Senior dogs face accelerating dental disease burden that requires proactive management to prevent the chronic pain that commonly goes unrecognized in aging companion animals.
Senior dog dental welfare is among the most underserved welfare needs in aging companion animals. Owners who have not established dental care routines with younger dogs face the challenge of dental disease management in animals who may resist brushing and require more intensive veterinary intervention. Yet the welfare improvement from treating established dental disease in senior dogs — through professional cleaning and extraction of painful teeth — is dramatic and consistent. Dogs who appeared resigned or low-energy frequently display increased activity and engagement after dental treatment, demonstrating that dental pain was suppressing their quality of life in ways owners had normalized as aging.