Caring for rabbits
Healthy teeth are essential for a rabbit’s wellbeing. Rabbits’ teeth grow continuously throughout their lives, so regular checks are vital to prevent dental problems such as overgrowth, pain, difficulty eating and life-threatening infections.
Whether you’re a new rabbit owner or experienced with small pets, this guide will help you understand exactly how to check your rabbit’s teeth safely and what signs to look out for.
Why Checking Your Rabbit’s Teeth Is So Important
Rabbits are natural grazers, spending much of their day chewing fibre-rich plants. This constant chewing helps wear down their teeth. If their teeth don’t wear evenly, they can become overgrown or sharp, causing:
- Drooling or wet chin
- Reduced appetite
- Facial swelling
- Dropping food
- Weight loss
- Eye or nasal discharge
- Pain or changes in behaviour
Regular checks at home can help you spot problems early — but you should always consult a vet if you notice anything unusual.
How Often Should You Check Your Rabbit’s Teeth?
A quick dental checks every 1–2 weeks is ideal for most rabbits. Combine this with your usual grooming or health check routine. Your rabbit should also have a full dental examination by a vet at least once a year — or every 6 months if they’re a breed prone to dental issues, such as dwarfs or lops.
How to Check Your Rabbit’s Teeth at Home
Checking your rabbit’s teeth doesn’t need to be stressful. Follow these steps to keep the process safe for both of you.
1. Create a Calm Environment
Rabbits are sensitive to stress, so choose a quiet room and approach slowly. Allow your rabbit to relax, offering gentle strokes.
2. Position Your Rabbit Safely
Never flip your rabbit onto their back — this “trancing” position is extremely stressful and dangerous.
Instead:
- Sit on the floor
- Let your rabbit sit naturally between your legs
- Gently support their chest and hindquarters if needed
- Keep movements slow and reassuring
This allows you to check their mouth without causing fear.
3. Examine the Front Teeth (Incisors)
Start with the easiest part of the mouth to see.
- Gently lift the lips at the front
- Look at the top and bottom incisors
Healthy incisors should be:
- Straight and evenly aligned
- Smooth in appearance
- Ivory to off-white in colour
- Not too long or curved
Warning signs:
- Overgrown or curling teeth
- Yellowing or dark spots
- Breaks or cracks
- Misalignment (malocclusion)
If you notice any of these, schedule a vet appointment.
4. Look for Signs of Back Tooth Problems (Molars)
You won’t be able to see the back teeth easily without veterinary equipment, but you can spot symptoms that indicate a problem:
- Drooling
- Difficulty chewing
- Weight loss
- Eye discharge (often linked to molar roots)
- Grinding teeth loudly in pain
- Eating less hay
- Dropping food
If you notice any of these behavioural changes, your rabbit needs a vet check.
5. Watch Their Eating Habits
Eating behaviour is one of the clearest indicators of dental health.
Healthy rabbits will:
- Eat hay eagerly
- Chew regularly throughout the day
- Maintain a healthy weight
Dental problems may cause rabbits to:
- Stop eating hay
- Pick at food
- Drop pellets or vegetables
- Favour soft foods only
- Lose weight gradually
Changes in diet habits should always be taken seriously.
How to Prevent Dental Problems in Rabbits
Preventing dental issues is far better (and easier) than treating them.
1. Provide Unlimited High-Quality Hay
Hay is the number one tool for keeping rabbit teeth naturally worn down. Offering timothy hay, meadow hay or orchard grass encourages healthy chewing patterns.
2. Offer Fresh Greens Daily
Leafy greens promote natural chewing and help maintain hydration.
3. Avoid Sugary or Soft Diets
Muesli-style mixes, fruit-heavy diets or commercial treats can worsen dental issues.
4. Provide Safe Chewing Materials
- Willow sticks
- Apple wood
- Hay cubes
- Rabbit-safe wooden toys
Chewing keeps teeth in good shape and prevents boredom.
5. Regular Vet Check-Ups
Early identification can prevent painful complications.
When Should You See a Vet?
Contact your vet immediately if you notice:
- Sudden or severe drooling
- Refusal to eat
- Weight loss
- Swelling around the jaw or face
- Discharge from the eyes
- Teeth visibly misaligned or overgrown
- Any change in behaviour
Dental issues can deteriorate quickly in rabbits, so fast action is essential.
Conclusion: Keeping Your Rabbit’s Teeth Healthy
Checking your rabbit’s teeth regularly is a simple but vital part of their care routine. With gentle handling, a calm environment and lots of fibre-rich hay, you can help prevent painful dental diseases and keep your rabbit happy, active and healthy.
Always speak to your vet if anything looks or feels “not quite right” — early intervention is the key to long-term health.