Rabbit dental care – how to look after bunny teeth
Dental care is an essential part of our daily lives but, while we are all used to brushing and flossing our own pearly whites, tooth care for our bunnies needs special consideration. PDSA vet nurse Nina Downing said good dental care is essential for all pets but rabbits need special attention when it comes to caring for their teeth.
“Our bouncing bunnies can be prone to painful dental issues, sadly made worse in many cases by selective breeding and not feeding enough hay. Rabbits need hay – it is the most important part of their diet. Not only is it well-balanced and full of fibre, it’s really important for keeping rabbit teeth healthy – a poor diet can contribute to dental disease in bunnies.
“Unlike human teeth, theirs grow constantly throughout their life, so they need to spend a lot of time nibbling and chewing to wear them down. If your rabbits’ teeth don’t get constant wear through grazing, they’ll start to overgrow.
“So it’s vital you keep your rabbit supplied with plenty of good quality feeding hay. We’re working with Burgess Pet Care to promote the welfare needs of rabbits and small animals, and recommend feeding Burgess Excel Feeding Hay with Dandelion and Marigold, while also allowing them to graze on growing grass in their run.
“You can also give them fresh vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli and bell peppers, along with just one tablespoon of rabbit nuggets per day, two if they’re a large breed.”
It’s not always easy to examine your rabbits’ mouths – in most cases, we can only see front teeth. If they are overgrown or growing in a strange direction, it’s likely that the teeth further back are also growing oddly and will be causing problems and pain. Have your rabbits’ teeth routinely checked by your vet a few times a year.
“Rabbits instinctively hide pain and discomfort, so unfortunately dental disease can often go unnoticed for a long time. Early warning signs that your bunny may be suffering include dropping food while they’re eating, drooling or being wet around the mouth.
“You may also notice weight loss, teeth grinding, a bumpy jawline, reduced appetite, diarrhoea, a change in behaviour or a build-up of caecotrophs (sticky poos) around their bottom.
“Rabbits that have been bred to have a flatter face shape with a shorter nose and jaw have less space in the mouth, so the teeth become misaligned, preventing them from being worn down when chewing.”
PDSA is the UK’s largest vet charity helping pets across UK whose owners struggle to afford treatment costs. Support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery helps us reach even more pet owners with vital advice and information. Visit www.pdsa. org.uk website. (photos: Quench Studios).