How much does dog teeth cleaning cost?

Just like humans, your dog requires clean and healthy teeth to ensure its gums remain healthy, with fresh breath, and you are protecting your pet from decay and plaque. But how much does dog teeth cleaning cost?

Generally, having your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned costs anywhere between $100 and $1000, depending on the chosen service.

Pet owners in the know are taking great care of their pets’ fangs to ensure they keep the vet bills at bay and allow for their pet pooch to have clean chompers. If you’re in need of a dog dentist and are wondering how much dog dental cleaning will cost and want some tips on how to clean your dog’s teeth at home, read on.

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How much does dog dental cleaning cost?

Dog teeth cleaning is a specialised field and is carried out by a qualified vet. There are a range of dog teeth cleaning options, based on the service required. Here are some general dog teeth cleaning costs:

• Anaesthesia-free clean: Includes removal of plaque build-up, treatment of inflamed gums, tartar control and tooth polish – approx. $100 to $300
• Clean with anaesthesia: Includes an in-depth clean under anaesthetic for dogs that are not able to get their teeth clean without becoming stressed – approx. $500 to $1000

While anaesthesia-free treatment is cheaper, this practice is not recommended. Dogs can startle easily, which can cause them injury from dental tools, and it also makes it harder for the vet to clean hard to reach spots or diagnose and treat decay.

Your vet will provide a dental check, teeth clean and offer a treatment plan if your dog needs ongoing care. Usually, a clean every 6 to 12 months is a great way to ensure you are maintaining your dog’s dental care and gum health.

If your dog has bad teeth that are discoloured and you are worried about their condition, it’s a good idea to get a regular clean to keep your dog’s dental health in good condition.

These dog teeth cleaning prices don’t include tooth extraction or special treatments for periodontal disease. Tooth extractions for dogs can cost anywhere from $200 to $400 per tooth.

The importance of ensuring your dog has healthy gums

If you’re a new dog owner or aren’t up to speed with the importance of dog and pet dental health, we’ve put together some basic information on the importance of healthy gums and teeth for your pet.

Protect your pet from dental disease

Like humans, dogs can have issues with plaque build-up and tartar. The knock-on effect of this includes:

• Tooth pain
• Bad breath
• Tooth loss
• Possible dental issues.

By brushing your dog’s teeth and ensuring their gums are regularly cleaned, you are helping to protect your pet from periodontal disease. You can get a quality dog toothpaste from your local vet that will also taste good to your pup.

Ensure the overall health of your dog

Poor dental conditions in dogs (as well as humans) can have an impact on overall health, and any bacteria or plaque can affect your dog. To help ensure your dog’s teeth and gums are protected from disease and infection, dental care is essential.

Save on expensive dog dentist bills

Just like the dentist that treats humans, a dog dentist is costly. If you want to avoid the high cost of x-rays, tooth extractions or medication to clear up a tooth infection, you will need to ensure you have a good routine in place for the dental care of your dog.

Tips for dog dental care

Here are some ideas for keeping your dog’s pearly whites in great shape and to save money on dog teeth cleaning costs:

• Purchase a canine tooth brushing kit – these are specially made tooth brushing kits, specifically for dogs. Dog toothpaste from vets is safe to use and will be fine for a dog’s sensitive stomach. Avoid any pastes that you would use for humans, this might upset your dog’s stomach. A simple and natural paste is the best option for dogs.
• Start tooth brushing when your dog is a puppy – by establishing routines early in their life, your dog will be comfortable with teeth cleaning, and it will make it easier for you to brush their teeth. Start out by brushing their teeth for a couple of seconds, then build up the brushing once they are comfortable with the process.
• Provide your dog with dental chews or dental toys: This will aid with bad breath and keep plaque and tartar under control. They’re also great fun and stimulus for your dog.

In the case that your dog has a significant plaque problem, the vet may request you introduce a special diet with specifically shaped dental kibble to help chemically and mechanically break down the build-up.

If your dog has bad breath, excessive drooling, broken teeth, discoloured teeth, bleeding gums or you can see tartar on their teeth, it’s a good idea to have your vet check out their dental health.

Food to help keep your dog’s teeth clean

There are plenty of great options for food that you can feed your dog to ensure you are helping maintain their dental health and hygiene, while keeping dog dental cleaning costs down.

When you’re looking for options to feed your dog, look for food that is natural and made using meat, vegetables, and fruits.

Many of the snacks and treats we feed our dogs are filled with sugar, fats and unhealthy products that can damage our dog’s dental health. Select a dog food with natural ingredients to help improve your dog’s dental health.

Want to find a local vet in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth?

To find a quality dog dental specialist in your area, a Yellow Pages listed local canine dental health professional can help.