Dental disease is the most significant welfare challenge in guinea pigs, with malocclusion causing prolonged suffering that is frequently detected late.
Guinea pig dental welfare is a serious and widespread problem that is chronically late-detected. The most dangerous form — molar malocclusion — occurs entirely out of sight at the back of the mouth, and guinea pigs continue attempting to eat despite significant pain. The welfare solution is prevention through unlimited hay provision, which provides the grinding action that maintains molar occlusion, and early detection through monthly weight monitoring that catches disease before clinical signs are obvious. A guinea pig losing weight for no apparent reason should have dental examination under anesthesia with radiographic assessment as a priority.