Dental care is critical for geriatric horses, whose changing dentition affects their ability to chew, digest food, and maintain body condition and quality of life.
Geriatric horse dental welfare is frequently overlooked until significant weight loss or behavioral changes signal a problem. Horses with painful mouths resist the bit, drop food while eating, and may develop secondary digestive issues from inadequate chewing. Early intervention through regular dental floating and modification of diet to accommodate reduced chewing capacity significantly improves quality of life. Providing soaked hay replacer or complete senior feeds allows horses with poor dentition to maintain adequate caloric intake and body condition.