Periodontal disease is the most common condition in adult dogs, causing chronic pain that most owners miss, making prevention and early intervention vital for welfare.
Dental disease in dogs is a hidden welfare crisis - because dogs rarely vocalize pain and continue eating despite severe oral disease, owners often assume their dog's mouth is fine. Regular veterinary dental examinations allow early detection before extractions become necessary. General anesthesia dental procedures are now the standard of care, with monitoring protocols making them safe even in older dogs. The chronic pain of untreated periodontal disease often resolves dramatically after treatment, with owners reporting significant behavioral improvements indicating prior suffering.