Dental disease is among the most common yet underdiagnosed conditions in companion dogs, causing chronic pain that significantly diminishes quality of life.
Chronic dental pain represents a hidden welfare crisis in companion dogs. Because dogs mask pain as a survival instinct, owners often do not recognise that their dog is suffering. A dog with advanced periodontal disease may appear normal while experiencing persistent discomfort affecting eating, play and social behaviour. The good news is that dental disease is largely preventable with daily tooth brushing and regular veterinary dental checks. Welfare improvements require raising owner awareness that dental care is not cosmetic but essential to animal wellbeing.