Periodontal disease affects 80% of dogs by age 3 and causes chronic pain. Prevention through regular tooth brushing and veterinary dental care is a fundamental welfare commitment.
Dental disease in dogs is a silent epidemic causing chronic, persistent pain that most dogs stoically conceal. An owner whose dog eats normally may assume dental health is fine while the dog lives with significant gum inflammation, root exposure, and tooth resorption. The pain of advanced periodontal disease is real and ongoing, affecting the dog's daily experience even when behavioral signs are subtle. Prevention through daily brushing - beginning in puppyhood to establish acceptance - is the single most impactful dental welfare intervention available. Owners who brush their dog's teeth daily are providing one of the highest-value welfare contributions possible.