Frequently Asked Questions

At The Gentle Shepherd, we believe every dog deserves gentle, individualized care. That's why every appointment is performed one-on-one by the owner, who has received specialized training in anesthesia-free canine dental cleaning. By working at your dog's own pace in a calm, stress-free environment, we strive to make each visit a gentle, positive experience.

Canine dental care is about more than just keeping your dog's teeth clean. Poor oral health can lead to bad breath, painful gum disease, and difficulty eating. If left untreated, bacteria from dental disease can enter the bloodstream and may affect important organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Regular dental care plays an important role in supporting your dog's overall health and well-being.

Your dog's teeth will be cleaned by the owner, Kaitlyn, who has received specialized training in anesthesia-free canine dental cleaning. Every appointment is performed one-on-one from start to finish.

Most appointments take 45 minutes to 1 hour. Every dog is different, so we work at your dog's own pace to ensure a calm, gentle, and positive experience. The comfort and well-being of your dog always come first.

Every dog is different, so the ideal cleaning schedule depends on factors such as age, breed, diet, and oral health. Most dogs benefit from a cleaning every 6 to 12 months, and we'll be happy to recommend a schedule that's right for your dog.

Some common signs that your dog may benefit from a dental cleaning include bad breath, red or inflamed gums, visible plaque and tartar on the teeth, or bleeding gums while chewing on toys.

Regular dental cleanings help keep your dog's mouth healthy and may help prevent more serious dental and overall health problems from developing.

We recommend waiting until your dog is at least 2 years of age before scheduling an anesthesia-free teeth cleaning. Before this age, the enamel on their teeth has not fully hardened. Performing a cleaning too early could permanently damage the enamel, which is why we do not provide this service for dogs under 2 years old.

Before their first dental cleaning, it's a great idea to begin gently introducing tooth brushing and getting your dog comfortable with having their mouth handled. This helps build confidence and trust, making future dental cleanings a more positive, calm, and stress-free experience for your dog.

Yes! Brushing your dog's teeth at least three times a week is one of the best ways to maintain good oral health between cleanings. During your appointment, we'll teach you proper at-home dental care techniques to help keep your dog's teeth and gums as healthy as possible.

We prefer that owners do not stay during their dog’s appointment. This allows your dog to give their full attention to us, helping us build trust more quickly and create a calm, low-stress environment for the cleaning process.

No. Anesthesia-free teeth cleaning is designed to help maintain your dog's oral health and is not a substitute for routine veterinary examinations or professional dental procedures performed under anesthesia when medically necessary. Regular veterinary care remains an important part of your dog's overall health and well-being.