Companion Animals

Dog Preventive Dental Care

Preventive dental care for dogs significantly reduces the burden of periodontal disease, tooth loss, and associated systemic health problems.

Key Facts

Small and brachycephalic breeds have higher rates of dental disease due to tooth crowding
Daily tooth brushing reduces dental plaque by 69% compared to no brushing
Dental disease can lead to bacteraemia and organ damage if left untreated
Many dogs resist brushing but can be trained with patience and positive reinforcement
Anaesthetic dental cleaning allows full examination, probing, and treatment

Welfare Considerations

Periodontal disease causes chronic pain, difficulty eating, and systemic health problems. The welfare cost of neglected dental care in dogs is high and largely invisible - dogs adapt their eating patterns to manage pain without obvious complaint. Regular professional care combined with home prevention is the welfare gold standard.

What You Can Do

Begin tooth brushing training in puppyhood for best lifetime compliance
Schedule annual dental assessments with your vet
Choose VOHC-approved dental products for evidence-based home care