Periodontal disease affects the majority of dogs and cats over three years of age and causes chronic pain that owners often fail to recognise because animals continue to eat despite significant oral discomfort.
Dental disease is chronic, progressive, and painful — and largely invisible to owners. Animals in significant dental pain may eat more slowly, drop food, or show subtle behaviour changes, but rarely refuse food entirely. Owners interpret continued eating as evidence of no pain, when it actually reflects the animal's survival imperative. By the time owners notice dental problems, disease is often advanced. Regular veterinary dental assessment, professional cleaning, and daily brushing are all evidence-based welfare interventions.