6 Health

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Operating within normal parameters:

• Healthy, normal looking hair and skin
• Some modest amount of shedding is considered normal

CAUTION:

• Dandruff
• Excessive hair loss (possible in patches, or general hair loss): Combined with excessive itching could indicate guinea pig mites (parasites which are extremely common and very painful, but treatment is easy. Owner should treat mites as soon as possible.)
• Lumps
• Scabs
• Dry flaky skin
• Scratches
• Sores
• Rough or puffed-up coat: Possible upper respiratory infection.
• Swollen abdomen: Bloat (intestinal blockage and/or a dangerous build-up of gas, painful and potentially fatal).

! NOTE: It is recommended to also check under the guinea pig undersides and under the chin.