How Much Does Dog Dental Cleaning Cost?
Updated 2026-08-15 · Typical US ranges · Prices vary by region and clinic
A routine professional dog dental cleaning typically costs $300 to $700, with the national average around $388. Simple cleanings at a general practice vet run about $350-$500, while advanced care from a veterinary dental specialist can push the bill past $1,500.
What’s included in the range?
Covers the full cleaning package — anesthesia, oral exam, scaling and polishing, and dental X-rays — at a general practice; tooth extractions, blood work, and medications cost extra.
What affects the price
- Severity of dental disease — heavy tartar, gingivitis, or periodontitis adds time and treatment
- General practice vet vs. board-certified veterinary dentist — specialists charge significantly more
- Location — clinics in big cities and high-cost states (e.g., California, Hawaii) run well above the national average
- Dog size and age — larger dogs need more anesthesia, and seniors often need extra monitoring and blood work
- Add-ons like dental X-rays, nerve blocks, antibiotics, or pain medication
Questions to ask your vet
- Does the quoted price include anesthesia, dental X-rays, and the full exam, or are those billed separately?
- If you find extractions or advanced disease during the cleaning, how will I be notified and what will it add to the bill?
- Will pre-anesthetic blood work be required, and is it included in the estimate?
- How often does my dog realistically need a professional cleaning based on their current dental health?
Frequently asked questions
Why is dog teeth cleaning so expensive?
Because it's done under general anesthesia: the cost covers the anesthetic drugs and monitoring, a thorough tooth-by-tooth oral exam, scaling and polishing above and below the gumline, and usually dental X-rays — not just the brushing itself.
Does pet insurance cover dog dental cleanings?
Most standard accident-and-illness policies do not cover routine cleanings, but many insurers offer wellness add-ons that reimburse part of the cost. Extractions and dental disease treatment may be covered if they weren't pre-existing.
Is anesthesia-free dog teeth cleaning a cheaper option?
Some clinics offer it, but most vets don't recommend it — it can't clean below the gumline, and it risks missing serious problems and stressing the dog. A thorough cleaning requires anesthesia.
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- PetMD
Professional dog teeth cleaning costs can vary widely, ranging from $350–$500 for routine procedures to $1,500 or more for advanced care.
- CareCredit
The national average cost* of a veterinary dental cleaning for dogs is $388, but ranges from $307 to $702.
- PetPlace
CareCredit puts the average cost of dog dental cleaning at $388 but says it can range from $307 to $702. PetMD, meanwhile, says you might spend up to $1,500 on a dental teeth cleaning for advanced care.