How do I care for a shedding guinea pig, and how often should I brush?

Short answer: heavier shedding in spring and autumn is normal. Brush short-haired pigs once or twice a week and long-haired breeds daily to reduce swallowed hair.

1. Tools — a soft brush or rubber comb for short coats; wide- then fine-tooth combs for long coats.

2. Technique — brush with the hair, loosen tangles with fingers, never pull.

3. Trimming — keep rear and belly hair short on long-haired breeds to stay clean.

4. Diet — plenty of timothy hay provides abundant natural fibre, supporting normal gut motility and regular droppings.

5. When it is not normal shedding — bald patches, red skin, heavy flaking or constant scratching need an exotic-pet vet.