New buddy
@scrappinprincess (10)
United States
April 16, 2008 10:44am CST
Hi! We just got a guinea pig given to us. She was w/ a family that had a 10month old son and she used to have a pig friend but Potluck died. The family decided to get rid of her cuz they said she was lonely, depressed and they don't have the time to play/love her. My question is..she is losing some fur. The family that we got her from said that it was due to her being sad. She is itching a little. My concern is...I have three kids (8,9,& 4), I don't want them getting something from the pig. Could her hairloss be from her being sad/lonely? Or is it something more? We've only had her for a day and she seems to be adapting fairly well. Thanks for your input!
3 responses
@bcote212 (1112)
• United States
16 Apr 08
Guinea pigs to shed a lot when they are nervous. Its probably because all of a sudden she is in a new home with new people, and new sounds. I would not worry too much unless if the shedding lasts for more than a week or so. The scratching could just be that the hair is falling out, and the piggie is trying to get it off, because it starts to itch. As of now I would not worry too much.
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
17 Apr 08
Actually, this is a defense mechanism of other animals (I think chinchillas? but don't quote me on that!).
Guinea pigs do not shed more when nervous. And if the hairloss is already noticeable, it's more than just shedding. With normal shedding you wouldn't notice any hairloss.
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
17 Apr 08
There are a couple things that can cause hairloss, but being sad isn't one of them.
Since she's itching, it is most likely parasites or fungus. Here are some things to look at:
1. Where is the hairloss? If it's on her back mostly and comes with a dandruff, it's probably mites. If the hair loss is on her face and comes with a whitish crustiness, it's more likely fungal.
2. If the hairloss doesn't appear to be fungal, see if you see any bugs. If you see any, it could be lice. More likely than not, you won't see any bugs, which means you're most likely dealing with mites.
In whichever case you've got there, the good news is that they're all fairly easily treated. Mites would be the most common. It can be treated on your own with ivermectin if you feel comfortable treating on your own. See www.guinealynx.info for dosing information and more information on other causes of hairloss as well.
Hope that helps!
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
16 Apr 08
She could be stressed out, but to me it sounds like she has mites or fleas. You should take her to the vet.
