Dry skin can be a concern for many hairless animals, and hairless guinea pigs are no exception. But why is this the case and what can we do about it?
The Why's
No Fur
Unlike their furry counterparts, skinny pigs lack the protective layer of fur that protects their skin from environmental factors making it more vulnerable to drying out.
Fewer Sebaceous Glands
Skinny pigs also have fewer sebaceous glands, which produce natural oils that help keep the skin moisturized. With fewer of these glands, their skin can struggle to maintain its moisture balance.
Thin Skin
Skinny pigs have relatively thin skin, making it easier for moisture to evaporate and for external irritants to penetrate, potentially causing dryness and irritation.
Temperature Sensitivity
They are sensitive to temperature changes and overexposure to extreme temperatures on either end of the scale can lead to skin problems, especially dryness.
What Can You Do?
1. Proper Nutrition
A balanced diet with sufficient nutrients, most especially Vitamin C, is essential to maintain healthy skin. However, the catch is that skinny pigs are unable to synthesize this themselves and therefore rely completely on dietary sources for adequate intake. Fresh bell peppers, parsley, and leafy greens are great sources of Vitamin C and should be given to your skinny pig daily, and it is a good idea to give a daily vitamin C treat as well.
2. Supplements
Additionally, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in their diet (found in hemp seed and flaxseed oils) can promote healthy skin. You can offer 1/8th teaspoon daily to start to see if it helps and increase slowly to no more than 1/2 teaspoon daily if you see good results.
3. Humidity Control
Hairless guinea pigs are more sensitive to their environment. Maintaining a balanced humidity level in the skinny pig's environment can help prevent dry skin. Avoiding overly dry conditions and using a humidifier during dry seasons is highly recommended.
4. Bathing Frequency
Bathing your skinny pig too often can strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to dryness. Be certain to bathe only in lukewarm water and be certain to experiment to find the best bathing schedule for your particular piggie; some do best with a bath once per week, others every 2 weeks, and others even less frequently. The RenewedPet Skinny Pig Grooming Kit is a good place to start as it contains everything you need for bath day and your piggies general grooming needs.
5. Hydration
Ensure your skinny pig always has access to fresh, clean water. The more water your piggy drinks, the better hydrated their skin will be. Natural spring water is the best option if you can afford it.
6. ReNewedPet Products
Our sensitive shampoo and conditioner combo is specially formulated for pets with sensitive, dry, or rash-prone skin who need more oil and less soap to moisturize their skin. These products are designed to produce the best results when used together. If you've used this combo, followed the instructions given carefully and there are still some residual stubborn dry spots that just won't clear up, you can use the RenewedPet healing salve for targeted relief.
If you follow these tips you'll say goodbye to dry skin issues for good and hello to velvety soft skinny pig snuggles.
Keep giving your pets the best of natural life!
~PetCoachApril
April Arguin A.S., C.P.N., M.P.H
