If severe dental disease remains untreated in a Wheaten, how much could their lifespan be cut short?
By one to three years.
Dental health is cited as a very common chronic health issue across all dog breeds, and for the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, neglecting oral hygiene carries significant systemic risks that directly impact longevity. While Wheatens are not specifically noted for guarding food, unchecked issues like excessive tartar buildup can lead to severe problems, including painful periodontal disease and subsequent systemic infections that affect other major organs. The potential consequence of allowing these severe dental issues to persist untreated is substantial, estimated to potentially reduce the dog's overall lifespan by a significant margin of one to three years, underscoring why the strong recommendation for daily tooth brushing is made for their overall well-being.
