Ripped Nail + Nail Biting

[A Guinea Pig]

Recently, it was brought to my attention that nail biting can be a problem in guinea pigs. Having just heard about this, I am wondering how concerned I should be. My oldest girl is 3 years old and has been doing it all her life. The habit will happen no matter what. Same for all cages, mates, toys, and food. However, her front nails are the tiniest things! They look the same as a younger guinea pig with the same sharpness. I can never cut them since they are always so short. Her back nails usually get really pointy and get trimmed as often as the other pigs need it.

Last thing! Pretty sure her nail had ripped and is now healing. Thought I would add a picture for good measure. Did this happen because of her nail chewing or just normal guinea pig stuff?

Thank you

 

[Wiebke]

Recently, it was brought to my attention that nail biting can be a problem in guinea pigs. Having just heard about this, I am wondering how concerned I should be. My oldest girl is 3 years old and has been doing it all her life. The habit will happen no matter what. Same for all cages, mates, toys, and food. However, her front nails are the tiniest things! They look the same as a younger guinea pig with the same sharpness. I can never cut them since they are always so short. Her back nails usually get really pointy and get trimmed as often as the other pigs need it.

Last thing! Pretty sure her nail had ripped and is now healing. Thought I would add a picture for good measure. Did this happen because of her nail chewing or just normal guinea pig stuff?

Thank you

Hi

As long as there are never any signs of infection or any damage to the nails and toes, it can be just a nervous habit in your case. You can bring it up with your vet the next time you have her seen. The nails do not look deformed or damaged to me.

Some piggies do chew down some nails that are too long and that are impeding them; especially at the front. They can also bite a back foot nail into a sharp tip for more effective scratching. Yours just seems to have taken his habit up another level.

A minor tear in a nail will usually just grow out without damaging the quick and the nail bed.

 

[A Guinea Pig]

Hi

As long as there are never any signs of infection or any damage to the nails and toes, it can be just a nervous habit in your case. You can bring it up with your vet the next time you have her seen. The nails do not look deformed or damaged to me.

Some piggies do chew down some nails that are too long and that are impeding them; especially at the front. They can also bite a back foot nail into a sharp tip for more effective scratching. Yours just seems to have taken his habit up another level.

A minor tear in a nail will usually just grow out without damaging the quick and the nail bed.

Thank you so much for the information!