We happily splurge on our dogs for things like specialized food, comfy beds, and even fleeting toys. Yet, the idea of dog dental care often triggers a cost-benefit analysis, making us wonder if those pearly whites are truly necessary. After all, our pups aren't concerned about their breath before a cuddle, are they?
Well, not exactly. While they might not fret over social kisses, bad breath in dogs can signal a serious hidden dental issue. A regular dental cleaning may cost you around $100-$200(2). However, if a pet needs multiple extractions, the total cost can be in the thousands.
Luckily, pet insurance can help cover all kinds of dental diseases, but most base-level plans do not cover dental cleaning, as it is covered under preventive care. Some insurers do offer a wellness plan at an additional cost that can help cover the cost of dental cleaning as well. (Visit this page to learn more about Spot's wellness add-ons.)
Let’s understand dogs and their teeth a little more, so you can calculate for yourself if getting pet insurance and an additional add-on is worth it or not for your dog.
Dogs and Teeth – Overview
Dogs have teeth just like ours (10 more than ours, actually), and they can encounter problems too. Dental conditions are one of the most common medical problems seen in dogs. Here are some of the most common dental problems seen by vets:(1)
Plaque – The build-up of saliva, food, and bacteria in the teeth eventually turns into a hard, brown substance called tartar. It can damage the teeth and cause a lot of pain to the dog. The bacteria can even enter the blood and cause problems in the kidneys, heart, and liver.
Gingivitis – The same plaque and tartar can cause the gums to get inflamed, red, and bleed. This is called gingivitis.
Abscess – When the bacteria get underneath the gums, it can cause an infection called a tooth root abscess. They can be very painful and are usually seen as an inflammation just under the eyes.
Periodontal Disease - This is a gum disease that is described as infection and inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth.
Broken teeth – Accidents and injuries can cause teeth to break. They are usually very strong, but in case they are infected by bacteria, they can break or crack easily. Dogs that have a habit of chewing on furniture have a higher chance of cracked teeth.
You’ll see that most of these are simply caused by a lack of dental hygiene. In case of plaque and tartar build-up, the dog’s heart, liver, and kidneys can be at risk as well. Hence, it is very important to maintain a regular dental cleaning routine for your dog.
How to prevent dental problems in dogs?
Prevention is always the best cure. Here are some tips to maintain good dental health for your dog and prevent dental problems –
Brushing – The primary reason for tartar and plaque buildup is the food stuck up the teeth. The simple solution to avoid it is to brush their teeth daily. You may have to deal with some tantrums, but here’s how you can avoid them –
Let the dog taste the toothpaste to make them think of it as a treat and not a chore.
Rub a soft cloth along their gums a few times to get them used to having their mouths touched. Praise and reward them for letting you do so peacefully.
Once your dog is familiar with the cloth, move on to a brush that fits on your finger.
If there is no rebel, start brushing their teeth. A brush with a long handle will help reach all parts of the mouth.
Do not ever use human toothpaste.
Dental toys – You get dental chews that can help clean your dog’s teeth. Do not over-use them, as they shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your pet's daily food allowance.
Diet – Adding some dry food to the dog’s diet can be a good way of removing some plaque from their teeth as they chew. Wet food usually gets stuck and eventually causes plaque if not cleaned.
Mouthwash – You can get antibacterial mouthwash as well, which can be added to the dog’s water bowl to keep their mouth clean. Do not use human mouthwashes.
Check-ups – Most importantly, ensure regular vet visits to detect dental problems, if any, at an early stage. Most conditions do not show any visible symptoms and can be detected only using bloodwork or X-rays.
While you may clean your dog’s teeth regularly, getting a professional dental cleaning done once or twice a year helps.
Does pet insurance cover dental cleaning?
There are usually two types of pet insurance plans available – accident-only and accident and illness. The former will help cover any type of injury or trauma that your dog may experience, such as broken teeth in an accident. The latter option will help cover accidents and different types of illnesses. They include dental problems like gingivitis, periodontal disease, and more. When it comes to dental cleaning or any type of dental cosmetic procedure, there is usually an add-on that you can purchase that can help cover them. At Spot Pet Insurance, our wellness add-on helps cover the cost of dental cleaning.
More about Spot Pet Insurance
Spot’s accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more.
Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!
With 10 years of experience as a pet parent, I aim to empower pet owners with insights into pet insurance and maintaining their pet's well-being. I aspire to be a trusted source, combining knowledge with a commitment to the welfare of our beloved pets.
With 15 years as a dog and cat parent, my pet articles are a mix of humor and firsthand experience - proof that the best stories often come with paws and purrs.
Dental disease in dogs. (n.d.). PDSA. https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/dental-disease-in-dogs
Taffer, M. (2024, September 20). How much does it cost to remove a dog’s tooth? Betterpet - Advice From Veterinarians and Actual Pet Experts. https://betterpet.com/dog-tooth-extraction-cost/
