Dog Teeth Cleaning by Vet? (how much, yorkie, prescription, cataracts)

[Wi_Girl]

I was just wondering if anyone here has their dog's teeth cleaned by the vet? When we got our dog 5 years ago, he was already approx 4 years old and we had to have him neutered. While he was out, they went ahead and cleaned his teeth and had to pull a bad one out. I'm so glad we had that done when we did. Today I called to get prices again because he is going to be 9 and I'd like them done one more time. His teeth seem ok except for one has a tendency to bleed when I brush his teeth. I usually try to brush them and give him the dog bisucuits to help. When I called to get prices I was shocked! One vet had a set price of $367 and that did NOT include the price to extract any teeth if they had to. The other vet was between $150-500 and that is depending on the condition of the dog's teeth and probably the age.

What are your thoughts on this?

[Turtle]

Dentals are expensive. About half of the cost is IV catheter, IV fluids, and post surgical care the other half is the actual cleaning, and yes, extractions are more (at least that's what we charge the most for) I would have the teeth evaluated before making any decisions. I have an 11 yr old and a 5 yr old and neither has ever needed a dental and their teeth are beautiful, and I don't even brush them! I know it's expensive, but worth it because in the long run, dental disease leads to much more serious health issues over time.

Good luck! You could also do a search and see if anyone in your area does non-anesthetic dentals, which are just as thorough and obviously safer. We have a company come in every other Tuesday and they do a great job, and it's great for older pets to avoid anesthesia if they will tolerate it.

[mlv311]

Originally Posted by Wi_Girl

I was just wondering if anyone here has their dog's teeth cleaned by the vet? When I called to get prices I was shocked! One vet had a set price of $367 and that did NOT include the price to extract any teeth if they had to. The other vet was between $150-500 and that is depending on the condition of the dog's teeth and probably the age. What are your thoughts on this?

Yes, I've had my dogs' teeth cleaned by the vet and it's very pricey. And depending on the breed, sometimes you just have to do it even if you brush the teeth regularly because they get gum disease and even loose teeth. My Yorkie has been like that whereas my beagle has perfect teeth at 16.

I'm assuming the price quoted includes any bloodwork prior to the cleaning. If your dog has any signs of an infection, it will be on antibiotics before and after the cleaning too. We paid about $50 per tooth extracted last time.

[Pawporri]

I just had 2 of my dogs teeth cleaned, no extractions and it was 440.00. I brush my dogs teeth almost every day and I have a scaler for tarter but I still have to do it every 2-3 years.........There are worth taking care of as bad teeth can cause lots of other problems....

Carrie

[citybythebay]

I had my dogs teeth cleaned/whitened/sealed by the vet.
It was right around $225 and that was in 06'.
That's cheap for California standards.

[eggalegga]

I had my last dog's teeth cleaned only once. He was 13 when I had it done. Can't remember how much that cost. He didn't have any extractions.

About a month ago, I took my dog, Honey, to have her shots and annual exam. I was going to get her teeth cleaned too. She's 6 years old and never had a cleaning. The estimate for cleaning was $225. I decided to hold off on it. She doesn't have any "bad teeth" and I didn't have the money. Sad to say, she's starting to develop cataracts. This may sound cold hearted, but I'm not going to pay $225 for her teeth cleaning when her eyes are the medical concern at this time.

[riveree]

Yikes - those are some pricey vets!

My vet runs a special once a year where teeth cleanings are $75 if you do it during a certain month, other wise it's closer to $100 or so.

It's a same day service and they use a mild anesthesia, you pick up your sleepy dog at the end of the day .

He's a top notch vet too.

[southward bound]

Originally Posted by mlv311

If your dog has any signs of an infection, it will be on antibiotics before and after the cleaning too.

hint to help cut costs: ask the vet if you can get a prescription for the antibiotic. Antibiotics are generally very inexpensive, but from the vet it will cost you 3-4 times as much (sometimes as much as $40-50). Some generic antibiotics are under $10 at the pharmacy. It's worth checking.

Also, if you can find a vet who does cleaning without putting the dog out, it's much safer for the dog and far less expensive.
Regardless, it's definitely worth getting the teeth cleaned since you'll be saving on *future* medical care!

[Needaplace]

does anyone know health problems if dogs teeth are cleaned? My dog is 8 years old and he never had his teeth cleaned, a Vet recently made note of this to me and showed me his teeth and they are absolutley disgusting, he said he could have Kidney problems as a result

[mlv311]

Originally Posted by southward bound

hint to help cut costs: ask the vet if you can get a prescription for the antibiotic. Antibiotics are generally very inexpensive, but from the vet it will cost you 3-4 times as much (sometimes as much as $40-50). Some generic antibiotics are under $10 at the pharmacy. It's worth checking.

Thank you for the tip, Southward Bound. That makes sense considering how expensive other meds are when purchased through a vet's office.