Dog teeth cleaning: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What dog teeth cleaning is

A provider brushes your dog's teeth and removes surface plaque, using a dog-safe toothpaste and tools. This is a basic care service, and it does not replace the dental work your veterinarian provides for disease or deep cleaning.

Signs you need it

  • Your dog has bad breath that is getting worse over time
  • You can see a yellow or brown build-up on your dog's teeth
  • Your dog is not used to having its teeth brushed at home and needs a trained helper
  • You want a routine to keep the surface of the teeth clean between veterinary visits
  • Your veterinarian has asked you to add daily or regular tooth brushing to the care plan

What the pro does

  • Asks about your dog's teeth, its gums, its history and any health concern
  • Checks the mouth for redness, bleeding, loose teeth or build-up
  • Brushes the teeth with a dog-safe toothpaste and a brush that suits the dog's mouth
  • Cleans plaque from the visible tooth surfaces by brushing, and does not scrape or scale below the gumline
  • Rinses the mouth and checks the result with you
  • Tells you when to call your veterinarian for a cleaning or a dental check

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The size of the dog and how long the brushing takes
  • How much surface plaque is present
  • Whether the dog needs a calm, gentle approach because it resists brushing
  • Whether a mouth check or a home brushing lesson is included
  • Whether the service is done in a salon, at home or in a clinic
  • Whether a follow-up visit is included

What a written quote should spell out

  • The service type, the dog's size and the time for the visit
  • Whether a mouth check, a home brushing lesson and a product recommendation are included
  • Which toothpaste and brush are used
  • Whether a veterinary referral is recommended in the plan
  • The cancellation terms and any change if the dog will not allow the service

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What tools and toothpaste do you use, and are they safe for dogs?
  • How do you check the gums and teeth before you start?
  • What signs would make you stop and send my dog to the veterinarian?
  • Can you teach me to brush my dog's teeth at home?
  • How often should my dog's teeth be brushed or checked?
  • Do you handle deep cleaning or treatment for gum disease?
  • What do you do if my dog bleeds or is in pain?

Red flags

  • Scrapes or digs at the gums with tools that can cut them
  • Says the service removes all tartar or replaces a veterinary cleaning
  • Uses human toothpaste, which can be harmful to dogs
  • Does not check the mouth for bleeding, loose teeth or pain before starting
  • Forces the mouth open when the dog is in clear distress

What you can do yourself

You can start brushing your dog's teeth at home with a dog-safe toothpaste and a soft brush, for a few seconds at a time. Never use human toothpaste. Hire a provider to teach you the technique or to help with a dog that resists brushing, and call your veterinarian for bleeding gums, loose teeth, pain or facial swelling.

Licenses and permits

A license is often not required for basic tooth brushing for pets, but some states regulate pet grooming and services. Ask for proof of training, and check with your state and local agencies before you offer or buy any service that goes beyond surface brushing.

Dog teeth cleaning questions

Can brushing replace a veterinary dental cleaning?

No. Brushing helps keep the surface of the teeth clean, but dental cleanings and treatment for gum disease are done by a veterinarian. Ask your veterinarian what care your dog needs.

How often should I brush my dog's teeth?

Many owners aim for a short session most days, and any routine is better than none. Ask your veterinarian what schedule they recommend for your dog.

What should I do if my dog's gums bleed?

Call your veterinarian. Bleeding gums can be a sign of a dental problem that needs care, and a provider should not try to treat it.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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