23/10/2023
Some of our clients have told us that their dog grooming providers are now offering "ultrasonic tooth cleaning".
Dentistry (if performed by using an ultrasonic dental scaler specifically) should not be performed on dogs or cats without anaesthesia, and we want to make owners aware of this distinction while agreeing to services. There are significant health risks in scaling a pet's teeth without appropriate veterinary training.
Cleaning the teeth properly with an ultrasonic scaler is an act of veterinary surgery and can only legally be performed by your veterinary team. Allowing someone to carry out anaesthesia free dentistry on your pet could be regarded as failing to safeguard the welfare of your pet. The welfare of animals is protected under law by the Animal Welfare Act.
Further information can be found on the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons website:
www.rcvs.org.uk/document-library/a-statement-on-anaesthesia-free-dental-procedures-for-cats-dogs/