How to Stop a Guinea Pig From Shedding
Guinea pigs are lovely pets, but they can shed and leave your home in a mess. Follow these steps to prevent excessive shedding.
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Instructions
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Health Care
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1
Watch for signs of parasites. The most common guinea pig parasite is the mange mite. This mite can cause pain and shedding.
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2
Treat guinea pig parasites as soon as possible with Ivermectin to stop shedding.
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3
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.
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4
Prevent fungus infections (and the associated shedding) by treating infection-causing parasites promptly and keeping the humidity in the guinea pig's habitat low.
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5
Disinfect the guinea pig's habitat periodically. Fungus spores may be inactive for years and then become active without warning, causing shedding to reoccur.
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6
Visit your veterinarian for prompt diagnosis and treatment of any infection. This should also stop the shedding.
Daily Care
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7
Brush your guinea pig with a metal greyhound comb daily to reduce shedding and remove loose hair.
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8
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.
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9
Include sufficient protein in your guinea pig's diet. A diet less than 15 percent protein may cause shedding.
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10
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.
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