Overly attached Guinea Pig

Question
My husband and I got our guinea pig when he was 4 weeks old. His name is Rocco and he is very healthy, but he does not run away from me. Instead runs towards me and is always jumping to get on me and out of his cage. When we have him out he always climbs on me and follows me. I will sit him in his cushi chair while I cook and he wont move out f my sight. Is this behavior normal? He does not do this with anyone else in our home.
Also I have another question, he itches and is bitting, I took him to the vet and they said it was not mites, lice, flees or anything he just as dry skin is that ok?  

Answer
Hi Kelly,

How long have you had Rocco for? If it's less than 6 months then it's quite unsual to hear of a guinea pig being so brave and bold in his actions. It's certainly nothing to worry about; instead enjoy your courageous piggie and be proud that he is so full of character.

One thing to think about though is that he may be so attached to you because he is lonely, he hasn't got constant company of his own kind. It's worth checking out the shelters and rescues near you to see if there are any males or spayed females available for adoption, as piggies do thrive in social situations.

I would get a second opinion on the skin issue. Dry skin does cause irritation, but it will be very prone to parasitic and fungal problems so it could so quickly turn into mites. Ask another vet - ideally an exotics vet - and see if they can suggest anything else. Mites are microscopic and may be hard to diagnose (skin scapings can be ineffective, and you can't see them so you're going on symptoms alone) so it's worth seeing if someone else has any ideas.
If it does appear to be simple matter of dry skin, ask your vet to see if they have any ointments to use on his skin to keep it hydrated. Remember not to bath your piggie any more often than every 8 weeks, as bathing dries out skin further.

If you require any further help, let me know and I will be glad to assist.

Best Wishes,

- Laura
www.cavy-care.com