U.S. Veterinary Dental Health Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Animal Type (Large Animals, Small Animals), By Type (Products, Services), By Indication, By Distribution Channel, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

U.S. Veterinary Dental Health Market Trends

The U.S. veterinary dental health market size was estimated at USD 2.92 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.20% from 2025 to 2030. The market is expanding due to rising awareness of hidden oral diseases in pets, increased emphasis on pain and stress management during dental procedures, improved client education and communication, growing adoption of evidence-based guidelines like the AAHA Dental Care Guidelines, and expanded availability of dental diagnostic tools and equipment. These factors are encouraging routine dental check-ups and treatments, leading to higher service uptake across general and specialty veterinary practices.

Oral disease remains the most commonly diagnosed health issue in adult dogs and cats in the United States, yet pet owners often overlook it. While routine dental care is widely recognized as vital to human health, many companion animals receive little to no dental attention. It is estimated that over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats develop some form of dental disease by the age of three, highlighting a critical gap in preventive care.

Common conditions include dental caries, tooth fractures, oral tumors, and feline-specific issues like tooth resorptive lesions and gingivostomatitis. However, periodontal disease is by far the most prevalent. If left untreated, this chronic and progressive condition can lead to pain, tooth loss, systemic infections, and damage to internal organs. As awareness grows, veterinary dentistry in the U.S. is rapidly evolving to meet demand. Pet owners are increasingly recognizing that oral care is not just cosmetic but an essential part of overall pet health. Poor dental hygiene can result in significant discomfort, reduced quality of life, and increased risk of heart, liver, and kidney complications.

Veterinary dentistry now emphasizes both treatment and prevention. Professional dental cleanings under anesthesia, combined with dental radiography, allow veterinarians to detect and address hidden problems such as root abscesses, bone loss, and fractures. At-home dental care, while important, is often insufficient for reaching below the gumline where the most serious issues begin. Technological advancements have further enhanced care quality. Digital dental radiography offers precise diagnostic imaging, while laser dentistry is gaining popularity for procedures like gingival contouring, tumor removal, and minimally invasive periodontal treatments. These innovations improve clinical outcomes, reduce discomfort, and shorten recovery times.

Notable Innovation: Woof's Doggy Dental Mix

In May 2025, Woof, an award-winning pet brand, launched Doggy Dental Mix, a first-of-its-kind product designed to integrate oral health into playtime. This just-add-water mix works with Woof's Pupsicle toy, allowing dogs to enjoy up to 20 minutes of enrichment while simultaneously cleaning their teeth. This innovation targets the behavior gap in pet dental care: although 80% of dogs have periodontal disease by age three, 93% of owners do not brush their dogs' teeth regularly due to inconvenience.

Doggy Dental Mix contains Oratech enzymes and postbiotics, which combat plaque, freshen breath, and support a balanced oral microbiome. The Pupsicle delivery method enables extended contact time in the mouth, making it 30 times more effective than traditional chews. With this launch, Woof is changing how pet parents engage with oral care, making it easier for owners and more enjoyable for pets. The product is available via Amazon, Chewy, and mywoof.com for $19.99 and builds on Woof's 6,000% growth and presence in 7,500+ retail locations.

Awareness Initiatives: Animalcare's Support for Pet Dental Health Month

In January 2025, Animalcare launched new resources to support veterinary practices during Pet Dental Health Month. To promote awareness of oral health, the company updated its waiting room board kit and distributed a social media toolkit that includes images, videos, and suggested copy. These tools are designed to help clinics engage clients in conversations about dental disease, which is often overlooked due to subtle clinical signs.

Animalcare also offers dental charts to support post-operative education and promote compliance with home care. Their Plaqtiv+ range, including oral spray, toothpaste, water additive, and wipes, provides flexible home care options tailored to different pet needs. According to Marketing Manager Will Peel, many pets show signs of dental disease as early as one year (in dogs) and three years (in cats), yet owners often assume symptoms like bad breath are normal.

These resources aim to empower veterinary staff in educating clients, improving diagnosis rates, and enhancing long-term patient outcomes through effective dental care.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The U.S. veterinary dental health market is experiencing a surge in innovation, with novel solutions targeting the root causes of oral disease. A standout example is GingiGuard, launched by Saint Roch Veterinary, LLC IN 2025, a division of Topikos Scientific, Inc. This patented topical gel represents a breakthrough in canine dental care by restoring oral microbiome balance and reducing harmful bacteria without systemic effects. Applied subgingivally post-cleaning, it retards plaque growth for over four weeks, improves gum health, and eliminates halitosis-setting a new benchmark in veterinary dental therapeutics.

The U.S. veterinary dental health industry witnessed notable M&A activity in December 2024, reflecting growing investor confidence in the pet care sector. A major development was the acquisition of Minnesota-based dental and animal health distributor Patterson Companies by healthcare investment firm Patient Square Capital in a deal valued at approximately $4.1 billion. The acquisition underscores strong interest in vertically integrated veterinary and dental supply chains, enabling further investments in innovation, service expansion, and customer engagement. This move highlights the increasing strategic value of veterinary dental assets in broader healthcare investment portfolios.

Regulation plays a pivotal role in shaping the U.S. veterinary dental health market, particularly in ensuring the safety and efficacy of dental treatments, devices, and procedures. Regulatory oversight by agencies such as the U.S. FDA, AVMA, and state veterinary boards governs the use of dental radiography, anesthesia, and surgical interventions in clinical practice. Increasing emphasis on pain management, client consent protocols, and qualified personnel for dental procedures has raised the standard of care across veterinary clinics. Additionally, regulations around dental home care products, including labeling, ingredient safety, and antimicrobial claims, influence product innovation and market entry timelines.

There are no true substitutes for professional veterinary dental care in the U.S. market. While at-home products like dental chews, water additives, and oral sprays may support oral hygiene, they cannot replicate the diagnostic accuracy, subgingival cleaning, and therapeutic interventions provided by licensed veterinary professionals. Critical procedures such as dental radiography, scaling under anesthesia, and surgical treatments require clinical expertise and equipment. Therefore, despite the presence of supportive products, no alternatives can fully replace veterinary dental services in ensuring comprehensive oral health for companion animals.

The U.S. veterinary dental health industry exhibits moderate to high end-user concentration, primarily driven by companion animal clinics, which represent the largest consumer base for dental products and services. General veterinary practices account for a significant portion of dental procedures, while specialty animal hospitals and dental referral centers contribute a smaller but growing share. Additionally, corporate veterinary chains (e.g., Banfield, VCA, NVA) are increasing their footprint, standardizing dental care protocols across locations. This consolidation among veterinary service providers amplifies purchasing power and influences product adoption trends within the dental health segment.

Animal Type Insights

The small animal segment, including dogs, cats, and other companion animals, dominated the U.S. veterinary dental health market with a revenue share of 91.45% in 2024, due to several critical factors. First, dogs and cats are the most widely owned pets in the country, with over 110 million combined in U.S. households. These animals receive the majority of veterinary visits, and dental disease is among the most common conditions treated, affecting over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats by age three.

Rising awareness among pet owners, increased focus on preventive healthcare, and the humanization of pets have significantly boosted demand for professional dental services and home care solutions. Moreover, veterinary practices are better equipped and trained to deliver routine and advanced dental procedures for small animals, supported by clinical guidelines and widespread product availability.

Innovations like Mars’ GREENIES Canine Dental Check, an AI-powered tool launched in May 2025, analyze images of dogs’ teeth using over 53,000 clinical references are further strengthening small animal care. This smartphone-based solution provides instant assessments and connects users with veterinary professionals through PETconnect. It is part of Mars’ $1 billion digital health investment and reflects a broader shift toward proactive and tech-driven care. With such advancements focused almost entirely on dogs and cats, the small animal segment continues to lead the market.

Type Insights

The services segment held the largest revenue share of 69.04% in 2024, due to its critical role in clinical outcomes, high procedural costs, and non-substitutable nature. Core services such as dental cleanings, diagnostics, oral surgery, and root canal therapy are essential for both preventive care and treatment of advanced dental disease. These procedures require veterinary supervision, anesthesia, and specialized equipment, making them integral to maintaining pet health and irreplaceable by over-the-counter products.

In contrast to consumer-grade products, services generate higher revenue per encounter. A single dental procedure often ranges from $400 to over $1,200, depending on complexity, while dental chews and pastes cost comparatively little. This large price gap significantly elevates the market value of services.

Moreover, regulatory and clinical guidelines, such as those from AAHA and AVMA, advocate for annual dental exams and professional cleaning, further institutionalizing service demand. Services also drive cross-utilization of other veterinary offerings such as diagnostics, imaging, pain management, and post-operative care, creating a multiplier effect on revenue. Additionally, growing pet insurance coverage, rising awareness among pet owners, and increased referrals to dental specialists contribute to higher service volumes. As dental health becomes a central pillar of companion animal wellness, the services segment will continue to lead the market.

Indication Insights

The gum diseases segment dominated the indication segments with the largest market share of 37.46% in 2024. Periodontal disease (PD) is the most prevalent dental condition in companion animals, affecting over 80% of dogs by age three and as many as 85% by age two, according to experts. Despite its frequency, PD often goes undetected or untreated until it has progressed to advanced stages, causing oral infections, tooth loss, and potentially contributing to systemic illnesses like kidney, liver, heart disease, and diabetes.

The disease begins with plaque accumulation, which hardens into tartar and initiates gum inflammation and bone loss. Daily tooth brushing is considered the gold standard for prevention, yet compliance is low among pet owners due to the time and effort required.

Recent innovations aim to address this care gap. In October 2024, Oral Biolife (OBL) unveiled Ambrilux Dental Gel, a regenerative treatment shown to restore bone in dogs with induced periodontal disease, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional surgery. Similarly, ioVet™ Oral Rinse, a water additive for pets, has emerged as a brushing alternative, designed for daily periodontal care with long-lasting efficacy. With PD linked to both animal pain and systemic disease, its management remains a top priority in veterinary dentistry, driving both service and product innovations across the U.S. market.

The dental calculus segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by rising awareness, product innovation, and clinical validation. Dental calculus, or tartar, is a hardened plaque that plays a major role in the progression of periodontal disease. Effective management of calculus buildup is essential to preserving oral and systemic health in pets.

In response to this demand, Animalcare launched its Plaqtiv+ range, specifically formulated to reduce calculus formation in dogs and cats. Notably, its Plaqtiv+ water additive received Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) approval after demonstrating at least a 20% reduction in calculus in two separate studies. Complementary products such as gum spray and malt-flavored toothpaste aim to improve owner compliance through ease of use. Supported by educational materials and a dedicated website, this segment is being propelled by both clinical endorsement and consumer accessibility, making it a key driver of growth in preventive veterinary dental care.

Distribution Channel Insights

The veterinary hospitals & clinics segment dominated the distribution channel segment with the largest revenue share of 39.00% in 2024. This leadership is due to their integral role in delivering both preventive and advanced dental care services, including professional cleanings, diagnostics, and surgeries. Most dental diagnoses are made during routine clinical exams, reinforcing the reliance on clinics as the primary distribution and service point for dental health products and services.

The E-commerce segment, on the other hand, is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The surge in online pet health purchasing is being driven by increasing consumer preference for convenience, auto-replenishment subscriptions, and access to a wider range of VOHC-approved products such as dental chews, water additives, and enzymatic toothpastes. Leading platforms like Chewy, Amazon, and veterinary e-pharmacies are capitalizing on this trend by offering targeted oral care bundles, educational content, and promotional campaigns, making e-commerce a rapidly expanding channel for dental care solutions.

Country Insights

The U.S. veterinary dental health market is experiencing significant and sustained growth, driven by a combination of high pet ownership rates, increased awareness of preventive oral care, and the expansion of veterinary service offerings. According to industry estimates, over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats in the U.S. develop some form of dental disease by age three, making dental health a critical component of companion animal care.

Supportive initiatives such as Pet Dental Health Month, veterinary associations’ updated guidelines, and growing investment from companies like Mars Petcare, Woof, and Animalcare are raising awareness and improving access to dental care. Moreover, the U.S. market benefits from an established network of corporate veterinary chains (e.g., Banfield, VCA, BluePearl) that are increasingly integrating dental screenings and treatments into routine wellness plans.

With growing consumer demand for both professional services and at-home dental products, the U.S. is expected to remain the largest and most dynamic country market for veterinary dental health through the forecast period.

Key U.S. Veterinary Dental Health Company Insights

New product launches, mergers and acquisitions, and collaborations are some of the major strategies adopted by the key market players to counter the stiff competition in the U.S. veterinary dental health industry.

Recent Developments

• In May 2025, Mars Petcare launched a pioneering AI-powered dental health tool, GREENIES Canine Dental Check, as part of its broader $1 billion investment in digital innovation within the Pet Nutrition segment. This strategic initiative aims to revolutionize at-home pet healthcare by empowering owners to monitor their pets’ oral health using just a smartphone. Leveraging artificial intelligence trained on over 53,000 dental images, the tool analyzes photos of dogs’ teeth and gums to detect early signs of tartar buildup and gum disease. The platform also offers real-time recommendations and connects users with licensed veterinary technicians via the PETconnect by GREENIES service.

• In February 2025, Fera Pets launched its first dedicated dental health product-Fera Pets Dental Support-a powdered supplement formulated to simplify oral care for pets. Designed by veterinarians, the product delivers comprehensive dental benefits through a blend of botanicals, oral enzymes, and a clinically studied postbiotic. With a single daily scoop, the supplement supports fresh breath, clean teeth, reduced inflammation, and a balanced oral microbiome. This launch strategically aligns with the growing demand for non-invasive, easy-to-administer alternatives to brushing, positioning Fera Pets as a strong player in the emerging at-home veterinary dental health space.

• In July 2024, Pet Honesty expanded its oral care portfolio with the launch of Fresh Breath Dental Powder, a vet-recommended, natural supplement designed to improve dogs' dental hygiene and breath. This innovative mealtime topper features advanced postbiotics and a mint flavor, aiming to promote gum health, reduce plaque buildup, and deliver fresher breath without disrupting a pet’s routine. As part of Pet Honesty’s strategy to meet growing demand for convenient, non-invasive oral care solutions, the launch reinforces the brand’s position in the U.S. veterinary dental health market, targeting pet parents seeking holistic, science-backed alternatives to traditional brushing.

• In September 2024, Vieworks, a prominent player in bioimaging solutions, is set to redefine digital pathology with the launch of its high-speed slide scanner, LUCEON 510. The company will make its debut as a digital pathology solution provider at the European Congress of Pathology (ECP) 2024, a leading event in the field, taking place in Florence, Italy, from September 7th to 10th at Booth 39.

U.S. Veterinary Dental Health Market Report Scope

U.S. Veterinary Dental Health Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the U.S. veterinary dental health market report based on type, animal type, indication, and distribution channel:

• Animal Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Large Animals

  • Small Animals

    • Dogs

    • Cats

    • Others

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Products

    • Oral Care Products

      • Tooth Pastes & Brushes

      • Oral Care Solutions

      • Dental Treats

      • Dental Chews

      • Dental Powder

      • Others

    • Medicines

    • Equipment

  • Services

    • Diagnosis

    • Treatment

      • Dental Cleaning

      • Surgery

      • Root Canal Therapy

      • Others

• Indication Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Gum Diseases

  • Endodontic Diseases

  • Dental Calculus

  • Oral Tumor

  • Others

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Veterinary Hospitals & Clinics

  • Retail Pharmacies

  • E-commerce

  • Others