Why is my guinea pig losing hair, itchy, and acting depressed?

This can be caused from mites, a fungal or bacterial infection or even allergies. I would have your vet take a look at him to determine the cause of the hair loss and start him on the proper meds to help him feel better. I hope this helps and he starts to feel better soon!

Hi, and thanks for your question. This could be due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites. First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to ask the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation. If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try to discover the cause of the allergy. Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc). Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair any possible skin lesions (like steroids and antibiotics). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

This is probably due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites. First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat with a high quality flea treatment, then ask the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation. If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try to discover the cause of the allergy. Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc). Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair any possible skin lesions (like steroids and antibiotics). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

I would highly recommend taking baby to a vet for a good exam. Young guinea pigs can have skin mites like scabies and this needs to be addressed by a veterinarian. Certain skin mites can also be contagious to people so please monitor yourself for itching. Allergies, skin infections and fungal disease can also cause itchy skin. I hope that helps

This is probably due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites. First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat with a high quality flea treatment (advocate or advantage), then ask the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation. If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try to discover the cause of the allergy. Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc). Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair any possible skin lesions (like steroids and antibiotics). Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

I would recommend separating the two guinea pigs for a while and seeing if the hair grows back. IF the hair continues to fall out and I would recommend taking the guinea pig to a vet to check for skin mites. Typically skin mites can hair loss and a skin lesion. Also some of the patients are itchy. However separation can help you determine the cause. hope that helps

One cause of patches of alopecia (hair loss) in guinea pigs is ring worm. This is a fungus that is contagious so I would recommend a vet exam to have the area tested. In the meantime be sure to wash your hands well after handling your guinea pig.

While there are many possible reasons for hair loss, the most common reason by far is microscopic mange mites. This can be easily treated with medication from your vet. Fungal infections are a close runner-up. Check over this list for the possible causes of hair loss: 1. NATURAL Hair Loss - basically normal shedding. 2. Barbering - chewing the hair either by him or another pig (if you have another one) 3. Parasites: like mange mites 4. Fungal infection 5. Vitamin C deficiency 6. Bacterial infection 7. Low protein diet 8. Age related - like going from a baby to an adult (shedding the baby hair) So, if there is no itching or scratching and no bald spots I would say start with making sure his diet is appropriate and that he is getting a Vitamin C supplement (very important). I recommend Oxbow brand diets and hay. http://www.oxbowanimalhealth.com/products/type/detail?object=1582 http://www.oxbowanimalhealth.com/products/type/detail?object=1530 http://www.oxbowanimalhealth.com/produc

Thank you for using Boop by Petco! I can see the area of hair loss around the neck/shoulder region on Winston. This can be caused by fungal infections, skin mites, or certain hormonal abnormalities. Fungal infections such as ringworm can be transmitted to people, so I do recommend washing your hands well with soap and water after handling Winston and/or his bedding. You should have Winston seen by a vet as soon as possible to determine what is going on, your vet may take some hair/skin samples to rule out fungal/mite infections and begin the appropriate treatment. You should also separate him from his cagemate to prevent transmission of the infection. I hope this helps!

There are a couple of reasons why Squeakers could be losing her hair, and mites is one of those reasons. Other reasons include lice, a fungal infection, or barbering (pulling off their own hair). Because you aren't sure of the cause of her hair loss and also since you can't find any mite treatment, she really does need to see a vet for this problem. I would see if you can borrow money from family and friends to afford the vet, and I can give you some resources that may help. You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.c