Dental disease affects the vast majority of adult dogs but remains chronically undertreated, causing significant chronic pain that affects quality of life and behavioral wellbeing.
Dog dental welfare represents the most widespread chronic pain condition in companion dogs that remains underaddressed. Because dogs do not cry out in dental pain and continue eating (albeit less enthusiastically), owners routinely miss months or years of chronic oral pain. The behavioral changes dogs with dental pain show including reduced play, reluctance to chew, and irritability are often attributed to aging rather than recognized as pain indicators. The welfare transformation from professional dental treatment is often dramatic, with owners reporting their dog appears years younger post-treatment. Annual dental assessment and proactive treatment prevents the most severe welfare outcomes from advanced periodontal disease.