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Just like humans, dental health is essential for a dog’s well-being.
Dental cleaning is important to maintaining your pet’s oral hygiene. While dog teeth cleaning costs can be high, there are ways to reduce the expense.
Below is a breakdown of teeth cleaning costs to prepare you for your dog’s next appointment. This includes the difference between veterinary specialists and general practitioners, the benefits of regular cleanings and what you can do at home to cut costs.
We’ll cover:
Typically, dog teeth cleanings cost between $250 and $1,500. What you pay will depend on several factors, including your dog’s oral health and any existing dental problems.
Here are some factors that may impact teeth cleaning costs:
Each of these factors will determine how much you pay for canine teeth cleaning.
For example, a young chihuahua with good oral health could have their teeth cleaned by a general practitioner for as little as $250. But dental cleaning for a 12-year-old golden retriever suffering from dental disease could cost as much as $1,000 from a specialist at a veterinary hospital.
If your veterinarian discovers an issue during the cleaning, it likely won’t be covered by pet dental insurance.
For example, if your vet discovers periodontal disease, fractured teeth or root abscesses, you’ll face extra costs. These could add up to $1,500 to your cleaning fees.
Teeth that are too damaged or diseased to save require extractions, which can cost up to $400 per tooth.
Pre-anesthesia work could also cost you. Some vets require basic blood work before a dog is anesthetized, typically costing between $75 and $150.
You’ll also need to be aware of any pre-existing dental conditions your dog may have, as the cleaning cost will not cover these. In this case, you’d be better off opting for pet insurance that covers pre-existing conditions to reduce the overall cost.
Teeth-cleaning packages vary for each veterinary clinic. But most cleanings come with a set of services.
These include:
While services vary for each clinic, anything that requires more work during the cleaning will usually increase the cost.
This includes:
Clean teeth are a key factor in your dog’s health. Like humans, pets can develop dental disease, which can be painful and dangerous.
Regular dental cleaning can prevent tartar buildup that could lead to disease and tooth extractions. It can also eliminate bacteria, reducing your dog’s risk of gingivitis.
Maintaining dental care in general will keep your pet healthy and reduce vet costs.
The right dental cleaning schedule depends on your pet’s size and age.
Small dogs build up tartar faster than large breeds, so their cleanings should start after their first birthday. It’s recommended they return every six to 12 months for another appointment.
Big dogs usually only need their teeth cleaned in their second or third year. After that, they can follow up every one to two years. With that said, your pet’s veterinarian should still examine their mouth at each visit.
Here are some of the signs your dog needs their teeth cleaned:
Paying attention to your dog’s oral hygiene can alert you to other teeth issues. Recognizing warning signs can help you stop gum problems, periodontal disease and other conditions.
Common symptoms include:
Dog insurance may help cover the cost of your pup’s teeth cleaning. If your plan includes dental care, you may be reimbursed after the procedure. Alternatively, if you’re unable to pay for the procedure immediately, some insurance policies will pay the vet directly.
However, not all pet insurance policies cover cleanings. For example, if your dog needed gum disease treatment a year ago, dental assistance may be denied due to a pre-existing condition. Knowing what your pet insurance covers before you need it can prevent unwanted surprises.
Although the cost of pet insurance may outweigh the price you’d pay for dog teeth cleaning, there are also some other ways to save money.
Here are a few tips:
Brushing your dog’s teeth at home can extend the time between cleanings. If your pet resists brushing, use dental chews or water additives to promote oral hygiene.
Scheduling canine cleanings well in advance is another money-saving strategy. Not only can you plan and budget for them, but they may also help you avoid costly dental procedures.
Although this might seem counterintuitive, scheduling regular health checkups for your dog can help professionals spot a minor issue before it becomes more extensive and more expensive.
It’s tempting to cut costs by going anesthesia-free, but this can be stressful for your pet. Plus, no anesthesia means no deep clean, making the whole process less effective.
A professional cleaning is typically very safe for dogs. Both veterinary specialists and general practitioners are extensively trained to keep your pet’s teeth and gums clean without harming them. Most pets recover from anesthesia quickly, meaning they can go home the same day.
Depending on your dog’s breed, size and oral health history, teeth cleanings can be costly. Cheap pet insurance, low-cost clinics and at-home brushing can help you care for your dog’s teeth without breaking the bank.
You want your dog to be happy and healthy. Dental care is a big part of their overall well-being. Dental cleaning is definitely worth it to prevent dental issues that are as expensive as they are dangerous.
The frequency of your dog’s cleanings depends on their size and age. Small dogs need cleanings earlier and more often — at least once per year. If you have a large dog, you can schedule appointments every one to two years.
Hayley Harrison is an active personal finance contributor for LA Times Compare. She is passionate about helping consumers make informed financial decisions and achieve their financial goals by simplifying complex topics relating to insurance and personal finance.
Hayley brings first-hand knowledge of the finance industry thanks to her previous experience as a branch manager for a mid-sized regional bank and as a licensed accident and health insurance agent.
Blake Esken has over 15 years of experience in product management and has been a member of the Los Angeles Times staff for over five years.
As part of his role at the Los Angeles Times Commerce Team, Blake acts as the in-house reviewer and fact checker for LA Times Compare. He supervises all content for compliance and accuracy and puts to use skills he has honed through years of experience managing high-stakes projects for a range of industry-leading companies.
He has a strong background in data analysis, compliance, and communication, which allows him to support LA Times Compare through fact-checking in an effort to provide up-to-date and factual information across our content.
