Dental disease affects over 80% of dogs over three years of age, causing chronic pain that is frequently unrecognized by owners and undertreated even by veterinary professionals.
Dental disease is arguably the most widespread source of chronic pain in companion dogs that could be prevented or treated. The combination of dogs' stoicism, owners' lack of awareness, and the perceived cost and anesthetic risk of dental procedures means millions of dogs live with painful dental disease for years. The mouth is inspected infrequently during routine veterinary exams and rarely at home. When dental cleanings are finally performed on severely affected animals, owners frequently report dramatic behavioral improvements — dogs that seemed old and slow become more playful and interactive. This transformation reveals the degree of chronic suffering that had been unrecognized. Preventive home dental care starting in puppyhood is the most welfare-impactful intervention.