We’ve all seen fellow dog owners proudly showing off their pup’s gleaming smile after a trip to the groomer. It looks impressive on the surface but here’s the important bit: dental scaling is actually a medical procedure, one that vets perform under local or general anaesthetic. So it does raise a few questions. If your groomer managed to do it while your dog was wide awake, how exactly did that work? Was your dog restrained the entire time? Was it uncomfortable or even painful for them? And how long did they have to stay completely still (something most dogs aren’t exactly famous for).
There’s also the issue of what’s really being cleaned. A groomer’s “scaling” only polishes up the surface. It doesn’t reach the roots, the gums, or any of the hidden trouble spots. So while your dog may look as though they’ve got a dazzling set of teeth, beneath that shiny surface there could still be decay, infection, or gum disease quietly brewing. It’s worth remembering that dental problems can cause significant pain for dogs even if they’re very good at hiding it. That’s why scaling and polishing should only ever be carried out by a qualified vet where it can be done safely and thoroughly.
So before booking your dog in for a quick “teeth clean” outside of a veterinary practice, think carefully about what you might be subjecting them to. A proper dental procedure is about more than appearances – it’s about your dog’s comfort, safety, and long-term health.
