A dog’s dental health plays a huge factor in its overall well-being. Just like humans, dogs need a clean bill of dental health, but sometimes, dental health in dogs falls through the cracks, leaving you with costly professional services.
If you let your dog’s teeth go without any professional cleanings or brushings at home, some teeth may need to be removed. In this article, we’ll explore how much you can expect to pay for a typical dog teeth removal procedure. Costs vary depending on the stage of dental health, how many teeth need to be extracted, and so on, so let’s dive in.
Yearly check-ups for your dog are vital in keeping them healthy. When you take your dog to the vet, your veterinarian will check your dog’s teeth. If you have established a teeth-brushing routine, your dog’s teeth may be in pretty good shape. If your dog is a chewer, its teeth may be in good shape from chewing, too.
Let’s face it: most dogs don’t care for teeth brushing, but just like humans, plaque and tartar build-up and mold to the teeth if they’re not brushed, which eventually leads to dental problems—which can lead to the need for teeth removals.
Over 80% of dogs, usually over the age of 3, have some form of dental disease. Dental disease is pretty common in dogs, but there are ways to keep your dog’s teeth healthy, such as brushing and getting professional cleanings when needed. If you let it go, your pooch could develop periodontal disease. This disease can lead to heart, kidney, and liver disease due to the bacteria your dog will constantly swallow; not to mention, it’s painful for your doggie.
Image Credit: otsphoto, Shutterstock
How Much Does Professional Teeth Removal Cost?
The cost will vary for dog teeth removal, and many variables determine just how much will eat into your wallet. A simple extraction may be $10 to $15 for each tooth, but the complexity of the procedure can drive up the cost. Some vets charge a flat fee no matter how many teeth are removed. For example, your vet may charge a flat fee of $100 for three or more extractions, or it could range from $500 to $800. On average, an impacted tooth removal could run $800 to $4,000. Here are some other factors that fluctuate cost:
Of course, if your dog needs any teeth removed, other factors come into play that fluctuates the cost even more. Usually, your vet will give you an estimate of the services that will include:
Anesthesia: $190–$250
Dental X-rays: $75–$120
Post-Op Pain Medication: $35–$50 (some vets will include this in the overall price)
Pre-Surgical Panel/CBC: $75–$150
IV Catheter: $75–$100
Dental Cleaning: $190–$300 (while in surgery)
As you can see, many factors fluctuate the total cost. Your veterinarian should always give you an estimate of all charges before performing the procedure. The charges are broken down to each additional test or other aspects of the surgery itself. Sometimes, a vet will not charge for pain medication or other fees, such as a biohazard waste fee or anesthesia monitoring. However, keep in mind that these are estimates, and the vet may not be fully aware of the condition of the tooth or teeth beforehand.
How Often Should I Have My Dog’s Teeth Cleaned to Keep Extractions At Bay?
It’s best to take your dog for a yearly examination to ensure everything is in working order. Upon the exam, your vet will check your dog’s teeth. If there seems to be an issue, they will recommend a dental cleaning. If they do, take them up on it! We know it’s costly; however, it will not be as costly as teeth extractions. As we’ve mentioned, your dog’s dental health is extremely important for their overall well-being, and keeping their teeth in good condition will only extend their lives.
If you get your dog into a regular dental hygiene routine, odds are you won’t face the costs of teeth removal. Try to brush your dog’s teeth at least three times a week. Ideally, you should brush twice daily, and if your dog will let you, aim for that!
This subject can be tricky. In a nutshell, some pet insurance covers dental procedures, and some exclude them from their plans. You have to do some digging to find one that will cover dental issues. Pumpkin Care Pet Insurance does cover the costs, so you may want to give them a look to see if they have plans to fit your budget.
Other pet insurance plans, such as Healthy Paws, cover teeth extractions if the tooth was damaged from an injury or accident, but they do not cover any pre-existing conditions regarding dental health.
Some dog owners may not consider dental health when shopping for pet insurance, but we highly recommend including this in your search.
What to Do for Your Dog’s Teeth to Avoid Teeth Removal
Luckily, you have several options when it comes to dental hygiene for your dog that will keep their teeth healthy. Let’s take a look.
Dental chews: Dental chews are an excellent way to keep your dog’s teeth healthy, especially in between brushings. Many companies make them, and dogs love them.
Finger brushing:Finger brushes use soft bristles to get into the hard-to-reach areas of your dog’s mouth. These brushes massage the gums and make the experience a little more tolerable.
Enzymatic toothpaste: Using an enzymatic toothpaste is your best option for removing plaque and tartar before it becomes a problem. Once plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth, the only way to remove them is by a professional dental cleaning. Keeping this at bay is key.
Dental additives:Dental additives are liquids you can add to your dog’s water. They combat odor-causing bacteria and keep plaque and tartar down to a minimum. Be sure to monitor your dog while using an additive to ensure it doesn’t cause tummy upset.
Brushing your dog’s teeth can be a pain, but if you get your dog into a routine, especially at a young age, your dog may be ok with it. Your dog won’t realize it, but you will be doing both of you a favor by practicing good dental hygiene; it benefits your dog’s overall health, and it benefits your pocketbook.
Try to avoid giving your dog hard treats that may injure a tooth, such as hard chew bones or deer antlers. And remember, practicing good dental hygiene equals no need for teeth removal.
Rachel Giordano is a musician and writer living in Pensacola, Florida, with her partner and their two dogs, Sophie, a Boston Terrier, and Aero, a Border Collie/Sheltie mix. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication and loves writing about animals of all types. When she’s not writing about animals, she loves to write suspense/thriller novels. A musician by night and writer by day, she enjoys educating the public about the needs and requirements of animals, big and small. ...Read more
