Our Services
Melbourne’s own Anesthesia Free dog teeth cleaning specialists
Canine Dental Cleaning
We provide anesthesia‑free dog teeth cleaning for suitable dogs.
We do:
- Perform an initial dental check to look for obvious issues
- Gently hand‑scale teeth to remove plaque and tartar, including under the gum line where it’s safe and accessible
- Work in a calm, low‑stress environment with only 1–3 dogs in the clinic at a time
- Refer you back to your vet if we see anything that needs veterinary dentistry
We don’t:
- Use anaesthetic or sedation
- Take x‑rays, probe deeply under the gum line, or perform surgery
- Treat dogs who are in obvious pain, have advanced disease, or are too stressed to handle safely
What to Expect
1. Initial Dental Check
Before we begin, we conduct a thorough dental check to identify any abnormalities such as mobile teeth, fractures or severe gum disease, which may require treatment under anaesthesia. If we detect any concerns, we charge a $50 dental check fee and will refer you to your vet or recommend a trusted one for further care instead of proceeding with the clean.
2. Stress-Free, Hand-Scaled Cleaning
If no abnormalities are found, we proceed with a gentle, manual dental clean—no loud vibrations, no harsh chemicals. Each tooth is carefully hand-scaled to remove plaque and tartar, including under the gum line, ensuring a thorough clean without unnecessary stress.
3. Comfort-First Approach
We prioritise your pet’s relaxation by using a memory foam mattress and swaddling them gently, similar to a baby. This method reduces anxiety and helps them stay calm by naturally releasing oxytocin, an anti-anxiety chemical for dogs. 1-3 dogs may be present in our facility at one time and never come in contact with each-other – keeping it a calm, quiet, stress free environment
4. A Healthy, Happy Smile
The procedure takes approximately 1.5 hours and concludes with a full teeth polish, leaving your furry friend with a bright, healthy smile.
Book a session today and give your dog the gift of optimal dental health!
Dental Maintenance Plan
Keep your dog’s teeth in top condition year-round with our exclusive maintenance plan! Clients who schedule a maintenance appointment every 3 months receive a 50% discount off the initial clean rate, giving you 4 cleans a year for the price of 2!
Why is Maintenance Important?
- Plaque Hardens Quickly – It takes just 24 to 72 hours for plaque to turn into tartar, accelerating the risk of dental disease.
- Prevent Rapid Buildup – Even after an initial clean, bacteria quickly return to the same stage, leading to significant tartar accumulation within just three months.
- Early Detection of Issues – Regular check-ups help us identify infections or dental concerns early, allowing for prompt veterinary care before they become serious.
Ensure your pup’s oral health stays in check – join our maintenance plan today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my dog feel stressed or uncomfortable?
Most dogs remain calm and relaxed throughout the process. We use gentle handling techniques and swaddling to help them feel secure—many even fall asleep! Our approach is force-free and pain-free.
Does anesthesia‑free dental cleaning get the same results as a vet visit?
No awake procedure can provide the same full diagnostic assessment and treatment as a veterinary dental under general anaesthetic – there are no x‑rays, no tooth‑by‑tooth probing deep under the gum line and no ability to perform surgery.
A thorough hand‑scale and polish of the teeth where it is safe and accessible
A welfare‑first environment for suitable dogs who are calm and comfortable being handled
Early detection of visible concerns so we can refer you back to your vet
We are dental hygienists, not vets. We see our role as preventative maintenance and early support, working alongside your vet – not as a replacement for veterinary dentistry.
How long does an anesthesia-free dental clean last?
It varies based on your dog’s diet, genetics, and overall dental health. We recommend every dog comes back every 3 months—just like humans, if you didn’t brush your teeth for 3 months, you’d have significant buildup too! The frequency may depend on how compliant your dog is during cleaning and their natural dental health.
How can I tell if my dog needs dental work?
Every dog should get used to the process and start regular dental cleanings from 6 months old to maintain lifelong oral health. Common signs your dog needs a cleaning include: Smelly breath (bad breath is not normal!) Visible tartar buildup on the teeth and receding gums. More serious symptoms that may require urgent attention: Lethargy or changes in behaviour, Loss of appetite or reluctance to eat or avoiding chew toys or struggling to play.
Our goal is preventative care – we believe anesthesia should only be used when absolutely necessary to avoid unnecessary stress and tooth loss.
How often should I clean my dog’s teeth at home?
Every day! Plaque starts hardening into tartar within 10–12 hours, so daily brushing is the best way to maintain oral health. To help between visits, check out our oral care kit.
What’s the difference between plaque and tartar?
Plaque – A soft, clear or yellow film of bacteria that can be removed with brushing.
Tartar – Hardened plaque that only a professional can remove. Regular cleanings help prevent tartar buildup and keep your dog’s mouth healthy!
Dr Phil Sacks – Burwood Vet
The knowledge Dr Phil Sacks and Burwood vet provide us with is irreplaceable. You can rest assured knowing your dogs in great hands at Canine Dental, with veterinarians/ Canine specialist right in the next room.
This approach ensures that we are just a moment away from providing help in any emergency. Our clients benefit from immediate access to assistance or a second opinion if any rare abnormalities are detected in the mouth. Additionally, we make life easier and more convenient by arranging dental surgeries with top professionals right after leaving our clinic.
This level of service is something you can’t rely on with canine dental businesses that conduct home visits or work independently.
Book Your Dog In Now
If you’d like to book in with the first Anesthesia free dog teeth cleaners in Australia, get in touch now