Companion Animal Welfare

Rabbit Dental Disease Prevention Advanced

Dental disease is the most common cause of suffering in pet rabbits, and prevention through appropriate diet and husbandry is highly effective.

Key Facts

Rabbits' teeth grow continuously throughout life and require constant wear
Hay should constitute 80%+ of the diet to provide appropriate dental attrition
Molar spurs develop when hay consumption is insufficient causing painful cheek ulceration
Dental problems cause cascade effects including gut stasis through reduced food intake
Dental abscesses in rabbits are difficult to treat and have poor long-term prognosis

Welfare Considerations

Dental disease causes chronic oral pain in rabbits who cannot communicate this to owners. Most cases are preventable through correct diet. The provision of unlimited grass hay is the single most important welfare intervention for companion rabbits.

What You Can Do

Provide unlimited grass hay as the majority of your rabbit's diet
Minimize pellet quantity to ensure hay remains the primary dietary component
Schedule annual dental checks and seek veterinary attention for any reduction in appetite