Companion Animal Welfare

Companion Rabbit Dental Disease Prevention

Dental disease is the most significant health problem in companion rabbits, with appropriate diet being the primary prevention strategy.

Key Facts

80% of rabbits over 3 years old show dental disease without dietary intervention
Rabbits require constant access to hay to wear teeth naturally through grinding
Pellet-heavy diets cause malocclusion by failing to provide sufficient dental wear
Root elongation causes ocular and nasal problems as overgrown roots press on skull structures
Dental disease requires general anaesthesia for treatment and is often progressive

Welfare Considerations

Rabbit dental disease causes chronic pain and secondary complications that profoundly affect quality of life. The condition is largely preventable through hay-based diet from early life. Owners who understand the importance of hay can prevent the most significant health problem in the species.

What You Can Do

Ensure your rabbit has unlimited access to good quality hay at all times
Limit pellets to a small daily amount - hay should be 80% of diet
Have your rabbit's teeth checked annually by a rabbit-specialist vet