Dental disease - particularly molar and premolar overgrowth - is a leading cause of welfare problems and death in companion guinea pigs, often going undetected until advanced stages.
Guinea pig dental disease causes severe welfare harm that is frequently invisible until animals are critically ill. The prevention strategy is straightforward - unlimited hay provision and annual veterinary dental examinations - but many guinea pig owners are unaware of these requirements or feed pellet-heavy diets that inadequately wear molar teeth. Early detection through scheduled dental radiography can address developing malocclusion before it becomes a welfare emergency.