Companion Animal Dental Disease: Prevention and Early Intervention

Dental disease is the most common health condition in companion animals, causing chronic pain that significantly impacts welfare, and is largely preventable with appropriate owner education.

Key Facts

Over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of dental disease by the age of 3
Dental pain causes behaviour changes including reduced appetite, face rubbing, and social withdrawal
Daily tooth brushing is the gold standard for dental home care and significantly reduces disease progression
Dental chews, water additives, and VOHC-approved diets provide secondary benefit to brushing
Professional dental cleaning under general anaesthesia is required once significant tartar or disease is present

Welfare Considerations

Chronic dental disease causes significant and persistent pain that is often unrecognised by owners as animals continue to eat despite discomfort. The reluctance of many owners to allow general anaesthesia for dental treatment means many pets live with painful conditions that could be resolved. Education about the welfare impact of dental disease and the safety of anaesthesia in healthy animals is essential. Preventive home care started early in life is far more effective and less costly than treating advanced disease.

What You Can Do

Establish daily tooth brushing from puppyhood or kittenhood - use pet-specific toothpaste only
Ask your vet to perform an oral health check at every annual vaccination
Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal on dental products
Do not delay recommended dental treatment under anaesthesia out of unfounded anaesthesia fears
Support veterinary campaigns that raise awareness of dental disease as a welfare issue