Companion Animal Welfare

Companion Dog: Periodontal Disease Prevention

Periodontal disease is the most common disease of adult dogs, causing chronic oral pain that profoundly affects quality of life.

Key Facts

Studies find over 80% of dogs over 3 years old have some degree of periodontal disease
Periodontal disease causes progressive bone loss around tooth roots, pain, and eventual tooth loss
Bacteria from oral infection can enter the bloodstream, causing systemic health effects
Daily tooth brushing reduces tartar build-up and slows periodontal progression
Annual professional dental cleaning under anaesthesia treats established disease

Welfare Considerations

Periodontal disease causes chronic oral pain that affects eating, social interaction, and quality of life. The insidious nature of the condition - with dogs continuing to eat despite significant pain - means owners often underestimate its welfare impact. Prevention through daily brushing and regular professional care substantially reduces a dog's lifetime exposure to oral pain.

What You Can Do

Begin tooth brushing training from puppyhood using species-appropriate toothpaste
Aim for daily tooth brushing as the gold standard preventive care
Schedule annual dental checks with professional cleaning when indicated
Use dental chews and diets with some evidence base as supplements to brushing
Watch for signs of oral pain including dropping food and facial guarding