Guinea pigs sometimes live outdoors in hutches, so they experience all climates. Some pigs need supplements in order to develop healthy skin and hooves. Breeds of Guinea Pigs. My guinea pig has dry, scaley, skin, and open sores, I'm not sure how to treat her, can you help? Staff Profiles. Guinea pigs suffering from fungal infection usually have a dry and cracked skin to which flies are attracted to. I noticed that my guinea pig has been itching in the same area as the sore i found a lot.. (middle of back). This is often simply dry skin where low humidity has dried out the external layers. This is a male guinea pig about 8 months old, shares cage with female without any of the symptoms. Fungal skin problems are particularly common here in the UK. Under normal conditions fur mites are present in small numbers and exist symbiotically, not bothering their host. Mites show up as small bumps along strands of hair. So you want to be sure you have the proper shelter for your guinea pig to stay dry and safe during all weather events. It is easily identifiable via dry and scaly skin on the ears, nose and feet, sometimes with dandruff-like skin on the coat. Breed Standards. Diet and appropriate hydration are probably the most important factors in keeping skin healthy. Often, guinea pigs present with both fungal and parasitic problems at the same time and need treating for both. These can cause hair-loss and itchiness (pruritus) and require treatment. Dry Skin. In addition, they tend to be more prone to allergies that cavies with different skin types, which means that you must be on the lookout for hypoallergenic shampoos. Constant scratching is a warning sign and it’s vital to check for dry or flaky skin around ears, nose or mouth, spots or lesions, or fur coming out in clumps. In this blog I will run through the most common skin lesions in guinea pigs. Pigs have a naturally dry skin, very few sweat glands, coats that will blow causing them to go bald overnight, and productive oil glands and scent glands. He has no hair loss. In certain cases, the scratching may become so significant that your guinea pig will leave visible marks on his body as a result. Make sure your skin has dried completely. Sarcoptic mange is caused by a mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var suis) that lives in the skin. Guinea pigs originate from Peru, where the climate is warm and dry. Guinea pigs are fun animals to keep as pets. Gorgeous guinea pigs are susceptible to a number of skin complaints, which is why owners of these chatty cavies need to be vigilant and keep a close eye on their pets. He gave her a shot for mites, but it did not improve her symptoms. Show Reviews . Check their scalp and skin for signs of lice, which look like tiny white worms. CAVY INFO. How to Bathe a Guinea Pig. It is 1 year and about 2 or 3 months old. I was planning to bring him to a vet for this but lately I have noticed that he has seizures. They attack those dry areas and bite our guinea pigs to feed themselves. These symptoms signal that an immediate trip to the vet is required. While they are usually healthy animals, there are a number of diseases that commonly affect pet guinea pigs.By knowing what the most common illnesses are, you can be better prepared to monitor for signs and symptoms that your guinea pig may be getting sick. In severely affected animals, the affected areas may become infected, which can cause the animals to lose weight, have low energy, or run around the cage. Scratching is one of the most common symptoms to look for in a guinea pig that has any kind of parasite or mite. 95 The most common reason for seeing debris on an otherwise healthy guinea is external parasites. I think it was a piece of bone and I saw some blood too. Guinea pigs are originally from Peru where the climate is warm and dry. What causes chronic dry skin in chinchillas, rabbits, and guinea pigs? Flakey skin and patches of baldness all over body. Skin can appear dry and scaly with the presence of scabs. Breeds & Varieties Polls. My guinea pig has dry flaky skin over his back and he is very itchy. Tagged bath, bathing, bathing a guinea pig, baths, dry skin, flakiness, flaky skin, fleas, Freddie, guinea pig baths, mites, scratching. Fur mite infestation is a commonly encountered skin problem in guinea pigs. He is keep on biting his back and his I can see his skin. Guinea pigs make great pets. What you need to know if you have decided to keep a Guinea Pig. The underside of the foot has a soft foot pad which should be regularly examined for swelling or injury. Occasionally, hair loss may be noticed on the pigs. Each toe has a continuously growing nail consisting of the outer horny part and the inner living part called the "quick". Image Credit: eAlisa, Shutterstock. Guinea pigs skin problems is the most commonly reported issues. So, we need to make sure we keep our guinea pigs safe, especially when they are ill. If treating for parasites doesn't resolve your guinea pig's discomfort, there may be other issues at play. Ordinary fur mites are relatively harmless, though they do cause itching and eventual scratching that might make hair fall out. Parasites. Most guinea pigs are born with four toes on their front feet and 3 toes on their hind feet. On the other hand, skinny pigs may suffer from dry skin, caused by a lack of natural oil production. Moisturizers and various shampoos may be utilized to help alleviate this dry condition. However, for guinea pigs, undiluted dish soap is simply too harsh. Guinea pigs can suffer from fungus, like ringworm. IMPORTANT. I can see the skin like a V shape and today, I think I felt something hard. Your veterinarian may recommend a supplement if your pig has persistent flaky skin and hair loss. If the housing is clean with proper humidity and bedding, then husbandry is unlikely the cause of this problem. Do you think I can help him, or is it likely that he will need to be put to sleep? Finally, dry the guinea pig carefully with a warm towel. Parasites aren't the only cause of dry, itchy skin and hair loss in guinea pigs. no recent bath. There are a number of issues that may be the cause of your guinea pig's dry, itchy, and puffy skin. Guinea pigs catch mites from other guinea pigs or from objects that are contaminated such as bedding. Various forms of skin problems, including chronic dry skin, often stem from nutrient deficiencies. Guinea Pig Behaviour. Unfortunately, not all nutritional components required for a healthy skin are found in commercial feeds. Guinea pigs have very sensitive skin (hence their use in cosmetic testing) and are prone to fungal and parasitic problems. Skin problems can make a guinea pig feel very itchy and uncomfortable, so it is important to prevent the problems from happening in the first place. I know she does not have mites, since we got her a long time ago and she's always had it. Shows & Showing. Guinea pigs can suffer from a number of skin parasites or infections. High humidity, age and stress are the top factors in producing this condition. Fungal skin infection is a particular problem in the UK as there is always moisture in the air: cold and damp in the winter and hot and humid in the summer. I am experienced with guinea pigs, and when got my guinea pig, Oreo, she had dry skin on one of her ears. My guinea pig has patches of dry , flakey skin and hair is falling out. We explain why sometimes guinea pigs lose parts of their hair. Dandruff/Dry skin. What could be causes? Lice and mites live in guinea pig hair and skin. Hi, I have a short haired male Guinea pig. In the case of the hairless guinea pig, you can soak a cloth in warm water and bathe it gently. Behaviour Polls. However, their numbers can increase when a guinea pig is stressed, has decreased immunity due to other illnesses, and/or is unable to keep the mites reduced by normal grooming, and the increased … Active and playful. Guinea pig toenails grow constantly. No recent diet changes. Older pigs will develop dry skin that will also flake off from time to time. Posting Guidelines & Forum Help. It is important to diagnose which parasite or infection is causing your guinea pig's skin lesions in order to treat them appropriately. Often confused with mite infection, a fungal infection affects a guinea pig’s hair and top layer of skin. Guinea pig can contract lice from a number of sources including direct contact with an infected guinea pig, bedding or housing. ResQ Organics Pet Skin Treatment 2oz - Nourish and Repair Skin - with Organic Aloe Vera, Manuka Honey, Coconut Oil - For Dry, Irritated and Damaged Skin 4.3 out of 5 stars 2,297 $19.95 $ 19 . 115 guinea 25 guineapig 6 guineazbr 5 guinea9111 4 guineapigy 4 guineaz 3 guinea50000ho 3 guineapig126 2 guineapigmc 1 guinea_pig 1 guinea_robot_suit 1 guineadoggy 1 guineafowlplays 89 guinea pig 8 guinea girl 6 guinea skin 5 guinea the 4 guinea by 3 guinea love 3 guinea nero 3 guinea in 2 guinea fowl 2 guinea cray 2 guinea suit 2 guinea man Also, due to synthetic origin, not all nutrients are fully available for uptake and utilization. When it comes to cavies that have dry skin, itching can be a real problem. If a pig seems particularly itchy, though, this could mean a more serious problem. She is a little over 3 years old. I’ll be the first to admit this but ever since Fred had his first bath, he has completely stopped scratching. If your guinea pig has a normal coat and skin, you’ll find that general shampoos get the job done. What are some of the most common causes for skin problems in guinea pigs? Left untreated, convulsions and death may result. Well, not completely of course, but you catch my drift. Care must be taken to keep the animal at a specific ambient temperature, between 20 and 22 ° C. Parasites. Staff Board. explore origin none Base skins used to create this skin; find derivations Skins created based on this one; Find skins like this: almost equal very similar quite similar Skins that look like this but with minor edits If your guinea pigs are on a good guinea pig food with enough added vitamin C, it is unlikely diet is the cause of the skin condition. I just thought maybe he had dry skin and he was itchy. It is a host-specific mite that is spread from pig to pig by direct contact or contact with recently contaminated surfaces. The skin underneath the affected fur may be dry or oily and thickened or crusty. Is that okay or is there some other way to get rid of it. Cavy Club Contact Details. The pet shop guy just said to put lotion on it, but I am afriad to do that. So today I went to do my normal guinea pig chores.. feed, water etc. Guinea pigs can get different types of skin problems, which can be caused by skin parasites (lice, mites), fungus, or fighting between cage mates. Fungus can cause bald patches, scaly skin, and hair loss. Let us check out a few common reasons which attract flies towards guinea pigs: Cracked or dry skin. if you suspect your piggy has dry skin, use a small amount of a natural unscented moisturizer, free from chemicals to relieve the dryness. Breeds & Varieties. Even as a baby, she had some skin probems, but never this bad! Symptoms such as thinning of the fur coat, excessive scratching, sores, or dandruff may be an indication of a parasite or fungal condition, in which case, your pig will need to seek treatment. this can lead to irritation, scratching and itching. These parasites are thin with no wings, and crawl over the skin, biting the guinea pig. ( It looked just like a little patch of dry skin.) Guinea pigs have a certain oil balance on their skin and hair that keeps them healthy, and most dish soaps will strip all that away and leave skin dry and irritated. So I bought some no rinse shampoo stuff that moistens guinea pigs skin. Like other pets, though, they can develop health problems. Also, guinea pigs can survive outdoors all year around but are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Guinea pigs suffering from itchy skin may have species-specific lice, a mite infection called sarcoptic mange or the fungal infection known as ringworm, writes veterinarian Jeff Kahler, who notes that ringworm can be transmitted to people from their guinea pig. My Guinea pig has been scratching his back a lot every single day. Here, there is always moisture in the air - cold and damp in the winter, and hot and humid in the summer. What is my Guinea Pig? Looks like psoriasis or eczema. We took her to a vet and he did not see any mites on her, but thought that it was probably mites. I have a 3 month old guinea pig and I noticed the other day he has a flake of skin on his paw and his one ear is crusty and on the other side of his ear is a scab, I am wondering if it's just dry skin or something else. ANSWER: Yes, I think you can help him! 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