Companion Animals

Dog Senior Dental Care Welfare

Senior dogs have high rates of dental disease causing chronic pain, with regular professional care and home management essential for welfare.

Key Facts

Dental disease affects over 80% of dogs over 3 years, with higher rates in seniors
Small breeds including Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Dachshunds are most affected
Professional scaling and polishing under anaesthesia is the foundation of dental care
Senior dogs tolerate dental anaesthesia well with appropriate pre-anaesthetic assessment
Home care following professional cleaning maintains results and extends intervals between procedures

Welfare Considerations

Dental pain in senior dogs causes chronic suffering that significantly reduces quality of life. Dogs rarely show obvious pain from dental disease, managing discomfort without complaint. Regular professional dental care restores comfort that many owners only recognise was absent after treatment. Senior dental care is a welfare imperative.

What You Can Do

Schedule dental checks for senior dogs at every bi-annual wellness check
Maintain home dental care following professional cleaning
Never assume dental deterioration is normal ageing - seek treatment