Should dogs and cats get scaling? If dogs and cats are found to have tartar You should take him to your veterinarian so that your veterinarian can help you determine if you should have a scaling treatment. This is because if left untreated, tartar can be a breeding ground for germs, causing gingivitis, periodontitis, and fractures from infection from periodontitis. And when that happens, the only way to remove limestone is to scrape the limestone.