Who does not love the adorable creatures that are, “dogs”? I mean, just one look at them and you will be enamored by these adorable creatures. But being a dog parent does not end at only playing with them. Dog owners have to take care of their furry friends in several ways and in the process, they might overlook their dental care needs.
But dogs need dental care as much as we humans do. After all, we need to keep their pearly whites shining and our dogs smiling. In this article, we have focussed on all the aspects of a dog’s dental cleaning routine and have discussed in detail how much the procedure will cost your budget.
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How Much Does Dog Teeth Cleaning Cost?
For a routine cleaning session, you might be charged somewhere between $50 to $300. This excludes the extra charges required for any additional treatments that your dog may require. It also depends on the clinic that you choose. Some high-end clinics charge a higher rate. If your dog’s teeth require any specialized treatment such as a root canal the charges may even rise further up. Below is a detailed breakup of the cost involved:
| General Cost | $50-$300 |
| Any periodontal disease | $519-$768 |
| Anesthesia | Approx $120 |
| Tooth extraction | $100 or more |
| Blood tests | $75-$150 |
| Additional tests before anesthesia | Approx $500 |
| Root canal | $1000-$3000 |
What Procedures Are Included in Dog’s Teeth Cleaning Session?
Before you get the procedure of cleaning your dog’s teeth started, always ask for an itemized estimate to understand what it will cost your pocket. This will enable you to understand the final cost.
There might be cost differences depending on the clinic you choose. Normally, a dog’s dental care procedure includes the following mentioned steps:
1. Consultation
A consultation with the specialist prior to the cleaning session is required in order to understand the health of your dog’s dental health.
2. Pre-cleaning X-rays and physical exams
X-rays are done in order to examine your dog’s teeth and their roots. The examiner will also do an oral examination of their gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth to rule out any dental illness along with any injuries or infections.
3. Anesthesia
Anesthesia is used to clean your dog’s teeth and examine their oral cavities.
4. Scaling
If your dog has got a plaque buildup, their teeth will need scaling to remove that plaque.
5. Polishing
Your pet’s pearly whites need to be polished to keep them stain-free and give them a perfect smile.
6. Post-procedure care
Any further medications or care required after the cleaning session is generally included in the bill.
How Much Does Dog Teeth Cleaning Cost? – Factors that Affect the Cost of a Dog’s Teeth Cleaning
Although the cost of dog dental cleaning varies from clinic to clinic. There are certain factors that affect the total cost incurred in the procedure. The factors have been discussed in detail below:
1. Have you chosen a specialist?
The cost highly depends on the facility you have chosen. If you are going for a highly certified specialist, get ready to part with a major chunk of your money. On the other hand, if you choose a general practitioner, you might be charged a small bill.
2. How extensive is the procedure?
Dental X-rays and ultrasonic cleaning and filling cost much more than a simple plaque-cleaning procedure. The more extensive the procedure is the more it will cost your pocket.
3. Are there any tests involved?
Certain dental facilities may order a couple of tests and X-rays to be done before they start cleaning your pet’s teeth. So, these tests will also be added to the total bill for the dog’s teeth cleaning.
4. How healthy is your pet?
Dogs that are old or are suffering from some ailments, require more tests and will be closely monitored. This will also add to the total cost.
5. What stage is their dental disease at?
If you have ignored your dog’s dental health for a long time, their teeth condition may have deteriorated. In this condition, your dog’s teeth may require more extensive procedures, hence the cost will go up.
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What Procedures Are Not Included in Dog’s Teeth Cleaning Session?
If your dog’s teeth require any extra procedures or you have been asked to come for a follow-up visit you will be charged extra money.
1. Tooth Extraction
If your dog requires their tooth to be extracted due to some complications, it is not included in the cost of simple teeth cleaning.
2. Electrocardiograms
If an ECG procedure is required, it is typically not added to the teeth cleaning bill and is charged separately.
3. Complications that arise after the procedure
Any complications that arise after the procedure or complications after anesthesia need extra care. Their cost is not included in the teeth cleaning bill.
Should You Save Money on Anesthesia?
Yes, we understand that the cost of dental cleaning is on the higher side of the spectrum, but believe us when we say that it is not a good idea to save on anesthesia expenses to lower the load on your pocket.
Without using anesthesia, your dog’s dental cleaning session may face the following issues:
- If your dog is not anesthetized during the procedure, it may prove to be difficult to handle them during the cleaning session.
- If your dog accidentally moves during the procedure, their gums might get injured during the process.
- If you have opted for no anesthesia, the procedure turns into a superficial cleaning session rather than a deep and thorough cleaning and check-up session.
Hence, we highly recommend going for a cleaning session that involves anesthesia so that your dog’s dental health can be properly maintained.
Do Dogs Need Dental Care?
Normally, humans think dogs self-clean their teeth when they chew on toys or food items. But this is a misconception. Dogs’ have their own dental care needs just as we humans do. Your pet’s teeth also get affected by plaque buildup. This in turn may lead to foul breath and their teeth condition may deteriorate.
If you are the proud owner of smaller dog breeds, you need to schedule regular visits for their dental care because their teeth require more attention. It is better to schedule a routine dental cleaning for your dog so that they do not suffer from gum disease or lose their tooth. Just remember, brushing their teeth is necessary but a visit to their dentist is also required.
When Should You Take Your Dog to the Vet for Dental Care?
If your dog is showing the following symptoms, it is time to get them checked for dental issues:
- They have discolored teeth or their teeth are broken.
- They have foul-smelling breath.
- Food is not appealing to them anymore.
- They have blood in their mouth when they drool.
The above symptoms are a clear indication to immediately take your dog to dental experts without any delay.
How Frequently Do Your Dog’s Teeth Need Cleaning?
It is recommended by professionals to get a teeth cleaning routine scheduled for your dog on an annual basis. This helps in preventing dental decay and illnesses. Routinely brushing your dog’s teeth and maintaining a proper dental care schedule will allow you to keep your pet healthy and happy.
If we talk about different breeds, larger dogs need an annual cleaning session whereas smaller ones may need a cleaning session scheduled every 6 months. Plus, if your dog has some dental issues, they might need more sittings at the start.
At What Age Should You Schedule Your Dog’s First Dental Visit?
Generally speaking, schedule a teeth cleaning session for your dog once they reach 3 years of age. However, in the case of smaller breeds, it is recommended to get their teeth cleaned just when they turn two to avoid any tooth decay.
How Safe Are Dog’s Dental Cleaning Sessions?
It is quite understandable to be worried about the safety of these cleaning sessions. You might spend your nights thinking about the complications and side effects that may arise due to the procedure. And you are not alone in this. Every dog owner goes through the same emotions.
But be assured that your dog’s teeth cleaning specialists are fully trained in their work. They are professionals and are aware of how to monitor your pet’s vitals during and after the anesthesia is given. Normally, your dog may fight off the drowsiness of anesthesia within 20 minutes after the procedure is completed. Post that they would be allowed to rest in the clinic itself and once the clinic deems them fit and fine, you can take them home on the same day.
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How Does Your Dog Benefit from the Dental Cleaning Sessions?
No matter how thoroughly you brush your dog’s teeth, it is always advisable to get a routine cleaning session for them scheduled. During cleaning sessions, the professionals will be able to clean every tooth thoroughly as the dogs are under the effect of anesthesia.
Removing the buildup of tartar and diagnosing any dental diseases is easy in these cleaning sessions. Plus, if you ignore these cleaning sessions your precious pet might suffer from oral pain and blood infections that might reach their vital organs like the liver and heart.
The vet may also guide you on how to properly brush your pet’s teeth at home and how to maintain their dental hygiene. These regular cleaning sessions help your dog in avoiding any gum and teeth disease and save you and your pet extra trouble in the future.
So, go ahead and schedule a teeth cleaning session for your pet. Do not delay in the same because it may lead to further complications. We hope this article will help you to understand “How much does dog teeth cleaning costs.”
