A pet’s dental health is just as important as a human’s in terms of its overall health. Like with human teeth, it is possible for pets to develop infections in their teeth and gums if they are not properly cared for, which could result in the need for eventual extraction or treatment for periodontal disease.
Dog Teeth Cleaning
Dentists know that dental problems can cause, or contribute to, a number of health problems. It is recommended that you have your pet’s teeth and gums checked by a veterinarian every year in order to determine whether any dental work will need to be done, such as teeth extractions, as well as cleaning the teeth and gums.
The best thing you can do is to take your pet to a veterinarian or board-certified veterinary dentist as soon as possible if you notice your pet has abnormal chewing, drooling, a reduced appetite, bad breath, discolored teeth, or bleeding from the lips.
As with human dentistry, x-rays are sometimes needed and, because the most dental disease occurs below the gum line where it cannot be seen, an oral exam and cleaning are usually done under anesthesia.
Here we will discuss the cost of brushing your dog or cat’s teeth if your insurance covers these procedures, as well as how veterinary financing is a financial option that you can consider.
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Pet Dental Cleaning
The health of your dog’s teeth is something you should be concerned about as a responsible pet owner. It is very likely that you brush your dog’s teeth every day (per the advice of pet health experts), that you feed him appropriate food, and that you have his teeth checked by your veterinarian on a regular basis.
Nevertheless, you might look at the expense of all of this dental care every once in a while and wonder: could the cost of all this dental care be justified?
To cut back on the costs of pet dental cleaning you can always start taking care of your pet’s teeth yourself. Below are some samples that we have tested and were satisfied with.
Dental examinations for pets
Make sure your pet gets a thorough dental exam and teeth cleaning at least once a year. A dental check-up at the vet can be stressful for you and your pet.
During the first part of your dog’s visit, he or she will be sedated. Almost all dogs are too frightened to allow a proper cleaning during a dental examination. The vet will sedate your pet during the entire process of cleaning, and a veterinarian technician will be monitoring him exclusively at all times.
Fluids will also be given to your dog to keep its blood pressure high and its organs healthy during the procedure. Ask the clinic in advance if a tech will be monitoring your pet’s vital signs during the exam if you will not be taking it to IPH for the cleaning.
It should take about 45 minutes to an hour if there are no extractions at your dog’s appointment. In addition to performing a physical examination, your veterinarian will also check the teeth, gums, and mouth of your dog to make sure they are in good shape.
Having your pet’s dental health checked regularly is crucial to assessing any damage that might have been missed.
How much will it cost?
Depending on where you live, your pet’s needs, and where you receive your pet’s dental care, dental cleanings will vary widely. The cheapest is not always the best. If you are charged a lower fee for a dental visit, it could be a sign that your veterinarian isn’t doing everything he can to examine your dog’s teeth or he is doing things in an unsafe manner.
Pet dental cleaning cost
Make sure that you don’t endanger your pet’s health just to save a few dollars. An affordable dental cleaning isn’t worth it if it means having to pay a $1000 emergency veterinary bill a few weeks down the road.
A pet’s dental cleaning costs more than a human’s
Veterinarians, technicians, and receptionists who work with small animals are constantly asked this question. Certainly, for most of us, it’s cheaper to have our teeth cleaned by our dentist than to have our dog or cat groomed. There are some facts you need to know to understand the answer, and perhaps, once they are explained, it will make more sense.
A dental procedure is most likely to have the best outcome with anesthesia. The fact that the hygienist and dentist work in the oral cavity means that we understand what they are doing. Unfortunately, most animals don’t like having their teeth cleaned and polished as they would resist the process.
It may be useful to ask your veterinarian whether he/she performs a physical examination, blood tests, and an EKG prior to giving your pet anesthesia. This is important to avoid unknown complications and to ensure that your experience is smooth and successful.
It is often the case that we discover issues (periodontal disease, broken teeth, tumors) that were not visible to patients while they were awake. Further, it is not possible for vets to perform X-Rays without anesthesia, so they have to take all X-Rays under anesthesia.
If you fail to take care of your pet’s teeth, it can cost you anywhere between $250.00 – $500.00 for a dental cleaning, depending on how much tartar and other damage has occurred because of your negligence.
Cat teeth cleaning
Prices for dog and cat teeth cleaning can vary based on the size and age of the animal, whether anesthesia is needed, as well as where you live.
Cat teeth cleaning cost
You should expect to pay about $50 to $300 for the procedure. A canine’s periodontal disease treatment costs an average of $519 while a cat’s is $768 on average.
Does pet insurance cover dental care treatment costs?
As long as the pet does not have any pre-existing conditions, many pet insurance companies cover the pet’s dental needs, including cleanings and tooth extractions, as well as periodontal disease treatment.
If your pet insurance does not cover the cost of the treatment or if you do not have pet insurance, the cost will be your responsibility which, again, can range from $50 to $300 or more.
