As a responsible pet owner, you’re rightly concerned about the health of your dog’s teeth. You likely brush every day (as recommended by pet dental health experts), you serve teeth-friendly food, and you get your dog’s grin checked by a vet regularly. But maybe every once in a while you look at your expenses and wonder: is all of this dental care worth the cost?
Here’s what you’re paying for when you take your dog in for a dental exam and teeth cleanings.
Dog Dental Exams:
It’s a good idea to take your dog in once a year for his teeth cleaning and a thorough dental exam. When you bring your dog to the vet for a dental check-up, here’s what to expect.
Your dog will be sedated first thing during his or her visit. This is because, in the vast majority of cases, dogs are too frightened during a dental exam to allow for a thorough cleaning To avoid injuries to the vet and the dog, your pet will be sedated, and a certified vet technician will be solely monitoring your fur-baby through out the entire cleaning process. In many cases, your dog will also receive fluids to ensure steady blood pressure and organ health during the procedure. If your not taking your pet to IPH for their cleaning, ask the clinic ahead of time if there will be a dedicated tech monitoring your dog’s vitals during the exam.
Fido will also get a full radiograph to check of there are any dental issues under the gums. This radiograph is completely complimentary at IPH!!
If no extractions are necessary at your dog’s appointment, it should take around 45 minutes to an hour. The vet will perform a physical examination to ensure your dog’s teeth, gums, and mouth are in good shape. This is important to assess any damage you may have missed and catch dental disease early—a vital part of your pet’s health.
Teeth Cleaning
A vibrating tool called an ultrasonic scaler is the main tool to clean your dog’s teeth during the exam. Your vet will also use instruments to check for periodontal disease and employ a hand scaler to clean along and under the gemline of every single tooth.
Finally, your dog will receive a rinse and polish, helping to ensure that calculus (calcified plaque) build-up stays minimal.
What’s the Cost?
Pet dental cleanings vary widely based on your dog’s needs, where you live, and where you get your dental care. It’s vital to note that cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean better. A less expensive dental visit may mean your vet isn’t doing everything possible to check your dog’s teeth or doing things in an unsafe way. Don’t put your dog’s health at risk to try to save a little money.
A cheaper dental cleaning is a waste of money if it means a $1000 emergency vet bill a few weeks down the road.
If you would like to schedule your pets dental cleaning, click here.
