Like humans, dogs need to have their teeth cleaned regularly to keep their pearly whites healthy and strong. Teeth cleaning is considered a preventative dental treatment that can help your pup’s smile stay in tip-top shape!
If you’re wondering how much it costs to clean your dog’s teeth, you’ve come to the right place! It can cost around $500, but it depends on your geolocation. We put together specific information about professional dog teeth cleaning costs so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
The Importance of Dog Teeth Cleaning
Dogs develop plaque and tartar on their teeth just like we do. Bacteria in the mouth cause this sticky and hard buildup. If plaque and tartar are not removed, an inflammatory response occurs that can lead to red, bleeding gums and even periodontal (gum) disease, which can negatively affect the bone surrounding the teeth.
Gum disease in dogs is serious and, unfortunately, quite common.1 Brushing your dog’s teeth with a special dog toothbrush helps keep it at bay. This regular brushing should be accompanied by taking your dog to a vet for professional teeth cleaning once a year. During these visits, your vet will closely inspect your pup’s mouth, teeth, oral cavity, and gums to look for potential problems.
Without question, professional dog teeth cleaning is a necessary routine procedure that will keep your little buddy’s teeth, gums, and mouth healthy!
How Much Does Dog Teeth Cleaning Cost?
The cost of dog teeth cleaning can vary depending on many factors, including your dog’s age and size, what vet you use, and whether they need additional dental care, like tooth extractions.
Your geographical location will play a big role in determining how much you’ll pay for this service. Therefore, we included the estimated dog teeth cleaning costs for owners living on the West Coast, Pacific Northwest, Midwest, Northeast, and South.
Dog Teeth Cleaning Costs According to Geographical Location
| Los Angeles, CA | $465.95 |
| Seattle, WA | $456.95 |
| Omaha, NE | $459.95 |
| Dover, DE | $440.95 |
| Miami, FL | $488.95 |
- Source: Banfield
Additional Costs to Anticipate
It’s possible to incur more costs when having your dog’s teeth cleaned professionally if the vet sees or suspects an underlying problem. For example, your vet may need to take dental X-rays to look for problems beneath the gums. It’s also possible that a root canal procedure is needed to save a tooth that’s damaged or diseased. In the case of a severely damaged or diseased tooth, extraction may be necessary to keep your dog’s mouth healthy.
Be ready to shell out anywhere from $125 to $250 for canine dental X-rays. If a tooth extraction is needed, the cost can range from $25 to $80 per tooth. The exact cost of an extraction is most often based on how much work is involved with getting the tooth out.
If a tooth can be saved by a root canal, this procedure can add $1,500 to $2,500 to the cost of a routine teeth cleaning procedure. A canine root canal costs so much because it requires the same equipment, materials, and expertise as the human version.
How Often Should You Have Your Dog’s Teeth Cleaned?
It’s recommended to have your dog’s teeth cleaned once per year. However, you should schedule an appointment with your vet in between the annual teeth cleanings if you see any problems with your dog’s teeth or gums. Signs that could indicate that your dog needs a dental exam include:
- Dark or discolored teeth
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
- Bleeding teeth or gums
- Problems chewing food
If you see any of these signs, don’t ignore them! Remember that your dog depends on you to care for their physical and mental health. Give your vet a call to report any signs that may indicate that your pup needs dental care. Your dog will thank you for caring for their teeth and contributing to their healthy and happy life.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Teeth Cleaning for Dogs?
Unfortunately, routine dog teeth cleaning falls under the preventative care umbrella, which means most pet insurance policies don’t cover it. However, many pet insurers will cover emergency dental procedures, such as extractions needed due to broken teeth resulting from accidents.
Nowadays, many pet insurance companies offer wellness plans that may cover routine dental care, including cleanings. While a wellness plan will reimburse you for some of the costs of routine vet care, it will add to your pet insurance expenses.
If you’re interested in a wellness plan that covers teeth cleanings, shop around and check with various insurance companies to see if you can find one that fits your budget and needs.
What to Do for Your Dog’s Teeth in Between Cleanings
There are several things that you can do in between cleanings to keep your dog’s teeth healthy. Be sure to brush your dog’s teeth every few days using a doggie toothpaste and toothbrush. If your dog isn’t used to tooth brushing, do it calmly and be patient. Before long, your pup will get used to this routine procedure.
You can also keep your dog’s teeth healthy between dental cleanings by feeding them a suitable diet. It’s best to feed dry food to your dog each day because its abrasive texture helps scrape away plaque and tartar. If your dog likes eating wet dog food, give them both by alternating between the two types. For example, you can serve kibble one day and wet food the next. You should also provide your dog with tasty dental chews that help remove plaque and tartar.
Maintaining your dog’s dental health can even be fun for you and your pup if you use a dental doggie toy. It typically includes dental rings that work to keep your dog’s teeth clean while freshening their breath. If you’re not joining in on the fun, watch your pet when they have the toy, as few dog toys are indestructible.
You can also use a dog dental spray each day to target plaque and tartar and keep your pup’s breath smelling fresh and clean. It is a great option if your dog doesn’t cooperate with toothbrushing.
Conclusion
Teeth cleaning is an essential procedure that will help keep your dog’s mouth clean and healthy. Now that you know dog teeth cleaning can be expensive, you can prepare a budget. Just don’t forget to do preventive dental care at home, like tooth brushing and playing with chew toys.
Keeping your dog’s teeth healthy pays big dividends because a dog with healthy teeth and gums is a happier and healthier pet!
Featured Image Credit: DWhiteeye, Shutterstock
