Germany Highlights Dog Health Risks and City Rankings for Better Pet Living

Veterinarians warn that bad breath in dogs can be an early sign of serious conditions such as gum disease, infections, diabetes or other hidden illnesses. A Medivet & Partners survey found that 34 % of owners never brush their pets' teeth, prompting advice from Dr Reena Patel on how to introduce dental care gradually. The Dog’s Trust stresses daily brushing to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.

A new Dog Wellbeing Index 2026 compiled by Coway Europe evaluated the 25 largest German cities on factors like dog‑to‑population ratio, green‑space share, veterinary availability, dog‑pension facilities, air quality, grooming services and training schools. Hanover topped the list with 55.1 points, followed by Duisburg and Hamburg. The index reflects that roughly ten million dogs lived in German households in 2025, with one in five households owning a dog.