As a pooch parent, one of the things that you should never take for granted is your pet’s good health. Even though the majority of parents are always on the lookout for symptoms of poor health in their doggies, one area that is commonly missed by many is dental health.
The dental health of your dog may not look like it’s a vital part of their well-being, but veterinarian facts seem to state otherwise. The same care that you give to your gnashers is the same that your dog requires for optimal dental health.
Cleaning your dog’s teeth regularly at home will prevent the formation of plaque and tartar. But home-based dental care for your dog is not always enough. That is why you should ensure that your dog gets professional cleaning at least once every year.
What are the signs that your dog needs professional teeth cleaning?
Just like people, dogs too experience dental issues as a result of various reasons. As you may expect, the main reason for dental issues in dogs is the lack of enough dental care. The following signs should tell you that it’s time to schedule an appointment to have your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned:
- Bad breath
- Trouble eating
- Loose or broken teeth
- Gum sensitivity or bleeding gums
- Yellow or brown stains on your dog’s teeth
One thing to keep in mind about bad breath is that it’s perfectly normal for dogs to have dog breath, which is not always pleasant. However, smells that may give off as rotten or stale for extended periods should be a sign that something is not right.
How Much Does Dog Teeth Cleaning Cost?
The amount that you pay to have your dog’s teeth cleaned may vary significantly depending on factors such as location, size, and age of the dog, additional operations such as tooth extraction, aftercare, veterinary office, anesthesia, and medication.
As a rough estimate, the anesthesia-free dog teeth cleaning process should cost anywhere between $100 to $300. If the cleaning is anesthesia-based, on the other hand, you will have to part with roughly $500 to $1000. As mentioned above, other factors such as aftercare and medication may tamper with the expected costs.
It’s important to keep in mind that if anesthesia is used, your dog may take some time to get back to their normal self. During this period, you should feed your pooch soft foods so that they won’t have trouble getting the nutrition that they need.
What are the different dental cleaning procedures and their costs?
Dental cleaning procedures are usually different and will obviously have different costs to them. The main procedures include:
Pre-anesthesia health checks
This process mainly involved performing a pre-dental examination that is meant to determine your pet’s overall health. Such checks are usually vital as they make it easier to determine if additional dental services are required for your dog.
In some cases, this short physical exam is optional, but skipping it is not advisable. Generally, you would have to pay around $30 to $50 for such checks.
Bloodwork
The main aim of this procedure is to determine whether anesthesia can be administered to your dog safely. For normal adult dogs without any underlying medical issues, this should cost around $80 to $120. Older dogs require a more extensive test that should cost around $175 to $250.
Anesthesia
Pets can be pretty scared while undergoing dental procedures which may lead to reduced cooperation. As such, anesthesia may be necessary if your pet is not so cooperative and/or if their teeth are not in good condition.
For deep cleaning, however, anesthesia is a must to ensure maximum comfort and reduced risk of injury. Anesthesia is associated with various risks, and for this reason, your pet must be closely monitored during the procedure.
A higher price is not always an indication that your dog is receiving the required monitoring, so be sure to ask your vet to clarify how he is going to ensure full monitoring of the pooch during this process. A fair price should be approximately $100 – $300.
Dental X-Rays
Using X-rays is necessary when your dog has more complicated dental issues that may require more detailed visualization. Dental X-rays are best done with a dental X-ray machine, so be sure to find out if the vet clinic has one.
Even though dental X-ray procedures will cost anything between $120 and $250, they can save you a lot of money and the hassle of having to make more trips to the dental office. Your pet will also enjoy their peace more when not subjected to continuous dental procedures.
Cleaning the teeth
The process of cleaning your dog’s teeth should cost anywhere from $50 to $150. This will depend on local rates, the amount of cleaning that was done, and the skill of the professional doing the cleaning.
The process of cleaning involves ultrasonic scaling off of tartar, in addition to polishing the teeth. The cleaning technician will also notify the vet if there are any problematic teeth. Once the cleaning is complete, the vet can then examine the teeth once more to ensure that there are no additional issues.
What You Can Do If Your Pup Has Dental Health Problems
If your pup is having dental health problems, there are a few things you can do to help. First, take them to the vet for a checkup. They can diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of treatment. If your dog needs to have teeth extracted, they may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. Next, focus on oral hygiene at home.
This means brushing their teeth regularly with dog-specific toothpaste and providing them with chew toys and bones that help to keep their teeth clean. You should also feed them a healthy diet that includes crunchy fruits and vegetables, which help to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Finally, make sure to give your pup plenty of attention and love. This will help them feel comfortable and relaxed, even if they’re going through a difficult time. By taking these steps, you can help your pup maintain good dental health despite any problems that may arise.
The Importance Of Regular Dental Checkups For Your Pup
Just like humans, dogs need to have their teeth checked and cleaned regularly by a professional. Unfortunately, many pet owners neglect their dog’s dental care, which can lead to a number of problems. Plaque and tartar buildup can cause bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to pain and infection, and may even require tooth extraction.
Regular dental checkups can help to prevent these problems before they start. During a dental cleaning, your vet will remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth, and may also recommend a teeth-whitening treatment or other services to keep your pup’s smile looking its best. So don’t wait – schedule a dental appointment for your dog today.
