Dental disease is the most common serious health problem in pet guinea pigs and is almost entirely preventable through appropriate diet; awareness of this condition can prevent enormous amounts of suffering.
Guinea pig dental disease develops silently — affected animals continue attempting to eat but progressively lose body condition as molar spurs prevent proper chewing. By the time obvious weight loss is apparent, the condition may be advanced. The entirely preventable nature of most dental disease through hay-based diets means that education of guinea pig owners is the most impactful welfare intervention for this species.