How Much Does Professional Teeth Cleaning for Dogs Cost? (2023)

FAQs

How Much Does Professional Teeth Cleaning for Dogs Cost? ›

Teeth cleaning for dogs typically costs anywhere between $170 to $350 if done by a general practitioner veterinarian, or up to $4,000 when performed by a board-certified veterinary dentist at a high-end facility, with potentially other procedures involved.

Veterinary dentists typically cost more based on their advanced training, equipment, and anesthesia. A typical service with with x-rays, exams, and cleanings starts at $800-$1,300. Nerve blocks, extractions, medications, advanced imaging such as CTs, and root canals will increase the price.

Vets encourage dental cleaning because dental disease is painful for your dog. Regular brushing with dog-safe enzymatic toothpaste, dental treats, and dental specific diets will all help slow the buildup of dental tartar, and hopefully lessen the risk of dental disease.

Most veterinary dentists recommend that dogs should have their teeth cleaned once a year. However, this can largely depend on the breed and if the dog has any pre-existing health conditions. Larger dogs tend to need one dental cleaning per year, or in some cases, less often.

Most dogs and cats should have their first dental cleaning at 2-3 years of age. Small breed dogs should definitely receive care no later than two years of age. You don't want to wait much longer than this, as signs of periodontal disease are commonly seen by these ages.

Often after a dental is performed on a pet with a painful, diseased mouth and the infected teeth or infection are removed, the pet is suddenly playful and more energetic.

Most dogs and cats don't exhibit signs of dental pain, even after a dental procedure — they just want dinner. An animal's drive to eat generally supersedes any pain they may experience, so it's up to us to keep them comfortable until their mouth returns to normal.

Only a limited oral exam and tartar removal above the gumline is possible without anesthesia. Dental anesthesia is critical for a complete, thorough cleaning for the following reasons: An awake animal is unlikely to allow a veterinarian to poke around his mouth with dental instruments.

Fast The Night Before. If your dog is having a dental cleaning, you should keep food and water away from them for about 12 hours before the procedure. The fast is necessary to prevent your dog from vomiting while under sedation, which can lead to serious complications.

They're Safe for Dogs

The lack of harmful ingredients means Greenies Dental Treats are a safe, healthy pet food that is easily digestible. Just make sure your pet chews them thoroughly before swallowing.

How do you remove tartar from a dog's teeth without a dentist? ›

The best way to remove plaque is to simply brush your dog's teeth daily with a dog toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste. Brushing your pooch's teeth every now and then won't get rid of a buildup of plaque, but regular brushing will help keep their teeth and mouths healthy.

Signs your dog needs veterinary help

Take a look at their teeth and their gums. Your dog's teeth should be clean and white, and their gums should be nice and pink. If you see brown on their teeth and you notice that their gums are red then now would be the time for you to call the vet.

Regular dental care is just as important for dogs as it is for humans! If your dog has never had their teeth cleaned, you should definitely see a veterinary dentist.

Whilst senior dogs are more susceptible to certain health conditions and their bodies have certainly seen more wear and tear than the average puppy, age is not a disease and technically speaking, no dog is 'too old' to go under anaesthesia and have their teeth cleaned.

Your dog may cough because the intubation tube can cause throat irritation, and he may whine or cry because anesthesia side effects include disorientation and discomfort. They will also be extremely tired and thirsty, and possibly a little constipated.

You may also have seen videos of kids or adults waking up from anesthesia, after dentistry or surgery, and they say the weirdest or funniest things – which they don't even remember later. Since dogs don't understand what's happening, it causes anxiety. And they don't know how to express that, except through whining.

Most pets go home the same day as their dental cleanings. It is important to remember that they may still be a little sleepy from the anesthetic and events of the day. Some also may be a little sore from having plaque/tartar removed or from having teeth removed.

Cleaning the teeth is done by vets

Pet dental care is truly the role of a veterinarian and does not fall under the scope of grooming. One of the reasons is the safety of your pet and also the safety of the groomer.

Once we have the IV catheter placed, and your pet has been premedicated with a sedative and pain medication combination, we are ready to use an anesthetic agent to put your pet completely under anesthesia, so she is unconscious and unaware.

Can you deep clean your dogs teeth at home? ›

The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) (an organization of veterinary dentists and dental scientists) says that toothbrushing is the “gold standard” for at-home dental care for pets. However, you can't use human dental products for your dog—these contain ingredients that are not pet-safe.

In independent dental testing, dogs receiving one GREENIES^™ Dental Chew per day averaged 60% less tartar accumulation, 33% less plaque accumulation, 80% healthier gums, and 45% improvement in oral malodor (halitosis) in a 28 day feeding study compared to dogs who only received dry dog food.

A dental cleaning visit will include a thorough dental examination, teeth cleaning, and polishing to remove the tartar and periodontal disease-causing plaque. This is done while your dog is under general anesthesia.

Before your dog goes under anesthesia for surgery or dental work, your veterinarian will require blood work.

The Bottom Line. While some dental chews are effective for dogs, these aren't a replacement for regular toothbrushing or professional dental care routines. These elements of a great oral health care routine should stay on your dog's calendar, and their teeth will remain in good condition.

Just like us, dogs need daily dental care for a healthy mouth. One stick a day helps mop away bacteria before plaque can become tartar. Plus, a daily routine is a great way to bond with your dog. It's best to give dental sticks after a meal - we recommend after breakfast.

Like us, it is ideal to brush your dog's teeth at least twice daily. For many dogs, once brushing becomes a part of their daily routine they will begin to expect and enjoy it. Brushing three times a week is the minimum recommendation to help remove plaque and prevent tartar accumulation.

Products that Reduce or Remove Dog Plaque & Tartar

Oral home care products that may remove plaque include dental treats, dental wipes, pet-specific toothpaste, or gels used in tooth brushing. Tooth brushing is considered the gold standard in oral home care.

It's ideal to begin home care when your pet is young however, it is never too late to start. There are many different methods to prevent dental disease and to assist with dental hygiene at home, some of which include: Regular brushing. Treats and chews.

Coconut oil is safe for dogs to consume, and can help reduce plaque and tartar build-up on their teeth. To use coconut oil to brush your dog's teeth, simply rub a small amount of coconut oil onto their teeth and gums. You can also add a bit of water to help make the process easier.

Do carrots clean dogs teeth? ›

The Benefits of Raw Carrots

This chewing mechanism helps clean your dog's teeth and gums by removing residual food pieces and help clear plaque from tooth surfaces. Carrots can make great treats for your dog, due to their low-calorie content, especially if you need a larger quantity of treats when training.

Without brushing, plaque can build up, putting your dog at risk for bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. It can also cause painful infections. Severe infection can spread, causing life-threatening conditions.

Carrots, apples, and pumpkins are the best options to consider: Most dogs enjoy them, and they won't stick to the teeth. What is this? Vegetables and fruits are great for scraping food off a dog's teeth. Also, they contain antioxidants that will help a dog deal with chronic oxidative stress causing periodontitis.

Can I Scrape Plaque Off My Dog's Teeth? Plaque can easily be removed from your dog's teeth. You can use a toothbrush with dental bristles or a finger toothbrush to help remove plaque from your dog's teeth.

Heart Disease

Circulating bacteria can cause an inflammatory condition known as endocarditis. Studies have also shown that dogs with dental disease have an increased risk of congestive heart failure, a progressive and potentially fatal disease.

The most common dental problems seen in dogs are periodontal disease and fractured teeth.

Can I Scrape Plaque Off My Dog's Teeth? Plaque can easily be removed from your dog's teeth. You can use a toothbrush with dental bristles or a finger toothbrush to help remove plaque from your dog's teeth.

The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) (an organization of veterinary dentists and dental scientists) says that toothbrushing is the “gold standard” for at-home dental care for pets. However, you can't use human dental products for your dog—these contain ingredients that are not pet-safe.

As tartar builds up along the gum line, it pushes the gums away from the teeth. This exposes the roots of the teeth, which are no longer covered by enamel. Because the roots are no longer protected, it leaves them open to sensitivities, causing your dog pain and discomfort.

What is the black tartar on my dog's teeth? ›

What is the black stuff on my dog's teeth? If you notice black or brown spots on your dog's teeth, you're probably looking at plaque and tartar build up. Plaque and tartar like to live along the gumline and in tiny crevasses. Again, this stuff builds up quickly!

If your dog's tartar hardens to the point of no return, it will require a visit to the vet to remove it. During a routine teeth cleaning, dogs are put under anesthesia, then the vet gets to work scraping buildup off with a dog tartar removal tool called a scaler.

Trazodone. Trazodone can both sedate a dog and relieve anxiety. This is a good dog sedative for grooming, veterinary visits, thunderstorms/fireworks, and other short-term stressful events. Side effects include low blood pressure, so trazodone may be used cautiously or avoided in patients with certain health conditions.

Yes, it is! A veterinarian may not want to anesthetize a medically compromised pet, and they will instead use another approach to clean a dog or cat's teeth. You can have your pet's teeth cleaned without anesthesia whether they're young and healthy or have health issues.

Ways to Reduce the Cost of Dog Dental Cleaning

At-Home Hygiene: Brushing your dog's teeth regularly and providing them with dental chews and toys can help maintain their dental health and reduce the need for professional cleaning.

Foods such as apple slices, carrot sticks, uncooked pumpkin, sweet potato, and squash are all tasty dog-friendly human foods that help to scrape plaque and build-up off of your dog's teeth.