Dental cleaning for dogs is one of the most important parts of dental care, helping prevent painful oral disease and supporting overall wellness. Dental cleanings can significantly extend the health of your dog’s teeth and gums. This Sploot Vets guide dives into what professional dental cleaning for dogs involves, how much it costs, and why it matters.
What is Dental Cleaning for Dogs?
Dental cleaning for dogs is a professional veterinary procedure that removes plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gumline. Dogs typically undergo anesthesia to ensure safety, comfort, and a stress-free cleaning.
Unlike at-home brushing, a full dental cleaning for dogs allows veterinarians to clean tooth surfaces thoroughly, examine the gums, and catch early signs of dental disease.
The Benefits of Dog Dental Cleaning
Dental cleaning for dogs offers the following benefits:
- Reduced plaque and tartar – this helps to prevent gum infections, tooth decay, and other canine dental problems.
- Earlier detection of dental issues in dogs – after cleaning, veterinarians can more thoroughly examine for dental caries, gum infections, and more.
- Prevent tooth loss – regular cleanings reduce the risk of rotten teeth falling out or the development of severe issues that will need tooth extraction.
- Protects against canine periodontal disease – regular dental cleaning for dogs helps provide early treatment for periodontal disease, a form of gum infection which can lead to tooth loss and widespread issues (e.g., heart disease, liver disease).
Note: By 2 years of age, 80 percent of dogs typically have some form of periodontal disease.
How Much Does Dental Cleaning Cost for Dogs?
Dog dental cleanings typically cost $1,000 to $1,500 or more, depending on your region. Pricing can vary based on the extent of the cleaning required, any additional diagnostics, and other exam-related fees.
Dog Dental Cleaning Cost in Colorado
In Colorado, professional dog dental cleanings typically start at $950. Pricing may vary depending on your pet’s needs. However, costs can be significantly reduced with pet care memberships like SplootPack™, which offers exclusive discounts for dog dental cleanings and other veterinary services at Sploot Vets clinics.
Dog Dental Cleaning Cost in Illinois
In Illinois, dog dental cleanings generally start at $980. Final costs depend on the level of care and any additional treatments needed. However, pet parents can lower expenses with SplootPack™, a membership that provides exclusive discounts for dog dental cleanings and other veterinary services at Sploot Vets clinics.
What Is Done During a Dog Dental Cleaning?
In most cases, dental cleaning for dogs is done alongside a dental exam and other necessary dental procedures, within the same vet visit. But prior to this, dogs need to undergo a physical exam and bloodwork.
a. Initial Vet Visit: Physical Exam & Bloodwork
Veterinary dental cleaning for dogs requires anesthesia to keep them safe and stress-free. Before anesthesia, dogs undergo a physical exam and bloodwork to ensure they’re healthy enough for the procedure. During this initial visit, the vet will also explain the procedure and provide cost estimates.
b. Second Vet Visit: Dog Dental Cleaning & Other Procedures
During the second vet visit, veterinarians do a quick physical exam before administering anesthesia and performing dental cleaning.
At Sploot, dental cleaning for dogs involves the following steps:
- Veterinary nurses use manual and ultrasonic scalers to remove tartar, plaque, and calculus from the tooth surface and between crevices.
- After cleaning, the dog’s teeth is polished with prophylaxis (prophy) paste, a gritty material that leaves them clean, white, and shiny.
Note: A thorough dental exam is done after dog dental cleaning. Veterinarians use tools like periodontal probes and dental x-rays to assess each tooth and the underlying structures, identifying problems that aren’t visible on the surface. After dental cleaning, veterinarians can also perform other dental procedures if needed.
c. Third Visit: Post-Procedure Check-Up [As Needed]
If your dog’s dental cleaning was done along with other dental procedures (e.g., tooth extraction, dental surgery), the veterinarian may ask you to come back for a post-procedure check-up at least 14 days after. This helps to monitor your dog’s healing and overall wellness.
When Should Dental Cleaning for Dogs Start?
Generally, we recommend getting started with regular dental cleaning for dogs as soon as they reach 2 years of age. However, smaller dog breeds or toy breeds (e.g., Pomeranians, Yorkies) may need dental cleaning sooner.
How Often Should Dogs Have Dental Cleaning?
We recommend bringing your dog to the veterinarian once a year for a dental exam. During this visit, the veterinarian may or may not recommend dog dental cleaning, depending on your dog’s needs.
Senior dogs, however, may need to see the veterinarian twice a year for a dental exam (+/- dog dental cleaning), since older pets are more prone to dental issues.
How Do I Prepare My Dog for a Dental Cleaning?
Follow your veterinarian’s pre-procedure instructions, including when your dog needs to start fasting and pausing certain medications. Your veterinarian will advise you on which medications you need to pause temporarily for the procedure; these typically include NSAIDs, blood thinners, certain anti-anxiety medications, fish oil supplements, and so on.
Note: When in doubt, always ask your veterinarian; pre-procedure instructions can vary per individual.
Final Thoughts on Dog Dental Cleaning
Regular dog dental cleanings are essential for preventing pain, infection, and long-term oral disease in dogs. With proper veterinary care and at-home maintenance, you can keep your pet’s teeth (and overall health) in great shape for years to come.
For more information on dog dental care, check out our guides:
- How to Brush or Clean a Dog's Teeth at Home
- 7 Best Dental Chews & Treats for Dogs
- Dog & Cat Dental Care: Tips for Great Oral Health
Sploot: All-in-One Vet & Dental Care for Dogs
Sploot Veterinary Care offers all-in-one veterinary care, including comprehensive dog dental care (dental exams, teeth cleaning, and other dental procedures). With our experienced veterinary team, Fear Free veterinary approach, and daily appointment availability, we make it easy to keep your dog’s smile healthy and bright.
Easily book your appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app.
