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Bulldog and pug, small breeds that are especially prone to dental disease

Professional Dog Dental Cleaning in Houston

Most dogs have some degree of periodontal disease by age three, and it usually goes unnoticed until it becomes painful and expensive to treat. At Rice Village Animal Hospital, every dog dental cleaning is done under general anesthesia and includes digital dental X-rays and scaling below the gumline. That’s the part that actually treats dental disease.

Our AAHA-accredited hospital has cared for dogs in Rice Village, West University, Bellaire, Montrose, and surrounding neighborhoods since 1976.

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What’s Included in a Dog Dental Cleaning

Dental cleanings are outpatient procedures, and most dogs go home the same day. Here’s what happens:

  1. Physical exam and pre-anesthetic bloodwork to confirm your dog is healthy enough for anesthesia.
  2. General anesthesia with continuous monitoring. We follow AAHA anesthesia guidelines, and a trained technician tracks heart rate, oxygen, and blood pressure throughout.
  3. Full oral exam of every tooth and the gums, tongue, and mouth.
  4. Digital dental X-rays to check tooth roots and bone below the gumline. Most dental disease in dogs is found here, where you can’t see it.
  5. Scaling above and below the gumline to remove plaque and tartar.
  6. Polishing to smooth the tooth surface so plaque has a harder time sticking.
  7. Fluoride treatment applied by the veterinary team.
  8. Treatment plan, if needed. If we find teeth that need extraction or other treatment, we talk with you before we proceed.
  9. Going home. You get an oral health report showing what we found and what we treated, plus aftercare instructions.

Why Anesthesia-Free Dental Cleanings Aren’t Enough

Anesthesia-free cleanings only scrape the visible tartar off the crowns of the teeth. That can make teeth look clean while disease below the gumline keeps progressing. Without anesthesia, a dog can’t safely be given dental X-rays, a full oral exam, subgingival (below-the-gumline) cleaning, or extractions. The American Veterinary Dental College advises against anesthesia-free dental cleaning for these reasons.

How Much Does Dog Dental Cleaning Cost?

A professional dental cleaning under anesthesia typically costs $700 to $1,000 for an uncomplicated case. The final cost depends on:

  • How much tartar and gum disease is present
  • Whether any teeth need to be extracted
  • Any oral surgery or additional treatment needed
  • Your dog’s size

We give you an estimate before any procedure, and we’ll call you before doing anything that isn’t in it. If cost is a concern, we can prioritize the most urgent treatment first. See our payment options.

Signs Your Dog Needs a Dental Cleaning

  • Persistent bad breath
  • Visible yellow or brown tartar
  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
  • Chewing on one side of the mouth, dropping food, or avoiding chew toys
  • Loose or missing adult teeth

Puppies lose their baby teeth between about three and six months of age. After that, a loose or missing tooth usually means dental disease. Small and toy breeds, such as pugs, Yorkies, and Chihuahuas, develop dental disease more often because of genetics and crowded teeth, so they often need cleanings more frequently.

Why Dental Disease Matters

Dental disease starts when bacteria form plaque on the teeth. If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, which inflames the gums and leads to periodontal disease. Left untreated, it causes chronic pain, tooth loss, and weight loss from painful chewing, and it lets bacteria into the bloodstream, where they can affect the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Caring for Your Dog’s Teeth at Home

Brushing is the most effective thing you can do between professional cleanings.

  • Brush daily if you can. Even a few times a week makes a real difference.
  • Use a dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste. Human toothpaste isn’t made to be swallowed, and some contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
  • Start slowly and reward your dog so brushing becomes a routine they accept.
  • If your dog won’t tolerate brushing, dental wipes, dental chews, water additives, and prescription dental diets can help. Look for products on the Veterinary Oral Health Council accepted list.

Ask us to demonstrate the technique at your dog’s next visit.

Dog Dental Care FAQs

How often should my dog have a dental cleaning?

We recommend a professional cleaning once a year for most adult dogs. Dogs with heavy tartar, a history of dental disease, or small-breed genetics may need them more often. We’ll check your dog’s teeth at every wellness exam and recommend a schedule.

Is anesthesia safe for dog dental cleanings?

We run pre-anesthetic bloodwork before every dental procedure and follow AAHA anesthesia guidelines. A trained technician monitors your dog’s vital signs throughout. For older dogs, the bloodwork helps us tailor the anesthesia plan.

How much does a dog dental cleaning cost?

Typically $700 to $1,000 for an uncomplicated cleaning under anesthesia. Extractions, oral surgery, or other treatment add to the cost. We give you an estimate before any procedure.

Can I use human toothpaste on my dog?

No. Use toothpaste made for dogs. Human toothpaste isn’t meant to be swallowed, and some contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Will my dog go home the same day?

Yes. Dental cleanings are outpatient procedures, and most dogs go home the same day with an oral health report and care instructions.

Schedule a Dog Dental Exam

Call (713) 527-0489 or request an appointment online. We’ll check your dog’s teeth and let you know whether a cleaning is needed.

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