Dental disease is the most common health problem in companion dogs and cats, causing chronic pain that owners frequently fail to recognise.
Companion animal dental disease is a welfare crisis that operates largely in the open yet receives insufficient attention. The majority of dogs and cats over three years of age have some degree of periodontal disease, yet most owners — and many veterinary practices — do not prioritise dental health in routine care planning. Animals with dental disease often maintain normal eating behaviour despite significant oral pain, which allows the condition to progress silently for years. Chronic oral pain affects quality of life, sleep, and social behaviour without being overtly visible to owners. Professional cleaning under anaesthesia and daily home brushing are the primary interventions available. Integrating dental assessment into every veterinary visit and communicating its welfare significance to owners is the most impactful systemic improvement available.