How Much Does Dog Teeth Cleaning Cost?
In this article:
Tartar build-up is a frequent issue for dogs—especially as they age or miss regular dental care. Left unchecked, it can cause pain, tooth loss, and even serious health issues. So, how much does it actually cost to have your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned?
Veterinary dental cleanings generally range from about $300 to $2,000, depending on location, procedure complexity, and whether a specialist is involved.
On average:
- General practitioners charge $300–$600
- Veterinary dental specialists can charge $1,000–$2,000
- Simple cleanings without complications average around $376 nationwide
What’s Included in a Cleaning?
To thoroughly remove tartar and reduce risk, your dog will be placed under general anesthesia. This lets the vet clean both above and below the gum line, examine the entire mouth, and address any concerns without discomfort.
A typical cleaning includes:
- General anaesthesia and monitoring
- Full oral examination
- Ultrasonic and hand scaling
- Polishing
- Dental X-rays (if needed)
- Tooth extractions (if necessary)
- Pre-clean blood tests, IV fluids, pain relief, and aftercare
What Drives the Cost?
Several factors influence the final bill:
- Anaesthesia & Monitoring – Essential for safety and includes pre-op blood tests.
- Dental Equipment & Expertise – Skilled vets, X-rays, ultrasonic scalers, and polishers.
- Extractions & Complex Cases – Diseased tooth removal can cost hundreds to thousands, especially if performed by a specialist.
- Dog Size & Health – Larger or older dogs require more anaesthetic and monitoring time.
- Clinic Type & Region – Urban or speciality clinics (e.g. veterinary dentists) tend to charge more.
Regional Price Differences
Costs vary widely depending on geography:
- Rural or low-cost regions may charge $300–$500 for routine cleanings.
- Urban centres and speciality practices may charge as much as $1,500–$2,000+, especially with extractions or specialist vets.
What Does Tartar Look Like on a Dog?
Tartar is often yellowish-brown and clearly visible on the surface of the teeth, especially along the gum line. It starts as plaque and gradually hardens into a chalky, scale-like buildup.
Signs to watch for:
- Bad breath
- Red or inflamed gums
- Yellowish deposits on the teeth
Can You Remove Tartar from Your Dog’s Teeth at Home?
Veterinary cleanings under anesthesia remain the gold standard for comprehensive care, especially when tartar is present or oral disease is suspected. Many vets recommend annual dental checkups to monitor your dog’s oral health.
Once tartar has formed, it becomes hard and firmly attached to the teeth – and usually needs to be removed using professional equipment under anesthesia. However, products like ProDen PlaqueOff® have been shown to help break down plaque and support better oral health when used daily.
The best approach is prevention. You can help reduce tartar buildup by:
- Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly with a dog-safe toothbrush and toothpaste
- Using supplements and/or dental chews
- Checking your dog’s teeth often and watching for any changes
FAQ
Yes, anesthesia is usually necessary to ensure the procedure is thorough and stress-free.
Vets sometimes use ultrasonic tools for dental cleaning. These devices have a rapidly vibrating metal tip that gently removes tartar. The vibrations help loosen the tartar from the surface of the teeth.
It appears as a yellow to brown buildup, often along the gum line. Tartar is hard and can lead to inflammation if left untreated.
Yes – through regular tooth brushing, dental chews, and oral hygiene supplements.
Tartar build-up is a frequent issue for dogs—especially as they age or miss regular dental care. Left unchecked, it can cause pain, tooth loss, and even serious health issues. So, how much does it actually cost to have your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned?
Veterinary dental cleanings generally range from about $300 to $2,000, depending on location, procedure complexity, and whether a specialist is involved.
On average:
- General practitioners charge $300–$600
- Veterinary dental specialists can charge $1,000–$2,000
- Simple cleanings without complications average around $376 nationwide
What’s Included in a Cleaning?
To remove tartar thoroughly—and reduce risk—your dog will be placed under general anaesthesia. This lets the vet clean both above and below the gum line, examine the entire mouth, and address any concerns without discomfort.
A typical cleaning includes:
- General anaesthesia and monitoring
- Full oral examination
- Ultrasonic and hand scaling
- Polishing
- Dental X-rays (if needed)
- Tooth extractions (if necessary)
- Pre-clean blood tests, IV fluids, pain relief, and aftercare
What Drives the Cost?
Several factors influence the final bill:
- Anaesthesia & Monitoring – Essential for safety and includes pre-op blood tests.
- Dental Equipment & Expertise – Skilled vets, X-rays, ultrasonic scalers, and polishers.
- Extractions & Complex Cases – Diseased tooth removal can cost hundreds to thousands, especially if performed by a specialist.
- Dog Size & Health – Larger or older dogs require more anaesthetic and monitoring time.
- Clinic Type & Region – Urban or speciality clinics (e.g. veterinary dentists) tend to charge more.
Regional Price Differences
Costs vary widely depending on geography:
- Rural or low-cost regions may charge $300–$500 for routine cleanings.
- Urban centres and speciality practices may charge as much as $1,500–$2,000+, especially with extractions or specialist vets
Why Vet Cleanings Are Still the Best Option
Ultrasonic cleaning under anaesthesia is the only way to effectively clean beneath the gumline. While in-office brushing or "anesthesia-free" cleanings are marketed, major veterinary bodies such as the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) and AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) consider them insufficient and potentially harmful.
The AAHA recommends dental cleaning by age 1–2 for small and medium dogs, and by age 2–3 for larger breeds. Annual clean-ups are also commonly recommended.
What Does Tartar Look Like on a Dog?
Tartar is often yellowish-brown and clearly visible on the surface of the teeth, especially along the gum line. It starts as plaque and gradually hardens into a chalky, scale-like buildup.
Signs to watch for:
- Bad breath
- Red or inflamed gums
- Yellowish deposits on the teeth
IMAGE
Can You Remove Tartar from Your Dog’s Teeth at Home?
Veterinary cleanings under anesthesia remain the gold standard for comprehensive care, especially when tartar is present or oral disease is suspected. Many vets recommend annual dental checkups to monitor your dog’s oral health.
Once tartar has formed, it becomes hard and firmly attached to the teeth – and usually needs to be removed using professional equipment under anesthesia. However, products like ProDen PlaqueOff® have been shown to help break down plaque and support better oral health when used daily.
The best approach is prevention. You can help reduce tartar buildup by:
- Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly with a dog-safe toothbrush and toothpaste
- Using supplements and/or dental chews
- Checking your dog’s teeth often and watching for any changes
FAQ
Does my dog need to be anesthetized to remove tartar?
Yes, anesthesia is usually necessary to ensure the procedure is thorough and stress-free.
How does ultrasonic cleaning work?
Vets sometimes use ultrasonic tools for dental cleaning. These devices have a rapidly vibrating metal tip that gently removes tartar. The vibrations help loosen the tartar from the surface of the teeth.
What does tartar look like on a dog?
It appears as a yellow to brown buildup, often along the gum line. Tartar is hard and can lead to inflammation if left untreated.
Can I prevent tartar on my dog’s teeth?
Yes – through regular tooth brushing, dental chews, and oral hygiene supplements.
