Dog Teeth Cleaning Costs: Best Ways To Save On Dental Care
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
As a devoted dog owner, ensuring your furry friend's health and happiness is always a top priority. One aspect of canine care that shouldn't be overlooked is dental hygiene. Just like humans, dogs require regular teeth cleaning to prevent dental diseases and maintain overall health.
However, many pet parents are often surprised by the cost associated with professional dog teeth cleaning. Let's dive into what you can expect to pay and how pet insurance might be a game-changer in managing these expenses.
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How much does a dog teeth cleaning cost?
Typically, dog teeth cleaning costs between $300 to $700, which doesn’t include special treatments for periodontal (gum) disease or tooth extractions. These conditions can add several hundred dollars to the total vet visit cost.
On average, a dog teeth cleaning costs between $300 and $700
What's included with the cost of a dental cleaning for dogs?
Typically, a professional teeth cleaning for dogs includes:
- The cost of dog X-rays necessary to assess the mouth, jaw, and tooth roots that are invisible to our eyes below the gumline
- An examination of the canine's teeth, gums, tongue cheeks, and roof of the mouth for any oral injury or infection, such as periodontal disease
- Scaling of the teeth, which removes tartar and plaque buildup with a professional tool
- Tooth polish that removes stains and discoloration to improve the appearance of your pup's smile
- Use of anesthesia to evaluate the oral cavity and clean the dog's teeth
Professional teeth cleanings are important for maintaining your dog's oral health and can be costly, but routine dental care and prevention can help reduce these expenses.
If your dog has been previously diagnosed with dental problems, your veterinarian may recommend additional treatments and more frequent cleanings.
How much does dog teeth cleaning cost without anesthesia?
Some pet parents believe they might be able to save money at the vet and prevent their loved one from going under with nonanesthetic dentistry (NAD). However, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) considers this practice unprofessional, unsafe, and ineffective for several reasons:
- It's difficult to reach and clean the inner surfaces of the teeth while your dog is conscious, and the procedure feels uncomfortable.
- No one can accurately diagnose or treat tooth decay in dogs during anesthesia-free dentistry, so the cleaning is merely superficial and misrepresentative of the procedure.
- If a fully awake dog startles, they could accidentally scrape or cut their gums during the cleaning.
- Dogs are known to bite in pain or distress, posing a safety risk to the veterinarian performing the dental cleaning, as well.
These are just a few examples that explain why no AAHA-affiliated veterinarian may perform a dog teeth cleaning without anesthesia, or they risk losing their certification.
Are dog dental cleanings safe?
If you're worried about the possible risks and side effects of teeth cleaning for dogs, know that your trained veterinary team is tasked with monitoring your pet's vital signs during and after sedation.
Most dogs recover from dental anesthesia within 15 to 20 minutes after the procedure. They then rest comfortably in a cage for a few hours for continued monitoring and typically go home the same day.
What are the benefits of dog dental care?
Practicing good dental hygiene in pets has many benefits, such as:
- Improving bad breath in dogs by eliminating bacteria that produce foul odor
- Removing stains to prevent the yellowing of dogs' teeth
- Removing plaque before it hardens into tartar
- Detecting dental injuries that may be causing your dog pain
- Maintaining your pet's overall health and wellbeing
If you've ever experienced a mouth sore, you know just how uncomfortable they can be — but dogs can't speak up when they have pain due to a dental injury or tooth abscess, for example.
Gum disease can also be very painful and may lead to a host of secondary health issues without management. By brushing your dog's teeth regularly. you can help them avoid painful and expensive procedures in the future.
PRO TIP: Regularly brushing your dog's teeth is particularly important for small dog breeds, which are more prone to oral health problems, and dogs that eat only wet food.
How to clean dogs' teeth at home
Brushing your dog's teeth can be tricky at first, but most dogs will get used to it. Here are some tips to make it easier to make it a habit at home:
- Use special canine toothpaste in an appetizing flavor, such as peanut butter or poultry, to encourage their cooperation with this.
- Start slow and first get your dog used to the yummy flavor of the toothpaste on your finger as they get more used to your fingers in and around their mouth.
- Initially, brush with just your finger and the doggy toothpaste until they are comfortable with you touching all 42 of their teeth, even the ones in the very back. This will make it much easier to introduce the toothbrush into the equation.
- Start by brushing your dog's teeth for a few minutes weekly and gradually increase to once a day as they become more comfortable. Remember to stay patient!
- Always feel free to contact your veterinary hospital for tips or recommended products.
- If your dog refuses to let you brush their teeth after several attempts, try dog dental wipes. These are simply rubbed directly against your dog's teeth and gums to help control plaque.
Caring for your dog's teeth at home is important, but remember: professional teeth cleanings are paramount for keeping your dog's mouth healthy and disease-free.
What are the best dog dental products?
Many vets sell their preferred brands of canine toothpaste and toothbrushes in the clinic, but can also be found at specialty pet stores or large retailers like Walmart or Amazon.
If you aren't buying directly from your vet or an online pharmacy, be sure to take a close look at the ingredient label before giving it to your dog. It's crucial that you do not use human toothpaste, as many contain xylitol and harsh detergents that are toxic to dogs.
You should also avoid chews or bones made out of starches, like corn or potato, to avoid scratching your dog's teeth and gums — particularly if they have poor dental health.
When selecting a dog toothpaste, look for one that contains at least one of the following ingredients:
- Baking soda to fight bad breath and brighten the teeth
- Enzymes that destroy tartar to keep your dog's teeth and gums healthier
- Natural ingredients such as coconut oil, aloe, and grapefruit seeds that help inhibit bacterial growth
Oral gels and rinses are also available. Look for products with chlorhexidine, which is highly effective in preventing plaque buildup. We recommend a flavored option, as these oral gels and rinses can have a displeasing taste. Again, be sure you are getting a veterinary-endorsed product specifically for dogs.
There are also many dental toys and chews on the market for dogs. Dental chews are fun for your dog, help with bad breath, and minimize plaque and tartar buildup on dogs' teeth.
If your pooch has a significant problem with plaque, your veterinarian may recommend a special diet. These diets typically consist of specially shaped kibbles that mechanically and chemically break down plaque and tartar buildup on dog teeth.
How to save money on dog teeth cleaning costs
When looking into regular dental care for your dog, know that you can use pet insurance to get reimbursed for the costs. Accident and illness plans can cover illness-related teeth cleanings and necessary tooth extractions. For most families in the US, dog insurance is worth it - considering many cannot afford unexpected veterinary costs. For routine cleanings, wellness plan add-ons.
Pawlicy Advisor can help you find a great pet insurance plan with dental coverage.
Be proactive about your dog's dental care. Explore the products above and use Pawlicy Advisor to find the best pet health coverage plan at the best price.
Pawlicy Advisor can help you find a great pet insurance plan with dental coverage.
Key Takeaways
- Vets recommend a professional teeth cleaning for dogs once a year to maintain optimal oral health and prevent dental disease.
- Depending on the vets who offer dog dental cleaning nearby you, the procedure could cost $300 - $700.
- Routinely brushing your dog's teeth at home can prevent the need for expensive dental work by keeping their mouth healthy and free of disease.
- Pet insurance can help you cover the dog dental cleaning costs related to illness, and pet wellness plans reimburse $100+ every year for routine dental care.
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Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Aliyah Diamond has more than ten years of experience in animal hospitals - working with dozens of species from dogs and cats, to elephants and snow leopards. Her lifelong passion for helping animals currently has her earning her doctorate of veterinary medicine at Cornell University and helping Pawlicy Advisor educate pet parents.
