If you notice hair loss in your guinea pig, it's usually nothing serious.A type of hair loss called barbering occurs when a guinea pig chews the hair of a cage mate or itself.This behavior may be caused by boredom or a competitive male guinea pig.If you stop the problem behavior, redirecting your pet's energy, and diagnose barbering, you can keep him happy.
Step 1: Cause of barbering is something you should look for.
Identifying the cause of barbering can help you stop it.Competition for resources can lead to barbering.Make sure your pigs have their own places to hide.Stress and competition for resources can be alleviated by this.
Step 2: guinea pigs are being barbered.
If you have more than one guinea pig, you will need to determine if one is barbering another or if the behavior is self-destructive.It's a good idea to have your guinea pigs read quietly in the room for an hour.If you ignore them, they will behave normally.
Step 3: Lemon juice or taste deterrents can be applied to the fur.
You can apply Bitter Apple or lemon juice to the fur of the guinea pig that is being barbered.The substances will make the hair hard to chew.Don't allow raw or broken skin to cause irritation.The fur should not be wet.
Step 4: The barber of the other guinea pigs should be isolated.
Place the barbering guinea pig in a different cage.It would make sense to put the barbering guinea pig's cage in a separate room if there is a lot of competition.The dimensions of the cage should be at least 30 in x 36 in.Isolation is the last resort.It can be difficult to reintegrate a pig that has been separated, because they are social and can create other behavioral problems.
Step 5: Don't change the environment.
Conditions to those before the barbering began should be restored if your pig began self-barbering after a change in its cage, food, or location.New objects or cage companions can cause your guinea pig stress, which can in turn cause barbering.It is possible to keep large pets, such as cats and dogs, in another area of the house to reduce stress.If you can't reverse the change in environment, do your best to keep things low stress.If you have a guinea pig, put it in a room away from loud noises and activity.
Step 6: Any underlying medical problems can be addressed.
A tumor beneath the skin can be a sign of illness, rather than simply boredom.To rule out more serious issues, take your guinea pig to the vet.
Step 7: You can make fruit and veggie kabobs.
Encourage your pig to chew with kabob-style toys, such as a Kay-tee Ka-bob Treat.These small- animal safe skewers allow you to string up fruits and vegetables for your pig to eat.Many of them have fun toys on them.
Step 8: There are toys that you can offer to divert your pig.
There are plastic cat balls and bird toys for your guinea pig.The toys can keep your pig entertained.There are toys to hold your pig's interest.guinea pigs don't like toys with latex, string, or hide.Make sure the toys are not made of these materials.
Step 9: It's a good idea to interact with your guinea pig.
Play with your pet for at least half an hour a day.Talk to it to make it feel loved and safe.You can give your guinea pig a piece of fruit or vegetable as a treat.
Step 10: Try playing with the toys.
Hay and wood are safe substances that can be used to make guinea pig chew toys.The negative barbering behavior may be replaced by a healthy chew.There are lots of safe chew-toy options at your local pet store.
Step 11: Look for bite marks.
There are small puncture wounds on the surface of the skin of a guinea pig.The skin around these bites may be red or warm to the touch.After examining a broken skin guinea pig, be sure to wash your hands.
Step 12: There are areas of fur patchiness that you should look for.
There are areas of hair on the fur of your guinea pig.The areas of patchiness may be centralized on the flanks of the guinea pig, where it is easiest for your pet to reach.
Step 13: Go to the vet for a physical exam.
Provide your vet with a full history of your pig's health.Mention when the behavior started and any changes in the environment that might be relevant to a diagnosis.boredom is the most common cause of barbering, but sometimes it can be triggered by pain, gas, or other serious health issues.
Step 14: Discuss your pet's diet with your doctor.
Hair loss can be caused by metabolism or diet.Tell your vet about any recent changes to your pig's diet.
Step 15: Take your animal's age into account.
guinea pigs lose some fur when they are weaned.This may be the cause of the hair loss if your guinea pig is very young.Your vet can tell you the difference between the two.