Companion Animals

Companion Animal Welfare and Canine Preventive Dental Care

Dental disease affects 85% of dogs over 3, causing chronic pain that is largely preventable with home care and veterinary dentistry.

Key Facts

Periodontal disease is the most common disease in dogs, affecting 85% by age 3
Dental pain causes behavioural changes that owners frequently attribute to aging
Daily tooth brushing is the gold standard, reducing plaque by 60%
Dental cleaning under anaesthesia is required when disease is established
Dental diets reduce plaque accumulation by 30-50% and are a valuable addition to home care

Welfare Considerations

Dental pain in dogs is pervasive and preventable. Establishing dental care routines from puppyhood and regular veterinary dental assessment prevents the most common source of chronic pain.

What You Can Do

Establish daily tooth brushing for your dog from puppyhood
Book regular veterinary dental examinations
Use VOHC-approved dental diets and treats as supplementary home care