Good dental hygiene is as essential for dogs as it is for people. Problems like heart or kidney disease can develop from poor dental health, so veterinarians recommend that dogs receive regular dental care. Unfortunately, this isn’t a simple task for all dogs; some require sedation and anesthetic just to receive a standard dental cleaning. This factors into the costs of regular teeth cleaning, so it’s a good idea to know what to expect.
Let’s take a look at how much dog teeth cleaning costs in Canada.
The Importance of Dog Teeth Cleaning
Dental disease is common in dogs, and many owners don’t recognize the serious consequences that can result from not taking proper care of a dog’s teeth. Approximately 80% of dogs have some form of periodontal disease. Left unchecked, this can have serious health implications.
Here are five reasons that dog teeth cleaning is important:
Prevent tooth loss — Good dental care ensures that the structures of the mouth that hold the teeth in place stay healthy.
Prevent bad breath — If the smell of your dog’s breath makes you recoil, they likely have a buildup of bacteria in their mouth.
Prevent pain — Severe dental disease causes red, inflamed gums that are painful. Dental care can prevent this.
Avoid organ damage — Bacteria in your dog’s mouth can enter their bloodstream and cause damage and infections of the kidneys, heart, and liver. Cleaning your dog’s teeth can regularly help prevent this.
Avoid dental disease altogether — Once a dog develops dental disease, it can be hard to stop its progression. Regular dental hygiene can slow this progression or stop it from developing in the first place.
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How Much Does Dog Teeth Cleaning Cost?
An anesthesia-free teeth cleaning will cost between $300 and $700, depending on the size of your dog. For anesthesia-based cleaning, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1,000.
A typical canine dental cleaning includes the following:
X-rays to assess your dog’s jaw
Examination of the mouth
Teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar
Tooth polishing to remove stains
Anesthesia as necessary to prevent trauma or injury to both the dog and vet during the procedure
Additional Costs to Anticipate
If your dog requires extra procedures, like tooth extractions or gum disease treatments, you can expect to pay more. If antibiotics or an extended vet stay are required, this will also add to the cost.
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How Often Should I Clean My Dog’s Teeth?
It’s recommended that you should have your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned once a year to maintain their good oral health.
If you are brushing and cleaning your dog’s teeth at home, this should be done at least twice a week.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Dog Teeth Cleaning?
Most pet insurance plans are designed to help you cover unexpected vet bills that result from an accident or illness. So, does insurance cover dog teeth cleaning?
Dog teeth cleaning is considered standard dental care, and it is not typically covered by most insurance plans. You may receive partial coverage if you have a plan with wellness coverage add-ons that include dental care. Very rarely does pet insurance cover the entire expense, though.
What to Do for Your Dog’s Teeth in Between Cleanings
You can do a few things at home to prevent plaque and tartar buildup on your dog’s teeth. Obviously, some dogs are more cooperative with teeth cleaning than others, so just do your best. For some dogs, this means feeding them dental chews daily, while others are happy to let you brush their teeth every day.
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Here are a few tips to get plaque off your dog’s teeth at home:
Brush their teeth with a toothbrush and dog toothpaste.
Use dog dental wipes to clean the surfaces of their teeth.
Use chew toys and dental chews to scrape off plaque.
Feed them dry kibble.
Feed your dog a quality, healthy diet to lower their risk of disease.
Conclusion
Teeth cleaning is an essential part of maintaining your dog’s oral health. Knowing the cost of cleaning your dog’s teeth will help you prepare for these annual healthcare expenses and enable you to keep your dog healthy and happy.
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