How do you keep the dog still during the teeth cleaning process?
Do you believe in magic? Most clients are uncertain and worry their dog will not allow me to work on them. But from experience, I can tell you that I am able to help calm and relax the majority of the dogs. I do not give your dog anything to help them relax, I just provide the atmosphere for them to do so. I consider it a gift for the dogs to trust me and relax. I invite you to look at the pictures and videos on my social media to see how I hold the dogs during the cleanings which helps them relax.
What happens during the teeth cleaning?
I wait until your dog is relaxed, I give plenty of belly rubs, love and constantly talk to them to help them understand that they are safe. Before I get started, I will check the mouth for tooth mobility, visibly apparent gum recession, breaks/chips, bleeding/swollen gums, tissue injuries or signs of infection. I use manual instruments and remove the tartar build up. When I am done with that, I gently polish the teeth. Once the cleaning is over, you will receive a report card telling you what I was able to see during the cleaning. I do not diagnose or treat any infection or disease so the dental chart is just a reference guide of what is visible in your dog’s mouth.
How effective is this method of teeth cleaning?
I do a great job cleaning the surface of your dog’s teeth but my service is considered hygienic and preventative, not a medical procedure. I can help your dog maintain a clean mouth, but if there are already issues with infection, disease or loose teeth, I am not able to treat or diagnose nor am I able to help you reverse those issues. No method is completely effective long term unless maintenance is practiced at home, so don’t forget to brush your dog’s teeth.
How often should I be getting my dog’s teeth cleaned?
Just like their humans that need to go to the dentist twice a year for a thorough cleaning, dogs need regular professional dental cleanings too. I recommend doing this method of cleaning every six to twelve months depending on the dog.
How soon should I start scheduling cleanings for my dog?
A dog’s adult teeth usually come out between 5-8 months, so a perfect time to schedule their first cleaning would be when they are between 1-2 years old. Ideally, by then, you have already been brushing your dog’s teeth since they were a puppy so they not only have cleaner/healthier teeth but to also get them used to having their mouth touched so the teeth cleaning goes smoother.
Do you clean under the gumline?
I can clean along the gum line but I do not clean out deep gum recession. I do not measure the depth of gum recession and would not be able to know how deep I could go before my sharp tools would hit tissue and that would be painful for the dog. Aside from that, I can’t guarantee that dogs won’t move unexpectedly and therefore I always want to take precautions to avoid injuries and will not place my tools in dangerous areas. I can, however, clean the tartar around the gums and because gums are pliable I can move them to remove tartar that may be accumulated right along the gum line. Gums have a natural overhang of a few millimeters and it is not painful or dangerous to clean within that area.
What is the difference between veterinary cleaning under anesthesia and a cleaning without anesthesia?
Even though the veterinary option is called a “teeth cleaning” they actually do a lot more when done properly. They not only clean, do x-rays and measure pockets, but they also diagnose and treat diseases and infections as part of their diagnoses process. Because I am not a veterinarian, I only provide a hygienic service to keep your dog’s mouth cleaner. I am unable to provide any type of diagnosis or treatment of disease. In situations where the dog might need more than what I can provide with my service, I will refer you back to your veterinarian.
What can I do at home to keep my dog’s teeth cleaned?
Brush your dog’s teeth at least 2-3 times per week. The younger you start getting them used to it, the better. (It only takes several weeks for plaque to start building up on your dog’s teeth.) Without brushing, most dogs will slowly develop gum disease, which can snowball into infections and other periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is dangerous for pets, and in some cases is known to take up to two years or more off of a pet’s life, if left untreated. Also natural chews (bully sticks, raw and dehydrated bones, etc.), supplements, dental sprays and gels are also great, but will not replace a toothbrush and cleanings.
Can you clean any dog’s teeth?
While I can do a vast majority of dogs, not every dog is a candidate for teeth cleaning without anesthesia. Examples would be dogs with severe periodontal disease, fractured teeth, stomatitis, loose teeth, heart murmur, health issues that can be a concern during the cleaning and/or aggressive behavior. I choose not to work on flat nose breeds (pugs, bulldogs, boxers, boston terriers), they tend to have breathing problems and the cleaning positions are not comfortable for them. I choose not to put them or myself at risk. In addition, I choose not to work on dogs older than 12 years of age, unless they have had consistent dental cleanings, their teeth can not only be in very bad shape (beyond what I can do) but in addition, staying still and the positions that I put them in for extended periods of time, can be uncomfortable for them.
I have a high energy/anxious dog that won’t even let me brush their teeth, do you think you can perform a dental cleaning on them?
Yes. I work with dogs of all sizes and temperaments and unless the dog becomes aggressive, I can work with them.
How do I book an appointment?
Fill out the this form to schedule a home visit. You can visit the calendar to see the dates, locations and details on how to schedule during my dental clinics.
