Dental disease is the most significant health and welfare problem affecting pet rabbits. Understanding rabbit dental anatomy and providing appropriate diet can prevent significant suffering.
Rabbit dental disease is a welfare crisis largely driven by inappropriate diet and selective breeding for extreme skull shapes. The most important preventive measure is providing unlimited hay, which naturally wears teeth and maintains gut motility. Pellets should be limited; fresh leafy greens supplement nutrition without replacing hay. Breeds with very flat faces (like Netherland Dwarfs and Lionheads) have compressed jaw anatomy that predisposes them to dental problems regardless of diet. Once dental disease develops, rabbits require regular veterinary dental procedures under anesthesia — a significant welfare and financial burden. Welfare-conscious breeding practices and informed purchasing decisions can reduce incidence over time.