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How to remove dog teeth tartar without a costly vet cleaning?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | English Springer Spaniel | Female | 35 lbs

Please see pictures of my dogs teeth. How do i fix her teeth? How do i get this cleaned? What is this and how do i get it off without an expensive vet cleaning?

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1 Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on May 12th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Sadly the only way to get that thick tartar off is with an ultrasonic scaler. And dogs do not stay still for this to happen awake. We also do not know the extent of the periodontal disease in dogs awake. Once the tartar is chipped away we can probe the sockets and take X-rays to determine if the roots are diseased or abscessed, which requires extraction. Leaving diseased teeth in the mouth leaves the dog with chronic pain and risk for abscesses popping through the skin. The only thing you can do at home is try to chip the tartar with your nails if Deeva will even allow you to do so. Do not get bit. You can start brushing her teeth to at least prevent further tartar build up but brushing will not remove what is there. Below is a link to the Veterinary Oral Health Council's approved products. You can try some of the products to see if they help. Also Veterinary dentists recommend a MINIMUM of 3 days a week of teeth brushing. Anything less is likely not doing anything. I wish you the best! http://www.vohc.org/accepted_products_dogs.html

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