Dental disease is one of the most common and serious health problems in guinea pigs - often unrecognised until advanced and causing significant chronic pain.
Dental disease in guinea pigs causes chronic, often severe pain that is frequently unrecognised by owners. Prey animals like guinea pigs hide signs of pain until seriously compromised. By the time weight loss or anorexia is obvious, significant dental pathology has usually developed. The most impactful prevention is ensuring hay constitutes the majority of diet - this maintains natural tooth wear. Regular veterinary check-ups with intraoral examination detect problems earlier. Rescue organisations see many guinea pigs surrendered with advanced dental disease from diet neglect.