Companion Animals

Companion Animal Oral Microbiome Health

Research on the oral microbiome of cats and dogs is revealing links to systemic health conditions and welfare quality.

Key Facts

Periodontal disease affects 80% of dogs by age 3
Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and affect heart, kidney, and liver
Dental chews and brushing significantly alter the oral microbiome composition
Regular dental care extends healthy lifespan in companion animals

Welfare Considerations

Oral disease causes chronic pain that affects eating, social behavior, and overall wellbeing. Because dogs and cats mask pain, owners often underestimate the suffering caused by advanced dental disease. Prevention through routine care is far less stressful for animals than treatment of established disease.

What You Can Do

Brush your pet's teeth regularly using species-appropriate toothpaste
Provide veterinary-approved dental chews as supplementary oral care
Schedule annual dental assessments as part of preventive health visits
Ask your vet about oral microbiome health when discussing overall wellness