Dental disease is the most common health problem in companion dogs and cats, with the majority of adults showing significant periodontitis that causes chronic pain largely invisible to owners unfamiliar with oral health assessment.
Companion animal dental disease is a pervasive chronic welfare problem that is normalised by its prevalence. An animal experiencing periodontitis has ongoing inflammation, tissue destruction, and often pain from exposed nerve roots, yet the majority of affected animals eat normally because hunger drives feeding despite discomfort. Owners interpreting normal eating as evidence of dental comfort are making a common but serious welfare assessment error. The welfare improvement from professional dental treatment — including extraction of non-viable teeth — is often dramatic and visible in changed behaviour, increased appetite and energy, and improved comfort. Prevention through daily home care from puppyhood and kittenhood is far more welfare-positive than allowing disease to develop and treating reactively.