Dental disease causes significant chronic pain in dogs and is highly preventable through home care and regular veterinary attention, yet it remains among the most common undertreated conditions.
Canine dental disease represents a pervasive welfare failure driven by normalization of a preventable, painful condition. Dogs with severe periodontitis live with chronic mouth pain that affects their ability to eat comfortably, their mood, and their overall quality of life. The behavioral masking of dental pain — dogs continue eating despite significant discomfort — means many owners are unaware of the suffering their dog experiences. Establishing tooth brushing as a routine from puppyhood, scheduling annual dental examinations, and pursuing timely professional cleaning when indicated are the foundations of welfare-centered dental care for dogs.