Is My Dog Too Old for Teeth Cleaning? Complete Guide

We followed suit and inquired of 20 other peer veterinarians about the dangers of anesthesia for elderly dogs. Although there are certain hazards associated with the procedure, all of them felt that the risk of doing nothing was greater.
In a research conducted by Banfield Pet Hospital, dental cleanings were done on 13% of dogs between the ages of 9 and 12 and 24% of dogs older than 13.
Teeth cleaning is an essential component of senior dog care, not just a cosmetic operation.
Dogs of all ages need to have good dental health, yet about 80% of dogs older than three have gum and tooth disease.

Age isn’t a barrier in and of itself, despite some owners’ concerns over anesthetic during tooth cleaning. The wellbeing of your dog and averting major medical problems are what count.
We will discuss the benefits and drawbacks, different teeth cleaning options, potential hazards, and costs in this guide so that you and your veterinarian can make well-informed decisions.

It’s likely that you’ve heard about the drawbacks of giving your dog anesthetic to clean their teeth, and as responsible dog owners, we recognize that you probably worry about your dog’s safety.

Although it’s believed that only 1 in 2000 dogs pass away while under anesthesia for dental cleaning each year. Is the risk of using anesthetic for such a basic dental treatment worth it?

Veterinarians typically use anesthesia because it renders the dog immobile, which facilitates a thorough dental cleaning.
Here, we address common queries about dog teeth cleaning and offer advice on how to keep your furry friend safe while having their teeth cleaned.

Risks Associated With Dog Tooth Cleaning

Because dental cleaning involves anesthetic, there are dangers involved, just like with many other operations. There’s always a chance of organ failure and possibly even death, particularly if your dog has a medical condition.
For this reason, we suggest that you bring your dog in for a physical examination prior to any procedures so the veterinarian may do the required examination and obtain dental X-rays before your dog goes under.

Even with a medical condition, a dog can still receive dental care. Only the anesthetic would need to be adjusted, therefore to be sure your dog receives the best dental care, you need to take them to a board-certified veterinarian who works in a team.

This practice is still the best way to clean your dog’s teeth, despite the risks involved. Furthermore, the likelihood of your dog passing away is smaller than you may think.
Considering the risk of dental disease for dogs that do not receive dental cleanings, the average number of healthy dogs that pass away while under general anesthesia is 1 in 2000, which is a rather safe ratio.

Options Rather Than Anesthesia for Cleaning Your Dog’s Teeth

This part has been carefully chosen to ease your fears if you’re worried that your dog won’t survive the anesthesia process.
The expense of the anesthesia process is another cause to think about the alternatives to this segment in addition to the potential risk of mortality.
The cost of the treatment may vary depending on a number of variables, including the severity of your dog’s dental condition and the disparities in locales. Pet insurance rarely pays for routine cleanings, let alone the operation.
Discounts also only make a small difference because a significant amount of money is still due even after the percentage is deducted.

Dog dental care typically costs between $500 and $1,000, and this amount does not account for the cost of other services like dental radiography, which will raise the total cost by about $200.
These options entail taking good care of your dog’s dental health at home to prevent germs and tartar formation.