Companion Animal Welfare

Dental Disease in Companion Dogs

Dental disease affects over 80% of dogs over three years old and is a significant but often overlooked source of chronic pain and reduced quality of life.

Key Facts

Periodontal disease is the most common disease diagnosed in dogs
Signs include bad breath, reluctance to eat hard food, facial swellings and tooth loss
Many dogs show no obvious signs of dental pain due to stoic behaviour
Professional dental cleaning under general anaesthesia is often required
Daily tooth brushing is the most effective preventive measure

Welfare Considerations

Chronic dental pain significantly reduces quality of life in companion dogs but is often unrecognised by owners. Dogs rarely show obvious pain signals; instead they eat differently, play less, and may become quieter or more irritable. Many owners attribute these changes to ageing rather than treatable dental disease. Regular veterinary dental checks, tooth brushing, and appropriate chews can prevent much of this suffering.

What You Can Do

Schedule annual dental checks for your dog with your veterinarian
Begin tooth brushing using dog-safe toothpaste from puppyhood
Provide appropriate dental chews and toys that reduce plaque build-up
Do not dismiss bad breath as normal - it often indicates dental disease
Seek veterinary treatment if your dog shows any signs of dental discomfort