We are pleased to provide this service with the help of Pet Dental Services.

Available for both dogs and cats, non-anesthetic dentals are a great way to keep your pet's teeth clean and healthy. Appointments may be made at any time for this service provided on the second Wednesday and fourth Thursday of every month. Not every pet is a candidate for this procedure due to dental disease or disposition. Call (949) 768-1313 for more details.

Dental cleaning without general anesthesia is an option for good-natured pets without serious dental disease such as periodontitis or damaged teeth.

Cleaning

We use an experienced dental hygienist to clean the teeth. The teeth are then re-examined by a veterinarian to check for any problems previously hidden by the tartar. If serious tooth and gum lesions are discovered or if your pet becomes aggressive or very frightened, we will recommend the dental treatment be continued under a general anesthetic to be scheduled at a later date.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics will be given to pets with heart disease or more serious gingivitis. We recommend a pain reliever and a mild tranquilizer be administered for the dental procedure to make the cleaning a more comfortable experience for an anxious pet. The tranquilizer may allow completion of the cleaning in a resistant animal.

Home Care

Follow-up care for the teeth and gums includes daily tooth brushing with toothpaste designed for pets. If your pet is unaccustomed to tooth brushing, start by simply letting your pet lick the tasty toothpaste off your finger. After about a week, begin rubbing the front teeth and gums while your pet licks the paste. Then start working on the back teeth. Later start using the brush, first just letting your pet lick the brush, then brushing the front teeth, then brushing the outside of the back teeth. This training process may take a few months so take your time and both you and your pet will enjoy the outcome. There are treats and even food (Hill’s T/D) specifically made to reduce plaque and tartar formation. Dogs may enjoy and benefit from chewing on rawhide or dental exercisers.

Frequency

The professional cleaning may be repeated as often as necessary. Some small breed dogs may need the teeth cleaned every 3 to 6 months. Most pets will need their teeth cleaned yearly.

Ø An important cautionary note. There are some groomers and other individuals who are offering “dental cleanings” without veterinary supervision. This practice is illegal in the State of California and puts your pet at risk. Individuals may have little or no training or skill. Serious damage may be done to the gums and teeth, and important disease processes completely overlooked. If no sedation is available for frightened or resistant animals, struggling may lead to injury, breathing difficulties, or psychological distress. If your pet has heart disease and has a dental cleaning done without antibiotics, serious, potentially fatal, heart valve infection may occur. Back in the early 1900’s, people would have primitive dental work and doctoring done by barbers, often with disastrous results. Hopefully, dental work done by non-professionals on animals will also become a thing of the past.