Relaxed & Cozy: How We Help Pets Feel Calm During Non-Anesthetic Pet Dental Cleaning

The calmer your pet feels, the safer and smoother their non-anesthetic dental cleaning will be.

If your dog or cat gets nervous at the vet or during grooming, you’re not alone. Many pets need a little extra comfort during their dental cleaning. Our team uses gentle, low-stress techniques to help pets relax so the experience stays safe, calm, and positive from start to finish.

Here’s how we keep pets comfortable during their anesthesia free teetch cleaning:

Regular breaks
We give pets a short rest every 10–15 minutes. These breaks help prevent stress or exhaustion and make the overall experience much easier on them.

Calming swaddles for smaller dogs
Our dental technicians use a soft swaddle technique that gives little dogs a secure, comforting “hug.” This helps them feel grounded and relaxed.

Supportive mats and pillows for larger dogs
Bigger breeds are more comfortable stretched out, so we use orthopedic mats and neck pillows to keep them supported and at ease.

Gentle swaddling for cats
Cats benefit from light swaddling that helps them feel safe without adding pressure. This keeps them cozy and still for their cleaning.

Every Non-Anesthetic Pet Dental Cleaning Begins With a Gentle Pre-Exam

Before we start any non-anesthetic pet dental cleaning, we perform a calm, hands-on pre-exam to make sure your pet is a good candidate for the procedure. This includes reviewing your pet’s medical history, discussing any dental concerns, and taking a close look at their teeth, gums, and comfort level with gentle handling. This step helps us understand which pets can safely relax during an anesthesia-free cleaning and ensures the experience stays low-stress and positive.

Most dogs and cats are excellent candidates for anesthesia free teeth cleaning, but in rare cases we may recommend a different first step, such as a veterinary dental evaluation and dental imaging or returning with a vet approved calming supplement if that approach would be safer or more comfortable for your pet. Our priority is always to match your pet with the type of dental care that best fits their individual needs.

How We Keep Small Dogs Calm and Comfortable During Non-Anesthetic Dental Cleanings

Small dogs often respond very well to gentle swaddling and supportive positioning during their dental cleaning. We use a soft blanket or towel to create a calming, secure “wrap” that helps little dogs feel safe, similar to the soothing effect of a ThunderShirt®. This light pressure encourages relaxation while allowing our technicians to gently support their front legs and prevent pawing or wiggling. Once your pet is comfy, we begin with a soothing face massage to help them relax and get used to having us near their face and mouth. This is an important step in keeping the experience calm and positive.

Most small dogs lie comfortably on their back on an orthopedic mat between the technician’s legs, but we always adapt the position to their individual needs. If a pet has a history of back issues (like many Dachshunds), we place them on their side instead. For senior dogs or pets with heart or respiratory concerns, our dental technicians may determine that the best option is for them to remain in a seated position, similar to larger dogs, so as to keep them safe and comfortable during their teeth cleaning.

No matter the setup, our goal is the same: to help small dogs feel secure, relaxed, and cared for throughout their anesthesia free teeth cleaning.

Calming Techniques for Large Dogs During Non-Anesthetic Pet Dental Cleaning

Large dogs each have their own comfort preferences, so we adjust the entire non-anesthetic cleaning around the position they choose. Some big dogs prefer to lie down, others feel more relaxed sitting, and certain breeds, like Greyhounds and Great Danes, often do best standing. Our pet dental technicians gently work around your dog in whatever position keeps them calm and secure.

We also take frequent breaks throughout the cleaning, especially for senior dogs or pets with arthritis, hip discomfort, or mobility issues. When lying down is more comfortable, we use supportive orthopedic mats and position them on their back or side only if it feels natural and easy for them.

Calming Techniques Used During Anesthesia Free Cat Dental Cleaning

Cats have their own unique, let’s say…opinions…about being handled, so we take a gentle, go-with-their-flow approach to help them stay calm during their non-anesthetic cat dental cleaning. Instead of a snug swaddle like we use for small dogs, cats get a loose, cozy wrap. It’s just enough pressure to help them feel secure while still giving them the freedom they prefer. This light swaddle also allows us to safely support their front legs and prevent any well-aimed “spicy” swats from landing.

Depending on what makes them feel safest, cats are positioned either on their back on a soft orthopedic mat or in a seated position facing away from the technician. Both setups give them stability and help reduce stress, especially for our more feisty felines. Like senior dogs, senior cats or those with medical conditions get plenty of breaks, even if it means the appointment takes a little longer. A relaxed cat is always worth the extra time.

Making Every Pet’s Dental Cleaning a Comfortable Experience

Every pet is unique, and so is their comfort level during a non-anesthetic dental cleaning. Whether we’re working with a small dog, a large breed, or a cat, our approach always focuses on gentle handling, supportive positioning, and frequent breaks to keep the experience relaxed and stress-free. Our goal is simple: to provide safe, effective dental care while making sure your pet feels secure every step of the way.

If you’d like to understand the full process from start to finish, take a look at our How It Works page for a step-by-step walkthrough of what happens during an anesthesia free pet dental cleaning.