Everybody knows the Hairless guinea pig for its pouty lips, cute noses, and fluffy fur that comes in wool-like curls, soft rosettes, and even long locks. However, what about the hairless guinea pig? Do hairless guinea pigs exist at all? Yep, they do, and they are really sweet pets.
These small, hairless acquaintances go by the name of skinny guinea pigs, or skinny pigs for short. These lovely pigs, with their freaky look, aren’t that dissimilar from their hairy kin, but every wannabe parent of hairless guinea pigs should know a thing or two about skinny pigs’ skincare. Learn more about the adorable and adoring skinny guinea pigs with this ultimate guide!
Where did Skinny Pigs come from?
The hairless guinea pig is a rather sad origin story in and of itself. Many floofs spend their lives in labs, scrunched up in that horrid environment, being tested on and used for other scientific purposes. Well, that’s precisely were hairless pigs hail from!
In truth, skinny guinea pigs will come from an unplanned genetic mutation in a Canadian lab in 1978. Hence, floofless friends have been here for more than 40 years! The bad thing is the fact that they are hairless makes the skinny pigs all the more useful for testing—particularly dermatological testing with products that go directly on the skin. Their skin is very similar to the human skin, so the poor pigs have become the guinea pig for lots of cosmetics.
We are against animal testing in Kavee. To make our products really be cruelty-free, we take good care of them. The world of cosmetics is really trying to move away from it. So many big brands still test their products on our little friends. Next time you go out looking for new face cream or anything, take notice of the sticker: Cruelty-free—for your sake and skinny piggies!
On a much brighter note, skinny guinea pigs are today much-loved pets all over the world, and their piggy parents are often authorities in skinny pigs’ care. Now, let’s find out what kinds of hairless guinea pigs exist out there, just in case you’re searching for the perfect floofless friend for yourself.
Caring for a Hairless Guinea Pig
The care of a hairless guinea pig is not the same as that of a regular guinea pig with minimal assistance. In terms of nutrients, hairless guinea pigs truly like the same foods as their hairy counterparts, indicating that their nutritional needs are essentially the same.
Always feed so one can maintain a healthful frame weight and power degree in the guinea pig. All guinea pigs should have regular access to: Long stem forage, such as hay; Fresh greens and veggies; Pellets; A source of vitamin C through oral supplements, water, or treats.
The hairless guinea pigs may, therefore, be very sensitive to heat, cold, and drafts. They should thus be kept in some comfortable and temperate part of the house from 70–75 F. Like all guinea pigs, they would relish a periodic outing onto the lawn to graze. Bring them inside if the weather is unusually inclement, as sunburn and frostbite can easily take hold if the temperature gets either way too high or extremely low. Also, with any small pet outside, its owner should ensure that it is protected from predators—like hawks and larger flying birds—and that it will not be left alone outside.
The skinless guinea pig has a rather large appetite; therefore, it will produce much droppings. As such, its cage should be cleaned regularly, at least once a week, and spot-cleaning in between should be done to prevent skin infections from the contact or urine and feces.
This is because the body has no hair, and so the skin is relatively more sensitive and prone to irritation. Moreover, it may dry out very quickly. If your hairless guinea pig’s skin becomes too dry or flaky, your vet should be able to recommend topical treatments that can help the skin stay better hydrated.
Hairless Guinea Pig Grooming
Observe the state of the skin of your hairless guinea pig. Upon inspecting any wounds, infections, or injuries, the veterinarian should right now deal with the patient as wished.
Ask your veterinarian if there’s anything you can do to help provide moisture for your pig’s pores and skin if it’s feeling dry. Creams made with aloe vera, which don’t encompass any demanding ingredients, are desirable for maintaining pores and skin hydration. Watch your water consumption, level of hydration, and the humidity and temperature of the encircling air. Dry skin is a result of excessive temperatures and coffee humidity.
This also helps prevent accidental self-trauma due to scratching. Although pigs may scratch occasionally, if nails are too long and the guinea pig is hairless, this scratching may lead to an abrasion or laceration.
Hairless Guinea Pig Temperament and Behavior
Hairless guinea pigs are very shy and not very aggressive. Most guinea pigs, though, are. Anyway, all guinea pigs, when young, should be handled every day to socialize them and let them get used to their new home environment.
By nature, guinea pigs are social animals, and nothing surpasses the interaction of two pigs. Keeping them in pairs or even small groups is best. Also, remember: the more pigs, the more space.
In this regard, females do best with other females and males with other males to prevent undesired breeding and pregnancy. Males can be rather territorial, and some may even fight, so the space provided should be sufficient. In any case, when introducing new guinea pigs to each other, do it gradually, first in side-by-side cages, then afterward, contact needs to be provided, but never leave them unsupervised to be sure all is harmonious.
Watch your hairless guinea pig get along with the rest, particularly if they are new to each other. Grooming one another and sleeping together is a good sign. Chasing, biting, and hiding from one another are bad signs and mean that your pig could be stressed out. In the case of hairless guinea pigs, fighting should be avoided at all costs since there will be the potential for skin injury.
If your pigs aren’t getting along so well, it’s worth trying to give them more space, enrichment with food in different feeding stations, and toys, along with short, staged, frequent introductions.
Hairless Guinea Pigs Or Guinea Pigs
Skin Issues & Skin cares
Here are some skin issues and skin cares of guinea Pigs below:
Skin Issues
Since the fur of a guinea pig provides insulation during cold weather and protection from the elements, it is possible that the hairless guinea pig is more prone than the haired to skin problems arising from temperature extremes. They may also be more likely to suffer from skin problems caused by sunburn, trauma and also from infectious organisms such as bacteria, fungus, and parasites.
Moreover, skin abrasions can make hairless guinea pigs from bedding, toys, fighting with other guinea pigs, or scratching themselves with overgrown nails.
Extra-Soft Skin Skincare.
The skin of a hairless guinea pig is very sensitive but also somewhat similar to that of humans. And much like ours, their skin comes in varying skin types, ranging from dry through normal to oily. But unlike us, they don’t have a host of skin care products available to moisturize. So, what can skinny piggy parents do to keep their floofless friends looking shiny?
The best and safe solution for your piggy is coconut oil. If you find your skinny pig has oily or dry skin, apply some cold-pressed coconut oil with a soft cloth onto their skin, avoiding the face and inner ears. Moreover, checking the length of your hairless guinea pig nails regularly to prevent them from becoming long enough to cause self-induced trauma. The bedding should be very soft, and if your pig happens to be a chewer, be sure to remove toys or hideaways with jagged edges that could cut their mouths or skin. Soft, fleece-style sleeping cozies are an excellent addition to any skinny pig’s home.
Conclusion
The skinny pig is a hairless guinea pig, and as such, these animals are very loving pets that need special care since they do not have fur. They represent the result of a genetic mutation in a Canadian lab and hence will require an environment controlled in terms of temperature, special grooming to maintain hydrated skin, and a balanced diet similar to that of a furry guinea pig. They are social animals and as such live well in pairs or groups if properly introduced to each other. While skinny pigs are more sensitive and can retain a few skin issues, they do make great companions if properly taken care of.
FAQS
What hairless guinea pigs and skinny pigs are the same?
A genetic abnormality causes hairless guinea pigs, also referred to as thin pigs, to be born hairless. They are renowned for being incredibly loving and having smooth, hairless skin.
Where did skinny pigs originate?
The skinny pig is one that came about as a result of a genetic mutation in some Canadian laboratory back in 1978. They were used for scientific studies before being raised as pets.
Which health issues are frequently present in hairless guinea pigs?
These guinea pigs are more susceptible to many skin issues, such as sunburn, infections, and traumas, since they lack fur. Consistent grooming, proper housing, and skin condition monitoring may help avert these types of issues.