New study highlights risk factors for periodontal disease in dogs

11 May 2026

A new large-scale study of owner-reported data has found that more than half of pet dogs are affected by periodontal disease, with age, breed, oral diagnoses, and oral care habits identified as key risk factors.

Periodontal disease is one of the most common health issues affecting dogs, yet it is often diagnosed late in the disease process and can have a significant impact on overall health and wellbeing.

The study, published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice and conducted by researchers at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, used questionnaires completed by 12,753 dog owners across the United States and Canada to collect data on dog demographics, health and lifestyle factors and identify the prevalence of and risk factors for periodontal disease.

Overall, periodontal disease (PD) was reported by owners of over half of the dogs (50.5%) in the study population.

Age was a key risk factor, with dogs aged eight years and older having a significantly higher risk of PD, while dogs under four years had the lowest risk. PD was most commonly diagnosed in toy and small breeds. American Cocker Spaniel, Papillon, Yorkshire Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Pomeranian had an increased risk. In contrast, large breeds had the smallest odds of disease.

Several oral health diagnoses were associated with an increased likelihood of PD, including halitosis and resistance to head touch. Dogs with missing teeth due to trauma or non‑eruption, or with malocclusion, were less likely to be associated with PD.

Analysis of oral care methods showed that the prevalence of PD was lower in dogs that used chew toys and rawhide/animal parts, and was higher in dogs where liquid/gel/oil products, powder-based products, or toothbrushing were used.

Behavioural associations were also identified. Dogs with periodontal disease were significantly more likely to be described by their owners as fearful/timid, very stressed, very reserved, and have low energy, and were less likely to be associated with excellent overall health and mood.

Brachycephalic dogs had significantly lower odds of periodontal disease, compared with mesocephalic breeds. The true prevalence of PD in such breeds may be under-diagnosed and therefore under-reported, however, as the diagnostic procedures required for PD diagnosis require general anaesthetic, which is a high risk procedure for brachycephalic breeds. No significant association was found between periodontal disease and sex or neuter status.

Lead author, Dr Alex Jemmett at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, said: “Our findings support numerous existing reports regarding canine periodontal disease and its associated risk factors. They also highlight key issues regarding the management of PD. It’s our hope that the risk factors we’ve highlighted could contribute to earlier identification and prevention in the future.”

Read the study in the Journal of Small Animal Practice: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsap.70121