What is Emmi-Pet ultrasonic teeth cleaning, and is it right for your dog?

Bad breath is often the first sign. Then you notice a yellow or brown line along the top of the back teeth. Plaque builds up on every dog's teeth, and if it is not cleaned away it hardens into tartar and can lead to sore gums.

Brushing at home is the gold standard, but many dogs will not have it, and many owners never quite get into the habit. That is where Emmi-Pet comes in.

How it works

Emmi-Pet is an ultrasonic toothbrush made for animals. It looks like an electric toothbrush, but it does not scrub. The brush head is simply held against each tooth while ultrasound works through a special toothpaste. The ultrasound creates millions of tiny bubbles that break up plaque and bacteria on the tooth and along the gum line, where a normal brush struggles to reach.

Because the head is held still, there is no scrubbing and no scraping. It is close to silent, and dogs cannot feel it vibrate. Many dogs who would never let you near their mouth with a toothbrush settle for it once they are used to the taste of the paste.

Which dogs it suits

• Small breeds. Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Shih Tzus and Cavaliers have crowded teeth that collect plaque quickly.
• Older dogs. A clean without an anaesthetic is a big plus for a senior dog.
• Dogs who will not be brushed. There is no brushing motion to object to.
• Any dog with smelly breath and healthy gums.

When to see your vet instead

Ultrasonic cleaning is for keeping healthy teeth clean. It is not a treatment. Please see your vet first if your dog has:

• loose, broken or very discoloured teeth
• red, swollen or bleeding gums
• thick, hard tartar covering the teeth
• trouble eating, or pawing at their mouth

What an appointment involves

Your first appointment takes about an hour. We go slowly, let your dog get used to the brush and the toothpaste, then clean each tooth in turn. After that, shorter maintenance visits of about 40 minutes keep plaque from building back up. You can book teeth cleaning on its own or alongside a groom. Prices are on our teeth cleaning page.