Dental disease is the most common health problem in pet rabbits, causing chronic pain and often shortened lives. Correct diet and early detection are essential for prevention.
Dental disease in rabbits causes chronic, often severe pain that profoundly impacts quality of life. Because rabbits are prey animals that conceal pain, owners and even veterinarians may miss early signs. The primary cause is dietary: pellet-heavy or hay-deficient diets fail to provide sufficient wear on continuously growing molars, leading to spurs, abscesses, and overgrowth. Many dwarf and lop breeds have genetic jaw conformations that predispose them to problems regardless of diet. Regular dental checks by rabbit-savvy vets, unlimited hay access, and monitoring eating habits are the cornerstones of prevention. Treating dental disease often requires repeated veterinary procedures under anesthesia.