How Much Does Dog Teeth Cleaning Cost?
Key takeaways:
The cost of a dog teeth cleaning can range from $300 to $2,000, depending on the procedure and the veterinarian.
Several factors can affect the price of a dental cleaning, including the dog’s age, size, and oral health.
You can save money on dog teeth cleanings by comparing veterinarian costs and applying for financial assistance. Good canine dental care at home will help prevent more costly procedures.
Dental care is an important part of your dog’s health. Canine teeth cleanings are done at veterinarian offices and pet dental clinics. Veterinary dental specialists do dog teeth cleanings that require complex procedures.
Canine teeth cleanings can cost hundreds of dollars. The price depends on many factors, including the severity of your dog’s dental condition and your location. You can save money on dog teeth cleanings by practicing good dental hygiene at home. You can also compare prices among veterinarians and ask about payment plans and discounts.
How much do teeth cleanings for dogs cost?
The average cost of dog teeth cleanings is $300 to $1,000 for general practice veterinarians and pet dental clinics. Several factors affect the cost, including your location and the veterinarian you choose. These details will also affect the total price:
Size: Your dog’s weight will determine how much anesthesia is used.
Age: An older dog may need additional blood work to make sure the procedure is safe.
Overall health: Preexisting conditions may require additional monitoring of your dog.
Teeth health: A cleaning for a dog with healthy teeth will cost less than for a dog with dental disease.
Extractions or other oral surgery: Your veterinarian may find more serious dental issues during the cleaning, such as the need to remove diseased teeth.
Postprocedure medication: If your dog has oral surgery, the veterinarian will likely prescribe pain medication and antibiotics.
Search and compare options
It’s important to compare prices in your area to get a better idea of how much you can expect to pay for a dog teeth cleaning. For example, a veterinary center in Minnesota charges about $370 for a routine dental cleaning, $550 to $735 for an advanced dental cleaning, and about $920 for a complex dental cleaning. In Colorado, a pet dental clinic charges $500 for dog teeth cleanings but says people should be prepared to pay up to $950.
Dog dental cleaning costs for board-certified veterinary dentists may be higher. These specialists are trained in advanced oral surgery, medicine, and dentistry. Veterinary dentists perform procedures such as root canals and dental crowns and treat oral cancer. Their costs range from $1,000 to $2,000 for dog teeth cleanings.
Costs of professional teeth cleaning for dogs
When planning for your dog’s teeth cleaning, ask your veterinarian what’s included in the quoted price and what costs extra. The following services may be part of your initial fee:
Physical exam
Oral exam and charting
X-rays
Mild sedation
Anesthesia
Pain medication and antibiotics during procedure
Intravenous catheter and fluids
Monitoring and warming
Scaling and polishing
Sealant
The cost will be higher if the veterinarian needs to extract teeth. You’ll also have additional fees if your dog needs pain medication and antibiotics after the procedure if oral surgery is performed.
Pet insurance coverage: Find out what pet insurance covers, and review quotes from different companies before you buy it.
Dog teeth cleaning guide: Learn how to brush your dog’s teeth at home, and review the list of essential tools.
Get help with pet vet bills: From vet school clinics to nonprofit organizations, there are many resources that can help.
Is it worth getting your dog’s teeth cleaned?
It’s important to do your research so you can assess the benefits and costs. Without regular teeth cleanings, your dog’s risk of periodontal disease and other oral health problems increases. Periodontal disease has been linked to liver disease and heart disease. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to complications and veterinary bills.
Older dogs, small breeds, and dogs that eat only wet food are more prone to oral health problems. At-home dental care is great, but it’s not enough to get rid of plaque that builds up below the gumline. Dental cleanings allow veterinarians to remove that plaque. They may also identify issues that were not previously undetected.
Where to find canine teeth-cleaning services
Dog teeth cleanings are a common part of veterinary care. Your vet may recommend the procedure once every 6 or 12 months depending on your dog’s size, breed, and history of dental problems. Pet dental clinics and veterinary dentists also perform dog teeth cleaning.
Keep in mind that the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association recommend getting dog teeth cleaning with anesthesia. The veterinary organizations cite safety, efficacy, and ethical concerns. The Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences lists 10 reasons to avoid anesthesia-free dental cleanings.
How to save on dog teeth cleanings
There are many ways to save on dog teeth cleanings and keep your pet’s oral health in good shape:
Shop around. Get quotes from different veterinarians and compare prices.
Check out veterinary school clinics. Veterinary school clinics usually cost less than veterinary offices and animal hospitals. Veterinarians supervise student procedures at these clinics.
Use a pet wellness plan. Most pet insurance policies cover only dental accidents and dental illnesses. But you may be able to add a wellness plan that offers preventive care, including routine dental cleanings.
Use a credit card with promotional financing options. CareCredit offers two types of promotional financing options on qualifying purchases. Deferred interest financing and reduced annual percentage rate financing may work with your budget.
Seek financial assistance. Some national organizations offer financial assistance to pet owners with different guidelines.
Crowdfund. Websites like GoFundMe and Waggle can help you raise money for your dog’s teeth cleaning.
Ask your veterinarian about options: Your veterinarian may have a fund for financial hardship situations. They may also be able to work out a payment plan.
Check for discounts: Contact service providers to see if they offer discounts. For example, the Animal Humane Society in Minnesota offers reduced pricing on dental services and specialty surgeries based on income.
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Cleaning your dog’s teeth at home
You can save money on dog teeth cleanings by keeping up with preventive care at home. Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth — ideally every day or at least 2 to 3 times a week — helps minimize tartar buildup and prevent periodontal disease. It’s ideal to start this when your dog is a puppy, but adult dogs can also learn to have their teeth brushed.
Here are a few tips on how to start brushing your dog’s teeth:
Start slowly: Begin by letting your dog taste a small amount of pet toothpaste. Put some on your finger, and gently rub it onto your dog’s teeth and gums. It may take a week to a month for your dog to get accustomed to this routine.
Use gauze: Once your dog is comfortable with this process, start using a piece of gauze. Gently rub it against your dog’s teeth to help them get used to the sensation.
Introduce a toothbrush: Raise one of your dog’s upper lips, and brush in small, circular motions. After a few strokes, praise your dog.
Start again: Repeat brushing until you’ve covered all of your dog’s teeth.
It’s important to always use pet toothpaste because many human toothpastes contain an artificial sweetener that’s toxic to dogs. In addition, look for products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council, like chews and treats, which can help keep dog teeth clean and gums healthy.
The bottom line
The cost of a dog teeth cleaning can range from $300 to $2,000 depending on the procedure’s complexity, the service provider, and other factors. To save money, compare prices from different veterinarians, and consider a veterinary school instead of a clinic or a hospital. You can also apply for financial assistance and talk to your veterinarian about payment options. Practice preventive care by regularly brushing your dog’s teeth at home.
Why trust our experts?
References
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Burke, A. (2024). Dog dental care myths debunked. American Kennel Club.
Burns, K. (2016). Below the surface of anesthesia-free dentistry. American Veterinary Medical Association.
Cerulli, P. (n.d.). Dog tooth extractions: Costs, care, & more. Lemonade.
Chambers, A. (2023). Dog dental cleaning cost: How much is it to clean your dog’s teeth? Embrace Pet Insurance.
Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center. (n.d.). Periodontal disease.
David, E. (2024). How much does dog teeth cleaning cost? Betterpet.
DeNicola, L. (2024). Understanding promotional financing: What it is & how it works. CareCredit.
Humane Society of the United States. (n.d.). Are you having trouble affording your pet?
Kriss, R. (2024). Best dog toothpaste for dogs and puppies. American Kennel Club.
Pet Dental Clinic. (n.d.). Cost.
Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. (n.d.). Dentistry FAQs.
Veterinary Dentistry Specialists. (2022). Frequently asked questions about advanced veterinary dental care.
