How dental disease in guinea pigs causes significant suffering and what owners can do to prevent and manage these common problems.
Guinea pig dental disease causes significant chronic pain and, if untreated, death by starvation — one of the most welfare-compromising outcomes in companion animal care. The tragedy is that most dental disease in guinea pigs is preventable through appropriate diet. Unlimited hay provides the lateral grinding action that prevents cheek teeth overgrowth and malalignment, while the inadequate diets that many pet guinea pigs receive — pellets and commercial mix without adequate hay — deprive teeth of the abrasion they need. By the time dental disease becomes obvious, it is often advanced. Regular weight monitoring and prompt veterinary attention for any weight loss are the most important welfare interventions.