Help With Excessive Shedding

[chole785]

Hi,

My guinea pig is at least four, maybe 5 years old, and we've had him for 3-4 years. I get it, he's old. But when I took him out today, there was a ton of shedding. More than usual, for sure. There are no bald patches, and as far as I know no mites/lice. I don't think it's temperature related, because it is the middle of fall and approaching frost. We try to keep his habitat a good temperature, though.

Thank you so much for your help. Feel free to ask for more details if needed.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi,

My guinea pig is at least four, maybe 5 years old, and we've had him for 3-4 years. I get it, he's old. But when I took him out today, there was a ton of shedding. More than usual, for sure. There are no bald patches, and as far as I know no mites/lice. I don't think it's temperature related, because it is the middle of fall and approaching frost. We try to keep his habitat a good temperature, though.

Thank you so much for your help. Feel free to ask for more details if needed.

Please keep an eye on your guinea pig for bald patches or noticeable thinning, especially at the bum end, which can point to mange mites or fungal. If you are in any way worried at some point that it could be mange mites or fungal, please see a vet.

However, some guinea pigs can suddenly shed what looks like enough hair to furbish a whole Mongolian yurt and then stop again when you think that surely they can't have any hair left by now - yet there is no visible sign of any baldness or skin problem. It could be a reaction to the start of the indoors heating season. Strong shedding typically happens either in spring or autumn.
I would make sure that you gently brush your piggy on a daily basis and if necessary bathe with a very mild soothing shampoo. Gorgeous guineas shampoos are best; they are delivered worldwide. Gorgeous Guineas - Aromatherapy skincare products for guinea pigs

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[Abi_nurse]

Wiebke has given all he advise needed really but I thought j might add that as piggies age sometimes they are less good at grooming themselves and I tend to find as they age and start getting a little arthritis they get a bit more of a build up of hair and therefore shed more. I've also found certain pigs tend to shed more than others for no apparent reason.

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