Companion Animal Dental Disease Prevention

Periodontal disease affects the majority of companion dogs and cats by age three, causing chronic pain that is frequently unrecognised by owners.

Key Facts

An estimated 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats develop dental disease by age three
Periodontal disease causes pain, difficulty eating, and systemic infections affecting major organs
Most pets with dental pain continue to eat normally, masking the extent of suffering
Professional dental cleaning under anaesthesia is the gold standard for treatment
Daily toothbrushing is the most effective preventive measure but few owners practise it

Welfare Considerations

Dental disease represents a major unrecognised welfare problem in companion animals. Pets experiencing significant periodontal disease rarely display obvious signs to owners, who may not realise their animal is in chronic pain. The connection between oral bacteria and systemic disease — including kidney, liver, and heart disease — extends the welfare implications beyond the mouth. Prevention through regular brushing, dental diets, and veterinary checks is far more effective than treating established disease. Post-dental-cleaning improvements in energy, appetite, and demeanour often reveal to owners how much their pet had been suffering.

What You Can Do

Introduce toothbrushing gradually using pet-safe toothpaste from a young age
Schedule annual dental checks with your veterinarian as part of routine care
Provide dental chews and toys that mechanically reduce tartar buildup
Ask your vet to assess your pets dental health at every wellness visit