Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Welfare and Vet Dental Care

Dental disease is the most common health problem in dogs, causing significant chronic pain. Regular dental care prevents substantial unnecessary suffering.

Key Facts

Over 80% of dogs over 3 years have some degree of periodontal disease
Dental pain is chronic, progressive, and often unrecognised by owners
Scale and polish under anaesthesia is often necessary to manage advanced disease
Home dental care including brushing significantly slows dental disease progression
Dental chews and water additives have variable evidence for efficacy

Welfare Considerations

Dental disease causes chronic, often silent pain for millions of dogs. Regular veterinary dental assessments and home care programmes prevent suffering that is frequently underappreciated by owners.

What You Can Do

Establish a tooth brushing routine from puppy hood
Schedule regular veterinary dental assessments
Discuss dental health products with your vet
Seek treatment promptly if your dog shows signs of dental pain