Proper preparation before a dental cleaning is one of the most important ways to help keep your pet safe and ensure the day goes smoothly. Below is a step-by-step guide outlining exactly what is needed before your pet’s dental appointment.

Pre-Anesthetic Bloodwork

Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is required no later than seven (7) days prior to your pet’s dental cleaning.

This allows our medical team time to:

  • review results thoroughly
  • identify any abnormalities
  • adjust anesthetic plans if needed
  • ensure the safest possible procedure

Completing lab work ahead of time helps prevent last-minute delays or cancellations on the day of the dental.

Appointment Confirmation

We ask that all dental appointments be confirmed at least two (2) days in advance.

Dental procedures require dedicated staff, equipment, and scheduling. If you are unable to keep your appointment, confirming early allows us to offer that time to another patient in need.

Fasting Instructions

For anesthesia safety:

  • No food after 5:00 PM the night before the procedure
  • Water is okay overnight
  • We ask that pets do not drink large amounts of water the morning of the dental

Following fasting instructions is critical for a safe anesthetic experience.

Medication Instructions

If your pet takes daily medications, our team will let you know which medications should be given the morning of the procedure.

In many cases:

  • Important medications such as thyroid medication, insulin for diabetic pets, and seizure medications should still be given, often with a very small amount of food or a treat.
  • These medications should not be skipped unless you are specifically instructed to do so.

Some pets are also prescribed medications such as gabapentin or trazodone prior to their dental appointment to help reduce anxiety and make handling safer and less stressful. If these medications are prescribed, it is important to give them exactly as directed.

If you are ever unsure whether a medication should be given, please contact our team ahead of time so we can guide you.

Why Preparation Matters

We know this can feel like a lot of information, but each step plays an important role in your pet’s safety and comfort. Proper preparation allows our team to focus entirely on providing high-quality care without delays or unexpected changes.

Questions About Dental Preparation?

If you have questions about preparing for your pet’s dental cleaning, this page is a great reference. And if anything is unclear or circumstances change, please let our team know as soon as possible so we can help.