Guinea pigs are amazing pets. Their personalities, curious nature and adorable looks make them a favorite among many pet owners.
However, they do have some unique characteristics that make them stand out from other animals in the animal kingdom. In this article we’re going to explore whether guinea pigs chew on dog toys or not and why they might do so.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Guinea pigs can chew on certain dog toys safely. |
| Opt for dog toys made from non-toxic materials. |
| Avoid toys with small parts that can be swallowed. |
| Supervise guinea pigs while they play with dog toys. |
| Consider alternative toy options specifically designed for guinea pigs. |
Because They Are Bored
Guinea pigs are generally very active animals and they need to have something to do. If you want your Guinea Pig (or any pet for that matter) to stay healthy, happy and well-behaved, it is important to provide them with toys.
Without toys, your guinea pig will be bored and could even get depressed which can lead to behavioral issues like chewing on furniture or other items around the house.
You should always choose safe toys for your Guinea Pig because there are many different types of materials that can hurt or even kill them if ingested.
Be sure that any toys made from wood or cardboard are safe for chewing by ensuring there aren’t any sharp edges left after construction as these could injure your pet’s mouth or throat if swallowed accidentally while playing with the toy.
When it comes to choosing toys for your guinea pigs, it’s essential to consider their safety and suitability. Check out our recommended list of best chew toys for dogs to find options that can also be enjoyed by your guinea pigs.
They Feel Stressed Or Anxious
Guinea pigs can develop stress-related illnesses and behaviors. Stressful situations that might cause your guinea pig to chew on items in its environment include:
- Fear or anxiety because of stressful events, such as being left alone for too long
- Feeling unsafe due to inadequate cage size or furniture
- Lack of playtime with humans
They Need To Replace Their Front Teeth
Another way that guinea pigs differ from dogs is in their teeth. Dogs have 42 teeth, guinea pigs only 28.
Guinea pig teeth are arranged differently than those of dogs and canines in general; they have three pairs of incisors (the top and bottom front teeth), one pair of canine teeth (the top and bottom long pointy ones) and two pairs of molars on each side at the back – one above and one below each tooth.
These last four make up what we call cheek teeth or premolars; they are used to grind food before it goes into the digestive system.
The good news here is that unlike humans who must replace all their lower set of molars every 7 years or so due to wear-and-tear, guinea pigs don’t need to do this since their molars don’t get worn down from eating (they use their premolar instead).
It’s important for your pet’s overall health though that he does occasionally grind his food with these upper cheek teeth as well so make sure there’s something soft like hay nearby when you offer treats or pellets!
Guinea pigs are curious creatures, and it’s important to be mindful of the materials used in their toys. Learn more about the stuffing materials commonly found in dog toys and their potential impact on guinea pigs’ safety by visiting our article on what kind of stuffing is in dog toys.
It’s Their Natural Instinct To Chew On Dog Toys
Guinea pigs are a prey animal, which means their natural instinct is to chew. Not only does this help keep their teeth ground down so they don’t grow too long, but it also helps them digest food.
Additionally, guinea pigs love to play and will chew on dog toys just as they would with other toys.
There Are No Toys In The Cage That They Can Play With
You may be asking why your guinea pig is chewing on a dog toy. Guinea pigs are animals that need to chew on objects in their cages, such as toys, hay and vegetables.
They have teeth that grow constantly so they will chew on anything in their cage to keep them from getting too long.
If there are no toys in the cage then they will chew on anything else that is available; this includes dog toys.
If you want to prevent this from happening then make sure there are plenty of toys for them to chew on and also make sure that you take out any dog toys before giving them access to your guinea pig’s cage
| Toy Type | Recommended Brands |
|---|---|
| Chew Toys | Oxbow Enriched Life Timothy Club, Kaytee Lava Ledge |
| Interactive Toys | Ware Manufacturing Willow Branch Ball, Niteangel Treat Ball |
| Tunnel and Hideout Toys | Kaytee Lava Ledge, Living World Guinea Pig Tent |
| Puzzle Toys | Niteangel Fun Tunnel, Kaytee Lava Ledge Puzzle Playground |
| Foraging Toys | Kaytee Lava Ledge Feeder, Ware Manufacturing Willow Barbell |
| Hanging Toys | Oxbow Enriched Life Mobile, Kaytee Carousel Chew Toy |
They Have Not Been Given Proper Nutrition And Minerals
Guinea pigs need a balanced diet and adequate chewing time to keep their teeth healthy. They also need to chew on things that are non-toxic, because if they eat something poisonous, it could poison them.
Guinea pigs can also get sick if they chew on harmful items such as plastic bags or pieces of wire.
It’s important to make sure your guinea pig has a large enough cage so that it can move around freely and have plenty of space for its toys and activities (such as digging).
Also keep in mind that guinea pigs like to climb and jump so consider adding some branches or other high places for your pet to be able to explore safely.
If your guinea pig shares a space with a dog, it’s crucial to manage toy-related behaviors effectively. Discover practical tips on how to prevent your puppy from guarding toys and promote a harmonious environment for both your dog and guinea pig by reading our guide on stopping puppies from guarding toys.
The Cage Is Too Small
First, you should be aware that cages that are too small can cause stress and anxiety. Guinea pigs have a natural desire to burrow, so they’ll need a big enough cage to do so.
If the cage is too small, they can become stressed out by being confined in one area for too long without enough space to move around freely.
Another issue is dental malocclusion—the misalignment of the teeth due to incorrect chewing or gnawing habits.
A guinea pig’s upper incisors should be worn down naturally by chewing on things like hay throughout their lives; however if the guinea pig isn’t given access to hay or other acceptable chew toys in its cage, it may resort to chewing on other things such as blankets or even their own paws!
This can lead to dental issues such as overgrowth (when the lower teeth grow into the upper ones) which will need treatment from your veterinarian before it becomes serious enough for oral surgery.
Teething Issues
Guinea pigs have a different diet than dogs, so they don’t need to chew on things as much. However, if your guinea pig is a teether or has some other reason to be chewing on things like dog toys, you should make sure that the materials are safe for them.
The main thing you need to keep in mind when buying toys for guinea pigs is whether or not their teeth are coming in properly.
This can be difficult because the mouth of a young guinea pig looks very similar to that of an adult one—they’re both full of long teeth!
However, if you look closely at the top two incisors (the ones closest to each other), you’ll see that they’re much longer than the rest of their baby teeth and stick out past their lips while they grow into permanent ones later on.
If these look like permanent adult incisors already then it’s safe for your pet to chew whatever toys you give them—if not then it might cause damage!
| Teething Issue | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Irritated gums and discomfort | Provide teething toys, such as Nuby Teethe-eez, to soothe gums. |
| Excessive drooling | Use bibs or aden + anais muslin bibs to manage drooling. |
| Chewing on objects | Offer chilled teethers like Sophie la girafe for pain relief. |
| Sleep disturbances | Use swaddles or sleep sacks from Halo Sleepsack for comfort. |
| Reduced appetite | Opt for soft and soothing foods like Plum Organics baby food. |
| Mild fever | Monitor temperature using Braun ThermoScan and consult a pediatrician if necessary. |
| Irritability and fussiness | Provide comfort with MAM pacifiers or other trusted pacifier brands. |
| Gum swelling | Gently massage gums using a clean finger or silicone gum massager. |
Health-Related Problems
If you discover that your guinea pig has been chewing on dog toys, it could be a sign of health problems.
One of the most common symptoms of dental malocclusion in guinea pigs is eating less, drooling and weight loss.
If you notice these symptoms in your pet, it’s important to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible so that they can help you determine the cause and get any necessary treatment started right away.
Ensuring the safety of your guinea pigs is paramount, especially if you have dogs in the same household. Explore effective strategies for preventing dogs from eating cat toys, which can be adapted to safeguard your guinea pig’s toys too. Find out more in our article on stopping dogs from eating cat toys.
Improper Dental Care
Improper dental care is a common cause of dental malocclusion in guinea pigs. Guinea pigs need to chew on dog toys to keep their teeth healthy, but if they aren’t provided with the proper diet and minerals, their teeth can become damaged or overgrown.
A lack of calcium, vitamin D and minerals can lead to poor dental health that may result in weight loss, tooth pain and infection from bacteria around the mouth.
If your guinea pig seems to be chewing on his or her fur excessively or has a problem opening his/her mouth wide enough for you to see inside the mouth (known as an abnormal jaw alignment), then it’s important that you take him/her to a veterinarian for an examination immediately!
| Mistake | Tips |
|---|---|
| Not brushing teeth regularly | Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Use fluoridated toothpaste. |
| Neglecting flossing | Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between teeth. |
| Avoiding regular dental check-ups | Schedule dental check-ups every six months for professional cleaning and early detection of dental issues. |
| Ignoring signs of dental problems | Pay attention to toothaches, sensitivity, gum bleeding, and bad breath. Seek dental care promptly. |
| Neglecting a balanced diet for dental health | Consume a balanced diet with limited sugary and acidic foods. Drink plenty of water. |
| Skipping dental care for children | Teach children proper oral hygiene habits and ensure regular dental check-ups. |
| Using improper toothbrushing technique | Use gentle, circular motions to brush all surfaces of your teeth. Avoid brushing too aggressively. |
| Overlooking the importance of tongue cleaning | Clean your tongue daily with a tongue scraper or toothbrush to remove bacteria and freshen breath. |
Dental Malocclusion
Guinea pigs often have dental malocclusion, which means the teeth don’t fit together properly. This can lead to overgrowth of the upper and lower incisors, or they may develop improperly in the first place.
In addition to causing discomfort and pain in your guinea pig, it’s also not great for their overall health. If you’re concerned about your pet’s dental health, visit an animal dentist or vet immediately!
If you’re looking for creative and safe alternatives to store-bought dog toys, our guide on making safe homemade dog toys has got you covered. Discover DIY ideas that will keep your pup entertained and safe.
Conclusion
Guinea pigs have a natural urge to chew on dog toys. This is because it helps them to relieve stress, anxiety and boredom.
They also need to replace their front teeth by chewing on things like dog toys. When they are not given proper nutrition or minerals, it leads to health issues like dental malocclusion which can affect the rest of their lives if not treated properly.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on guinea pig toys:
What Toys Do Guinea Pigs Like to Play With?: Explore a comprehensive guide that provides insights into the types of toys that guinea pigs enjoy and how to keep them entertained.
Best Guinea Pig Toys: Discover a curated list of the best toys for guinea pigs, including interactive toys, chew toys, and hiding spots, to enrich their environment.
What Can Guinea Pigs Chew?: Learn about the suitable materials and items that guinea pigs can safely chew on to promote dental health and satisfy their natural chewing instincts.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about guinea pig toys:
What are the best types of toys for guinea pigs?
Guinea pigs enjoy a variety of toys, including tunnels, chew toys, puzzle toys, and hideouts. Providing a mix of these toys can keep them mentally stimulated and entertained.
Can guinea pigs play with cat toys?
While some cat toys can be safe for guinea pigs, it’s important to ensure they are free of small parts, strings, or potential hazards. Always supervise your guinea pig when introducing them to cat toys.
How often should I rotate my guinea pig’s toys?
It’s a good idea to rotate your guinea pig’s toys regularly to maintain their interest and prevent boredom. Switching out toys every few days or weekly can help keep them engaged and entertained.
Are there any DIY toy ideas for guinea pigs?
Yes, there are plenty of DIY toy ideas for guinea pigs. Some simple options include creating tunnels out of cardboard boxes, making chew toys from untreated wood, or providing paper bags for hiding and exploring.
How do I know if a toy is safe for my guinea pig?
Ensure that the toy is made from safe, non-toxic materials and does not have small parts that can be swallowed. Avoid toys with sharp edges or loose pieces. Additionally, always supervise your guinea pig while they play with new toys to ensure their safety.
I’m Dr. Hellen James, a professional veterinarian with a deep interest in the ways that litter size affects the health of animals. I’ve spent years studying this subject and performing research on reproduction in many different kinds of creatures.
