It is a common misconception that dogs naturally maintain good oral health by chewing toys or treats. However, like humans, dogs also accumulate plaque and tartar that can lead to bad breath, poor oral health, and various dental problems.
The cost to clean a dog’s teeth can be avoided, but when left untreated, it can result in severe consequences such as tooth loss and gum disease. Regular tooth brushing at home is essential, but it is also important to seek professional help from a veterinarian for deep cleaning and specific treatments.
An Overview
We accept “dog breath” as natural, yet it may indicate illness. In dogs, bad breath is caused by an overpopulation of bacteria that releases obnoxious chemicals and harms the gums. As gingivitis progresses, the gums may become irritated, resulting in dental disease.
The good news is that gingivitis can be treated and reversed. Having your pet’s teeth regularly cleaned and inspected by your veterinarian is the most fantastic method to prevent dental disease.
Plaque and tartar are removed above and below the gumline during this cleaning, which also treats gingivitis and leaves your dog’s mouth smelling fresh. Here’s what you need to know about a dog’s dental care and cost.
Cost of Dog Teeth Cleaning
The cost of dental care for dogs can vary greatly depending on the location and services provided. While both general practitioner veterinarians and Board-Certified Veterinary Dentists (DAVDC) can offer quality care, veterinary dentists, who are members of the American Veterinary Dental College, have undergone extensive training in various aspects of dentistry, including pain management, x-ray interpretation, and anesthesia. This specialized training allows them to provide the best possible care for your pet.
Teeth cleaning by a general practitioner can range from $250-$900 and may or may not include extractions. On the other hand, veterinary dentists, who have specialized equipment and advanced training, typically charge more for their services.
A standard cleaning service that includes x-rays, exams, and cleanings typically costs $800-$1,300. Additional costs such as nerve blocks, extractions, medications, advanced imaging, and root canals may be added to the bill.
In cases where your dog has underlying health issues, requires a root canal, needs cancer removal, has a less-common disease, or needs advanced anesthesia, you may be referred to a veterinary dentist. If you’re looking for low-cost pet dental care options near you, it’s worth considering all your options. The cost to clean a dog’s teeth may include treatment for dog gingivitis, which can add to the overall expense.
What’s Included in a Dog Teeth Cleaning?
Dog teeth cleaning typically includes several essential components to ensure the best care for your pet.
- Sedation: Dogs are sedated and have a tracheal breathing tube implanted before the treatment to guarantee their comfort and safety. The safest technique to prevent water from entering the airway is to use anesthesia, which is neither painful nor stressful and enables thorough examinations and treatment.
- Oral exam: Your veterinarian will perform a comprehensive tooth-by-tooth examination, measuring the gum pocket to determine periodontal health, and looking for broken or missing teeth, cavities, and other oral structures.
- Scaling and polishing: Scaling clears away plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line while polishing smooths the teeth’s surface.
- Dental x-rays:Dental x-rays display the jaw bones, tooth roots, surrounding bone and tissue, and the pulp chamber inside the tooth
Although they aren’t always necessary, they are essential to perform a thorough examination of the teeth since they might reveal to your veterinarian any bone loss, dead teeth, oral malignancies, infections, or cysts. The accepted practice is to take x-rays both before and after dental extractions. The value it offers outweighs the brief amount of time it adds to anesthesia.
It’s worth noting that cleaning dogs’ teeth may include these components, and cleaning a dog’s teeth can also include treatment for dog gingivitis, and seeking out low-cost pet dental care near you is a possibility.
Ways to Reduce the Cost of Dog Dental Cleaning
Cleaning a dog’s teeth can add up over time, but there are several ways to lower the expenses associated with maintaining your pet’s oral health.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help identify and prevent dental problems before they become more serious, ultimately saving on costs.
- 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.
- Shopping Around: Compare prices for dental cleaning services among veterinarians in your area to find the best deal.
- Dental Insurance: Investing in dental insurance for your dog can help cover the cost of cleaning and other dental-related expenses.
- Alternative Methods: Consider alternative methods such as hydrogen peroxide, oral rinse, oral enzymes, or probiotics to reduce the dog’s gingivitis treatment cost.
- Where to Find Low-Cost Dog Teeth Cleaning Near Me: Look for local veterinarian clinics or mobile dental cleaning services that offer affordable prices.
Overall, investing in your dog’s dental health through regular check-ups, at-home hygiene, and considering alternative methods can help save on costs associated with a professional dental cleaning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining your dog’s dental health can be costly, but there are several ways to reduce the expenses associated with professional cleaning. Regular check-ups, at-home hygiene, shopping around for a veterinarian, dental insurance, and alternative methods are all effective ways to lower the cost of dog dental cleaning.
It’s important to note that investing in your dog’s dental health not only saves you money but also ensures a longer, healthier life for your furry companion. Remember to look for low-cost dog teeth cleaning near you, and consider alternative methods such as hydrogen peroxide oral rinse or oral enzymes to reduce the dog gingivitis treatment cost.
