Dental disease is the most common health problem in pet rabbits, causing chronic pain that is often invisible to owners and leading to significant welfare suffering.
Dental disease in rabbits represents a significant and widespread welfare problem that is largely preventable with correct husbandry. The foundation of prevention is providing unlimited access to hay, which provides the lateral grinding motion that keeps teeth worn. Many rabbit owners underestimate the importance of hay and overfeed nugget or muesli-type diets. Regular veterinary dental checks and prompt treatment of early malocclusion can prevent escalation to chronic suffering. Breeding reform to reduce the prevalence of skull shapes associated with dental problems is also needed.