Critical: What to Do If Totoro Loses Too Much Fur?

1. Stress Response: As guinea pigs are quite timid creatures, they can be startled and develop stress responses due to factors such as being new to their environment, changes in their owner's living situation, or excessive noise from the outside. This can lead to symptoms like hair loss and diarrhea. It's important for owners not to rush the guinea pig into adjusting to the new home or to reach out and pick them up or comfort them immediately. Instead, give them some time to transition and allow them to acclimate to their new surroundings at their own pace.

2. Parasitic Infections: Generally, guinea pigs' dense fur acts as a barrier, protecting them from parasites like fleas and mites. However, if hair loss is caused by parasites, the owner should first place the guinea pig in a wellventilated and dry area. Then, apply an external parasitic treatment once a day for 3 to 5 days, and the condition should improve.

3. Moulting Period: Guinea pigs typically shed their fur every 3 months, without a specific date. Their moult can be hard to notice, as it starts with a subtle line of old and new fur at the head, which is not very visible. If the guinea pig is shedding excessively during the moult, there's no need to worry. Simply increase the frequency of grooming to help manage the process.

4. Improper Diet: It's wellknown that we feed guinea pigs sunflower seeds because they contain linoleic acid, which is beneficial for their coat. However, many owners feed their guinea pigs roasted sunflower seeds, which have already lost their linoleic acid and are therefore ineffective. Moreover, roasted sunflower seeds often contain high levels of salt and additives, which can easily cause hair loss in guinea pigs.

5. Pica: Severe hair loss in guinea pigs could also be a sign of pica, where the guinea pig may eat its own fur, become easily agitated, and even bite. Pica is usually incurable, but owners can help alleviate the symptoms by feeding their guinea pigs a supplement of multivitamins.

For those looking for solutions to severe hair loss in guinea pigs, this guide aims to provide helpful information. If you have any further questions about your guinea pig's hair loss, feel free to consult with an online veterinarian.