Risk assessment of canine periodontal disease: insights from owner‐reported health questionnaires

Objectives To identify risk factors associated with periodontal disease in pet dogs, based on detailed owner‐reported demographic, health and behaviour survey data. Materials and Methods A total of 12,753 pet owners completed a one‐time questionnaire that included questions concerning their pet's demographics and health. Results Overall periodontal disease prevalence was 50.5% (95% CI 0.50 to 0.51). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified age, breed characteristics, oral diagnoses, symptoms and oral care habits as key risk factors for periodontal disease. Age was strongly associated with periodontal disease, with dogs aged ≥8 years at highest risk (OR = 1.37 to 2.43) and those under 4 years at lowest risk (OR = 0.30 to 0.64). Several breeds were at significantly increased risk, including American cocker spaniels (OR = 2.52, 95% CI 1.63 to 4.00, P < .001) and Papillons (OR = 2.36, 95% CI 1.56 to 3.65), while English Bulldogs exhibited the lowest odds of periodontal disease (OR = 0.12, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.20). Symptoms such as halitosis (OR = 2.03, 95% CI 1.75 to 2.34) and resistance to head touch (OR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.15) were associated with significantly increased periodontal disease odds. Clinical Significance These findings highlight important risk factors associated with periodontal disease that may contribute to earlier identification and prevention.