How to Prepare Your Dog for Teeth Cleaning: A Complete Guide
At Dashing Dogs Dental, we understand how important it is to keep your dog’s teeth clean and fresh breath. While we specialize in no-sedation teeth cleaning for pets, it’s essential to know what to do beforehand to ensure the best possible outcome. Our team of skilled dental technicians is ready to care for your pet’s oral cleaning, but we want to clarify that we do not provide diagnostic services or treatment for oral diseases. If your dog has any ongoing health concerns, we always recommend that you consult with your veterinarian.
Here’s a simple checklist to help you prepare your dog for a teeth cleaning appointment:
- Assess Your Dog’s Temperament
At Dashing Dogs Dental, we rely on our ‘pet-whispering’ skills to establish a trusting relationship with each dog, using gentle relaxation techniques to help them feel safe and comfortable. It’s all about the connection. Even dogs with challenging personalities and fussy behaviors and anxiety, can be very cooperative. On rare occasions, some dogs may even fall asleep during the procedure. We have photos to prove it!
We are happy to give every dog a chance, regardless of their temperament. Since our service is non-sedation / non-anesthesia, if we notice your dog is reaching their tolerance level, we stop the procedure, give them a break, and try again. If we still see no improvement, it means your dog may not be a suitable candidate for the service.
For anxious dogs, we recommend consulting your vet for anxiety medication if you have concerns. Definitely make sure they have done ‘their business’ prior to the appointment. Additionally, giving your dog a tiring walk or playtime before the appointment can help them relax. Remember, if you are nervous, then they can feel that way, so if you have concerns, definitely give us a call before your appointment. We are happy to answer any lingering questions you have.
2. Ensure Your Dog Is Healthy
- General health check: It’s important to make sure your dog is in good overall health before proceeding with a cleaning. If your dog has known health issues a visit to your veterinarian may be necessary.
- No Sedation Teeth Cleaning Service
- At Dashing Dogs Dental, we do not use sedation/anesthesia for teeth cleaning. Our service takes about an hour, is a flat fee, and your pet will leave with a fresh smile. There is no recovery from our service.
- If your dog has a tendency to be difficult during grooming or handling, please prepare by gradually desensitizing them to the process. We will do the rest, the very best we can. Teeth care is very important.
4. Pre-Cleaning Instructions
- Tiring Walk: Be sure to take your dog for a nice walk before teeth cleaning. It is important that they have a chance to use the bathroom and get some good exercise prior to their appointment. This helps us have a better success rate as we scale your dog’s or cat’s mouth.
- Arrive and pick up on time: This is self-explanatory. We operate on a tight schedule and ask that all customers, human and furry alike, be on time. We will also need you to pick up your dog on time. We can’t start our next pet until you have arrived for pick up.
- Cool your Nerves: if you are nervous, then they can feel that way, so if you have concerns, definitely give us a call before your appointment. We are happy to answer any lingering questions you have.
5. What to Expect During the Appointment
- Manual Scaling: We will manually scale the surface of your dog’s teeth to remove tartar, plaque, and calculus. However, there may be areas where tartar is difficult to reach, and we cannot remove all tartar in some cases. It’s important to note that we are not able to diagnose oral diseases, remove teeth, or take X-rays. Those services come from your veterinarian.
- No X-Rays or Diagnosing Issues: Our services are focused strictly on cleaning and maintenance. If your dog requires any further treatment, such as X-rays, disease diagnosis, or tooth extractions, these should be addressed by a veterinarian.
6. Important Considerations
- If your dog has had previous issues with their teeth, gums, or any other oral concerns, we encourage you to consult your veterinarian before scheduling a no-sedation dog teeth cleaning.
By following these steps and ensuring your dog is ready, the teeth cleaning process will go smoothly, and your dog will have a bright, clean smile! At Dashing Dogs Dental, we focus on providing quality, no-sedation teeth cleaning services for pets, helping them maintain good oral hygiene between visits. For any major concerns or health issues, always seek professional care from your veterinarian.
FAQs about Dog Teeth Cleaning at Dashing Dogs Dental
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you better understand the teeth cleaning process for your dog at Dashing Dogs Dental:
1. What is included in a dog’s teeth cleaning at Dashing Dogs Dental?
- We provide a manual scaling of your dog’s teeth, both on the surface and under the gum line, to remove tartar buildup. We do not offer X-rays, diagnosis of dental diseases, or tooth extractions. Our focus is on keeping your dog’s teeth clean and fresh between visits.
2. Do I need to make an appointment for my dog’s teeth cleaning?
- Yes, we require appointments for all teeth cleanings. This ensures that we can dedicate the necessary time and attention to each dog. You can book here
3. Do you use sedation during the teeth cleaning process?
- No, we do not use sedation for dog teeth cleaning. The procedure is non-invasive, and we rely on your dog’s ability to tolerate manual cleaning without sedation. It’s important that your dog is calm and comfortable during the procedure.
4. Can you treat my dog’s dental health problems?
- We do not diagnose dental diseases, treat gum infections, or perform any medical procedures like tooth extractions or fillings. If your dog has any dental health issues, we recommend consulting with a veterinarian for treatment.
5. Are there any pets that are not eligible for cleaning?
- Yes. We cannot clean the teeth of aggressive dogs or dogs that may bite. It’s important that your dog is calm and cooperative during the cleaning process.
6. How can I prepare my dog for the teeth cleaning appointment?
- Ensure your dog is healthy and able to handle the cleaning. If your dog is nervous or anxious, consider working with a professional trainer to help them feel more at ease. Also, you may need to fast your dog for a few hours before the appointment, depending on the specifics.
7. What happens if my dog has severe tartar buildup?
- While we work to remove tartar from your dog’s teeth, there may be areas that are difficult to clean. In cases of severe tartar, we may not be able to remove it all. If your dog has significant dental issues, we recommend consulting with a veterinarian.
8. Can you remove plaque and tartar from under the gums?
- Yes, we manually scale under the gum line to remove tartar. However, if your dog has extensive tartar buildup, we may not be able to remove all of it.
9. What should I do after the cleaning?
- After the cleaning, you may need to limit your dog’s activity for a day or two. Soft food is recommended for the first 24 hours. Avoid hard chews or toys immediately after the cleaning to prevent any damage.
10. How often should I get my dog’s teeth cleaned?
- The frequency of teeth cleaning depends on your dog’s breed, age, and oral hygiene habits. Generally, we recommend regular cleanings every 6 to 12 months to maintain good oral hygiene.
11. What if my dog has oral health issues?
- If your dog has oral health concerns like gum disease, loose teeth, or tooth infections, we strongly recommend consulting with a veterinarian before scheduling a cleaning with us. We cannot treat or diagnose oral health problems, but we can assist in maintaining your dog’s teeth with regular cleaning.
12. Can I brush my dog’s teeth between cleanings?
- Yes, brushing your dog’s teeth regularly at home is a great way to maintain their oral hygiene between professional cleanings. There are special dog toothbrushes and toothpaste available that are safe for your pet.
13. What should I do if I notice bad breath or other dental issues in my dog?
- If your dog has persistent bad breath, swollen gums, or seems to have difficulty chewing, these may be signs of an underlying dental issue. In such cases, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian for a thorough examination.
14. What do I do if I need to cancel or reschedule my dog’s cleaning appointment?
- Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule your dog’s cleaning appointment. We’ll do our best to accommodate you.
