Here we look at how to keep your guinea pig’s teeth in good shape, what to feed them and what checks you should be carrying out.
When it comes to caring for your guinea pigs, it’s especially important to look after their teeth. Some guinea pigs can be more prone to dental problems than others.
Feeding your guinea pigs the right diet is the best way of ensuring good dental health. Their diet should be made up of 85% hay. This should be a pile of hay the same size of them and they should eat this daily. Not only will this keep them in good health, it’s also great for helping to keep their teeth in good shape.
Guinea pigs should not be fed muesli mixes as they are high in sugar and can lead to dental problems. Instead, switch to feeding your guinea pigs an egg cup of pellets each per day. Providing them with fresh forage including apple and willow twigs, and giving them opportunities to graze on grass, will also help keep their teeth healthy.
When giving your guinea pigs their weekly health check, take a good look at their front teeth or incisors. You’ll see two teeth at the top and two at the bottom – they should be white and smooth and clearly wearing against each other.
If your piggy is missing a tooth, notice that one or more are a lot longer, or they’re wearing down at an angle, contact your guinea pig friendly vet.
Health checking your guinea pigs is the best way to ensure they’re in tip top condition. Guinea pigs can be very good at hiding any health issues until they are really suffering! Here are some things to look out for and how to health check your guinea pigs.
Read more about 'Your guinea pigs’ health: what to look out for'
Our Outreach team make a huge difference to pets and people in the community. Whether it’s responding to calls for urgent help, delivering vital supplies to pet owners, visiting communities and providing health and wellbeing checks, or offering practical advice, the team are always on hand to help.
Read more about 'Meet Woodgreen’s Outreach team'