Dog Teeth Cleaning Cost 2026: Anesthesia vs. Non-Anesthetic
Why does dog dental cleaning cost $500-$1,000? We breakdown the price of professional cleaning, extractions, and why non-anesthetic scaling is risky.
Dr. Sarah Chen
Veterinarian & Pet Health Expert
“Doggy breath” isn’t normal—it’s usually a sign of rotting teeth and gum disease. By age 3, 80% of dogs have dental disease.
While daily brushing is free, a professional veterinary dental cleaning (COHAT) is expensive because it is a major medical procedure under general anesthesia, not just a grooming service.
In 2026, the average cost of a professional dental cleaning is $750.
💰 2026 Cost Breakdown: The “Extraction” Variable
The base price gets you the cleaning. The final price depends on what the X-rays find.
| Component | Est. Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base Cleaning (Anesthesia, Scaling, Polishing) | $400 – $800 | Mandatory for effective cleaning. |
| Dental X-Rays | $150 – $250 | Essential. 60% of disease is below the gumline. |
| Pre-Op Bloodwork | $80 – $150 | Ensures liver/kidneys can handle anesthesia. |
| Extractions (Pulling Teeth) | $50 – $150 per tooth | Surgical extractions of big molars can be $300+. |
Scenario A (Clean Mouth): Young dog, mild tartar. Cost: $600. Scenario B (Rotten Mouth): Old dog, 5 extractions, antibiotics. Cost: $1,500+.
🏥 The Procedure: Why Anesthesia?
Many owners ask: “Can’t you just scrape the tartar off while he’s awake?” Short answer: No.
Why “Non-Anesthetic” Dental is a Scam:
- Cosmetic Only: They scrape the visible crown of the tooth.
- Misses the Disease: Periodontal disease happens under the gumline. You cannot scrape under the gums of an awake dog without them biting or moving.
- False Security: The teeth look white, but the roots are rotting. You won’t know until the tooth abscesses years later.
- Stress: Holding a dog down and scraping metal on their teeth is terrifying.
🛡️ Insurance & Dental Coverage
Dental coverage is the most confusing part of pet insurance. Read carefully!
- Routine Cleaning: ONLY covered by “Wellness” add-ons. (Usually capped at $150, which doesn’t cover the full $700 cost).
- Dental Accidents: Covered by almost all plans (e.g., dog chews a rock and breaks a tooth).
- Dental Illness (Gum Disease):
- Embrace / Pets Best: Cover it up to $1,000 limit.
- Lemonade: Requires a separate “Dental” add-on.
- Requirement: You must have proof of annual dental exams. If you skipped exams, they deny the claim.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How often does my dog need a cleaning?
Small breeds (Yorkies, Dachshunds): Every 6-12 months. Their teeth are crowded. Large breeds: Every 1-2 years.
Is anesthesia safe for old dogs?
“Age is not a disease.” If pre-op bloodwork shows healthy organs and the vet monitors heart/BP, anesthesia is generally safe even for seniors. Leaving rotting teeth is far more dangerous to their heart and kidneys (bacteria shower into the blood).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is dog teeth cleaning?
A standard cleaning with anesthesia costs $500-$900. If extractions are needed, it can exceed $1,500.
Is non-anesthetic cleaning good?
No. It is purely cosmetic. It does not clean under the gumline where periodontal disease lives, and it is stressful for the dog.
Does insurance cover dental cleaning?
Only Wellness plans cover routine cleaning. Accident/Illness plans only cover dental *accidents* (like breaking a tooth) or periodontal disease treatment in some premium policies.