Companion Animals

Dental Disease in Dogs

Dental disease affects the majority of adult dogs and causes significant pain that often goes unrecognised by owners.

Key Facts

80 percent of dogs over three years of age have some degree of dental disease
Periodontal disease causes chronic pain and can affect heart, kidney, and liver health
Dogs rarely show obvious pain signs, so dental problems are frequently missed
Regular tooth brushing significantly reduces plaque and tartar buildup
Professional dental cleaning under anaesthesia can restore oral health

Welfare Considerations

Dental disease is one of the most widespread yet underrecognised welfare problems in pet dogs. Chronic oral pain affects eating, behaviour, and overall wellbeing. Regular home dental care and veterinary check-ups are essential to prevent suffering from this common but preventable condition.

What You Can Do

Brush your dog's teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste
Schedule annual dental check-ups with your veterinarian
Provide dental chews and toys that support oral health
Learn to recognise signs of dental pain in dogs