Guinea pigs are cute little animals that are often kept as pets.
They can be very friendly and loving, but sometimes they do things that make you wonder what they are up to because it is so strange.
One of these things is eating your hair, be that the hair on your head or on your arm.
Whilst it might seem strange, it is also pretty normal.
They also munch on their own fur, as well as other guinea pigs’ hair.
It would appear that guinea pigs have a natural instinct for grooming themselves in order to remove dead skin cells and dirt from their fur.
This is why they eat your hair.
It’s not just one animal doing this either. Every species of guinea pig has been observed to do this at some point in its life.
In fact, it seems like every pet owner has had a story about their pet guinea pig eating their hair.
Let’s find out more about why they do it!
Why Is My Guinea Pig Eating My Hair?
The main reason why guinea pigs eat hair is because of the texture. It’s soft, easy to chew and it doesn’t hurt the mouth like bones do.
Also, the taste of hair is very similar to that of meat. So, when a guinea pig eats your hair, it may actually think it tastes good.
It’s important to note that if you notice that your guinea pig is chewing on your hair, it could mean there is something wrong with them.
If they are acting strangely, then it could be an indication that they are sick.
However, if you see that your pet is eating your hair, don’t worry too much.
Guineas are known to be playful and curious animals, so it is likely that they will stop once they realize what they are doing.
If you want to know more about how to prevent your guinea pig from eating your hair, read on.
How Do I Get Rid Of My Guinea Pig’S Hair-Eating Habit?
There are many ways to deal with this problem. The first thing you need to do is to keep your guinea pig away from your hair.
You should try to avoid having long hair around your guinea pig because they love to play with it.
You can also try to give your guinea pig a different type of food. For example, you can feed them chicken instead of pork.
Chicken is easier to digest than pork, which means that your guinea pig won’t feel hungry after eating it.
Another option is to use a guinea pig brush.
These brushes come in various sizes and shapes and are designed to help you groom your guinea pig.
You can also try using a guinea pig comb. This tool helps you to clean your guinea pig’s fur without damaging it.
Finally, you can also cut off the hair that is causing the issue. This way, your guinea pig won’t be able to reach it anymore.
What Happens If My Guinea Pig Keeps Eating My Hair?
When your guinea pig starts eating your hair, you should take action immediately. First, you should separate your guinea pig from your hair.
Then, you should make sure that your guinea pig isn’t getting into trouble.
If your guinea pig gets into trouble, they will not understand the situation and instead become afraid.
Always keep the mood positive – they have no idea that chewing your hair is wrong.
If your guinea pig is eating your hair and causing damage to itself, you should seek veterinary attention.
Your vet will be able to determine whether your guinea pig needs medical treatment or not.
If your guinea pig is healthy, then you should continue to monitor him/her closely.
Make sure that he/she is eating properly and that his/her coat is growing normally.
Is There Anything Else I Need To Know About Guinea Pigs And Hair?
Guinea pigs have a unique relationship with their coats. They enjoy playing with their hair and touching it.
However, it is important for you to understand that guinea pigs cannot grow new hair.
Therefore, as time goes by, their coats will start looking shabby.
Guinea pigs also tend to shed their coats every few weeks. When this happens, you shouldn’t panic.
Instead, you should just trim the hairs that are falling out.
In addition, you should never let your guinea pig sleep on your pillow.
Doing so could cause the skin under the pillow to dry out. As a result, your guinea pig may develop sores.
Can A Guinea Pig Digest Hair?
Yes, guinea pigs can digest hair. In fact, they are very good at it!
If you think that your guinea pig has eaten some of your hair, there is a chance that he/she is trying to get rid of the hair.
However, guinea pigs cannot eat all of your hair. Some of it will remain stuck inside their digestive system.
It is best to remove the hair that is still stuck inside your guinea pig’s mouth. Otherwise, it might block up his/her throat.
Is It Bad For A Guinea Pig To Eat Hair?
It is perfectly normal for a guinea pig to eat hair. However, if your guinea pig eats too much hair, it can lead to health issues.
For instance, when your guinea pig eats hair, it can cause anemia. Anemia occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells.
The lack of these cells leads to fatigue and other symptoms.
Another problem that can arise when your guinea pig consumes excessive amounts of hair is obesity.
Obesity is caused by consuming more calories than your body needs.
Final Words
The best way to ensure that your guinea pig doesn’t eat your hair is to provide him/her with a safe environment.
Keep your guinea pig away from your hair and make sure that he/she has enough space to move around freely.
Remember that you should always supervise your guinea pig when he/she is playing with your hair.
It is possible that he/she might accidentally swallow some of it.
Be aware that guinea pigs can get sick very easily. Therefore, you should contact your veterinarian if you notice any signs of illness.
