Dental disease causes significant welfare harm in guinea pigs and is closely linked to diet quality, with hay provision being the cornerstone of prevention.
Guinea pig dental welfare mirrors rabbit dental welfare in its dependence on appropriate diet and owner awareness. The continuous tooth growth that characterizes rodents and lagomorphs creates lifelong dependence on fibrous material for adequate dental wear. Commercial guinea pig diets, particularly those containing sweet or soft foods, fail to provide adequate wear. The chronic nature of malocclusion development means that by the time overt symptoms appear - reduced food intake, weight loss, drooling - the condition is often advanced. Regular body weight monitoring and annual veterinary dental assessment catch problems before welfare deteriorates severely. Hay-based diets prevent the majority of dental disease.