Scared Piggy

Question
Hi! I'm Tory, 12. My guinea pig, Elvis doesn't like people touching his face at all. That means I can't check his teeth or anything. Whenever I try to open his mouth (the proper way) he yanks as hard as he can and tries to bite. His brother/cage mate, Happy has no problem, though. One time he was sick, and I had to squirt medicine into his mouth for a month (he was okay with that) about 2 years ago. Could that be the problem? I really don't want him to be scared! Please help!

Answer
Tory --

Some animals just seem to have a different personality than others when it comes to where they like to be touched.  For example, people may be ticklish, but not necessarily in the same places.  Guinea pigs are the same way.  What you'll have to do is just be gentle and patient and keep trying.  Every time you do manage to sucessfully open his mouth, maybe you could provide him with a small treat to make his life a little better.

Hope this is helpful.  If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact me again.  Good luck!

Lorena