How to Prevent Malocclusion in Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs, or cavies, commonly suffer from Malocclusion--when guinea pigs' teeth become overgrown making it difficult for them to eat. Like a rat, or rabbit, guinea pigs teeth never stop growing. Read on to learn how to prevent Malocclusion so your guinea pig won't suffer from this painful problem.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vegetables rich in Vitamin C
• Timothy hay
• Items to gnaw on
• Vitamin supplements
• Proper veterinary care

Learn Proper Preventative Measures

1. Provide your guinea pig with food and water every day. According to veterinarians, a guinea pig should have about 1/4 cup pellets per day. The remainder of their diet should be a small salad of fresh vegetables and plenty of hay.

2. Choose the right type of hay. Since hay is essential for wearing down your guinea pigs teeth and providing the proper dietary fiber, it's important to choose the right kind. Although alfalfa is appropriate for young guinea pigs, be sure to switch to timothy hay, which is heartier. Gnawing timothy hay wears your guinea pigs teeth down to prevent Malocclusion.

3. Ensure your guinea pig has a variety of objects he can chew on. Pet stores sell different things like hay cubes, wood that doesn't have pesticides, and hard treats. Household items like cardboard toilet paper rolls (without any glue) are great toys. Put a brick in their cage. Not only will your guinea pig gnaw on it, but it will also wear their nails down.

4. Give your guinea pig Vitamin C. Although pellets at the pet store do have Vitamin C added, the potency is not usually strong enough, or it has lost its effectiveness on the shelf or from sunlight. Vitamin C prevents Scurvy, but also ensures the gums grow strong. Without it, back molars may begin to grow inward towards the tongue.

5. If your guinea pig stops eating or begins to act unusual seek veterinary care. If your guinea pig does suffer from Malocclusion, your veterinarian may have to trim back their teeth. If the back molars are affected, your guinea pig may need to have them filed back under anesthesia.

Tips & Warnings

• Feed your guinea pig green leafy vegetables that are rich in Vitamin C.
• Limit their intake of fruits and carrots because of high sugar content.
• Encourage play out of the cage, the activity will make them investigate and play more with toys designed for them to chew.
• If your guinea pig stops eating, or begins to act unusual seek veterinary care immediately. Guinea pigs are very fragile when sick.
• Never try and clip or file your guinea pigs teeth unless you are a trained professional.