Companion Animals

Dog Dental Disease Prevention

Dental disease affects the majority of adult dogs and causes significant pain and systemic health issues, yet is largely preventable through regular dental care and professional veterinary treatment.

Key Facts

Over 80% of dogs show signs of dental disease by age 3
Periodontal disease causes chronic pain and can contribute to heart and kidney disease
Daily tooth brushing is the gold standard for prevention but owner compliance is low
Dental chews and water additives provide partial but not complete prevention
Professional dental cleaning under general anaesthesia is the standard treatment

Welfare Considerations

Dental disease is one of the most prevalent yet undertreated welfare issues in companion dogs. Many owners are unaware their dog is in chronic pain from dental disease. Routine dental assessment at annual vaccinations and proactive treatment significantly improves welfare.

What You Can Do

Start tooth brushing training from puppyhood with patience and positive reinforcement
Schedule annual dental checks with your veterinarian
Use veterinary-approved dental chews as an adjunct to brushing