Dental disease is the most common health problem in pet rabbits and a major source of chronic pain and welfare compromise that is largely preventable through appropriate diet.
Rabbit dental welfare represents one of the most preventable welfare failures in companion animal care. Rabbits fed primarily pellets and vegetables without adequate hay develop dental disease at high rates because their continuously growing teeth require constant fibrous abrasion to wear evenly. Once malocclusion develops, it is a progressive and painful condition requiring repeated veterinary procedures. Prevention through an appropriate hay-based diet is far more effective and welfare-positive than management of established disease. Rabbit owners must understand that dental pain is easily missed as rabbits mask pain instinctively.