My vet wants to clean my dog's teeth for between $900 and $2000. She said that my dog may lose teeth if i don't. That doesn't seem too compelling. My dog's teeth are in good shape, with no broken teeth and only a gingivitis level of one on a scale of five.

I read on the Net that bacteria from dirty teeth can circulate thru a dog's body and cause infection of the heart, kidneys and liver. It probably also contributes to a shorter life. But my vet didn't say that part about the bacteria and the life span so i don't know if it's true or just nonsense you read online.

Plus, i'm pissed off that she didn't have a single kind word for me when i told her i was worried about the money because i am on disability benefits. Even this mobile banking specialist i dealt with before said he was sorry to hear that when i told him. He said it twice actually.

Also, i got a message from the vet's staff today checking on whether i have decided to go ahead with the procedure or not and inviting me to call if i have questions. If business is so bad that they're making soliciting calls it seems like a cash-grab.

Do any of you have experience with getting your pet's teeth cleaned? Does it seem like a reasonable thing to do or does it seem absurd? A human's teeth cleaning costs a fraction of an pet's! I have pet insurance which will help out $300 so i'll get that assistance but i'm trying to save for retirement!

[Nammu]

That seems very high to me.

[Artchic528]

It's true about the bacteria causing diseases. Teeth cleaning is routine, and most animals need it, especially smaller dogs. They are highly prone to having severe gum disease.

[lizardlady]

That sounds outrageously high. Why don't you call some other vets and ask how much a cleaning would be?

[*Laurie*]

It makes me sick, how much vets charge. Seems heartless.

[SparkySmart]

I've always had Yorkies. As a breed, they're prone to teeth problems, so I usually budgeted to have their teeth cleaned about every three years. My vet charged approximately $400.00, but I live in a rural area. The high cost may be related to the necessity for general anesthesia.

Maintenance of your dog's dental health pays off in a lot of ways, including preventing pain while eating because of abscesses, gingivitis, or broken teeth. I always considered it just a part of pet ownership.

I was always blunt with my vet about budgetary limitations, though, and made no apologies for boundaries. For instance, once my vet recommended orthopedic surgery and months of physical therapy for one of my Yorkies. I declined, believing that the recommendation was excessive, and I fashioned a brace for him myself using an Ace bandage and Velcro (after studying the injury thoroughly as well as his x-rays and anatomy). He recovered nicely from the injury, BTW.

I'm retired now and would love to have another Yorkie, but I realize that my income has limitations. Pet ownership is very, very expensive, and I don't believe it would be realistic for me to have pets at this time. I may change my mind in the future.

[lizardlady]

You might find this link helpful.

https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/how-m...-cleaning-cost

I have never had any of my dogs teeth cleaned professionally. We have 2 rescue huskies now and their teeth were bombed out as they were neglected. Between them they have lost at least 7 or 8 teeth. My male dog even lost one of his canines. We see the vet yearly and have never been told they require professional cleanings. If it was me I would get a new vet/second opinion. I'm not saying it's not necessary, just that you are right to question it.

[Fresia]

From working at a vet, the costs come more from the pre-anesthesia labwork the anesthesia, monitoring, and to bring them out from anesthesia medications. The cleaning procedure itself does not cost so much but they can't do it without anesthetizing them. I can say I wouldn't want them put through it either without it.

I hope you can find a workable solution that fits for you and your pup and definitely call around.

[ShadowGX]

Definitely ask around different vets. Even in the rural area I lived in a couple years ago there were big differences in vet costs and the cheapest one also happened to be the best one. The vet really seemed to care about my cats and me and the reception ladies were always very kind and actually gave me one of the meds I needed for free when I mentioned financial issues. Not that you should expect anything for free, but when you find a vet that cares more about the pets and people than money you'll have hit the jackpot - better care for less!

The alternative is brushing your dog's teeth yourself if you think you can manage. They make doggy toothpaste and brushes. Since it sounds like your dog's teeth aren't in a horrible state yet you might be able to get away with just brushing them yourself, but watch for decay because then those teeth need to be pulled.