Companion Animals

Companion Animal Senior Pet Dental Disease

Dental disease affects the majority of dogs and cats over age three, causing chronic pain that significantly reduces quality of life in senior pets.

Key Facts

Studies show over 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats over 3 have dental disease
Periodontal disease causes pain, tooth loss, and systemic inflammation
Many pets with dental pain continue to eat, masking the severity
Professional cleaning under anesthesia is required to address established disease

Welfare Considerations

Dental disease causes chronic oral pain that pets hide through stoic behavior. Owners often do not recognize the extent of suffering until professional cleaning reveals severe disease. Tooth root abscesses, fractured teeth, and severe periodontal inflammation can be extraordinarily painful. Regular dental care prevents the development of chronic pain that many animals endure silently for years.

What You Can Do

Schedule annual dental examinations for cats and dogs
Brush pet teeth regularly from a young age
Provide dental chews and toys that support oral health
Recognize that reluctance to eat hard food may signal dental pain