Companion Animals

Companion Dog Dental Care and Health

Dental disease affects the majority of adult dogs and causes chronic pain that significantly reduces quality of life, yet remains underdiagnosed and undertreated.

Key Facts

An estimated 80% of dogs over three years old have some form of dental disease
Dental disease causes pain when eating, leading to weight loss and behavior changes
Dogs rarely show obvious signs of mouth pain, leading to owner unawareness
Professional dental cleaning requires general anesthesia in veterinary settings
Daily tooth brushing can prevent most dental disease if started young

Welfare Considerations

Dental disease in dogs represents a widespread but preventable welfare problem. Because dogs continue to eat despite dental pain, owners often assume their pets are comfortable. Veterinary examinations frequently reveal severe dental disease in animals whose owners reported no obvious symptoms. The chronic pain of inflamed gums, abscesses, and loose teeth affects mood, behavior, and overall quality of life across years of an animal life.

What You Can Do

Have pet dogs dental health assessed at every annual veterinary check
Begin tooth brushing with puppies to establish acceptance of the routine
Use veterinary-approved dental chews and water additives as supplementary care
Schedule professional dental cleanings when recommended by your veterinarian