A–Z topic · D
Dental disease in rabbits
Quick answer
**Rabbit teeth never stop growing.** Without constant hay chewing, teeth overgrow into painful spikes — causing drooling, weight loss, and gut stasis. Feed **85%+ hay**, watch appetite daily, and see a rabbit-savvy vet for dental checks. Never clip teeth at home.
Key takeaways
- Rabbit teeth grow continuously throughout life. Without enough chewing — especially on hay — teeth wear unevenly, forming spikes that cut the mouth and prevent eating.
- Reduced appetite, dropping food, weight loss, wet chin (slobbers), eye discharge, runny nose, and fewer droppings. Rabbits hide pain — subtle appetite loss is often the first sign.
- No. Never clip rabbit teeth yourself — you can fracture teeth and cause fatal infection. Only a rabbit-savvy vet with proper equipment should perform dental work.
The full guide
Causes, symptoms, treatment options and when to call your vet — in the complete plain-English guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do rabbit teeth overgrow?
- Rabbit teeth grow continuously throughout life. Without enough chewing — especially on hay — teeth wear unevenly, forming spikes that cut the mouth and prevent eating.
- What are signs of dental disease in rabbits?
- Reduced appetite, dropping food, weight loss, wet chin (slobbers), eye discharge, runny nose, and fewer droppings. Rabbits hide pain — subtle appetite loss is often the first sign.
- Can overgrown rabbit teeth be trimmed at home?
- No. Never clip rabbit teeth yourself — you can fracture teeth and cause fatal infection. Only a rabbit-savvy vet with proper equipment should perform dental work.