| How Much Does a Dog Teeth Cleaning Cost? |
|
|
| |
 |
|
| | | Regular teeth cleaning at a veterinarian's office -- along with brushing the teeth at home between cleanings -- helps prevent gum disease, which can prevent major health problems such as heart and kidney disease. As in humans, oral health in dogs is linked to overall health. | | |
| Typical costs: | - A dog teeth cleaning typically costs between $70 and $350, depending on whether pre-anesthetic bloodwork is done as well as the difficulty of the job, including the amount of build-up on the teeth and under the gumline and whether periodontal disease is present.
- The average claims amount submitted for dog teeth cleaning by Veterinary Pet Insurance policyholders is $292.
- Daily brushing with dog toothpaste, which veterinarians recommend in addition to regular cleanings, costs about $30 to $60 or per year, depending on the size of the dog. VeterinaryPartner.com offers a guide to brushing a dog's teeth. An alternative is Oravet, a plaque-fighting gel that is painted on the dog's teeth weekly.
|
| What should be included: | - After examining the dog's teeth and administering anesthesia, the veterinarian removes tartar and plaque and smoothes the surfaces of the roots. If necessary, diseased gum tissue is removed. Then, the veterinarian polishes the teeth and rinses the mouth.
- A fluoride treatment, which is sometimes included, can help minimize discomfort and harden enamel.
- The veterinarian keeps a detailed chart of the dog's tooth problems -- such as missing, loose or fractured teeth and periodontal disease -- and procedures performed. Follow-up recommendations also should be provided.
- DentalVet.com offers a step-by-step look and photos of the process.
|
| Additional costs: | - If the dog has advanced periodontal diseases, deep scaling and even surgery might be required. DentalVet.com has answers about periodontal disease. Early stage disease may require only a thorough cleaning, but late-stage surgery or extractions can cost $1,000 or more.
|
| Discounts: | - Some foods and treats can help to control plaque and tartar, which could help save hundreds, or even thousands of dollars, if they are part of an overall plan that prevents periodontal disease. Dental diets cost about $30 for a 30-pound bag, or about $250 per year to feed a moderately active medium-sized dog. Treats can cost about $50 to $100 or more per year, depending on the type and frequency of use. The Veterinary Oral Health Council provides a list of approved products.
|
| Shopping for a dog teeth cleaning: | - Any veterinarian can perform a teeth cleaning, but veterinary dentists are specialists. The American Veterinary Dental College lists veterinary dentists by state.
- Tip: Start regular exams, cleanings and brushing early in the dog's life. HealthyPet.com offers a pet dental care guide.
- DentalVet.com has a primer on the types and safety of pet anesthesia.
|
| |
Article updated September 2007 |
|
|
|
| |
Recent Posts |
| Amount: $350.00 |
Cleaning + extraction
|
| Posted by: skaterdog in Campbell, CA. | Purchased: November, 2007 |
| Breed: Maltese | Vet: Kirkwood Animal Hospital |
| Our Maltese's teeth cleaning was overdue, and his teeth got bad so 5 teeth needed to be extracted. The total vet bill was $350 -- $70 for injections, $160 for the Ultrasonic Teeth Scaling and polishing, $90 for 5 teeth extraction, and $30 for the take-home meds. |
|
|
| Amount: $900.00 |
Cleaning + Extraction
|
| Posted by: Bretting in Ventura, CA. | Purchased: May, 2008 |
| Breed: Maltese | Vet: E. Ventura Animal Hospital |
| Overcharging and not supportive of payment plan after being a lifelong client. |
|
|
| Amount: $795.00 |
Cleaning + Extras
|
| Posted by: spottymom in Union City, CA. | Purchased: June, 2008 |
| Breed: Cattle Dog | Vet: All About Pets Animal Care |
| The quote includes: Dental Stage I&II Large dog:$199, CBC (blood test):$60, Vetscan Prep Profile:$77, Catheter IV/Fluids: $119, Preanesthesia: $108, Isoflurane Gas 1st hr: $165, Gas Addtl 30min: $91, Hospitalization 6 hrs: $65, Polyflex: $48, Buprenorphine $69, Oravet Home care kit: $36, Dental kit: $18 |
|
|
|
|
Post About Your Experience With a Dog Teeth Cleaning |
| |
|
|
| *=required field. |
| |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|