Internet Stunned By 'Lady Gaga' Guinea Pig With Impressive Beauty Regime

It's common knowledge that the world's most popular pets, cats and dogs, need regular brushing and grooming, but how about rodents?

Guinea pigs come in a wide range of colors and coats, but one of the most spectacular is the long-haired guinea pig. However, like Instagram star Chonkers, they do require the odd trim.

In a video posted by @macntoshi_, the multicolored, long-haired guinea pig can be seen with tufts growing out in all directions.

"Little Miss Chonkers grows out her hair like the gal is on double doze collagen – it was time for a trim to keep her looking fresh and clean," reads the caption.

According to the video: "It's haircut day, and she hates it."

As Chonkers munches on some lettuce, her owner trims her fringe to expose her eyes, as well as some longer strands, to avoid knotting.

All guinea pigs clean themselves, however, long-haired guinea pigs like Chonkers need a little extra care and grooming to keep them as healthy as possible.

When cleaning themselves, guinea pigs use a white liquid from their eyes and brush it through their fur with their paws, often standing on their hind legs while they do so, according to Kavee, a guinea pig care company.

"The truth is that if you allow your little one's mane to flow free, the result could be extremely matted, dirty, unkempt hair, which could, in turn, lead to some pretty nasty health issues for your pig," says Kavee. "These are the top reasons that caring for long-haired guinea pigs is important for their wellbeing."

Skin Infections

Guinea pigs with long hair can become extra dirty, especially in places that are harder to groom themselves, such as their rear ends, which can lead to painful skin infections. These can be hard to spot.

"If a guinea pig goes to the bathroom on their hair, it will leave it wet and dirty," explains Kavee. "When wet fur comes into direct contact with a guinea pig's skin, it can cause irritation and soreness, which may lead to nasty skin infections—a real problem for a guinea pig with long hair."

Fly Strike

Fly strike is a painful and potentially fatal condition that can occur in guinea pigs, usually in warmer weather, where flies lay their eggs in the fur of unkempt animals. When the eggs hatch the maggots eat the flesh of the guinea pigs which can lead to infections.

"That's why it's crucial to understand how important hygiene is for guinea pigs—and particularly for long hair guinea pigs, who are more vulnerable to fly strike if their fur is not properly cared for," according to Kavee.

To make sure you groom your guinea pig risk-free, Kavee recommend not trimming too close to their skin, "and always place the hair between your second and third fingers before you cut it. If your guinea pig's matted hair is very close to their skin, you may need to work on it over the course of a couple of grooming sessions."

Instagram users loved the video of Chonkers.

"Awww too cute as always so adorable," wrote one user.

"Oh my god she looks like Lady Gaga and I love her," commented another.

Newsweek has reached out to @mscntoshi_ via Instagram for comment.

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