Trimming A Long Haired Guinea Pig

[Flash1508]

Hi everyone,
I was wondering if anyone could help me by answering thies questions:
Do I need to trim my long haired guinea?
Are small spots on his back due to his hair?
Do I need to go to the vets?
Please help if you can.
Thanks
Flash1508

 

[Swissgreys]

Hi Flash,

There are others on here with far more experience than me, but I did used to own a long haired guinea pig and this is what I did.
I used to trim her fur. It helped her keep herself clean, and in Summer I think it was probably nicer not to have so much hair hanging on her. She was a rescue, and when she came to me her coat needed to be cut very short as it was so dirty and matted. It did eventually grow out, but I always kept it short enough that it wasn't dragging on the ground when she walked.
It wasn't always an even cut, but Rosie never seemed too bothered!

I'm not sure about the spots though - maybe if you post a photo someone can help with that.

 

[Flash1508]

Hi Flash,

There are others on here with far more experience than me, but I did used to own a long haired guinea pig and this is what I did.
I used to trim her fur. It helped her keep herself clean, and in Summer I think it was probably nicer not to have so much hair hanging on her. She was a rescue, and when she came to me her coat needed to be cut very short as it was so dirty and matted. It did eventually grow out, but I always kept it short enough that it wasn't dragging on the ground when she walked.
It wasn't always an even cut, but Rosie never seemed too bothered!

I'm not sure about the spots though - maybe if you post a photo someone can help with that.

To Swissgrays,
Thanks for your opinion it has really helped. I might take a picture of the spots because that is a really good idea.
Thanks again,
Flash1508

 

[7squeakers.]

I have a long-haired piggie, a Sheltie. I trim all around her sides so that it doesn't touch the ground. (I'd like to trim around her front legs but she won't let me!) But I also trim her coat really short around her bum. This helps to stop it from getting wet and sticky. Combing or brushing out matted or sticky hair is very painful, and the reason why some long-haired pigs don't like being groomed. Not sure about the spots on his back though. As @Swissgreys says, we need a photo. Are the spots on his skin, or just in his hair?

 

[Wiebke]

Hi everyone,
I was wondering if anyone could help me by answering thies questions:
Do I need to trim my long haired guinea?
Are small spots on his back due to his hair?
Do I need to go to the vets?
Please help if you can.
Thanks
Flash1508

Hi and welcome!

Yes, you need to trim your long-haired guinea pig, especially at the bum end and on the sides to prevent mats. The hair will grow back.

What do you mean with small spots? There shouldn't be any spots from his hair. If you see scales, they are either from dry skin, fungal, mange mites and need closer investigation from a vet for the correct diagnosis and appropriate good quality treatment (please do not treat on spec with cheap low dosed shop products!). However, this can wait until vets open after Easter; it is not an emergency. Dark spots sitting on hair at the bum end are usually caused by fur mites.

Could you please post a picture and add your country, state/province or UK county to your details, so we can adjust our advice to what is available where you are. We have got members and enquiries from all over the world. Click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details and scroll down to location. Thank you!
Here is how you post pictures: How To Post Photos

 

[Flash1508]

I have a long-haired piggie, a Sheltie. I trim all around her sides so that it doesn't touch the ground. (I'd like to trim around her front legs but she won't let me!) But I also trim her coat really short around her bum. This helps to stop it from getting wet and sticky. Combing or brushing out matted or sticky hair is very painful, and the reason why some long-haired pigs don't like being groomed. Not sure about the spots on his back though. As @Swissgreys says, we need a photo. Are the spots on his skin, or just in his hair?

Thank you 7 squeakers you have helped me very much. I will start triming my sheltie soon. I will need to post a picture if he will let me Thanks again,
Flash1508

 

[Flash1508]

Hi and welcome!

Yes, you need to trim your long-haired guinea pig, especially at the bum end and on the sides to prevent mats. The hair will grow back.

What do you mean with small spots? There shouldn't be any spots from his hair. If you see scales, they are either from dry skin, fungal, mange mites and need closer investigation from a vet for the correct diagnosis and appropriate good quality treatment (please do not treat on spec with cheap low dosed shop products!). However, this can wait until vets open after Easter; it is not an emergency. Dark spots sitting on hair at the bum end are usually caused by fur mites.

Could you please post a picture and add your country, state/province or UK county to your details, so we can adjust our advice to what is available where you are. We have got members and enquiries from all over the world. Click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details and scroll down to location. Thank you!
Here is how you post pictures: How To Post Photos

Thank you Wiebke you have helped me a lot with all your information. I was very pleased to know that the hair grows back in case i do something wrong . I will need to take a picture of the spots on his skin. Thanks again, Flash1508

 

[Flash1508]

I have a long-haired piggie, a Sheltie. I trim all around her sides so that it doesn't touch the ground. (I'd like to trim around her front legs but she won't let me!) But I also trim her coat really short around her bum. This helps to stop it from getting wet and sticky. Combing or brushing out matted or sticky hair is very painful, and the reason why some long-haired pigs don't like being groomed. Not sure about the spots on his back though. As @Swissgreys says, we need a photo. Are the spots on his skin, or just in his hair?

Hi and welcome!

Yes, you need to trim your long-haired guinea pig, especially at the bum end and on the sides to prevent mats. The hair will grow back.

What do you mean with small spots? There shouldn't be any spots from his hair. If you see scales, they are either from dry skin, fungal, mange mites and need closer investigation from a vet for the correct diagnosis and appropriate good quality treatment (please do not treat on spec with cheap low dosed shop products!). However, this can wait until vets open after Easter; it is not an emergency. Dark spots sitting on hair at the bum end are usually caused by fur mites.

Could you please post a picture and add your country, state/province or UK county to your details, so we can adjust our advice to what is available where you are. We have got members and enquiries from all over the world. Click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details and scroll down to location. Thank you!
Here is how you post pictures: How To Post Photos

Hi Flash,

There are others on here with far more experience than me, but I did used to own a long haired guinea pig and this is what I did.
I used to trim her fur. It helped her keep herself clean, and in Summer I think it was probably nicer not to have so much hair hanging on her. She was a rescue, and when she came to me her coat needed to be cut very short as it was so dirty and matted. It did eventually grow out, but I always kept it short enough that it wasn't dragging on the ground when she walked.
It wasn't always an even cut, but Rosie never seemed too bothered!

I'm not sure about the spots though - maybe if you post a photo someone can help with that.

Here is a picture of his spots. I have been looking this up and i think it could be age spots as he is 6 in August. They are on his back kind of by his bum about a few centimeters above. It is a bit sticky but not pustulant or bloody. Replys very much appreciated. Sorry its not a great picture he is very fidgety Thanks again, Flash1508

 

[Flash1508]

View attachment 44747

I have a long-haired piggie, a Sheltie. I trim all around her sides so that it doesn't touch the ground. (I'd like to trim around her front legs but she won't let me!) But I also trim her coat really short around her bum. This helps to stop it from getting wet and sticky. Combing or brushing out matted or sticky hair is very painful, and the reason why some long-haired pigs don't like being groomed. Not sure about the spots on his back though. As @Swissgreys says, we need a photo. Are the spots on his skin, or just in his hair?

Hi and welcome!

Yes, you need to trim your long-haired guinea pig, especially at the bum end and on the sides to prevent mats. The hair will grow back.

What do you mean with small spots? There shouldn't be any spots from his hair. If you see scales, they are either from dry skin, fungal, mange mites and need closer investigation from a vet for the correct diagnosis and appropriate good quality treatment (please do not treat on spec with cheap low dosed shop products!). However, this can wait until vets open after Easter; it is not an emergency. Dark spots sitting on hair at the bum end are usually caused by fur mites.

Could you please post a picture and add your country, state/province or UK county to your details, so we can adjust our advice to what is available where you are. We have got members and enquiries from all over the world. Click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details and scroll down to location. Thank you!
Here is how you post pictures: How To Post Photos

Hi Flash,

There are others on here with far more experience than me, but I did used to own a long haired guinea pig and this is what I did.
I used to trim her fur. It helped her keep herself clean, and in Summer I think it was probably nicer not to have so much hair hanging on her. She was a rescue, and when she came to me her coat needed to be cut very short as it was so dirty and matted. It did eventually grow out, but I always kept it short enough that it wasn't dragging on the ground when she walked.
It wasn't always an even cut, but Rosie never seemed too bothered!

I'm not sure about the spots though - maybe if you post a photo someone can help with that.

Here is a picture of his spots. I have been looking this up and i think it could be age spots as he is 6 in August. They are on his back kind of by his bum about a few centimeters above. It is a bit sticky but not pustulant or bloody. Replys very much appreciated. Sorry its not a great picture he is very fidgety Thanks again, Flash1508

 

[Wiebke]

View attachment 44747




Here is a picture of his spots. I have been looking this up and i think it could be age spots as he is 6 in August. They are on his back kind of by his bum about a few centimeters above. It is a bit sticky but not pustulant or bloody. Replys very much appreciated. Sorry its not a great picture he is very fidgety Thanks again, Flash1508

I am very sorry, but can't see anything, as the picture is too dark. Have you checked his grease gland?
Boar Care: Bits, Bums & Baths

 

[Flash1508]

I am very sorry, but can't see anything, as the picture is too dark. Have you checked his grease gland?
Boar Care: Bits, Bums & Baths

I think it is where the grease glands are but i dont know what they are ment to look like

 

[Wiebke]

I think it is where the grease glands are but i dont know what they are ment to look like

There is only one grease gland. You can see a picture and get more information in the boar guide link I have given you. If in doubt, please have your boy checked by a vet in the coming week.

There is no age related hair loss in that area.

 

[Flash1508]

There is only one grease gland. You can see a picture and get more information in the boar guide link I have given you. If in doubt, please have your boy checked by a vet in the coming week.

There is no age related hair loss in that area.

It is where the greace gland is so maybe it has just got quite oily causing some spots. Thanks for your help i will consider taking him to the vet if it gets worse.
Do u know if i can delete threads because i am not stuck now with my situation?
Thanks again for all your great help!

 

[Wiebke]

It is where the greace gland is so maybe it has just got quite oily causing some spots. Thanks for your help i will consider taking him to the vet if it gets worse.
Do you know if i can delete threads because i am not stuck now with my situation?
Thanks again for all your great help!

We don't delete threads unless absolutely necessary, but we have got a big turnover, so the are pushed back quickly anyway.
I would recommend to give the grease gland a clean or at least to have a good look at it. It can have just gone overboard with the oil production if you are lucky.