Much like humans, dogs need regular dental care to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Brushing, dental chews, and a balanced diet are just a few ways to keep your dog’s teeth looking and feeling their best.
But keeping up with regular grooming habits can often come with costs, whether that’s supplies at home or the care of a professional groomer. So, how much should you expect to pay for a dog dental cleaning? And is it covered by pet insurance?
In this guide, we’re covering the procedures and costs associated with dog dental cleaning – plus tips on how to save!
Dogs need regular dental cleaning for several important reasons. And it’s not just for aesthetics! Dental care is essential for keeping your dog’s teeth healthy and for preventing future disease.
Here are a few of the important reasons why dogs need dental cleaning:
Photo by Brian Brxtn on Unsplash
The costs for dog dental cleaning vary depending on various factors, such as who is administering the cleaning, the extent of the procedure, the dog’s overall health, and whether dental disease is already present. That said, teeth cleaning for dogs typically costs anywhere from $300 and upward of $1000 but will vary between provinces and vet clinics. It is recommended you contact your vet clinic to get an estimate for your pet as this differs in Canada
A professional dog dental cleaning, performed by a veterinarian, is typically more involved than just teeth brushing. The higher cost is often due to the inclusion of more advanced procedures. These procedures might include:
Veterinarians may vary with their prices, but there are cheaper alternatives than going to the vet for regular dental care. Going to a vet for dental cleaning is the most effective way to maintain good health and prevent disease, but these alternatives can assist with the regular maintenance of keeping your pet’s teeth clean.
Hiring a groomer for regular dog dental cleanings can be a more affordable option. Many groomers will offer teeth brushing for as little as $20 CAD.
Also, dog cleaning products like dog toothpaste, dental chews, and dental wipes can do a lot in terms of keeping your dog’s teeth healthy and fresh. Establishing a daily dog dental routine will help prevent the need for costly dental procedures in the future.
Ideally, dogs should have their teeth brushed daily to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease. Beyond that, an annual dental checkup with a veterinarian is recommended to administer a deeper clean and examine your dog for any dental issues.
If daily brushing isn't possible, aim for at least 2-3 times per week. Also, if your dog goes to the groomer, ask for them to include teeth brushing during their visit.
You may provide dental chews and toys as recommended by their veterinarian to help reduce plaque and tartar.
Most pet insurance companies do not cover dental cleaning as part of their core offerings, but many do provide dental as an add-on for an additional cost, this is considered preventive care. However, many will provide coverage if the dental treatment is a result of an unexpected dental disease or injury.
The dental conditions that are most often covered by pet insurance include:
It's important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your pet insurance policy to understand what specific dental emergencies are covered.
High dog dental cleaning costs are one of the main reasons why many dog owners avoid getting their dog’s teeth cleaned regularly. However, regular dental cleaning can help prevent future costs, like those associated with emergency dental treatments or diseases.
Maintaining a consistent brushing schedule with monthly or annual professional cleanings is essential for preventing future dental issues. Plus, this also ensures a happier and healthier dog!
If your dog does develop a new dental disease or injury, though, you want to make sure you’re covered. PHI Direct offers affordable pet insurance plans to help mitigate the costs of treating new illnesses or injuries. Get ahead with a pet insurance plan today!