How Much Does Dog Teeth Cleaning Cost? Explained

How much is dog teeth cleaning?

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:

• The age of your dog: Your dog’s age plays a role in the cost of teeth cleaning. Older dogs often need special care, specifically if it’s necessary to anesthetize them.
• Dog breed: Bigger dogs may also need specialized care, which raises the overall cost. Small breeds require less anesthesia, which can mean a lower cost.
• The extent of the work: Routine cleanings will naturally cost less than tooth extractions or gum disease treatment. 
• Medication: Vets may prescribe a variety of medications after major dental work. These can include antibiotics and painkillers, all of which can influence the total cost.
• Any additional services: In some cases, your vet may recommend additional services before conducting major dental work. These can include X-rays to see how teeth look beneath the gum line, anesthesia if required and blood tests to ensure the dog’s sedatives are safe. 
• The type of vet performing the procedure: The vet who performs your dog’s dental cleaning will significantly impact the cost. This can be either a general practitioner veterinarian or a veterinary dentist. General practitioners tend to charge less for the service, anywhere between $250 and $900.

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. 

Additional costs to consider

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.

What’s included in the cost of teeth cleaning for dogs?

Teeth-cleaning packages vary for each veterinary clinic. But most cleanings come with a set of services.

These include:

• Anesthesia: Pain or stress can cause many dogs to have trouble sitting still during a cleaning. Anesthesia helps ensure your dog’s teeth are cleaned thoroughly.
• Dental X-rays: A dental X-ray can identify diseases and other issues below the gumline. Catching these issues early can prevent additional dental procedures in the future.
• Oral exam: A vet will individually check your dog’s teeth to identify cavities and fractures.
• Scaling and polishing: Teeth scaling helps remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. Afterward, teeth are polished to keep them smooth.

What’s not included in the cost of teeth cleaning for dogs?

While services vary for each clinic, anything that requires more work during the cleaning will usually increase the cost.

This includes:

• Post-cleaning checkups
• Follow-up appointments
• Pre-anesthesia blood work
• Teeth extractions
• Non-dental X-rays

Why your dog needs dental cleaning

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.

How often do dogs need their teeth cleaned?

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:

• Visible tartar buildup
• Discolored teeth
• Bad breath
• Loss of appetite
• Unusual drooling

Symptoms of teeth issues in dogs

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: 

• Bad breath
• Bleeding, redness or swelling of the gums
• Having a hard time picking up food
• Dropping food while eating
• Loose teeth
• Weight loss
• Nasal discharge
• Lack of energy

Does pet insurance cover dog teeth cleaning costs?

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. 

How to save money on dog teeth cleaning costs

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: