Companion Animal Welfare

Rabbit Dental Disease and Prevention

Dental disease is the most common health problem in pet rabbits, causing chronic pain and often going undetected until advanced.

Key Facts

Rabbits' teeth grow continuously and require constant wear from fibrous food
Hay should comprise 85-90% of the diet to ensure adequate dental wear
Molar spurs and malocclusion cause mouth pain, weight loss, and anorexia
Dental disease is often genetic in pedigree breeds with foreshortened faces
Annual veterinary dental checks with x-ray are recommended for all pet rabbits

Welfare Considerations

Dental disease in rabbits is largely preventable through appropriate diet and is frequently caused by well-meaning but misinformed feeding practices. Education, prevention, and early detection are essential welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Provide unlimited grass hay as the primary diet for your rabbit
Schedule annual dental checks including imaging with a rabbit-savvy vet
Avoid feeding excessive pellets, fruit, or vegetables that reduce hay consumption