinarian may prescribe medication with miconazole or ketoconazole-containing creams.
Additionally, they may prescribe a shampoo to be used as a short rinse to calm your guinea pigs. You must also clean and sterilize their living quarters in order to prevent the worms from retaliating against you.
8) Urinary problems
If your guinea pigs are losing fur in certain regions, such as around their tailbone, between their rear legs, or around their belly area in the posterior, it is likely that your guinea pig is suffering from a urinary infection of some sort.
Urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and bladder sludge are all examples of urinary issues.
These issues frequently result in urine leakage that continues indefinitely. Urine is acidic, and prolonged contact with it can cause urine burn in the skin around the affected areas of the body. Urine burn can be painful.
If you feel that your guinea pig is suffering from a urinary infection, take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Your veterinarian will prescribe medicine and instruct you on how to keep their buttocks clean.
You can also give them a bath every now and again to clean their bums. It is recommended, however, that you carefully follow the recommendations of your veterinarian.
9) Bumblefoot
Bumblefoot is a common health issue in guinea pigs, and it may be extremely unpleasant for the animals. A wired bottom cage, hard or damp bedding area, or some combination of these variables are the most prevalent settings under which it can be discovered in porcupines.
In addition to this, obese guinea pigs may experience leg pain as a result of their increased body weight, which causes the legs to become increasingly strained.
It is possible that the hair around the feet and legs of your guinea pig will be completely lost or reduced to patches depending on the severity of the problem.
You must see a veterinarian as soon as possible to get the care you require. An extended period of time without therapy could intensify the symptoms, potentially leading to a situation in which amputation of the damaged leg is the only option left.
To begin, soft materials such as fleece should be utilized in lieu of the current bedding material, rather than the current bedding material. Using high-quality fleece liners, like as those manufactured by guinea Dad, is the finest solution for your pet.
To further assist your guinea pigs in maintaining a healthy weight, restrict their access to snacks and fruits. This has the potential to make a further good contribution to the current situation if implemented.
10) Pregnancy
Is it normal for guinea pigs to pull their hair out while pregnant? They do, in fact. Guinea pigs display their nesting behavior by tugging their coats out of their cages.
They will normally pull fur from the belly area in order to line the nest with the fur they have pulled out. To line their nest, they will also make use of other items that are available in the cage-like toys, such as hay.
In certain cases, guinea pigs will display such behavior while they are experiencing fake pregnancies, although this is not always the case.
It is possible that your guinea pig is one of them, in which case you will need to have them sprayed and checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
This type of symptom may signify a potential health danger in the near future.
11) Guinea pig dominance behavior
In the event that you have recently introduced your guinea pigs or if you have numerous male or dominant guinea pigs living in the same cage, there is a great likelihood that they will fight with each other while you are not present.
While some modest dominance behavior is acceptable in them, a significant fight in them might end in them nipping and tearing out each other’s fur from under their fur.
This can result in your guinea pigs losing patches of hair as a result of the condition.
As a result, make certain that the guinea pigs have been sprayed or neutered before grouping them together or providing them with adequate living space.
The full essay about guinea pig dominance behavior and fighting will teach you more about these topics and many others.
12) Overgrooming
Overgrooming in guinea pigs is a warning sign that something is wrong. It is frequently a sign that your guinea pigs are suffering from a medical condition or that they are extremely bored or stressed out.
In any event, you must look for the source of the problem and eliminate it as soon as possible. For our guinea pigs to be less stressed, we must keep them occupied with something other than grooming.
Provide them with a plethora of new toys, such as hammocks, tree branches, chew toys, and so on. You can also set up a playpen or a run for your guinea pigs and allow them to roam around in it for exercise or floor time.
For further information, see: How to get rid of matted hair in guinea pigs.
If you believe your guinea pigs are stressed out by something, try removing the things that you have recently introduced and see if there is a difference in their behavior as a result.
There are a variety of other pets in our home that could cause stress in your guinea pigs. These include parrots, dogs, cats, and even rabbits.
13) Hormonal imbalance
Hormonal imbalance in guinea pigs is quite uncommon. However, in some guinea pigs, this can also be a contributing factor to hair loss.
If your guinea pigs begin to lose hair without exhibiting any other symptoms, it is recommended that you take them to the veterinarian.
There is a possibility that anything is wrong with your guinea pig’s internal organs and that this is what is causing the problem.
Your guinea pigs’ hair loss may be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics. Your veterinarian may need to conduct some tests, including a blood test, to discover the exact cause.
How can I stop my guinea pig from losing hair?
Guinea pigs may shed hair on their own accord, but there may also be a medical problem at the root of the hair loss in some instances.
The first and most important step is to determine what is causing the guinea pigs’ hair loss in the first place. There is a good chance that your guinea pigs will be displaying other signs of sickness, such as itchy or inflamed skin, open sores, and so on.
Once the underlying reason of hair loss has been identified, you can take the necessary steps to address it. The following are some suggestions for reducing hair loss:
- Any additional signs of disease in your guinea pig should prompt you to take them to a veterinarian for consultation and treatment of the condition.
- Increase the amount of Vitamin C that your guinea pig consumes in his or her food. Hair loss in guinea pigs can also be caused by a deficiency of Vitamin C.
- If you have a long-haired guinea pig breed, you may need to brush them more frequently or give them a bath every few months to keep them healthy.
- Provide your guinea pigs with a spacious cage and a variety of toys to keep them entertained and from becoming bored and fighting with one another.
- It is also critical to use high-quality bedding and clean the cage on a regular basis to guarantee that your guinea pigs do not contract an infectious disease that causes hair loss in them.
FAQ
Do guinea pigs lose hair as they get older?
No, guinea pigs do not lose their hair as a result of growing older. Hair loss in guinea pigs, on the other hand, can be caused by regular shedding or underlying health issues.
Can stress cause hair loss in guinea pigs?
Extreme stress in guinea pigs can result in hair loss, which is true. In certain instances, guinea pigs have been observed tearing their hair out when they are worried or anxious.
Is it normal for guinea pigs to have bald spots behind their ears?
Yes, it is completely normal for your guinea pig to have bald areas behind his or her ears.
Does guinea pig hair grow back?
Yes, the hair on a guinea pig’s back grows back. If one of your guinea pigs has a patch of hair missing, you may need to investigate what is causing it and treat any medical conditions that are preventing appropriate regeneration.
