How much does dog teeth cleaning cost?

Video: Behind the Scenes, Dog Teeth Cleaning.m4v

So you dog needs a teeth cleaning – but how much will it cost?

Generally speaking, for a basic teeth cleaning process for a young, healthy dog, you can expect to pay $200-$300.

However, the truth is that dog teeth cleaning costs vary a ton depending on which veterinary clinics you visit and where you live. Some owners have reported paying as little as $100, while others report closer to $700!

Elements That Affect Cost of Dog Teeth Cleaning

There are a number of elements that will affect the cost of your dog’s teeth cleaning.

• Location. As noted, the price tag of a dog’s teeth cleaning varies greatly between vet clinics and different regions of the country.

• Age. If your dog is older, vet offices will often want to do blood work to evaluate your dog’s health and make sure that he or she can handle the anesthesia. This can cost an extra $100 or more.

• Size. Many vets charge differently based on the size of your dog, since larger dogs needs more medication and anesthesia.

• Anesthesia. There are two routes you can go when it comes to a dog’s teeth cleaning visit – deep cleaning through the use of anesthesia, or light cleaning without putting your dog under. If your dog’s teeth aren’t too bad, you might be able to get a cleaning without anesthesia, which can cut costs quite a bit.

Video: Cost Of Dog Teeth Cleaning - In My Experience

• Fluids. Your dog may require intravenous fluids during procedure, which can also add to costs.

• Extractions. In some cases of severe dental issues, you dog may need a tooth extraction (or several). Extractions can range from $50-$100 or more depending on the number of teeth that need to be removed and where the teeth are located (larger molar teeth will likely cost more).

Video: Cost of Dog Teeth Cleaning

• Pre-Dental Exam. Some vet offices require a pre-dental exam, which can add an extra $50 or so to the process. Sometimes this is only done if they haven’t seen our dog before.

• X-Rays. Getting x-rays done will also add to the cost of your dog’s teeth cleaning. However, they are often essential for deep cleaning procedures and to make sure that your dog’s teeth don’t have any serious oral issues.

How You Know Your Dog Needs Professional Teeth Cleaning

How do you know when your dog needs his teeth professionally cleaned or need to have them examined by a professional?

Video: Pet Dental Cleaning - $225 - All Extractions and Meds Included - Helping Hands Veterinary Care

Well, just like humans, dogs should have their teeth regularly examined by a vet every 6-12 months. Regular teeth check ups and teeth cleanings can help prevent your dog from undergoing more serious, sedation teeth cleanings in the future.

You should take you dog to have his teeth examined immediately if he displays:

• Severe bad breath
• Tarar buildup
• Abnormal drooling
• Broken or loose teeth
• Hesitance to eat
• Swollen or red gums
• Pawing or rubbing mouth

Pay Attention to Prevention

The best way to avoid a costly teeth cleaning bill at the vet’s office is to practice prevention.

• Regular Vet Visits. Visit the vet regularly for light, non-sedation teeth cleanings (which are also much cheaper than more serious cleanings).

• Brush Your Dog’s Teeth. Make sure to brush your dog’s teeth regularly with a dog-friendly toothbrush and canine toothpaste.

• Give Your Dog Dental Bones. Dental bones such as the popular Greenies brand can help keep your dog’s breath fresh while cleaning his or her teeth. Also be on the look out for dog toys for teeth-cleaning nubs, elk antler chews, or any other kind of chew that will scrape against your dog’s teeth to help keep plaque at bay.

Final Word of Advice: Call Around

In our research, we were quite shocked at how much dog teeth cleaning costs can vary between different clinics and different cities. Make sure to do your due diligence and call different vet offices to compare prices.

Heck, you may even want to consider calling vet offices outside of your area and, if the prices are significantly less, turn the trip into a mini-getaway!

And as an added bonus tip, when you do sedation teeth cleanings, ask your vet to clip your dog’s nails while they are under!

What had your experience been with getting your dog’s teeth cleaned? How much was your appointment? Share your experience in the comments!

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