Loosing Alot Of Hair + Dandruf

[ZeepeX]

My guinea pig Mikey who is 3-4 years old started to lose a lot of hair while being on my lap a while ago. My shirt will end up covered in long black hairs.. His hair is also kinda oily and does not feel nice to touch him. Today i noticed dandruff on him.. What am i doing wrong?
Its not big dots of hair falling off, leaving the skin open to see. its just, shedding hair.. its making it difficult to pet him, since i usually dont want my clothing to be full of hair. I usually put towels under him, but the hair always end up on my bed or on the couch or on my pants anyway.. advice?

 

[anniedabannie]

I've had the same thing with Poldark this summer... it's a pain isn't it!

First step is to rule out any medical reason (like mites) which can cause hair loss by going to see a vet. Is he really sensitive about being touched, particularly around his back end? If he has a cage mate, they'll both need treating if there is a parasite problem

If there's nothing wrong then it's just summer moulting! There are some great brushes you can get to help but they are meant for dogs so it's important to be nice and gentle. Here is a link to a good one: Furminator Curry Comb From £8.86

You can also give him baths which will help move things along, but not more often than about once a month or you'll remove too many of the natural oils and his coat will start producing even more - which isn't what you want! This website has some good shampoos: Gorgeous Guineas Products

 

[ZeepeX]

I've had the same thing with Poldark this summer... it's a pain isn't it!

First step is to rule out any medical reason (like mites) which can cause hair loss by going to see a vet. Is he really sensitive about being touched, particularly around his back end? If he has a cage mate, they'll both need treating if there is a parasite problem

If there's nothing wrong then it's just summer moulting! There are some great brushes you can get to help but they are meant for dogs so it's important to be nice and gentle. Here is a link to a good one: Furminator Curry Comb From £8.86

You can also give him baths which will help move things along, but not more often than about once a month or you'll remove too many of the natural oils and his coat will start producing even more - which isn't what you want! This website has some good shampoos: Gorgeous Guineas Products

I'll try bathing him right away, maybe that will help on the gross oily hair as well.
I'm not sure on how to bring him to the vet, I'm a student and the vet price is 15 times more than the pet itself.. Even just short visits.

 

[Wiebke]

My guinea pig Mikey who is 3-4 years old started to lose a lot of hair while being on my lap a while ago. My shirt will end up covered in long black hairs.. His hair is also kinda oily and does not feel nice to touch him. Today i noticed dandruff on him.. What am i doing wrong?
Its not big dots of hair falling off, leaving the skin open to see. its just, shedding hair.. its making it difficult to pet him, since i usually dont want my clothing to be full of hair. I usually put towels under him, but the hair always end up on my bed or on the couch or on my pants anyway.. advice?

It sounds like he is just shedding hair; some piggies are more prone than others. I always feel that my Nerys must surely have lost enough to make felt for a whole Mongolian yurt, yet she is never bald!

The greasiness is very likely coming from an active grease gland. You may want to check the gland, which is situated at the bum end above the genitals (pictures in the link) together with tips on how to clean it. If necessary, give him a bath to get rid of the excess grease in the hair.
Boar Care: Bits, Bums & Baths
How To Bathe Guinea Pigs - Including Ears & Grease Glands
Conditioning Shampoos

 

[ZeepeX]

It sounds like he is just shedding hair; some piggies are more prone than others. I always feel that my Nerys must surely have lost enough to make felt for a whole Mongolian yurt, yet she is never bald!

The greasiness is very likely coming from an active grease gland. You may want to check the gland, which is situated at the bum end above the genitals (pictures in the link) together with tips on how to clean it. If necessary, give him a bath to get rid of the excess grease in the hair.
Boar Care: Bits, Bums & Baths
How To Bathe Guinea Pigs - Including Ears & Grease Glands
Conditioning Shampoos

Okay so i've actually never heard of that? I've seen it on my old pig, but never understood what it was, or what it does?