How Much Does a Dog or Cat Dental Cleaning Cost?
Dental6 min read
By the Happy Paws & Claws team

Bad breath, a little tartar on the back teeth, a pet who chews on one side. Dental problems in dogs and cats often start quietly, and many pet owners put off a cleaning because they are not sure what it will cost. This guide shares the real prices at Happy Paws & Claws in Englewood, Ohio, explains what you get for that price, and shows why a professional cleaning is about much more than white teeth.
Dental Cleaning Prices at Happy Paws & Claws
These are our current prices for a professional dental cleaning:
- Dog dental cleaning: $339.57 to $642.77
- Cat dental cleaning: $312.00 to $609.61
Tooth extractions are not included in these prices. If your pet has a tooth that needs to come out, we will explain why and go over the cost with you. Dental care for exotic pets is priced after a consultation. Current prices are always on our pricing page.
What Is Included in Every Cleaning
A lower price elsewhere does not always include the same care. Every dog and cat dental cleaning at our clinic includes:
- A full-mouth oral exam by both a nurse and a veterinarian
- Full-mouth ultrasonic scaling and hand scaling
- Full-mouth dental X-rays
- An IV catheter
- Monitoring by a licensed nurse throughout the procedure
- An ear cleaning and nail trim while your pet is already relaxed
Why Full-Mouth Dental X-Rays Matter
Much of a tooth sits below the gumline, where you cannot see it. A tooth can look fine on top and still have a problem with the root or the bone around it. Dental X-rays let the veterinarian see what is happening under the gums, so problems are not missed and healthy teeth are not removed by mistake.
Because X-rays are part of every cleaning at our clinic, you are not paying a surprise fee to get the full picture. You can learn more about our digital X-ray and imaging.
Why Pets Need Anesthesia for a Real Cleaning
Professional dental cleanings for dogs and cats are done under general anesthesia. Pets will not hold still for scaling below the gumline or for dental X-rays, and cleaning only the visible part of the tooth leaves behind the bacteria that cause gum disease. Anesthesia lets the team clean every surface safely and without stress for your pet.
That is why monitoring matters. At our clinic, a licensed nurse watches your pet's vital signs for the entire procedure.
Signs Your Dog or Cat May Need a Cleaning
Dental disease is one of the most common problems veterinarians find in adult dogs and cats. Watch for:
- Bad breath that does not go away
- Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Chewing on one side, dropping food, or eating more slowly
- Pawing at the mouth or drooling
- Loose or broken teeth
Pets are very good at hiding mouth pain. Many owners tell us their pet seems happier and more playful after dental problems are treated.
How Often Do Pets Need a Dental Cleaning?
It depends on the pet. Some dogs and cats build tartar quickly and benefit from regular cleanings, while others need them less often. The veterinarian will check your pet's mouth at every annual wellness exam ($65) and let you know when a cleaning is a good idea.
Helping Your Pet's Teeth at Home
Home care can help between cleanings. Daily tooth brushing with a toothpaste made for pets is the gold standard. Ask our team which dental chews or other products are a good fit for your pet. Home care helps slow tartar buildup, but it does not replace a professional cleaning once tartar and gum disease are present.
Paying for Your Pet's Dental Cleaning
We publish our prices so you can plan ahead, and we accept CareCredit financing. If you have questions about your pet's estimate, call us at 937-595-0660.
Book a Dental Cleaning in Englewood
Happy Paws & Claws is a full-service veterinary clinic at 55 Hillside Ct., Englewood, OH 45322, serving families across Dayton and the surrounding areas. To schedule a dental exam or cleaning, call 937-595-0660 or request an appointment. You can also read more about pet dental care at our clinic.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for an exam. Please talk with a veterinarian about your pet's dental needs.
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