Dental disease is the most common welfare problem in pet rabbits. Understanding rabbit dental anatomy and prevention helps owners protect their companions from chronic pain.
Dental disease in rabbits causes chronic, often silent suffering because rabbits mask pain as a prey species survival mechanism. By the time owners notice symptoms, disease is often advanced. The primary preventable cause is inadequate hay consumption — rabbits fed mostly pellets or commercial mixes do not wear their teeth properly. Selective breeding of lop and dwarf breeds for flat faces has created structural dental problems that cannot be resolved through diet alone. Many rabbits require repeated dental procedures under anesthesia throughout their lives, with associated risks and costs. Choosing non-lop breeds and prioritizing hay dramatically reduces dental welfare risk.