Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Dental Disease and Regular Care

Equine dental disease causes chronic pain affecting eating, behavior, and performance, but is highly manageable with regular veterinary dental care.

Key Facts

Horses need dental rasping (floating) every 6-12 months as teeth wear unevenly
Sharp enamel points cause mouth ulcers and make eating painful
Dental disease is a common cause of weight loss, bit resistance, and head shaking
Wolf teeth, hooks, and other abnormalities require professional treatment
Annual dental examinations should be standard practice for all horses

Welfare Considerations

Chronic dental pain is a widespread but frequently overlooked welfare problem in horses. Regular, professional dental care is one of the most impactful investments an owner can make in their horse's comfort and quality of life.

What You Can Do

Schedule annual dental examinations by a qualified equine dental technician or vet
Monitor your horse for signs of dental pain: quidding, weight loss, or resistance to the bit
Ensure dental records are passed on when selling or rehoming a horse