You know how important it is to take care of your dog’s teeth. Sometimes, no matter what we do as responsible pet parents, our dogs may require dental care that goes beyond just brushing their teeth. You may be concerned about having your dog be put under anesthesia for a number of reasons, but there is an alternative to having your dog put under: non-anesthesia dog dental cleaning.
This post will look at what non-anesthesia dog dental cleaning is, what happens during the procedure, how it compares to an anesthesia based procedure, who it is good for, the benefits it can provide for your dog, the cons to having it, and how to choose the best option for your dog.
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Disclaimer: This post is meant to be informative and should not be taken as medical advice. Talk to your veterinarian regarding any health concerns you may have for your dog.
It is also important to note that the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) does not condone anesthesia free dental cleanings on dogs for a number of reasons. This post does not advocate for anesthesia free cleanings, but is here to give you an overview of the procedure and why some pet parents opt to have their pup get this done. Speak to your veterinarian with any questions or concerns you may have.
What Is Non-Anesthesia Dog Dental Cleaning?
Non-anesthesia dental cleaning uses hand tools and other instruments to clean your dog’s teeth and remove debris above the gum line. This helps prevent periodontal disease, which can lead to more severe dental issues and health problems if left untreated.
While non-anesthesia dental cleaning may seem like a good option for your dog, it is important to note that this type of dental cleaning has limitations.
What Happens During A Non-Anesthesia Dental Cleaning?
These are several steps to a non-anesthesia dental cleaning including the pre-cleaning assessment and the procedure of scaling and polishing.
Pre-Cleaning Assessment
Before starting the non-anesthesia dental cleaning, a thorough pre-cleaning assessment will be conducted to evaluate your dog’s overall health and oral condition.
This includes an examination of your dog’s mouth, checking for any visible signs of dental issues, and making sure your dog is a suitable candidate for the procedure. It is important to ensure your pup is comfortable and cooperative throughout the process.
Scaling and Polishing
In a non-anesthesia dental cleaning, you can expect the following steps to be carried out by a trained professional:
- Manual Scaling: Using specialized dental instruments, the plaque and tartar will be carefully scraped away from your dog’s teeth, above the gum line.
- Ultrasonic Scaling: If required, an ultrasonic scaler may be used to remove any stubborn tartar from your dog’s teeth, ensuring a thorough cleaning.
- Polishing: After all the plaque and tartar have been removed, your dog’s teeth will be polished with a dental paste and polishing tool. This helps smooth the surface of the teeth, making it harder for plaque and tartar to form.
Aftercare
Once the non-anesthesia dental cleaning is complete, it is important to maintain your dog’s oral hygiene to prevent future dental issues. Here are some post-cleaning guidelines:
- Regular Brushing: Brush your dog’s teeth daily using a toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs.
- Dental Treats and Chews: Provide your dog with dental chews or treats formulated to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
- Periodic Checkups: Schedule periodic checkups with your veterinarian to monitor your dog’s dental health and address any potential problems as they occur.
How Does Non-Anesthesia Dental Cleaning Compare With Anesthesia-Based Cleanings?
There are several factors you may want to consider when deciding if a non-anesthesia based dental cleaning is best for your dog.
Risk Factors
When it comes to anesthesia-based dental cleanings, your dog is put under general anesthesia, which carries some risks.
In rare cases, anesthesia may cause complications, such as an allergic reaction, breathing problems, or other side effects. However, modern anesthetic agents considerably reduce these risks.
Non-anesthesia dental cleaning, on the other hand, doesn’t involve anesthesia, but instead requires physical restraint of your dog throughout the procedure. This can be a stressful and uncomfortable experience for your pup. Moreover, non-anesthetic cleaning might not ensure a thorough cleaning, as your dog’s discomfort may hinder proper access to all dental surfaces.
Recovery Time
Recovery time can also be a factor to consider. After a cleaning with anesthesia, your dog will need to recover from the effects of it. This may take a few hours.
In contrast, non-anesthesia dental cleanings involve no recovery time related to anesthesia. However, since your pup might be stressed or anxious due to the physical restraint during the cleaning, it’s important to provide a calm and comforting environment to help them relax after the procedure.
Dental Cleaning Effectiveness
One of the most important aspects of dental cleaning for dogs is the effectiveness of the procedure. In anesthesia-based dental cleanings, your veterinarian can effectively clean both visible and hidden dental surfaces, particularly removing plaque and tartar below the gum line. So, anesthesia-based dental cleaning:
- Provides access to all dental surfaces.
- Removes plaque and tartar below the gum line.
- Prevents periodontal disease.
On the other hand, non-anesthesia dental cleanings primarily improve your pet’s teeth appearance cosmetically without ensuring complete cleaning. This type of cleaning lacks the same level of thoroughness, largely due to the stress and limited access to certain tooth surfaces. Non-anesthesia dental cleaning:
- Limits access to all dental surfaces.
- Primarily improves appearance.
- Includes a risk of plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline.
So, anesthesia-based dental cleanings provide a more thorough and effective cleaning while ensuring the prevention of periodontal diseases. Conversely, non-anesthetic dental cleanings possess limitations in terms of access to dental surfaces, cleaning effectiveness, and potential stress for your dog.
Who Are Non-Anesthesia Dental Cleanings Good For?
While non-anesthesia dental cleanings are not for all dogs, there are a few that can benefit from the procedure. Among them:
- Dogs with health conditions where it would be dangerous for them to be put under anesthesia.
- Elderly dogs.
- Those with allergies to any of the ingredients in the anesthesia.
- Pup’s with dental issues where they need multiple dental cleanings and can benefit from less intense cleanings between anesthesia based cleanings.
What Are The Benefits?
There are several benefits to having your dog’s teeth cleaned without anesthesia, including preventative care and safety.
Preventive Care
Dental cleanings can provide your dog with consistent and regular preventive care. This helps to minimize plaque and tartar which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay if left untreated.
Non-anesthesia cleanings can be used as a way to have your dog’s teeth cleaned between more involved dental cleanings with anesthesia. This will enable early detection of any gum disease or other dental issue that may arise.
Safety
For some dogs, undergoing anesthesia can be risky due to age, existing health issues, or allergies. Non-anesthesia dental cleanings provide an alternative for maintaining your dog’s oral health without subjecting them to the potential risks associated with anesthesia.
What Are The Cons?
Although there are some positives to your dog getting a non-anesthesia dental cleaning, there are some things that should be considered for why you may not want your dog to have a non-anesthesia cleaning.
Stress
In order for your dog to undergo a non-anesthesia dental cleaning, they will need to be restrained. This can cause stress and anxiety for your pup. It is up to you to decide if putting your dog through the stress is worth it.
Pain
The tools used in cleaning your dog’s teeth can be sharp. If your dog is not put under anesthesia for the cleaning and they move around during the procedure, it is possible for them to be cut by the tools, not to mention the discomfort they will feel when their teeth are scraped.
Effectiveness
Non-anesthesia dental cleanings are not as effective as anesthesia dental cleanings. The doctor is not able to fully examine and thoroughly clean your dog’s teeth to the same extent that they would be able to if your dog was put under anesthesia.
Due to not being able to thoroughly examine and clean your dog’s teeth, if your dog has any issues in their mouth, these could be missed, leading to a progression of the disease.
Disease
If your dog is awake during their dental cleaning, it is possible for your dog to swallow or inhale some of the debris that comes off throughout the procedure. If this happens, it could possibly lead to pneumonia. If your dog is put under anesthesia, suction is used throughout to ensure this does not happen.
How Do I Choose the Right Option For My Dog?
Some things to consider to help you decide which option is right for your dog include:
Veterinarian Consultation
Before you decide which type of dental cleaning is best for your dog, talk to your veterinarian. They will be able to give you better insight as to which type is best for your pup.
Dog’s Health Condition
The choice between anesthesia and non-anesthesia dental cleanings largely depends on your dog’s health. Some dogs may have pre-existing health issues that make them unsuitable candidates for anesthesia, such as:
- Heart Problems: Certain heart conditions increase the risks associated with anesthesia.
- Kidney Disease: Dogs with kidney problems might not be able to properly eliminate anesthesia drugs, increasing complications.
- Liver Disease: Similar to kidney issues, liver disease can affect the processing of anesthesia drugs.
In these cases, a non-anesthesia dental cleaning may be a safer option. However, it’s important to remember that non-anesthetic cleanings can be less effective and can cause pain or discomfort for your dog.
Age-Related Concerns
Dogs of different ages have unique dental care requirements:
- Puppies: During teething, puppies may require special dental care to ensure proper growth and development. Speak to your veterinarian about dental care options suitable for puppies.
- Adult Dogs: Regular dental checkups and cleaning are essential to maintain your dog’s oral health. Vets can recommend suitable dental cleaning methods based on an individual dog’s health.
- Senior Dogs: Older dogs may have more dental issues, making them more susceptible to periodontal diseases. It is important to assess your senior dog’s overall health conditions and tailor the dental cleaning approach to suit their needs.
A non-anesthesia dog dental cleaning can provide your pup with a basic cleaning either between anesthesia based cleanings or in place of it if your pup is not a good candidate for anesthesia. Your decision should be made by both you and your veterinarian, taking into consideration your dog’s overall health, age, and their dental needs.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.