guinea pig mental health!

Question
Hello,

I have owned my female guinea pig Roma for a little over 3 years now. Recently she has begun losing hair on her sides, towards the back of her body, so I took her to the vet. She does not have bugs (thank goodness), and the vet seems to think it is being caused by her "nerves", and that she is doing it to herself. I have a spray that I put on her a few times a day, but how am I going to stop her from scratching once the spray is gone? This is the second time I have moved with her, and the first time she was fine, but I'm afraid this last move was too much for her. What can I do to keep her happy? I have been letting her run around my apartment so she can get some exercise, but is there anything else I can do for her? She is my little buddy. :)


Answer
Hi Kirsten

I'm glad to hear that Roma hasnt been diagnosed as having mites or something similar.

It is sometimes common that a guinea pig will eat their own hair, partly out of boredom, but sometimes out of nerves too. It widely regarded to be a problem that no action needs to be taken and will quite possibly be something that stops of its own accord.

I have no reason to doubt your vet but if you see any sign of redness or dandruff on Roma please let me know as whilst she might not have "bugs" she may still have a fungal problem.

Andy