Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Oral Health and Dental Welfare

Dental disease affects over 80% of dogs over 3 years and causes chronic pain that is frequently unrecognized by owners.

Key Facts

Periodontal disease is the most common health problem in dogs and causes tooth loss if untreated
Dogs rarely show obvious pain signs from dental disease despite significant discomfort
Daily toothbrushing is the most effective home preventive measure for canine dental health
Dental chews and water additives provide partial benefit when brushing is not possible
Professional dental cleaning under anaesthesia allows thorough scaling and disease assessment

Welfare Considerations

Dental disease causes chronic, often silent suffering in millions of dogs whose owners do not realize their pet is in pain. Regular dental checks and appropriate home care prevent the most common cause of chronic pain in companion dogs.

What You Can Do

Begin toothbrushing training with dog-specific toothpaste from an early age
Schedule annual veterinary dental examinations for your dog
Provide veterinary-approved dental chews as a supplement to brushing