Many people believe that dogs naturally clean their teeth by chewing on toys or treats. However, this isn’t quite true.

Dogs, like humans, can develop plaque and tartar, which cause bad breath and poor oral health.

If you delay cleaning your dog’s teeth to save money, it can lead to serious issues like tooth loss and gum disease. Even with regular brushing, a veterinarian is needed to thoroughly clean below the surface.

In this guide, I’ll discuss the dog dental cleaning cost & benefits.

Keep reading to know how much dental cleaning costs.

How Much Does Dog Dental Cleaning Cost?

Professional cleaning of your dog’s teeth is not very cheap it ranges from $300 to $700. This includes the act of cleaning but does not encompass other related tasks such as treating a gum disease or extraction of teeth which may attract other costs.

What’s Included in a Dog Teeth Cleaning?

Here’s what you can expect for your money:

• X-rays: These pictures allow the vet to see your dog’s entire mouth, including the tooth roots below the gumline.
• Exam: The vet will check your dog’s teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth for any problems.
• Cleaning: A special tool removes plaque and tartar buildup from your dog’s teeth.
• Polishing: This removes stains and makes your dog’s smile shine!
• Anesthesia: This keeps your dog comfortable and still during the cleaning.

How Much Does Dog Dental Cleaning Without Anesthesia?

Some pet owners consider skipping anesthesia to save money. However, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) strongly advises against this. Here’s why:

• Cleaning Issues: It becomes almost impossible to floss all over your dog’s teeth especially while the dog is awake. Besides, the cleaning can be uneasiness to your dog as well as uncomfortable to bear its smell.
• Safety Concerns: They also might injure their gums if they get scared during the cleaning, your dog for instance.
• Limited Diagnosis: If the vet cannot perform anesthesia, they cannot closely inspect for cavities, so the cleaning may not resolve all the problems.

It is necessary to explain that anesthesia is essential for the parts to be cleaned safely and maximally.

Benefits of Dog Dental Care

Dogs need regular dental care to keep their mouths healthy. Here’s how professional cleanings and at-home brushing benefit your furry friend:

• Fewer dental problems: Brushing helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup, but vet cleanings are even more effective. They’re like a deep clean, reaching below the gum line where most issues start.
• Fresh breath: Plaque and tartar buildup lead to bad breath. Regular cleaning keeps your dog’s breath minty fresh!
• Less pain: Dental disease can be very painful for dogs. Professional cleanings remove tartar and address gum disease before it causes discomfort.
• Overall health: Bacteria from neglected teeth can travel to the heart, liver, and kidneys. Cleanings prevent this, keeping your dog healthy all around.

Why professional cleanings are crucial:

• Deeper clean: Even the best brushing can’t reach everything. Vets use anesthesia for a thorough 360-degree cleaning, ensuring no spot is missed.
• Early detection: Vets can identify problems like gum disease during cleaning. This is important because periodontal disease affects over two-thirds of dogs over 3 years old.

What are the Best Dental Products for Dogs?

You can find them at your vet’s office, pet stores, or major retailers like Walmart and Amazon. If you buy from places other than your vet or an online pharmacy, check the ingredients carefully before giving them to your dog.

Do not use human toothpaste. Many human toothpastes have xylitol and harsh detergents, which are toxic to dogs. Avoid chews or bones made from starches like corn or potato. These can scratch your dog’s teeth and gums, especially if they have poor dental health.

Here are some recommended options:

If your dog enjoys a good teeth-brushing session, consider these dog-friendly toothpastes:

• Baking Soda Toothpaste: It can be used to eliminate bad breath and whiten teeth.
• Enzymatic Toothpaste: Prevent the buildup of tartar with the help of enzymes.
• Natural Toothpastes: Choose recipes that include coconut oil, aloe, or grapefruit seed extract.

You can also use oral gels and rinses with chlorhexidine to prevent plaque effectively. Choose flavored versions for a better experience. Make sure any product you choose is vet-approved for dogs.

While home care matters, regular professional cleanings are vital for your dog’s oral health and disease prevention.

FAQs

Why can pet dental care be costly?

Several factors can influence the price of your pet’s dental treatment. The most significant cost increase comes from extractions or other oral surgeries your pet might need. Additionally, treating dental infections can add to the overall bill. However, these procedures are only performed if your veterinarian discovers a problem during the examination. They’ll always explain if surgery is necessary and provide an estimated cost before proceeding, ensuring you have full control over the decision.

How to Manage Dental Cleaning Cost?

It is also important for the patient to be able to learn how to manage the cost of dental cleaning.

While dental costs may be high, there are certain methods, such as purchasing pet insurance, that can be used to manage these costs. Accident and illness plans can provide for professional dental cleaning in cases of illnesses, periodontitis, and tooth extractions. Pet insurance is a useful thing in the US for families that decide to be ready for an emergency at a veterinary clinic. Add-ons for the wellness plan can cost a total of $100–$200 per year for the regular cleanings.

Are dental cleanings safe for dogs?

If you’re concerned about the potential risks of anesthesia used during dental cleanings, rest assured that your pet will be in the care of a trained veterinary team. Throughout and after sedation, they’ll closely monitor your dog’s vital signs. Most dogs recover quickly from dental anesthesia, typically within 15 to 20 minutes. They’ll then be monitored for a few hours in a comfortable cage before heading home later that day.

Last Words

Dog dental cleaning costs range between three hundred and seven hundred dollars. It’s too expensive, but believe me, it’s such a great investment in the overall welfare of your dog. Consulting a veterinarian and practicing proper tooth brushing at home will help your dog maintain healthy teeth in the future.