Dog Teeth Cleaning Cost: What to Expect and How to Save

You’re probably aware that when you adopt a dog, you need to feed them regularly, take them for walks, and keep them reasonably clean and groomed. Another part of caring for a dog is making sure their teeth stay in good shape.

Here, we’ll review the importance of good dental hygiene for dogs and what to expect as far as dog teeth cleaning costs are concerned. We’ll also review steps you can take at home to keep your dog’s teeth healthy.

Why Dog Dental Care Matters

Just as it’s important to take care of your dog’s body, it’s also important to take care of their teeth. Proper dental hygiene can keep your dog’s teeth healthy and strong. It could prevent pain, tooth loss, infection, and other unwanted consequences.

When humans neglect their teeth over time, it can lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease. The same holds true for dogs. And while brushing your dog’s teeth on a regular basis is a great way to maintain good oral health, brushing can’t take the place of professional cleanings – the same way you, as a human, need to go to the dentist for a deep cleaning from time to time.

Dog Dental Cleaning Cost: What to Expect

You may be wondering: How much does dog teeth cleaning cost? CareCredit puts the average cost of dog dental cleaning at $388 but says it can range from $307 to $702. PetMD, meanwhile, says you might spend up to $1,500 on a dental teeth cleaning for advanced care.

Anesthesia is almost always required for a dog dental cleaning. Your dog needs to be sedated so your vet can do a thorough job.

Keep in mind that if additional treatment is needed, like a tooth extraction, you could end up paying extra for your dog’s dental cleaning. The same holds true if dental X-rays are needed or if your dog requires antibiotics for an infection.

What Affects the Cost of Dog Dental Cleaning?

There are several factors that determine the cost of dog teeth cleaning. These include:

• Your dog’s size, as a larger dog will typically need more anesthesia
• Your dog’s age, as an older dog might need more monitoring and care
• Your location
• The type of clinic you use for a dental cleaning
• Whether there’s tooth or gum disease present, and how bad it is
• Whether your dog needs pre-anesthesia testing and post-cleaning care

When you schedule your dog’s dental cleaning, the facility should be able to give you an estimate of overall costs.

Anesthesia-Free Dog Teeth Cleaning: Is It Safe or Worth It?

You may not love the idea of putting your dog under anesthesia for a dental cleaning. In addition to the risks, there's the cost to consider.

Some clinics may offer anesthesia-free dog teeth cleanings. But many vets do not recommend this type of cleaning unless there's a specific reason it wouldn't be safe for your dog to undergo anesthesia.

Dental cleanings done without anesthesia don't tend to be as thorough and effective as cleanings performed under anesthesia. They also may not be able to address issues with the gums, or under the gums.

Your vet might miss some serious dental issues if they can't get a good look at your dog's mouth because they're awake. There's also the risk of injury to your vet if your dog is awake but merely restrained. And that could also create a very stressful situation for your dog.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Dog Dental Cleanings?

Standard accident and illness pet insurance policies typically do not cover dental cleanings for dogs. The reason is that dental cleanings are considered part of routine care, not emergency care.

However, your pet insurance policy may cover certain dental treatments. If your dog develops gum disease, that may be covered since it's not a routine issue. Similarly, if your dog ends up needing a tooth extracted due to an injury or illness, that may be covered as well. Your pet insurance policy may also cover the cost of X-rays and other tests and treatments related to tumors or abscesses in the mouth or jaw.

That said, some pet insurance plans offer wellness benefits. If yours does, your dental cleaning may be considered a covered service. The best thing to do is check your policy details to know what to expect.

If your pet insurance company does cover your dog’s dental care, you’ll usually have to pay for it outright and then submit a claim for reimbursement. There may be a limit as to how much your pet insurance will pay for dental care on a per-year or per-incident basis. You may also be subject to a deductible that needs to be met before your insurer will pick up the cost of your dog’s care.

How to Save on Dog Teeth Cleaning Costs

There may be some steps you can take to save money on dog teeth cleaning costs. First, always talk to your vet about potential discounts. They may be willing to work with you or refer you to a low-cost clinic, especially if you make it clear that money is tight.

It’s also a good idea to compare quotes from different clinics, or to see if there are any non-profit clinics in your area who can treat your dog at a lower cost.

You may also want to enroll in a pet insurance plan that offers wellness benefits or add that onto your existing coverage if it’s an option. However, first compare the cost of that add-on to the cost of a routine dental cleaning to see what makes the most sense.

Finally, you may be able to keep your dental cleaning costs down by doing a good job of caring for your dog’s teeth at home. That could mean brushing daily and giving your dog dental chews.

At-Home Dog Dental Care Tips

The better a job you do of taking care of your dog’s teeth at home, the fewer oral health issues they might have – and the less you might have to spend. It’s important to try to brush your dog’s teeth daily with a dog-safe toothpaste and replace the brush often when it gets worn out.

You can also offer your dog a dental chew each day, or toys approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). Some dogs love the taste of dental chews and consider them a fantastic treat.

Also make sure to schedule yearly dental checkups for your dog so that any problem can be caught early. Preventing issues from escalating could be a huge source of savings for you.

Investing in Your Dog’s Smile and Health

If you want your dog to live a long and happy life, it’s important to take good care of their teeth. Dog dental cleanings can be expensive, but they’re worth the investment if they allow your dog to stay healthy and prevent other issues that could be more expensive to treat.