Teeth - The teeth of a guinea pig are different from ours in that they have no nerves and they are always growing. If allowed to grow unchecked, they can actually prevent the cavy from eating so it's important to make sure he always has something to wear them down one. Some people like to use untreated wood blocks (you can get these at your pet store), but usually plenty of hay is enough to keep a cavy's teeth nice and trim. You can check the front ones by gently pulling aside the lips. The back ones are a bit more tricky, and you have to be brave to check them. Hook your finger through the side of the mouth until you feel the molars. If they feel nice and sharp, they are fine, if they feel smooth and curved then it's time for a vet trip. Most cavies hate having their back teeth checked and it's not very fun for the owner either. The good news is that you don't need to check them regularly; only when you have reason to worry, like if your cavy has stopped eating. If your cavy's teeth overgrow it can be dangerous as they can't eat so you'll need to take him to a vet to get them clipped.
Sometimes a cavy will break a front tooth, usually there's no reason to worry as it will grow back quickly. However if the tooth opposite it starts getting too long and he has trouble eating, then a vet trip to get it clipped is in order.
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Nails - A piggie's nails need to be clipped regularly to prevent them from getting long and twisted. Scissor style cat nail clippers work great for this. It's also a good idea to have a bottle of styptic powder (quick-stop) on hand to stop the bleeding if you accidentally cut the quick, which happens. Wrap up your piggie in a towel and lay him back, you may need someone to help you keep him still. A veggie will help to distract him while you clip his nails. With light colored nails, it's easy to see the quick and and know how far back to clip (always leave a few millimeters between the quick and the end of the nail.) With dark colored nails, it's best to play it safe and just clip off the ends. Hold your piggie's foot firmly while you're clipping as it may try to jerk it back.
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