Companion Animal Dental Disease and Pain

Dental disease is the most common health problem in companion dogs and cats but is frequently under-detected and undertreated. Effective dental care dramatically improves companion animal welfare.

Key Facts

Over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over three years old have some degree of dental disease
Dental pain is one of the most common sources of chronic pain in companion animals
Animals with dental pain often continue eating, masking the severity of their suffering
Professional dental cleaning under general anaesthetic is necessary for treating established disease
Daily tooth brushing is the most effective preventive measure and can be trained in most dogs and cats
Untreated dental disease can cause systemic infection affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver

Welfare Considerations

Dental disease causes chronic pain that profoundly affects companion animal quality of life, yet it is consistently underdetected by owners and undertreated due to cost and anaesthetic concerns. Animals that continue eating despite severe dental disease are not demonstrating tolerance of pain but a survival drive that overrides their discomfort. Addressing dental health through preventive care from puppyhood and prompt professional treatment when disease develops is one of the most impactful welfare investments owners can make.

What You Can Do

Establish a daily tooth brushing routine for your dog or cat from an early age
Schedule annual veterinary dental checks for all companion animals
Ask your vet to assess dental health at every routine check-up
Budget for professional dental treatment as a routine welfare expense for your pet
Support veterinary dental health education initiatives in your community