Guinea pigs are naturally hairless, with some individuals having a few short hairs if that. However, with regular handling, frequent petting, and exposure to various factors, hair loss is common in guinea pigs.
Some of the possible reasons for pigmentation include stress from loneliness or isolation from other pigs, poor diet (usually as a result of poor housing conditions), poor hygiene practices, parasitic diseases such as lysosomal acidosis and scur foot (which can cause pigmentation in exposed areas), skin irritation caused by excess grooming (usually due to overgrooming or habituated to handling), hormonal changes during phases of molting and pregnancy (which causes increased pigmentation), and genetic mutations known as albinoism.
Because the pigmentation is limited to certain areas of the body or on certain breeds, it’s difficult to pinpoint which specific factor is causing this issue. If your pet has lost a lot of hair in recent weeks or months, talk to your vet about your concerns.
What To Do If My Guinea Pig Is Losing Hair?
If your guinea pig is losing hair, you need to have a vet check them out. There are many possible causes and always with the best interest of your guinea pig in mind.
Some things that could be done include increasing the number of roughage in their diet (e.g., hay, straw), allowing them to roam more often, and adding chill time between handling sessions.
If the cause is not readily apparent or if multiple contributing factors exist, your vet may want to conduct a biopsy or perform other studies to diagnose what’s going on internally.
Can Guinea Pigs Lose Hair From Stress?
Possible. In fact, guinea pigs can lose hair from stress alone.
Other factors that contribute to hair loss include a poor diet, poor hygiene practices, parasitic diseases like lysosomal acidosis and scur foot (which causes pigmentation), skin irritation due to excessive grooming habits, and hormonal changes during periods of molting and pregnancy.
Guinea pigs are naturally hairless with some individuals having a few short hairs if that. But with regular handling, frequent petting, and exposure to various factors such as stress, guinea pigs can lose a lot of hair in recent weeks or months.
It’s also possible for your pet to suffer from albinoism which could cause pigmentation problems in exposed areas. Talk to your vet about the reasons why your guinea pig might be losing more hair than usual.
What Does Mites Look Like On Guinea Pigs?
Mites are the most common cause of hair loss in guinea pigs. If you notice your pet scratching a lot, or has runny or crusty eyes or ears, they may be suffering from mites.
These pests feed on the skin and fur of their hosts, causing irritation and inflammation. Mites can also transmit diseases such as ringworm and dermatitis. The treatment for mites is either topical treatments or oral medications that kill the parasite and/or reduce its population.
Mite treatment involves washing your guinea pig’s bedding, cleaning cages with white vinegar, killing mites with topical medications such as benzoyl peroxide (commonly used to treat acne) or lindane (a pesticide used in organic farming), and using medicated food to help prevent future infestations.
Will Guinea Pigs Hair Grow Back?
Guinea pigs do not have hair that can be regrown. Instead, they’ll cover their bald spots with pigmented skin (often a light brown) to hide their bald patches.
If your guinea pig’s hair continues to fall out, you should consult your vet about the possibility of a health condition that needs immediate attention.
Why Is A Guinea Pig Losing Hair On His Feet?
Contact dermatitis is one of the possible causes of hair loss, which can be caused by exposure to harsh chemicals, herbal preparations, or certain medications. If your guinea pig has been experiencing a lot of pain in the feet or paws due to this issue, it may be worth visiting the vet.
