Dental disease affects the majority of adult dogs, causing chronic pain that owners frequently fail to recognize, making preventive dental care a critical welfare priority.
Dental disease in dogs is a pervasive welfare problem compounded by its invisibility to owners and the dog's instinct to conceal pain. Dogs with severe periodontal disease continue eating and appearing normal while experiencing chronic oral pain. The welfare implications extend beyond the mouth, as chronic infection and inflammation have systemic effects. Building dental care habits from puppyhood, including regular brushing and veterinary dental assessments, prevents the most severe disease and represents one of the most accessible welfare improvements companion animal owners can make.