Teeth Cleaning for Dog - Would You Pay for This?

Yes! Clean the teeth!

It is SO beneficial to the dog, they will have less tooth decay, and ultimately less broken, infected, and missing teeth. It is a great thing to do, especially if the dog is under anesthesia anyway :-)

yes. Just like with people, plaque-crusted teeth can become infected, and the ionfection can get into the bloodstream, sometimes settling in the heart muscle. Nasty teeth aren't just ugly and stinky - they can be deadly.

I am a veterinarian, and I can tell you that there are many ways pets can benefit from having their teeth cleaned on a regular basis. Left unchecked, plaque on the teeth hardens into tartar, and as tartar build up, it starts getting under the gum line, causing gingivitis. As it becomes more advanced, periodontal disease develops, and the bony structures that hold the teeth in place begin to weaken. Eventually the teeth can reach a point where they fall out, or must be extracted. Infections and abscesses can develop. All this is very painful, but owners always seem to think that as long as their pet is eating and chewing, the pet is fine. They don't realize how much pain a pet can be in for how long before they reach a point where they don't want to eat. Bacteria from the mouth gets into the bloodstream, leading to kidney and heart valve problems. Chronic kidney disease is the #1 most common killer of older cats and it's impossible to say how many of those cases are due to chronic dental disease. It's really not so different from people but in first world countries like ours, it's rare that dental disease gets to that point.

I've had many many people who just thought their pet was getting old, and then after the one time that I am able to convince them that getting the pet's teeth cleaned (for the first time ever) is in their pet's best interest, they are amazed at how much more playful and more energetic the pet is. A friend of mine had her dog's teeth cleaned after the groomer mentioned to her that they were in really bad shape, and I concurred after looking at them myself. Dog had to have a number of extractions too but once it was done and he recovered from the anesthesia and was no longer in pain, he was like a whole new dog - he was spunky and playful again after they kept thinking that he was slowing down just because he was getting older. Simply brushing the teeth is not adequate. Any groomer or vet that tells you they are cleaning the pets teeth without anesthesia is not really cleaning the teeth properly. It is necessary to get under the gum line, often with an ultrasonic scaler, and for the pets safety and comfort (and everyone else's), general anesthesia is a must. I don't care what anyone says about how nice and calm and tolerant their pet is - I don't do anything without anesthesia. I also take every possible precaution to ensure the pet's safety under anesthesia, including running bloodwork ahead of time, and having heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure monitors and an IV catheter in place.

I understand the reality that not everyone can afford to do everything, and if there is a choice to be made between putting food on the table, or paying the electric bill, and getting the pet's teeth cleaned, then by all means do what is necessary for your family. But if it's only going to be an extra $100 on top of what you are paying already, by all means do it. It could potentially save you and your pet a lot of grief and discomfort later. $200 to $300 for a pet's dental cleaning, including anesthesia, seems quite reasonable. And brushing the teeth on a regular basis at home (at least 3 to 4 times a week) in-between cleanings at the vet may help cut down on how often you will need to have it done. I always make a honest assessment of a pet's teeth when I examine them and if I think they are still okay, I let the owner know and leave it up to them. Big dogs tend to have fewer dental issues than little dogs and cats - sometimes what they are chewing on is a factor, some of it could be genetics. But I also don't like to see them wait until the teeth get "really bad" before deciding to do something about it - then extractions are more likely and the cost will be higher. If people don't want to have it done for their pets, then don't have it done. But I am not trying to "rip anyone off" - my job is to give owners all the information necessary to keep their pets healthy and happy, to educate them and let them know what their options are. What they choose to do with that information is up to them. The thing is, you can make choices about your own health and what actions you decide to take - your pet cannot.

Well, just like bad oral hygiene in humans can lead to systemic organ failures, so can bad oral hygiene in dogs. That being said, when I was a child we never had our dog's teeth cleaned and my parents never took her to an annual check-up, either. She lived to be 17 years old.

However, my husband and I adopted a 2 year old long hair chihuahua and never had her teeth cleaned, either. When she was super ill we took her to the vet and he was absolutely appalled at how her teeth looked (due to no cleanings) and he directly attributed her ill health status on her lack of oral hygiene. We had to put her down shortly after and my heart was absolutely crushed and I felt very guilty. She was only 9 years old, this is pretty young for a chi to die and I know in my heart that had we done the teeth cleaning, she would have been around for many years to come. (We were ignorant, truly)

Flash forward, we have a 2 year old dog and he goes to get his teeth cleaned every 6 months. Since we do it 2 times a year and keep up on it, he has never had to be put under anesthesia because we never let the tartar build up too much. Non-anesthetic teeth cleaning runs us $100 at our vet twice a year.

ADDED: our dog ended up w/ kidney disease from not cleaning her teeth, just like DVMMOM mentions above.

Absolutely it's important. How would you (not you in particular, the global you) like to live without annual dental cleaning and without twice a day brushing? Dogs and cats suffer from periodontal disease just like people. Having constant infection in their mouths is not only painful,. it shortens their lives. It is also recommended once the teeth are clean to brush at least every 48 hours. Any less frequently and plaque has a chance to harden into tartar. Eating a specifically designed dental diet (from your veterinarian) does decrease tartar formation. Regular dry dog food does not.

Just because your dog doesn't say "Ouch, it hurts to chew my food," doesn't mean that his teeth & gums aren't sore.

For the extra $100, I would definitely have it done.

Yes, it can affect their overall health and they can ultimately lose teeth. Just like people, dogs vary in their plaque build up. I had one dog who had to have it done about every 18 months. He lived to be 17. You can brush their teeth to decrease the need for cleaning. You can use a brush, a fingertip "brush" designed for this or just a piece of guaze, which is what the vet recommended for my current dog. I would absolutely have it done, especially if he's already going to be "under."

If for some reason one of our dogs is already going to be under anesthisia, yes, I would do it.

We have done it in the past when the teeth were bad but I hate using anesthisia to clean the teeth... I feel the anesthesia is more dangerous to my dogs than the teeth cleaning.

When I take the poodle to the groomer, they brush the teeth for an extra $5. I know the $5 groomer job is NOT like what the vet does, it is just a little extra. We do use toys that are made to help clean the teeth.

SO bottom line... if one of my dogs were going under for another reason... yes I would add it.

My dog lost teeth and got an infection because his previous owners didn't take care of his teeth. It's just like your own teeth -- ignore them and they'll go away.

I don't do it every year, but I do get his teeth cleaned now. My vet is also a good friend so I know she's not trying to scam me!

good idea!!! animals can die from infections in the teeth

if he is already going to be under I would definitely do it... and this is from someone who has never had it done for their dog! But I would if it was only going to be an add on like your situation.

I would then buy the Plaque be gone and a toothbrush for him/her and work to maintain the healthier teeth.

We have this done for our dogs every 3 years. The plaque that builds up over time can't simply be brushed or chewed away and could cause them infections. It is costly, but worth it for the family pet. Our vet has a pet dental health awareness month and offer discounts for the entire month. It is sponsored by Purina. Maybe ask if they participate as well and see if it saves even more money?

We have always done it for our dogs and cats. If their teeth rot, they can get very sick just like you or I. It isn't necessary every year (maybe every 3 years after middle age) - but I think it is a good investment in his health and longevity. And if you can combine it with something else, all the better to save some money on it, although I am sorry he needs other care and I am sure that is costly.

No, I would not pay it...I give my dog lots of chew toys and chew things and dry dog food and I bought a doggy tooth brush and brush them myself.

Good grief..our vets are reaming us.

When I had my dog, I couldn't afford something that expensive. However, when I had him fixed, he was already under the anesthesia, so I had it done while he was already under. Then he was bitten by a neighbor dog, and had to have surgery, so they cleaned his teeth then too.

Go ahead and piggy-back this off of the other procedure. Then, do what Dr. Oz recommended. Buy a bottle Four Paws Pet Dental Advanced Dental Care Tartar Remover. Go by the directions, and that will help. Also, get "Greenies" Smart-Teeth treats for dogs. They have a lite version, too. It says "Total oral health solution" on the bag. Doing this, if you can't actually brush his teeth (I never could with my dog, and my mom can't either), will prevent around 80% of the tarter.

Good luck to your doggie!

Dawn

I think it's a HUGE ripoff and I've never done it! One of our dogs is 13 and her teeth look great. I had a cat who lived until 18, and he only got one cleaning when he was asleep for a surgery. He never lost any teeth or had any issues with his teeth or mouth. I just think it's a money-maker and they as well as the people who pay for it want to make everyone else feel guilty for not doing it, but dogs and cats have been around and living to ripe old ages long before anyone started cleaning their teeth for them. I first heard of this about 20 years ago -before that no vet had ever even mentioned it.

The vet wanted my dog's teeth cleaned a few years ago (age 9). Ours was about $200. Still. I did not do it. He had bad breath, but did not die from tooth issues. He did have overgrown gums, something I maybe should have looked into before he got so old. But I got to a point where I didn't have extra money for that sort of thing. He was 11 when he died.

So - if you have an extra $100, I say go for it. Your dog will be healtheir and his breath will be better. And you'll be giving that extra $100 to support your local ecocomy. And you may prevent gum/tooth issues later. What kind of dog do you have btw?

I have a dog almost 12 years old. He's really active. I give him lamb bones. Those really clean his teeth. I never have had his teeth cleaned. I have enough trouble keeping up with my own twice yearly cleaning.

Good idea to do especially if you don't brush them regularly. Some dogs need dentals more often than others and if he is already going to be under it is a great time to do it. Dental problems can lead to a lot of internal problems and it is easier to stay on top of it and not end up with a really rotten mouth. Talk to your vet about daily brushing after they are clean so you can keep them clean easier. Hope everything goes well!

I had schnauzers and they were known to have very bad teeth. I would brush their teeth every week and once every 2 years, I would have my male's teeth cleaned (his was worse) and the last time they cleaned them, they ended up pulling out 16 teeth. They claimed they became loose while being cleaned (hmmm... not really sure on that one).

My sister has a schanuzer with bad teeth and is always told to have her dog come in for a cleaning (she can't afford it), so she bought that plaque spray and says she can see a huge difference.

So, for an extra 100.00, I say go for it, but ask how much extra it would be if they end up pulling a few while they are cleaning them.

Good luck!

YES. Absolutely. Diseases due to gingivitis can affect whole body health for humans AND pets.

BUT, I'd consider looking for a country vet outside of your city. They tend to be a whole lot more affordable.

We never did this for our dog when I was growing up... It seems ridiculous. BUT - I'd look at it like if you've never done it before and do it this once, likely that'll be good for 5-6 years? Our dog is about 5 years old and we've never cleaned his teeth and apparently they look fine. We give him lots of milkbones. Maybe that's part of it. But if you can get it done at the same time for a $200 savings, do it now and then not again, if ever, for maybe the rest of his life...