Dog teeth cleaning. Worth $1k?

[El Conquistador]

Just had my dog into the Vet's for his annual check up and shots.

At the end of the visit, the Vet says she is going to work up an estimate to have my dog's teeth cleaned. She says they are not bad, but, a good idea to do. Ten minutes later she hands me an estimate of $900 to $1,500.

What do you all think? Is this a good idea?

Steve

[HHP]

What kind of dog is it?

[Scholar]

I think having a dog's teeth cleaned (tartar scraping, etc) when it's necessary is a good idea...IF it's done by someone who actually knows what he or she is doing (there are potential hazards), and who isn't totally driven by the marketing of expensive canine dental services.

We've had our dog's teeth cleaned once, just last year, when a vet we trust told us it was time. It was done properly and safely, and cost the local equivalent of about 50 bucks. Unless your dog has lots of issues, that estimate sounds a little odd.

Obviously, YMMV.

[jhmulkey]

After a cursory Google search, that estimate definite appears to be on the high end (actually beyond the high end) for a cleaning, unless of course there will be additional work such as extractions or restorative procedures, which it didn't sound like was the case in your situation. I'd definitely shop around on that one!

[jwing]

How much money are you starting with and what's the dog's resale value?

[BrunoBlack]

Does that include implants?

[El Conquistador]

Originally Posted by HHP

What kind of dog is it?

American Mutt.

A big part of the price includes putting the little guy out. That in itself worries me.

Steve

[Earl49]

My 11 year old cat finally needed a cleaning, which led to four extractions. A big part of the cost was the anesthesia, which was something like $25 per minute while he was out. The total came to about $600 at a vet practice that specializes in cats only, and I trust her. He probably won't need another dental procedure unless he lives longer than expected. Your estimate sounds outrageous to me.

[Borderdon]

Guess maybe it depends on what you had to do to earn that thousand bucks !

[Slothead56]

I would be more concerned about putting the dog under. If he/she is having tooth issues that’s one thing, but a routine cleaning that involves anesthesia? I’m passing.

[frankmcr]

The original poster's Location is "central California". Prices for everything there are probably higher than in a lot of places.

Even so, if the vet herself says the teeth are "not bad", I'd pass.

[Acousticado]

Just curious...how old is the dog and is it considered old for the breed?

[kkrell]

Costs that high should include full labs to verify dog's health to go under anesthesia, antibiotics & follow-up visit after. Some vets charge per extraction (surgery), others flat rate. High costs if having to scale under the gum line.

If really routine cleaning (above the gum line), then go elsewhere for non-anesthesia tooth cleaning (probably under $200).

Other lower-cost options include non-profit or animal rescue clinics.

For instance, full cat dental at my Los Angeles vet $1000 (no extractions), already did labs within 30 days prior. Rescue cat at non-profit clinic was $300, included labs, 6 extractions, pain meds, antibiotics,. followup.

[PorkPieGuy]

No. Way.

Call me an animal hater if you want, but I'm not doing that.

[marty bradbury]

Heck, cheaper to clean my teeth! I will give u my address later to send the check to.