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Good dental hygiene is as essential for dogs as it is for people. Problems like heart or kidney disease can develop from poor dental health, so veterinarians recommend that dogs receive regular dental care. Unfortunately, this isn’t a simple task for all dogs; some require sedation and anesthetic just to receive a standard dental cleaning. This factors into the costs of regular teeth cleaning, so it is a good idea to know what to expect.
Let’s take a look at how much dog teeth cleaning costs in Canada.
The Importance of Dog Teeth Cleaning
Dental disease is common in dogs, and many owners don’t recognize the serious consequences that can result from not taking proper care of a dog’s teeth. Approximately 80% of dogs have some form of periodontal disease. Left unchecked, this can have serious health implications.
- Prevent tooth loss — Good dental care ensures that the structures of the mouth that hold the teeth in place stay healthy.
- Prevent bad breath — If the smell of your dog’s breath makes you recoil, they likely have a buildup of bacteria in their mouth.
- Prevent pain — Severe dental disease causes red, inflamed gums that are painful. Dental care can prevent this.
- Avoid organ damage — Bacteria in your dog’s mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause damage and infections of the kidneys, heart, and liver. Cleaning your dog’s teeth can regularly help prevent this.
- Avoid dental disease altogether — Once a dog develops dental disease, it can be hard to stop its progression. Regular dental hygiene can slow this progression or stop it from developing in the first place.
How Much Does Dog Teeth Cleaning Cost?
The cost of dog teeth cleaning varies depending on the province, the veterinarian, and whether anesthesia is required. Below is a breakdown of the average cost estimates by Region.
| Region | Anesthesia-Free Cleaning | Cleaning With Anesthesia |
| Bristish Colombia | $450 – $850 | $800 – $1300 |
| Alberta | $400 – $800 | $700 – $1200 |
| Ontario | $400 – $800 | $700 – $1200 |
| Quebec | $350 – $750 | $650 – $1150 |
| Manitoba | $350 – $750 | $650 – $1150 |
| Atlantic Canada | $400 – $800 | $700 – $1200 |
A typical canine dental cleaning includes the following:
- X-rays to assess your dog’s jaw
- Examination of the mouth
- Teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar
- Tooth polishing to remove stains
- Anesthesia as necessary to prevent trauma or injury to both the dog and vet during the procedure
Additional Costs to Consider
You can expect to pay more if your dog requires additional procedures like the below:
- Tooth extractions: $100 – $1000 per tooth (depending on the complexity)
- Gum disease treatment: $300 – $800
- Antibiotics or pain medication: $50 – $150
- Extended vet stay (if needed): $100 – $500 per night
How Often Should I Clean My Dog’s Teeth?
It’s recommended that you should have your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned once a year to maintain their good oral health.
If you are brushing and cleaning your dog’s teeth at home, this should be done at least twice a week.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Dog Teeth Cleaning?
Most pet insurance plans are designed to help you cover unexpected vet bills that result from an accident or illness. So, does insurance cover dog teeth cleaning?
Dog teeth cleaning is considered standard dental care, and it is not typically covered by most insurance plans. You may receive partial coverage if you have a plan with wellness coverage add-ons that include dental care. Very rarely does pet insurance cover the entire expense, though.
What to Do for Your Dog’s Teeth in Between Cleanings
You can do a few things at home to prevent plaque and tartar buildup on your dog’s teeth. Some dogs are more cooperative with teeth cleaning than others, so just do your best. For some dogs, this means feeding them dental chews daily, while others are happy to let you brush their teeth every day.
- Brush their teeth with a toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste.
- Use dog dental wipes to clean the surfaces of their teeth.
- Use chew toys and dental chews to scrape off plaque.
- Feed them dry kibble.
- Feed your dog a quality, healthy diet to lower their risk of disease.
Final Thoughts
Teeth cleaning is an essential part of maintaining your dog’s oral health. Knowing the cost of cleaning your dog’s teeth will help you prepare for these annual healthcare expenses and enable you to keep your dog healthy and happy.
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
