Dental disease is the most common serious health problem in pet rabbits and is largely preventable through appropriate diet and early detection.
Rabbit dental disease represents an enormous, largely preventable welfare burden in the companion rabbit population. The combination of rabbits hiding pain, owners not recognizing behavioral change, and veterinarians without rabbit dental training means that many rabbits live for extended periods with untreated dental disease causing chronic oral pain. The solution is primarily dietary: unlimited high-quality hay provides the fiber and lateral chewing motion that maintains proper tooth wear. But once dental disease is established, ongoing veterinary management including periodic dental procedures under anesthesia is required. Breed selection also matters — extreme dwarf and lop conformations have inherent dental risks that prospective owners should understand before acquiring.