Dental Disease in Dogs: A Major Welfare Issue

Periodontal disease is the most common disease of dogs, affecting the majority of adults and causing chronic pain that significantly compromises welfare.

Key Facts

Over 80% of dogs over three years show evidence of periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is linked to systemic organ damage including heart and kidney disease
Daily tooth brushing with dog-specific toothpaste is the gold standard for prevention
Dental chews and water additives provide supplementary but less effective plaque control
Signs of dental pain in dogs are subtle and frequently missed by owners

Welfare Considerations

Chronic dental pain in dogs causes constant low-grade suffering that owners rarely recognise because dogs adapt their eating behaviour rather than refusing food. Bacteria from diseased gums enter the bloodstream, causing systemic inflammation. The welfare cost of untreated periodontal disease over a dog's lifetime is substantial. Early prevention through daily tooth brushing, combined with regular professional dental assessment, represents the most effective intervention. Education about dental disease recognition helps owners identify and seek treatment for a condition that dramatically affects quality of life.

What You Can Do

Begin tooth brushing habituation with puppies and maintain daily brushing in adult dogs
Schedule annual dental assessments with your vet as part of routine health checks
Use VOHC-approved dental products as supplementary plaque control if brushing is not possible
Monitor eating behaviour and seek dental assessment if your dog shows changes in how they eat