Let’s be honest—your pet’s breath probably isn’t their best feature. But bad breath isn’t just bothersome, it can also be a big red flag. Just like us, dogs and cats can suffer from plaque, gum disease, infections, and even tooth loss. And if those issues go untreated, they only get worse. Getting your pet’s teeth cleaned can prevent some serious health problems down the line.
Why Dental Cleanings Matter
Dental care is one of the most important (and most overlooked) ways to keep your pet healthy and pain-free for life.
The truth is, dental diseases are some of the most common (and most preventable) health problems in cats and dogs. When we skip cleanings, we see more than just stinky breath. Left untreated, dental disease can lead to:
- Painful gums and tooth loss
- Infections that spread to other parts of the body
- Serious risks to the heart, kidneys, and liver
What Happens During a Pet Dental Cleaning?
We approach dental care with the same thoroughness as everything else we do. Dental care is very important, because it helps prevent gum infections and painful tooth decay.
Here’s what a typical dental visit includes:
- Pre-anesthetic bloodwork to ensure your pet is healthy enough for the procedure
- Full anesthesia for comfort, safety, and a thorough cleaning
- Scaling and polishing above and below the gumline
- A full oral exam to check for hidden problems
- Dental X-rays, if needed, to check below the surface
How Often Do Pets Need Cleanings?
Plaque builds up quickly on your pet’s teeth—even faster than it does on your teeth, because you’re brushing twice a day. Over time, plaque will harden into tartar, and once it does, there’s no getting it off without professional help.
Tartar buildup makes your pet’s teeth look yellow, and it makes their breath stink. It’s also the main reason for gum disease and tooth loss in pets. If your pet’s teeth are starting to look stained or discolored, they may need to get their teeth cleaned by a veterinarian.
During your pet’s regular wellness exam, we’ll check their teeth and let you know if it’s time for a cleaning.Most dogs and cats benefit from annual dental cleanings starting around age 3. But some pets may need them earlier or more frequently, especially:
- Small breeds
- Flat-faced breeds like Frenchies and Persians
- Cats with a history of dental problems
What Happens If You Don’t Get Your Pet’s Teeth Cleaned?
If it never occurred to you that pets also need dental care, you’re not alone. But skipping preventive treatments like teeth cleanings can lead to bigger problems over time.
Here’s what we tend to see when cleanings get skipped:
- Bad breath (It’s one of the first signs of dental trouble)
- Red, swollen gums and discomfort while eating
- Tooth infections and abscesses that will require tooth extractions
- Systemic illnesses as bacteria from gum infections enters the bloodstream and affects major organs
By the time dental disease becomes obvious, your pet could already be dealing with significant discomfort. And the longer you wait, the more complicated treatment will become.
What You Can Do at Home
A professional cleaning once a year is vital, but what you do at home matters, too. Here’s how to help your pet keep their teeth healthy between vet visits:
- Brush your pet’s teeth daily
- Give them vet-approved dental chews or toys
- Use vet-approved oral health products to slow plaque buildup
Let’s Keep Your Pet Smiling
At LazyPaw, your pet’s comfort and long-term health are always our top priority. We love seeing those clean, healthy smiles—and we love helping you keep them that way!
If you’re in Fisco, Northern Plano, Little Elm, or The Colony and you’re wondering whether your pet needs a teeth cleaning, let’s chat. We’re happy to check up on their dental health, answer any questions, and help you plan the best care possible.
Call us at 972-712-1300 or contact us online to schedule your pet’s dental exam today.
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels used with permission under the creative commons license for commercial use 5/19/2025