Equine Welfare

Equine Dental Welfare: Recognition and Treatment

Dental problems are among the most common and underdiagnosed sources of chronic pain in horses, with regular dental care essential for welfare.

Key Facts

Horses continuously erupt teeth that require routine rasping to maintain correct occlusion
Dental pain in horses manifests as reluctance to eat, weight loss, and behavioral problems
Equine dental examinations should be performed annually at minimum
Power tools have improved the efficiency of equine dental work but require careful use
Undiagnosed dental pain is a common contributor to equine ridden behavior problems

Welfare Considerations

Equine dental welfare is frequently overlooked because horses are stoic and dental pain manifests in behavioral signs that may be misattributed. Regular dental examinations by qualified equine dental technicians or veterinarians should be regarded as essential welfare provision for all horses. Early identification and treatment of dental problems prevents chronic pain and associated welfare deterioration.

What You Can Do

Schedule annual dental examinations for all horses in your care
Consult a qualified equine dental technician or veterinarian for dental work
Monitor for behavioral signs of dental pain including reluctance to eat
Advocate for equine dental care to be included in equine welfare standards and regulations