If you’re searching for pet dental cleaning in Dalton GA, there’s usually a reason:
Bad breath
Yellow or brown teeth
Red gums
Drooling
Reluctance to eat
Dental disease is one of the most common — and most overlooked — health problems in dogs and cats.
By age three, most pets show signs of periodontal disease.
At Zutilla Pet Clinic, we provide professional dental cleanings designed to protect not just your pet’s teeth — but their overall health.
Dental disease isn’t just about breath.
Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and affect:
The heart
The kidneys
The liver
Untreated dental disease can cause:
Chronic pain
Tooth loss
Jaw damage
Systemic infection
Because pets rarely show obvious pain, dental disease often progresses quietly.
Preventative dental cleanings help stop that progression before it becomes serious.
Watch for:
Persistent bad breath
Yellow or brown tartar buildup
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Pawing at the mouth
Dropping food
Chewing on one side
Behavioral changes
Even if these signs are mild, an exam is recommended.
Professional dental care involves far more than scraping visible tartar.
Dental cleanings are performed under monitored anesthesia.
Why anesthesia is necessary:
Allows full cleaning under the gumline
Prevents stress and movement
Enables thorough evaluation
Protects the airway
We follow monitored anesthesia protocols and tailor medications to your pet’s health profile.
Many dental problems occur below the gumline.
Dental X-rays can reveal:
Root infections
Bone loss
Hidden fractures
Abscesses
Without imaging, these problems can go undetected.
The cleaning process includes:
Removal of tartar above and below the gumline
Ultrasonic scaling
Hand scaling
Polishing to smooth enamel
Polishing helps reduce future plaque buildup.
If a tooth is severely damaged or infected, extraction may be recommended.
Signs extraction may be necessary:
Loose teeth
Advanced periodontal disease
Painful root infections
We discuss findings before proceeding whenever possible.
Pain management is included in all necessary extractions.
Brushing your pet’s teeth is helpful — but it does not replace professional cleaning once tartar has hardened.
Helpful at-home tools:
Veterinary-approved toothbrushes
Enzymatic toothpaste
Dental chews (vet-recommended)
What doesn’t replace cleanings:
Water additives alone
Hard bones
“Natural” scraping methods
Professional cleaning remains the gold standard for established tartar.
Frequency depends on:
Breed
Genetics
Diet
Home care routine
Age
Some pets may need cleanings annually. Others may need them less frequently.
Small-breed dogs often require more frequent care due to crowding and plaque accumulation.
We recommend dental evaluations during every wellness visit.
Dental disease is progressive.
What starts as mild gingivitis can become:
Painful infections
Tooth loss
Organ damage
Preventative cleanings:
Reduce long-term costs
Improve quality of life
Extend overall health
Dental care is not cosmetic — it is medical.
(See our Preventative Care page for a complete wellness strategy.)
If you’re looking for reliable pet dental cleaning in Dalton GA, Zutilla Pet Clinic is here to help.
We focus on:
Thorough examinations
Safe anesthesia
Transparent pricing
Honest recommendations
For new clients, we offer a complimentary clinic visit (a $59 value) where we can:
Evaluate your pet’s dental health
Determine if cleaning is needed
Provide a detailed estimate
Answer your questions
Dental disease is common — but preventable.
Call today or book online to protect your pet’s teeth, comfort, and long-term health.
When properly monitored and tailored to your pet’s health, anesthesia is considered safe. We perform pre-surgical evaluations and recommend bloodwork when appropriate.
Routine cleanings typically cause minimal discomfort. Pain medication is provided if extractions are necessary.
Most pets return to normal behavior within 24–48 hours.
Persistent bad breath is often a sign of periodontal disease and should be evaluated.
Costs vary based on findings, anesthesia, and whether extractions are required. Preventative cleanings are typically less expensive than advanced dental treatment.
Brushing helps slow buildup but does not remove hardened tartar under the gumline.
Preventive care isn’t about doing “everything.”
It’s about doing the right things at the right time to support a pet’s quality of life.
Our goal is to help pet owners understand what preventive care includes, why it’s recommended, and how it supports long-term health — so visits feel collaborative, not surprising.
If you’re unsure what preventive care looks like for your dog or cat, we’re happy to help guide you through it.
👉 Request an appointment or call Zutilla Pet Clinic to discuss a preventive care plan tailored to your pet.
We specialize in outpatient medicine and preventive care for dogs and cats. We aim to provide outstanding pet care while exceeding client expectations. A portion of every dollar spent goes to help pets in need locally!
Monday - 8:00am to 5:00pm
Tuesday - 8:00am to 5:00pm
Wednesday - CLOSED
Thursday - 8:00am to 5:00pm
Friday - 8:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday - CLOSED
Sunday - CLOSED
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