How much for a teeth cleaning?

[Jerry_NJ]

My 22 pound (ouch, he's gaining weight, now 10% overweight) had his annual physical last week.  It included a bunch of tests including a "senior" blood test and 4 prescription medications for yeast (feet - I have posted here on feet licking), an antihistamine (I had been giving him 1/2 Benadryl  for feet licking) an antibiotic pill and ointment for an ear infection.  And notice the dog needs to have his teeth cleaned.  That visit cost $400 and change - ouch.  

Subsequently I received an estimate via email for the teeth cleaning, about $350,  What?  It includes administration of an anesthetic (sleep)  and X-rays.  But, this is more than twice what I pay for a teeth cleaning and X-rays - of course I cooperate and don't "nip"...

I believe if I were able to brush the dog's teeth the plaque would not be a problem and that is all that is really needed... cleaning off the plaque.

Is it time to shop around for a teeth cleaning?  Is this a service offered by some groomers?  Again, my dog will nip and it may be necessary to "knock him out"... and that requires a vet.

[lindapalm]

I live in New York, and that's about the price I pay for our dog, and cats.  That price would include blood tests, but no x-rays.  If he had his teeth cleaned 6 months ago, why does he have to have it again?.

[Margot49]

My Vet used to be a lot cheaper.  Used to run me about $200 or so.  Anesthetic always increases the price.  Actually, for the stuff being done, I don't think that is too bad, definitely more than what I pay for mine!  Lol
I have heard of people near the Bay Area and NYC paying near or maybe over $1,000!!!  Have a friend that lived on Long Island.  She would take her dogs to a friend's Vet in Conneticut for dentals.  
Hope you don't have to do every 6 months!  Ask your Vet about the new sprays they have out now.  Never tried it but you might ask then let me know what he says.
Actually, pre all this doggie dental stuff, a lot of us used to try to keep the teeth and gum lines cleaned with terry cloth wash cloths.  Wet it, wrap it around your finger and rub the teeth and along the gum line.  Abrasive enough to help clean.  Of course. It is always easier to get the dogs used to this stuff from puppyhood, like doing nails.  :-)

[Jerry_NJ]

Thanks, seems to be the going rate then.  I am about 50 miles from NYC, so not directly influenced by those prices.  I am in a rural, but somewhat affluent community.  The price range I got was $348 to 380, the variable for any needed follow up antibiotics.  

My vet is very good about itemizing the offer: Fluid IV at $44 and Inhalant anesthesia at $84 X-rays, 2 views at $55 and the work itself at $125... he gets a courtesy pedicure and I get to leave him there all day at another $40 for hospitalization... where here's one that is a lot less than for us humans.

I will check, but I think he had a cleaning less than a year ago when we had an extraction - I pray he doesn't need a cleaning every 6 months.  He is a very high "operating" cost dog, a Westie.  

Our monaural coon hound mix may have cost $1000 (adjusted for inflation) over his 16 year life, and he broke his right front leg as a puppy. A big Golden Retriever may have run $2,000 over a 12 year life and that included a fat pocket removal and help with a stroke... we did all the therapy at home to get him back on his feet for another 3 years approximately.. then he was "put down" and cremated when he developed cancer related to the fat pocket issue.

[Margot49]

Teeth cleaning charges can really vary and depend on where you live.  Friends of mine in NYC have paid $500 and up!  That is probably about what my Vet charges now but it is more if extractions and antibiotics are needed. There is someone here that advertises cleaning without sedation, haven't used it.  Doubt the dog I have now or yours would be good candidates.
You can try brushing but they really need a good cleaning and up under the gum line and the underside.  I used to use a dental tool and pick on my Shelties but you have to make sure to use a good polish afterwards because you pit the enamel doing that.  Some dogs are just more prone to dental problems and need those professional cleanings.  Most of the Greyhounds I had here had bad plaque problems and needed regular dental care.
You might try calling around.  I would get the thorough cleaning done then try to get him used to you doing maintenance brushing.  Make sure to use products for dogs only.