Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
- Ivermectin
- A clean habitat
- Metal greyhound comb
Health Care
Step1
Watch for signs of parasites. The most common guinea pig parasite is the mange mite. This mite can cause pain and shedding.
Step2
Treat guinea pig parasites as soon as possible with Ivermectin to stop shedding.
Step3
Check for signs of a fungal infection which also often cause shedding. Patchy, itchy areas of hair loss on the face are often the first sign of fungal infections.
Step4
Prevent fungus infections (and the associated shedding) by treating infection-causing parasites promptly and keeping the humidity in the guinea pig's habitat low.
Step5
Disinfect the guinea pig's habitat periodically. Fungus spores may be inactive for years and then become active without warning, causing shedding to reoccur.
Step6
Visit your veterinarian for prompt diagnosis and treatment of any infection. This should also stop the shedding.
Daily Care
Step1
Brush your guinea pig with a metal greyhound comb daily to reduce shedding and remove loose hair.
Step2
Include Vitamin C in your guinea pig's diet; 10 to 30 mg/kg per day is the most effective dosage for the prevention of shedding in the average guinea pig.
Step3
Include sufficient protein in your guinea pig's diet. A diet less than 15 percent protein may cause shedding.
Step4
Bathe your guinea pig once a month to prevent shedding. Place a small towel on the bottom of the sink (decrease slipperiness) and fill the sink with warm water. Using a gentle soap, wash your guinea pig and dry him with a soft towel.