Dental disease affects the majority of dogs over three years old and causes chronic pain that dramatically affects quality of life while remaining largely invisible to owners.
Dental disease is the most underdiagnosed welfare problem in companion dogs. Its chronic nature, the stoic behaviour of affected dogs and the invisibility of pain all combine to keep it from the attention it deserves. A dog with severe periodontal disease is in constant oral pain every time it eats — a welfare harm that persists for years unless actively identified and treated. Annual dental examinations, professional cleaning when disease is present, and daily home brushing together constitute an evidence-based prevention and management strategy that is achievable for most dog owners and dramatically improves quality of life.