One of the aspects of being a responsible dog owner is ensuring your pet has the proper medical care. When you take your dog for a wellness exam, part of the examination should include an evaluation of the dog’s teeth and gums. Read on to find out the lowdown on today’s dog teeth cleaning cost.
A basic dental cleaning for a dog that’s healthy can usually cost between $200 and $300. The amount you pay to have your dog’s teeth cleaned can vary considerably depending on the area in which you live and what your veterinarian charges. Some dog owners report that they pay approximately $100 while others can spend as much as $700.
Factors That Determine Dog Teeth Cleaning Cost
Several components can affect dog teeth cleaning costs. The most significant factor is the cost of anesthesia. The anesthesia that a vet uses for dog teeth cleaning usually has the greatest impact on the cost. The costs associated with anesthesia include:
- Lab work before anesthesia
- Staff required to administer anesthesia and monitor the dog during the cleaning
- Placement of an endotracheal tube to allow the dog to breathe
- Recovery time in the animal hospital’s kennel
Several other factors are involved that can affect the cost of your dog’s dental cleaning and include:
- Age – The dog’s age can be a factor in the cost of the cleaning. When a dog is older, the veterinarian may want to do lab work to evaluate the general health and make sure there aren’t any underlying conditions that could be negatively affected by anesthesia. The blood work can run around $100.
- Extractions – When a dog has severe dental problems, extractions may be part of the treatment. Extracting teeth can cost between $50 and $100, depending on the location of the teeth and the number to be removed. Large teeth like molars will usually cost more to extract.
- Fluids – During the procedure, the veterinarian may administer intravenous fluids to your dog.
- Location – Dental cleaning for dogs can vary in cost by location and the veterinarian that treats your dog.
- Pre-Dental Exam – A pre-dental exam may be a requirement before a dental cleaning. Many veterinarians require an exam before undergoing any procedure if they haven’t seen the dog previously.
- Size – Some veterinarians determine the cost of canine dental cleanings based on the size of the dog. Larger dogs require large doses of anesthesia and more medication than smaller dogs.
- X-Rays – X-Rays will be done on your dog’s mouth before the procedure. X-rays may be essential to make sure there are no serious oral issues and when a deep cleaning is necessary.
Options For Pet Dental Cleanings
There are two options for your pet’s dental cleaning services. The first is to schedule an appointment with your vet. Many veterinarians can perform basic dental cleanings and minor dental procedures. Your veterinarian may perform basic dental cleanings, extractions, or root canals.
The second option is to schedule an appointment with a board-certified dental veterinarian. If the procedure is more serious or complicated, your veterinarian may refer you to a dental veterinarian [1]. Dental veterinarians must have extensive training, including a four-year residency program and passing an exam for certification.
Anesthesia-Free Dental Cleanings?
The cost of a dental cleaning for your dog may cost quite a bit. However, humans having extensive dental work done don’t want the procedure without anesthesia. Dogs shouldn’t have cleanings and dental procedures done without anesthesia since it can be painful. Another reason for administering anesthesia is that your dog isn’t going to lie quietly while a veterinarian or vet tech works on their teeth and gums.
Dogs may behave well at home for a tooth brushing or cleaning, but for professional dental services, anesthesia is a requirement. The only way to determine what must be done during the procedure is to take x-rays. A lot of the dental work must be done below the dog’s gum line, which can be extremely painful without anesthesia.
Light Cleanings
Some veterinarians may offer light cleaning dental procedures for dogs that are well-behaved. Light cleanings differ from deep cleaning since the vet may use a nerve block to number the portion of the dog’s mouth to be worked on. However, the dog isn’t anesthetized and in a deep sleep during the procedure. A light cleaning is only an option for dogs that will be still long enough to have their teeth and gums worked on. Dog owners should understand that light cleanings don’t address problems below the gumline. The American Veterinary Dental College is in favor of deep cleanings rather than light cleanings.
How To Tell If Your Dog Needs A Dental Cleaning
Dogs are like humans in one respect. Your dog should have a regular dental exam every six to twelve months. Regular dental exams and teeth cleaning can help prevent your dog from having to undergo more extensive dental cleanings and procedures. Here are the signs that your dog needs a dental cleaning:
- Bad breath
- Drooling excessively
- Buildup of tartar
- Loose or broken teeth
- Red or swollen gums
- Refusal to eat
- Rubbing or pawing at the mouth
Practice Preventive Care
Preventive care is the most effective way to avoid expensive dental costs for your pet. Regular wellness exams should include a light cleaning that doesn’t involve sedating your dog for grooming. Light cleanings to remove tartar are much less costly than deep cleanings.
Brush your dog’s teeth at home. Dogs should have their teeth brushed frequently. You should get your dog accustomed to having his teeth brushed as a puppy. If your dog is older, you can start the process by letting your dog sniff the toothbrush. The next step is to take a small amount of dog toothpaste on your finger and let your dog lick it. Be enthusiastic with your praise. When your dog is used to the toothpaste, put a small amount on the brush and get your dog used to have the teeth brushed one or two at a time. Make sure to only used toothpaste formulated for dogs. How often a dog’s teeth should be brushed depends on:
- Age
- Chewing
- Breed
- Diet
- Size
Dogs that are older need more extensive dental care since plaque can build up over a period of years. The amount of time a dog spends chewing its food can determine how much plaque builds upon the dog teeth. Dry food aids in removing plaque. Breeds of dogs that are prone to under or overbite generally have more plaque accumulation on their teeth than other breeds. The reason many veterinarians recommend a dry food diet is to keep the dog’s teeth and gums healthy. Small dogs generally have more dental problems than larger breeds and should have their teeth brushed more frequently than some other breeds.
Why Dog Dental Cleaning Is Essential
Dental disease in dogs is one of the most common health problems. A lot of canine dental disorders can be reduced or eliminated with regular care and even professional dental cleaning [2].
What Should I Use To Brush My Dog’s Teeth?
The most essential factor about brushing a dog’s teeth is never to use human-formulated toothpaste. One of the ingredients in human toothpaste is fluoride which is toxic to pets. Toothpaste for dogs is the only type you should use to clean your dog’s teeth. Toothpaste that’s made for pets is available in flavors that dogs love. You can also try using homemade dog toothpaste. Remember to always use canine toothbrushes.
What If You Can’t Brush Your Dog’s Teeth?
Most dogs will accept having their teeth brushed if you get them accustomed to the process when they’re puppies. However, if you adopt an older dog, it could be more challenging to get your him used to tooth brushing. Some dogs won’t tolerate anyone handling their mouth. In this case, there are products on the market that can help to keep your dog’s teeth and gums clean and healthy. Here are the best canine dental products:
- Dental treats
- Dog dental toys
- Powders
- Prescription diets
- Sprays and water additives
Many of the most popular treats for dogs are designed to promote good dental health. Dental treats can cut down on the amount of plaque buildup on a dog’s teeth and keep the breath fresh. Dog toys made to promote dental health are fun for dogs to chew on and scrub dog’s teeth at the same time. Canine dental powders can be sprinkled over a dog’s food to help cleanse the teeth while the dog is eating. Prescription diet food is designed to scrub a dog’s teeth instead of crumbling up. Water additives and sprays are made with enzymes that can break down the accumulation of plaque.
Dental Care And Health Problems
When dogs have dental problems, it can cause damage to the kidneys or liver if left untreated. Toxins can build up in a dog’s mouth and get into the bloodstream. Long-term problems can include organ failure. If a dog has breath that smells foul, drools excessively, or has a lot of plaque on the teeth, dental disease can result. If your dog has loose or missing teeth, gums that bleed or get inflamed, or if your dog stops eating, the problem could be dental disease.
If your dog’s teeth are in terrible condition, the best course of action is to talk to your veterinarian. X-rays can determine the extent of the problem. Most vets will recommend a dog’s teeth professionally cleaned and may even do possible extractions. The good news is that most dogs recover well after dental procedures and can comfortably eat once they aren’t in pain from bad teeth.
FAQ’s
1. How much should a dog tooth cleaning cost?
Typical dog dental cleaning costs between $200 and $300. The cost depends on the veterinarian’s prices and where you live.
2. Do dogs really need their teeth cleaned?
Dogs really do need to have their teeth cleaned to prevent decay and more severe health problems. If your dog doesn’t tolerate anyone touching the mouth area, dental products for dogs can help to keep their teeth clean and prevent plaque buildup.
3. Why does it cost so much to clean a dog’s teeth?
It can cost so much to clean a dog’s teeth because the procedure is done under anesthesia. Dogs must be kept still and as quiet as possible while their teeth and gums are being cleaned. Veterinarians order lab work to be done before any dental procedures to make sure a dog safely be put under anesthesia for the deep cleaning. Depending on the clinic, the price can range between $100 and $700.
