Pet Dental Wellness
 

Q:  If my pet gives me a hard time when I try to brush his teeth, how will you be able to clean his teeth without using sedation or anesthesia?  
 
A: Most dogs and cats can tolerate teeth cleaning similar to human dental visits every 6 months with our human dentist or hygienist.  To them, it’s a form of grooming.  We find a comfortable position for them, whether it be sitting or laying down. We use a variety of animal behavioral techniques, gentle proprietary holds, and massage to keep our pet patients calm and comfortable.  Also, to gain their trust, we start by going slowly and gently.  Most of our clients, visiting veterinarians, and other people working with animals are totally amazed at how compliant their pets become during our procedure.

Q:  What if my pet gets nervous easily and stresses out?  

A:  We have over 20 years of experience working with our pet patients who fall into this category.  Because non-anesthetic teeth cleaning is our specialty, we have found natural ways to help them de-stress.   We do our best to create a calming environment for our patients using relaxing music and aromatherapy.  We give them time to get acclimated to our environment and our staff.  They can even watch other pets have their teeth cleaned, seeing that it’s a safe & gentle procedure.  If needed, we can also give them a break during cleaning.  In the rare event that they are too stressed as determined by our vet, we will stop the procedure and prorate any cleaning performed.

Q:  Why should I take my dog on a walk or run before the visit?

A:  This will give your dog an opportunity to release some energy & use the restroom.   Endorphins from exercise are naturally calming.  They settle in faster & are more at ease, which helps make their visit with us more pleasant.  

Q: Are you able to do a thorough cleaning both above and below the gum line?

A: Absolutely! Our technicians are highly skilled hygienists. They understand how important it is to remove all of the tartar from the outside and inside surfaces of the teeth, both above and below the gum line.  

Q:  Can my pet eat before the procedure?

A: We suggest that you do not feed your pet prior to your visit with us.  A light snack is OK.

Q:  What kind of tools do you use?

A: Our tools and instruments are the same as used in other Veterinarian facilities, such as dental hand scalers and dental polishers.   They are sterilized using an autoclave.

Q:  How much does it cost?

A:  Pets up to 34lbs = $249;  Pets 35-55lbs = $269;  Pets over 56lbs = currently unavailable (We are  actively expanding our team to meet this demand)
 
Price includes a Veterinarian exam, the removal of tartar both above and below the gumline, and teeth polishing. We have a very high success rate with dogs and cats, but there is a slight possibility that your pet might not be a good candidate for non-anesthetic cleaning. If this is determined by our veterinarian, there will be a modest fee of $60 to cover the vet exam. If only a partial cleaning was completed, the fee may be prorated.

Q:  How often should I have my pet's teeth professionally cleaned?

A:  Every 6 months is recommended. Some dogs may only need a cleaning once a year. We follow up with our clients every 6 months.   

Q:  How often should I brush my pets teeth?

A:  Everyday would be ideal and at least 3 times a week to make a difference.

Q:  What age should I start getting my pets teeth professionally cleaned?

A:  We see some patients as early as 1-2 years old.  If there is tartar buildup, especially near the gum line, we recommend cleaning.   

Q:  Can I watch the cleaning?

A:  It is important that your pet connects and focuses on the dental technician. So we ask that parents not be present because it can be distracting for your pet. 

Q:  How long does it take?

A:  After dropping off your pets, please plan to pick up between 1 to 2.5 hours.  The clinic staff will call you with a pickup time.  We take pride in our work and want to take as much time needed to make it an enjoyable experience for all our patients.  This gives them time to settle in or a break during cleaning if needed.

Q:  How do I make an appointment?

A:  We recommend booking online, as the appointment requires a $60 deposit and our online system provides a secure method of payment.   You can schedule by clicking here.  If you need assistance, please call us 707-628-1163.

Q:  Are there any senior, military, or multiple animal discounts?  
 
A:  Sorry, we do not.  We do our best to make this as affordable as possible for everyone.

Q:   Do you do extractions?

A:  No. Extractions require oral surgery and are done under anesthesia at a full service veterinary clinic. 

Q:  What form of payment do you take?

A:  We accept cash and checks.  There is an additional $5 convenience fee if using debit or credit cards. 

Q:  What is the cancellation policy?

A:  If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, a minimum of 48 hours advance notice is required. However, if you are scheduling 3 or pets together, 72 hours is required. Failure to adhere to this policy may result in forfeit of the deposit(s).

Q:  Have you found this technique to be effective with high-risk patients?

A:  Yes! Non-anesthetic dental cleanings are usually a much better alternative for older pets, brachycephalic breeds, and for pets with chronic kidney, liver or heart disease who might not be a candidate for general anesthesia.  

Q:  Is every dog and cat a good candidate for non-anesthetic teeth cleaning dog?

A: Our veterinarians will complete an exam to determine if your pet is a good candidate.  The majority of dogs and cats will benefit greatly from non-anesthetic dental, but there are some for whom it is not appropriate.

Q:  What if my pet vomits during the car ride due to motion sickness or anxiety?  Do we need to reschedule?  

No, you can still bring him/her in for teeth cleaning.  However, if your pet is ill/contagious, please reschedule for the safety of other pets.