Why dental disease is the most common preventable source of chronic pain in dogs and how to address it effectively.
Dental disease represents the most pervasive source of hidden chronic pain in the companion dog population. The stoic adaptation that allows dogs to continue eating despite severe dental pain means owners rarely recognize the problem, and many veterinarians minimize the welfare significance of mild to moderate disease. Post-dental procedure behavioral changes reported by owners, including increased playfulness and vocalization, suggest that dogs experience relief from pain they had adapted to chronically. The economics of professional dental care, which requires general anesthesia, create access barriers for many pet owners. Prevention through daily brushing, dental chews, and appropriate dietary choices reduces disease burden across the population. Normalizing annual dental examinations as routine preventive care significantly improves welfare outcomes.