Frequently Asked Questions

We typically recommend a professional dental cleaning every 6 months to keep plaque under control and prevent dental disease. Some dogs & cats may need more frequent visits, especially if they’re prone to tartar buildup or early signs of gum issues. Most pets benefit from starting professional cleanings around age 1.

There’s no cutoff age for dental care. Every dogs & cat ages differently, and what matters most is their overall health and comfort, not the number.

Many senior dogs & cats handle anesthesia-free cleanings very well, especially in a calm, low-stress environment. If your dog or cat is new to dental care or it’s been a while, we’ll start with a gentle evaluation and recommend the safest, most appropriate approach based on their age, behavior, and oral condition.

Please do not schedule Shar Pei, Chow Chow, or Irish Wolf Hound breeds as they are not good candidates. 

Yes! When performed by trained professionals, anesthesia-free cleanings are safe and effective for most dogs & cats. We evaluate each cat individually to make sure it’s the right fit. If we see signs of advanced dental disease or any stress that could make the process unsafe, we’ll be upfront and point you toward the best next option for your pets care.

It depends on your pets current oral health. In many cases, we can safely perform cleanings on dogs & cats who’ve had extractions or prior dental work, provided the gums are fully healed, and there’s no sign of pain or infection. If anything looks off during the evaluation, we’ll let you know and guide you to the right next step.

Like people, dogs & cats do best with a mix of at-home care and regular professional cleanings twice a year. That said, brushing a dogs & cat's teeth isn’t always realistic, and that’s okay.

If brushing isn’t an option, daily dental treats and water additives can help support oral health between visits. They’re useful for maintenance, but they won’t replace a proper cleaning. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it can’t be removed with brushing or treats alone. 

Routine professional cleanings are what keep your pet's mouth truly healthy and help prevent painful dental problems down the line.

No paperwork or vaccines are required for this service. We simply ask that you arrive no more than 5 minutes before your appointment unless instructed otherwise.

We do not recommend grooming your pet prior to their dental cleaning. However, we do suggest giving your pet a chance to relieve themselves beforehand.

If your pet may require a mild sedative (for anxiety, aggression, or fear), we recommend fasting for at least 6 hours prior to your appointment.

Most pets are very cooperative during the cleaning process. We use gentle handling techniques and treat every pet with the same care and attention as our own.

• Larger dogs are positioned comfortably on the ground for easy access 
• Smaller pets, including cats, are gently swaddled in a soft towel to keep them calm and secure 

The cleaning begins with careful hand-scaling to remove plaque and heavy tartar buildup. For areas that require deeper cleaning, we use an ultrasonic scaler to safely break up stubborn deposits while flushing debris away.

Once all surfaces are cleaned, we polish your pet’s teeth using a safe, organic paste. We finish with an organic oral rinse to help eliminate remaining bacteria and leave your pet’s mouth fresh and clean.

We only perform extractions on very loose teeth, typically those at risk of infection or abscess. For your pet’s safety, a full cleaning is completed first to reduce bacteria in the mouth and help prevent complications.

We evaluate your pet’s teeth during the appointment and determine if any extractions are necessary. With your approval, extractions can be performed the same day.

No. Because our cleanings are anesthesia-free, lab work is not required.