Can I cut my guinea pig's teeth?

How Often Should a Guinea Pig's Teeth Be Trimmed? Well, the answer I want to give you (i.e., the "right" answer) is “never.” Because, if we are feeding the right diets and the right forages, we shouldn't honestly ever have to trim those teeth at all.

How do you shorten guinea pig teeth?

How often should you trim guinea pig teeth?

The pigs can eat fine without the incisors, but not without the molars! Guinea pigs with this disorder will likely need periodic tooth trimming every 6-8 weeks or so for the rest of their lives, although some can be kept under control with proper hay supplementation.

Do you need to file guinea pig teeth?

Overgrown teeth can also cause painful injuries to the mouth. Overgrown teeth are filed with specialised equipment. They should not be filed too short (just enough to avoid contact with lower gums or roof of mouth), otherwise your guinea pig will have problems picking up food.

How long should guinea pigs teeth be?

Checking Your Guinea Pig Has Healthy Teeth

Although not obvious to the untrained eye, your guinea pig has very long incisors. The top and bottom incisors can grow up to 1.5 centimetres long. Do not be alarmed if you catch a glimpse of these pearly whites in all their glory, it is completely normal.

Guinea Pig Tooth Trim with Carlito the Cuy

How do you know when guinea pigs teeth are too long?

If your guinea pig does not have gnaw/ chew adequately, their teeth will become overgrown. Teeth may cut into the gums and cause dental abscesses. Signs that your guinea pig is having tooth problems include lowered appetite and hence stools, mouth sensitivity, redness of the gums, and long teeth.

Should guinea pigs have a salt lick?

While guinea pigs absolutely need a diet specialized for their needs, a salt (or mineral) lick isn't needed. Actually, it's best to totally stay away from them. Lean on the good stuff to provide your cavy the nutrients needed to keep 'em in tip-top shape.

Do guinea pigs teeth fall out?

Guinea pig don't have baby teeth that fall out to give way for adult teeth. Instead, your guinea pig has a set of teeth in the front and a set along his cheeks that are always growing. While they're not supposed to fall out, if they do, they'll grow back.

How fast do guinea pig teeth grow?

While our human teeth stay the same size and shape throughout our adult lives, guinea pig teeth grow continually at a rate of 1–2 mm per week. The reason why the teeth must keep growing is that they get worn down by all the tough fibre in the diet. The teeth have to grow to make up, so they don't disappear!

What does teeth chattering in guinea pigs mean?

TEETH CHATTERING

And, it usually means that they are angry, unhappy or agitated at a certain situation. It's common for chattering to occur when you first introduce a guinea pig to another, especially in a cage.

What should a guinea pig's teeth look like?

It's important to note that guinea pigs' teeth should be white in color, rather than yellow like most rodents. Their teeth should not be overly long or curved, and they shouldn't be exhibiting any signs of pain or hesitation while they eat.

Why does my guinea pigs breath smell like fish?

Most of the time, bad breath is a result of periodontal disease- which is found in about 85% of all pets! As bacteria build up on the teeth and form plaque, the resulting smell can get very noticeable indeed. As untreated periodontal disease progresses, the smell only worsens.

Why do guinea pigs squeak?

Squeal: Some guinea pigs will squeal when they are experiencing potential pain or they need attention. It can sometimes be that another guinea pig is stealing his favorite spot to eat. Pay attention to your guinea pig if you hear a squeal because it could indicate that they need help from something hurting them.

Do guinea pigs cry?

So, although we wouldn't consider guinea pigs to cry 'emotional tears', like all mammals their eyes do produce physical tears. This is to keep their eye moist and clean.

Why does my guinea pig lick then bite me?

A guinea pig may nibble on your hand as a reaction to fear or uncertainty. By nibbling on you, he is basically conveying the message that something is wrong. Perhaps he doesn't like the way that you are stroking his back, and wants you to stop -- pronto.

Why do guinea pigs lick you?

If your guinea pig starts licking you, this could be a very good sign that he or she likes you. It's generally regarded as a very affectionate gesture. In the same way that they show affection through grooming one another, they could well be attempting to groom you to!

Does a guinea pig bite hurt?

Guinea pigs will not hurt you, and you should not be afraid to let it nibble on your finger to bond with you and to let you know when it needs to use the bathroom.

Are hay balls safe for guinea pigs?

Hay racks and hay balls restrict the access to fresh hay

It's the same principle with hay racks and hay balls. They may look neat, but they're restricting the ease of access to fresh hay, and you'll end up with guinea pigs not getting their much needed daily ration of hay because of that.

Can guinea pigs go in wheels?

Never Use Exercise Balls and Wheels

Exercise balls and wheels are deadly for guinea pigs. These activities may be appropriate for some pocket pets like rats, mice, gerbils, and hamsters, but they should never be used for guinea pigs.

What kind of toys can guinea pigs play with?

What Colours can guinea pigs see?

Unlike most rodents, guinea pigs -- also called cavies because of their scientific name, Cavia porcellus -- do see colors. They are not color-blind; they see most colors accurately. They also rely on their other senses, such as hearing and touch, which are more developed.