Cost Teeth Cleaning Dogs

[Avista]

When we moved here I was paying $95 to have my dog's (small) teeth cleaned. I decline blood work etc. Now it is up tp $200. Same vet. No teeth pulled. Was wondering if prices vary vet to vet. I'm ready to move on.

[SoozieQ]

I was quoted $600 by a local vet office very near TV. I took my pet to my vet up north and payed $300 as he had a few extractions. If your vet is guaranteeing $200, I suggest you go for it.

[jane032657]

My CPA husband has a lot of veteranarians for clients (well had, he just sold his practice here in Seattle but will be in The Villages in a few weeks)-he said that teeth cleaning is one of the big revenue generators for vets, huge income earner. Great clients to have!

[paulandjean]

Wow, Never new of such a thing.

[Barefoot]

When we moved here I was paying $95 to have my dog's (small) teeth cleaned. I decline blood work etc. Now it is up tp $200. Same vet. No teeth pulled. Was wondering if prices vary vet to vet. I'm ready to move on.

Avista, I think you should think twice before moving on! I recently had my small dog's teeth cleaned. I phoned around to a number of Villages Vet offices. Most Vets offices quoted $300 to $800. One of the posher Vets offices quoted $1,000 per dog. My Vet charged $200, and I think that is a bargain these days.

[bkcunningham1]

Pay $1000 to have your dog's teeth cleaned!!

[lightworker888]

Check out Tropiclean on line. I have been using it and it gets off the plaque and you don't need to do the cleaning at the vet. If the dog is on a good healthy diet, the saliva should keep the teeth in good shape. I use raw and grain-free for the most part. Check with Whole earth. I think they carry tropiclean.

LW888

[GeoGeo]

I paid about $251 for a dental cleaning for my dog. A little less at another vet for the other dog.

[Skybo]

I assume that most of you are talking about cleanings done under anesthesia? If so, you may want to try anesthesia-free cleanings. I have my dogs’ dentals done (anesthesia-free) at Buffalo Ridge Animal Hospital. I never would have believed that it could be done (for years I always had their dentals done under anesthesia before I moved here).

But my Vet at Buffalo Ridge recommended that I give the anesthesia-free cleaning a try. I’ve had it done once on each one of my dogs and they both did very well with it and their teeth appeared to be just as clean as when I had it done under anesthesia.

The dental hygienists that do the work travel around to different Vet’s office, so you have to book an appointment several months out. The way it works at Buffalo Ridge, the Vet does an oral exam (usually during their normal annual exam) and if they don’t see any obvious problems (teeth needing extractions), then they get you on the schedule for anesthesia-free cleanings. Then, if during the cleaning, the hygienist cannot complete the dental, either due to doggie discomfort, or if they see a tooth that needs an extraction, they stop the work at that time and allow you to schedule a cleaning under anesthesia, and there is no charge (for what has been done up to that point). I don’t have easy access to their records right now so I can’t tell you the cost, but I know that it was less expensive than a dental under anesthesia and, most importantly, it is a safer option. So you may want to check with your Vet to see if they provide this service, or call Buffalo Ridge to see what their prices are.

And for those who pooh-pooh dental cleanings for dogs...poor dental health (just like with humans) not only results in stinky breath, but it can be painful and possibly precipitate serious health conditions (such as heart disease). For whatever reason, some breeds or individual dogs are more susceptible to plaque build up and other dental problems than others. As Lightworker pointed out, a raw diet is the best option for preventing plaque and tartar build-up, but that’s a whole other topic.

I’ve tried various plaque prevention products over the years without much success. The best thing is daily brushing .... but ...:ohdear:

[Kimandhim19981@gmail.com]

Really, I have had pets for the last 50 years, we did not have to have them checked, injected, whatever every year and they lived for over 15 years (dogs) (18 years cats) I love my cat to death and I have been told she has to have her teeth cleaned, welcome to the new way of making money for us pet loving parents. (I have declined getting her teeth done) check it out, before you subject your baby to anything :-)

[Skybo]

Kimandhim, I too have had dogs all of my life. It’s true that many animals can and do live long healthy lives with minimal Vet checks and without having their teeth cleaned. With others, that is not the case. I think that all of us are smart enough to know if our pets have clean white teeth, healthy pink gums and fresh breath compared to stinky breath, inflamed gums and plaque-covered teeth. I don't know anything about cats, but with dogs, some breeds and individual dogs are more prone to dental disease than others. You know it when you see it. And when they have it, it can result in recessed and inflamed gums, rotting teeth, and possible serious health problems due to bacteria entering their bloodstream.

The best thing we can all do for our pets is to be informed, do our own research and find a Vet that we trust.

[Barefoot]

And when they have it, it can result in recessed and inflamed gums, rotting teeth, and possible serious health problems due to bacteria entering their bloodstream.

You are absolutely right! I had a four-pound Yorkie, wonderful dog. Sadly, she died early because I didn't pay enough attention to her teeth. Her gums became inflamed, and bacteria entered her bloodstream, and her vital organs shut down. It happened quickly and it was too late to save her. It happened 20 years ago, and I still feel guilty. Now I'm very conscious of doggie dental needs.

[paulandjean]

Just do the right thing.Take this extra money that you are spending on cleaning your dogs teeth,and donate it. There are so many many children and young adults that do not have dental insurance. Many have gum problems and toothaches. Please think of their welfare first and not some dog.Contact your schools and many organizations in the area. Thats the right think to do.

[paulandjean]

PS, One of the hardest things to watch when I was teaching school,was young students with dental problems in class and them being in pain.Many times we would take donations so they would have relief. Many of times money came out of my pocket.

[Barefoot]

Just do the right thing.Take this extra money that you are spending on cleaning your dogs teeth,and donate it. There are so many many children and young adults that do not have dental insurance. Many have gum problems and toothaches. Please think of their welfare first and not some dog.Contact your schools and many organizations in the area. Thats the right think to do.

I think we all need make our own decisions on "the right thing to do". How about this .... I won't tell you how to spend your money and you don't tell me how to spend mine.

I've donated money all my life to charities. I've worked for Meals on Wheeels, Salvation Army, CHATS, Visiting Seniors Homes with Therapy Dogs, on the Board of Directors for Big Sisters, TRACK (Therapeutic RIding for Disabled Kids), volunteered at hospitals, etc. I'm a good person and if I choose to spend money on my dog, that's my own personal decision, nothing to do with you.

[keithwand]

Have never had any of our dogs gone in for teeth cleaning.
They still had their teeth and good breath up to the ripe old age of 13.
The 2 we now have (Ben & Jerry) at 4 years are going strong with no problems.
We do feed them dry food; no coffee or wine that might cause stains and no ice cream
Our old vet wanted it done 2 years ago where they put them out (no way) and wanted to do wellness programs. Right.

[Patty55]

I think we all need make our own decisions on "the right thing to do". How about this .... I won't tell you how to spend your money and you don't tell me how to spend mine.

I've donated money all my life to charities. I've worked for Meals on Wheeels, Salvation Army, CHATS, Visiting Seniors Homes with Therapy Dogs, on the Board of Directors for Big Sisters, TRACK (Therapeutic RIding for Disabled Kids), volunteered at hospitals, etc. I'm a good person and if I choose to spend money on my dog, that's my own personal decision, nothing to do with you.

You go GIRL.

[rubicon]

At those prices I pull the dogs teeth or lose the dog:crap2:

[Patty55]

This is not directed at any one person, it's just random...

Answer me this, why do people who don't have pets, don't care about pets, have no knowledge of pet care post on pet care topics? HUH?

Why do people always complain that we treat our animals like children, and then compare them to neglected children?

Is it for the same reason that people who have been allegedly "happily" married for 112 years chime in on being single?

Is it for the same reason that people who don't even live here voice their complaints?

I've said it before, I'm not religious, I don't even read the religious threads, have my own opinions and keep them to myself.

I really would like answers, I'm just not getting this.

[paulandjean]

I think we all need make our own decisions on "the right thing to do". How about this .... I won't tell you how to spend your money and you don't tell me how to spend mine.

I've donated money all my life to charities. I've worked for Meals on Wheeels, Salvation Army, CHATS, Visiting Seniors Homes with Therapy Dogs, on the Board of Directors for Big Sisters, TRACK (Therapeutic RIding for Disabled Kids), volunteered at hospitals, etc. I'm a good person and if I choose to spend money on my dog, that's my own personal decision, nothing to do with you.

Sorry I am not telling you how to spend your money,I just saying do the right thing.I think we all have donated all of our lives, seeing your list seems I have many more than you. However I am not that kind of a person that has to lists my accomplishment. I being the person I am would never be able to justify $200,$300, $500 for a animal teeth. My motto always has been Humans first Animals second.

[Patty55]

My motto has always been breed for temperment, breed for success or DON'T BREED.

[Shimpy]

What do animals in the wild do? Who cleans their teeth? Give them some milkbones and let them have a ball chewing and cleaning their own teeth.

[Patty55]

What do animals in the wild do? Who cleans their teeth? Give them some milkbones and let them have a ball chewing and cleaning their own teeth.

They don't live very long.

[Barefoot]

When we moved here I was paying $95 to have my dog's (small) teeth cleaned. I decline blood work etc. Now it is up tp $200. Same vet. No teeth pulled. Was wondering if prices vary vet to vet. I'm ready to move on.

....

[Skybo]

What do animals in the wild do? Who cleans their teeth? Give them some milkbones and let them have a ball chewing and cleaning their own teeth.

Wild candids’ diets consist primarily of raw meat and bones. This diet, and it’s associated enzymes along with the “tearing action” required to consume whole prey is what keeps their teeth clean. In fact, clean healthy teeth is one of the benefits cited by folks who feed their domestic dogs a raw diet. However, most of us feed our dogs commercial kibble and give them dog biscuits. It would be the equivalent of a human eating dry cereal for every meal. Would dry cereal tend to clean our teeth, or would it cake up on them? Regardless of manufacturer’s advertising...dog biscuits do not assist in cleaning their teeth either. Dog biscuits are just kibble in a more hardened form, and because of the way that most dogs eat their biscuits, it doesn’t “scrape” the plaque off of a dog’s teeth.

This thread is about the price of dental cleanings. If you don’t believe in cleaning a dog’s teeth so be it. But most of us dog owners who are proactive about dental health have done a good amount of research on the topic and we have come to our own conclusions based on that research. What I don’t understand is why others feel the need to tell us we are wrong, when they obviously haven’t done research themselves. You don’t have to look very hard to find plenty of unbiased information that recommends brushing and (if necessary) professional cleaning.

[Barefoot]

This thread is about the price of dental cleanings. If you don’t believe in cleaning a dog’s teeth so be it. But most of us dog owners who are proactive about dental health have done a good amount of research on the topic and we have come to our own conclusions based on that research. What I don’t understand is why other’s feel the need to tell us we are wrong, when they obviously haven’t done research themselves. You don’t have to look very hard to find plenty of unbiased information that recommends brushing and (if necessary) professional cleaning.

I was trying to find a way to say exactly what you just posted! But I got bogged down in all the negativity. Thanks so much! :ho:

[Avista]

I was trying to find a way to say exactly what you just posted! But I got bogged down in all the negativity. Thanks so much! :ho:

Agree!

[Skybo]

Thanks Barefoot.

[Patty55]

Getting back on topic, in TV I paid a little over 400, no bloodwork, 1 extraction.

I've always heard the best thing to keep their teeth really clean is raw chicken necks, anyone do this?

[Skybo]

Patty, I have fed raw chicken wings in the past, but my dogs are "gulpers" and I couldn't get past my fear of them choking to do it frequently enough to see any results. People on one of my dog discussion groups swear by it though, and they've never had any choking problems.

[Patty55]

I'm afraid of blockages, I may try it again.

[lightworker888]

I used to feed them to our bichon, poodle and maltese as a treat and they loved them. The maltese was so small that I was afraid she might choke, but it was OK. I always froze them so they could chew them up and it was easier to keep them for a period of time.

I never got into giving them to my shih tzu but I'm sure they would love them.

LW888

[Monkei]

Really, I have had pets for the last 50 years, we did not have to have them checked, injected, whatever every year and they lived for over 15 years (dogs) (18 years cats) I love my cat to death and I have been told she has to have her teeth cleaned, welcome to the new way of making money for us pet loving parents. (I have declined getting her teeth done) check it out, before you subject your baby to anything :-)

So I take it you don't go to the dentist either?

[Patty55]

Okay, tried the raw chicken necks. She just turned her nose up and walked away with a "You think I'm eating that!!!" look.:yuck:

[lightworker888]

That's a first that I've heard of. I guess you have to try other chewy things. Is she on a raw diet? Our shih tzu loves the antlers which also help keep her teeth clean and plaque free. You might give that a try. They cost more than the raw hide which I don't use anymore as they get all gooey. The antlers last forever with the smaller dogs, though you have to pick out thinner ones or they get bored. At least that has been my experience. FWIW


LW888

[Patty55]

I can't do the antlers, they gross me out.

She's on a semi-raw diet. Beef, fish (loves salmon) are raw, chicken I cook because it grosses me out. Raw veggies grated, greek yoghurt and lately some cooked rice. She's getting older and it's getting hard to keep the weight on.

I guess I'm back to beef shank for chewing.

[Barefoot]

A word of warning .. I was giving my small 10-pound dog (Biggins) antlers to chew on, to minimize the need for teeth cleaning. He is 12 years old. Unknown to me, Biggins developed an abrasion on the roof of his mouth (I assume from chewing the antlers which he loved). It turned into a large tumor, bright pink, which is pushing through his teeth, and is very invasive. I took him to a Vet and then to a Speciality Clinic with high-tech Vets and the latest equipment. The Surgeon removed the tumor (cost $2,000).

Bad news: Within five days, the tumor had grown back. Good news: They were able to send all the original tumor to Pathology and it definitely isn't cancer. It is a weird form of scar tissue which just keeps growing back. Now we just watch it and wait to see what happens. They can try prednisone or other steroids to shrink the tumor, but steroids come with a whole set of lousy side effects. Right now, my little dog's appetite is good, and he is happy. At the dog park, DDRR, he is acting like a two-year old puppy.

[Patty55]

Not cancer is good news. As long as he's happy, eating and active I would just let it alone.

The whole antler, hoof and other animal part chews just gross me out too much to do. Back when the farrier would trim my horses the barn dogs would be flipping out over the pieces-I would gag.

[samhass]

Could you just cook the outside of the chicken necks a little bit? I may try it with my pups.
And Barefoot...I loved your spirited reply.

[lovsthosebigdogs]

A word of warning .. I was giving my small 10-pound dog (Biggins) antlers to chew on, to minimize the need for teeth cleaning. He is 12 years old. Unknown to me, Biggins developed an abrasion on the roof of his mouth (I assume from chewing the antlers which he loved). It turned into a large tumor, bright pink, which is pushing through his teeth, and is very invasive. I took him to a Vet and then to a Speciality Clinic with high-tech Vets and the latest equipment. The Surgeon removed the tumor (cost $2,000).

Bad news: Within five days, the tumor had grown back. Good news: They were able to send all the original tumor to Pathology and it definitely isn't cancer. It is a weird form of scar tissue which just keeps growing back. Now we just watch it and wait to see what happens. They can try prednisone or other steroids to shrink the tumor, but steroids come with a whole set of lousy side effects. Right now, my little dog's appetite is good, and he is happy. At the dog park, DDRR, he is acting like a two-year old puppy.

Barefoot, so very glad it isn't cancer. What a scare. I bought very large antlers for my big dogs and they ad no interest. I was kinda sorry I spent all that money (almost $75) but after hearing your story with Biggins I should count myself lucky that they had no interest. Hope that nasty tumor stays away for good and Biggins makes a swift and uneventful full recovery.

[Patty55]

Could you just cook the outside of the chicken necks a little bit? I may try it with my pups.
And Barefoot...I loved your spirited reply.

I don't know, but I think cooking might not be a good idea. I was always told to give bones raw because cooking causes splintering.

[batman911]

[QUOTE=paulandjean;576240 My motto always has been Humans first Animals second.[/QUOTE]

But are we not all Gods creations? I would take care of those closest to me be they human or animal.

Also, a warning about chewy strips. Our small dog swallowed a piece of a chewy strip and it got stuck in her throat. Vet could not get it out so she had to have surgery. No more chewy strips for our dogs. Beef bones are the best since they do not splinter (except ribs).