How do you clean the teeth without sedation/anesthesia? +
We use various animal behavioral techniques, massage, and gentle holds to keep your pet calm. We start slowly to gain their trust, and most pets find the process similar to a grooming session. Our hygienists are highly skilled in specialized positioning that keeps pets safe and relaxed.
What if my pet gets nervous or stressed? +
With over 20 years of experience, we specialize in nervous pets. We use relaxing music, aromatherapy, and give them time to acclimate. If a pet is truly overwhelmed or we feel the stress level is unsafe, we will stop the procedure immediately. Safety and comfort always come first.
Is the cleaning as effective as a traditional vet cleaning? +
We provide a deep scaling (removing tartar) on all surfaces of the teeth, both above and below the gum line, followed by a professional polish. While we cannot perform surgery or extractions like a traditional vet, our cleaning is a highly effective preventative measure for overall oral health.
Do you clean under the gum line? +
Yes! This is the most important part of the cleaning. Our hygienists are trained to safely and gently remove sub-gingival (under the gum) bacteria and tartar to help prevent periodontal disease.
Is every pet a candidate for anesthesia-free cleaning? +
Most pets are great candidates! However, pets with severe aggression, loose teeth, advanced gum disease, or certain serious heart conditions may require a traditional veterinary visit. Our vet performs a pre-exam on every pet to confirm candidacy.
Do you clean teeth for brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds? +
Absolutely! In fact, anesthesia-free cleaning is often the preferred choice for breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Persians, as they carry a higher risk of complications with general anesthesia.
Is there a veterinarian present? +
Yes. A licensed veterinarian performs an initial physical exam to check the heart, lungs, and mouth to ensure your pet is healthy enough for the procedure. They supervise the hygiene team throughout the day.
How long does the appointment take? +
Appointment duration varies based on both practical limitations such as pet temperament and level of tartar buildup, and logistical limitations such as coordinating exams, and operating a smooth-flowing team. We will give you a call with a pick-up time, typically giving you 10-30 minutes of heads-up to make your way back to our clinic location.
Do you offer discounts or extractions? +
We do not perform extractions, as that is a surgical procedure. Regarding discounts, we keep our prices as low as possible for everyone year-round and do not offer additional discounts.