Why does my guinea pig chew its nails??

Question

Ever scence she was born i have always rememberd my guinea pig biting its nails! Even after I clip them she continues to want to bite them off! Is this somthing i should be worried about? I feed her daily so it cant be of starvation. I just dont know if this is somthing she just enjoys doing or if there is somthing that is hurting her thats making her want to chew on her nails?

Answer 1

Guinea Pigs, dogs, cats, even hamster chew theyre nails. they sometimes do it because of a nervous/ excited habit, but, most of the time its to self groom thelmselves. your little piggy knows when her nails are getting long and is takin' care of business herself. sometimes adding more litter to her pen helps take the tension off thoes toe nails, but, other then that its hard to get them out of that habit.

as long as you dont notice any other problems shes probably fine! - good luck

Answer 2

There could be any number of reasons why she's chewing on her nails, and without any other clues, the best we could offer is speculation...which other people above me have given.

As long as she isn't damaging the toe, there shouldn't be anything to worry about. Do try to keep an eye out to see how close she's coming to the quick; you don't want her to inadvertantly cause herself pain.

If she breaks the quick regularly, take her to a vet specializing in small rodents. Even if he can't figure out the problem immediately, he can teach you how to properly wrap her foot to prevent serious damage while the ultimate cause is investigated.

One idea that might reduce her "need" to chew on her nails is to buy a few bricks (you can get them at a garden or hardware store for less than $1 each) and place them around the cage, especially right under the water bottle. As she walks across or stands on them, she'll naturally wear down her nails a bit...which also saves you on trimming time a little bit as a bonus. Plus, with the summer ahead of us, you can pour cold water over the bricks to give her a nice, cool pad to relax on/against when the days get really hot.

Answer 3

First, try to see if the guinea pig will chew on other things. You could get it some chew sticks, cardboard, or some treats. Maybe that will keep the pig from chewing its nails.

If it has been chewing its nails since birth, the chewing is probaly just a habit. And if the guinea pig isn't bleeding, I don't think it's anything major to worry about.

Answer 4

Yes, sometimes they do chew their nails. This really isn't anything to worry about, but I'd see if you weren't clipping them short enough. Its possible she thinks they're still too long. Visit this site for good nail clipping info: http://www.guinealynx.info/nails.html

Also see that she has plenty of fresh Timothy hay available to keep her teeth worn down.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Omg hopefully it isn't toxic!! Hurry please to give him tons of fresh water!! Dont try to induce vomiting!! If she/he isn't going to drink call up a vet .. Ill pray for your guinea pig and best wishes :/

Answer 6

my piggy does this occasionally too-- but the vet checked him and said that he was as happy as could be. piggies have a constant need to chew and grind down their teeth on something, so maybe thats it. but the most likely possiblilty is that SHE IS BORED.

Answer 7

Maybe he/she polish his/her nail .
Or Maybe he just like to bite it because he/she just hate their nail or maybe hate u..
HoW Do I soppose to know ask the guinea pig ..

ps:i dont have a guinea pig neiter my friend or my family . i just guessing

Answer 8

I don't know. My boyfriend does that too. If you figure anything out, let me know.....lol.....

Answer 9

because it is like me daddy and wants shorter nails.and she probably wants be probably wants to be pregnated.