The guinea pig, also known as guinea pig or guinea pig, is native to the Andean countries. This medium-sized animal has become a very popular pet in Europe. Therefore, it causes curiosity from its origin to the care required by the skin of the guinea pig.
The guinea pig Cavia porcellus
The scientific name of this species is Cavia porcellus. Its etymology comes from Caviá which, in turn, derives from the indigenous language of Brazil, sawiya / I knew, whose meaning is ‘rat family’.
On the other hand, ‘porcellus‘ It comes from the Latin porcus (pork) and ellus, diminutive that responds to ‘pig’. It refers to its small and plump size.
This species of rodent mammal It comes from South America, particularly from the Andes Mountains of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. He has developed an important relationship with the pre-Inca people, since it was a source of food with a high protein level. In addition, it appears in different traditions that come to the present.
This diurnal, terrestrial and gregarious mammal arrived in the Iberian Peninsula approximately 400 years ago. The life expectancy of this medium-sized species is four to five years.
Guinea pigs have different shades and coat sizes. It has been shown that guinea pig hair has characteristics very similar to that of human beings. For this reason, It is used as an experimental animal to test dyes and other hair products by pharmaceutical companies.
Another curious fact about these animals is that there are associations throughout the world that make exhibitions. Each club can create its own regulations for competitions.
Cuy skin care
Guinea pigs have different hair lengths, so care varies slightly depending on the type of guinea pig. Specific, the species C. porcellus It is subdivided into short hair guinea pig, long hair guinea pig or hairless guinea pig. Below are the different cares that can be followed to care for the skin of the guinea pig.
Regular brushing
Short hair guinea pigs require a brush that does not have to be large: a new toothbrush can be used. They have special glands on the back, which generate an oily substance; To remove it, it can be cleaned with water and a degreasing preparation.
Brushing removes those loose hairs that can be swallowed. In this way, future problems are avoided, since these animals are not able to expel them.
With respect to long hair guinea pigs, their fur demands extra care. You should brush regularly, with brushes or hard combs to be able to eliminate from food remains to dead fur.
Brushing has to be done from the middle of the body to the head area. Also, you also have to brush from the middle of the body towards the back.
With regard to the variety of hairless guinea pig, this animal will not require brushing. Its name is due to the presence of hair only on the snout and legs.
It is not advisable to bathe them
Guinea pigs are quite clean animals that take care of their personal cleanliness. For this reason, it is not necessary or advisable to bathe the guinea pig. In the event that it should be washed for whatever reason, the following must be taken into account:
- The container must contain warm water in a small quantity.
- Carefully soak the guinea pig in the water.
- Gently rub the fur with a mild shampoo recommended for pets. Always avoid sensitive areas, such as the eyes.
- Rinse with plenty of warm water.
- Finally, dry the guinea pig carefully with a warm towel. Make sure your skin has dried completely.
In the case of the hairless guinea pig, you can soak a cloth in warm water and bathe it gently. Care must be taken to keep the animal at a specific ambient temperature, between 20 and 22 ° C.
Parasites
Guinea pigs are very sensitive animals that can be attacked by parasites such as mites or lice. Among the most common symptoms caused by these parasites is peeling, alopecia or scabs.
To avoid it, It is recommended to check the skin of the guinea pig and strange behaviors such as scratching or rubbing against objects. It is also possible that they suffer pests. Therefore, it is recommended to visit the veterinarian every half year.
Cut the nails
Guinea pigs that live in freedom wear their nails when digging and walking the earth. Domestic guinea pigs do not use their nails, so it is necessary to cut them with a special nail clipper To avoid problems in the animal.
Thus, it prevents the nails from bending or malformations, which would cause pain in the animal. Therefore, it is recommended to cut your nails once a month.
This small animal has a very varied coat and is very relevant in the culture of the countries of South America. Therefore, it is always appropriate to expand knowledge, including the care that guinea pig skin requires.
To have these rodents at home, the ideal is that we have adequate space and a companion, among other things … How to care for a guinea pig? Read more “