Dental disease affects the majority of adult dogs and causes chronic pain that significantly impairs quality of life. Preventive care and treatment are essential for dog welfare.
Dental disease is the single most prevalent welfare problem in pet dogs, yet it is chronically underdiagnosed and undertreated. Dogs stoically continue to eat despite significant oral pain, meaning owners often fail to recognise the extent of their pet's discomfort until disease is advanced. The behavioural changes associated with dental pain, including reduced play, reluctance to chew hard food, and changes in temperament, are frequently attributed to ageing rather than recognised as pain indicators. Following professional dental treatment, owners consistently report that their dogs seem younger, more active, and more engaged, confirming the chronic welfare impact of untreated disease. The barriers to treatment including anaesthetic concerns and cost must be addressed through owner education and affordable preventive programmes.