Dr Michael Lawley

10/04/2026

Good dental care is an important part of keeping your dog feeling their best. Healthy teeth and gums don’t just support eating and play - they also contribute to overall comfort and wellbeing. 🤍

Without regular care, problems like plaque buildup, gum disease, and infection can develop, often without obvious signs early on. Over time, these can lead to pain and affect your pet’s quality of life.

Our team focuses on gentle, thorough dental care tailored to each individual patient. We’re here to support you through every stage from early prevention to treatment so your pet stays comfortable along the way.

With the right care and regular check-ups, you can help your dog maintain a healthy mouth and enjoy life to the fullest. 🐾

03/04/2026

Vet dentistry FAQs

🦷 How do I know if my pet has dental problems?
🤍 Many pets don’t show obvious signs and will often keep eating even if they’re uncomfortable. Keep an eye out for subtle changes like bad breath, yellow or brown buildup on teeth, red or bleeding gums, drooling, dropping food, or pawing at the mouth.

🦷 How can I care for my pet’s teeth at home?
🤍 Dental care is similar to our own - regular brushing (ideally daily), a balanced diet, and routine vet check-ups all help maintain good oral health. Dental chews and products can also support this, but they don’t replace brushing.

🦷 Does my pet need anaesthesia for a dental procedure?
🤍 Yes. Anaesthesia keeps your pet comfortable and still, allowing us to perform a thorough exam, take x-rays, and properly clean both above and below the gum line. This ensures a safer and much higher standard of care.

🦷 Is my pet too old for anaesthesia?
🤍 Age alone isn’t a reason to avoid anaesthesia. Each patient is assessed individually, with tailored protocols based on their health, blood results, and any existing conditions. With appropriate monitoring and expertise, even senior pets can safely undergo procedures.

🦷 What are the most common dental issues in pets?
🤍 The most common is periodontal disease (gum disease), but we also see tooth root infections, fractures, wear, developmental issues, and oral masses. Many of these can only be detected with dental x-rays.

🦷 Why are dental x-rays important?
🤍 Up to 60–70% of the tooth sits below the gum line, meaning problems can be hidden. X-rays allow us to detect issues like root disease, bone loss, or abscesses that aren’t visible during a standard exam.

Regular dental care plays a big role in your pet’s comfort and overall health, and early intervention can make all the difference. 🤍

27/03/2026

When we look at your dog’s teeth, we’re only seeing a small part of the picture - just like the tip of an iceberg. What’s visible above the gum line is only a fraction of the whole tooth.

In fact, the crown (the part we can see) usually makes up only about one-third of the tooth. For smaller teeth like incisors, it’s even less - closer to one-quarter. The rest sits hidden beneath the gums, where problems can develop without obvious signs.

This is why dental disease can sometimes go unnoticed during a simple visual check. Issues below the gum line like infection, bone loss, or damaged roots can be present even when the teeth look relatively normal on the surface.

Comprehensive dental care, including imaging and thorough assessment, helps us see the full picture and manage problems early before they become more serious. 🐾

20/03/2026

🦷 What to expect during your pet’s dental procedure

Your pet will be placed under a safe, carefully monitored anaesthetic so they remain comfortable and still throughout the procedure.

Once asleep, we perform a thorough oral examination, including areas below the gum line, and take dental x-rays to check for any hidden problems that can’t be seen on the surface.

We then clean away plaque and tartar, followed by polishing the teeth. If needed, extractions or additional treatments are carried out to support your pet’s overall dental health.

After the procedure, your pet is closely monitored as they wake up. Once they’re fully recovered and stable, they’ll be ready to head home with you. 🤍

27/02/2026

Every dental procedure is different because every pet is different 🐶🐱

This is why proper pet dentistry isn’t one-size-fits-all. From assessing each tooth to treating disease below the gumline, every decision is tailored to what that patient needs in the moment 🦷

Experience, precision, and a calm, careful approach make all the difference when it comes to dental care 💙

Another Friday, another pet on the path to a healthier, more comfortable mouth.

11/02/2026

Every dental procedure starts here 🦷

A thorough mouth examination is one of the most important steps in pet dentistry. It allows us to assess each tooth, the gums, and the overall health of the mouth before deciding on the best course of treatment 🐶🐱

During a dental exam, we’re looking for signs of periodontal disease, fractured or painful teeth, inflammation, and problems hiding below the gumline because what you can’t see can still cause discomfort.

Taking the time to assess properly means better decisions, safer procedures, and better outcomes for our patients 💙

04/02/2026

This is what proper pet dentistry actually looks like 👀🦷

Dental procedures aren’t just about clean teeth - they’re about diagnosing and treating pain that pets can’t tell us about. From careful extractions to full-mouth assessments, every step is focused on comfort, safety, and long-term oral health 🐶🐱

With advanced equipment, dental X-rays, and a highly trained team, we’re able to treat dental disease thoroughly not just what you can see on the surface 💙

Healthy mouths mean happier, more comfortable pets.

28/01/2026

✨ Behind the scenes of a Friday Dental Day with Dr Mike 🦷✨

Dental care isn’t just about a quick clean - it’s about whole-mouth health that keeps pets eating comfortably, playing happily and feeling their best 🐶🐱

Every Friday at ADC Perth Murdoch clinic, Dr Mike helps pets with everything from dental assessments and scale & polishes to more advanced oral surgery. What makes it special?
👉 Full-mouth X-rays reveal what’s hidden below the gumline
👉 A board-certified anaesthetist monitoring every step
👉 A highly skilled nursing team ensuring safety and comfort
👉 Tailored treatment plans, not one-size-fits-all 💙

Got questions about your pet’s dental health? Drop them below or book in with us on 08 6277 9430🗓️

01/01/2026

17/12/2025

🦷✨ Is your pet hiding dental pain?

Bad breath, tartar, or difficulty eating can all point to dental disease and pets rarely show discomfort until it’s advanced.

Dr Mike Lawley has a special interest in veterinary dentistry and oral surgery, offering advanced care for dogs and cats every Friday at . Each procedure includes full-mouth X-rays, gentle cleaning, and precision treatment - all under the care of a board-certified anaesthetist and experienced nursing team.

Healthy teeth = happier pets 💙🐾

Book your appointment today on 08 6277 9430 or [email protected]