Pet Insurance for Dog Teeth Cleaning: What You Should Know in 2025

We all understand how important it is for us humans to maintain good dental cleaning and care for our bodies. Dogs need dental cleanings, too. However, the cost of regular dental care is becoming increasingly expensive. Therefore, dog insurance teeth cleaning policies are designed for responsible dog owners like you who prioritize their dogs' dental care. Some might say, "These are pets, so why do they need teeth cleaning?" Indeed, they do. In this article, we'll provide comprehensive information about dog dental cleaning insurance.


Veterinarian performing dog teeth cleaning covered by pet insurance
Pet Insurance for Dog Teeth Cleaning

In "Pet Insurance for Dog Teeth Cleaning," we'll explore which pet insurance plans cover dog teeth cleaning, whether dental cleaning is covered, and who the top dental insurance providers are.


What Is Pet Insurance for Dog Teeth Cleaning?

Cleaning your dog's teeth is essential to prevent them from developing dental problems later in life. Tartar builds up in dogs' mouths, which can lead to gum problems. Furthermore, not cleaning your teeth can also increase the risk of tooth decay. Dogs' dental problems affect not only their mouths but also their hearts and kidneys. Therefore, dental care is crucial for dogs, but expensive vet bills for dental cleanings can drain your wallet. There is a solution to this. Insurance policies are available on the market that cover the cost of dog dental cleanings, which we call pet insurance dog teeth cleaning policies.

As of 2025, insurance companies are increasingly including dog dental care in their pet insurance plans. These teeth cleaning insurance policies cover dental treatment for dog illnesses, preventative cleanings, and accidental dental injuries. Therefore, in countries like Australia, Canada, the US, and the UK, the demand and popularity of pet insurance teeth cleaning policies for dogs is increasing.

Our internal organs begin with our mouths. Whatever we eat and drink goes directly to our stomachs, which increases the risk of other diseases. Similarly, dogs also experience the same. Therefore, pet insurance helps you keep your dog's oral health. Most standard pet insurance plans cover dental illnesses and accidents. They do not include rooting or teeth cleaning. For this, you need to purchase a preventative care package or wellness add-on to your policy.

Types of Coverage in Dental Pet Insurance

Dental pet insurance offers three main types of coverage plans: preventative dental care, accident coverage, and illness coverage. We'll cover these three below.

The following are the types of coverage in dental insurance for dogs:

1) Preventive Dental Cleaning Coverage

Preventive dental cleaning coverage is included in wellness or add-on plans for pet insurance. Alternatively, you may need to purchase a premium policy for dental care. Preventive dental coverage includes regular teeth cleaning and scaling. Regularly cleaning your dog's teeth ensures long-term health.

Dental Coverage Includes:

  • Gum Disease
  • Regular Dental Cleaning
  • Scaling

2) Illness-Related Dental Coverage

This coverage is included in basic or premium plans. Pet insurance coverage for dogs includes dental cleaning and treatment for dental diseases. Gum or dental diseases, such as abscesses, gum inflammation, and infections, are covered. This type of coverage also includes cover for extractions and surgery. Dental illness coverage includes:

  • Gum disease
  • Bacterial infection in the mouth
  • Root infection
  • Tooth decay

3) Accidental Dental Coverage

Accidental dental coverage is included in basic pet insurance plans. It provides cover for tooth loss or other injuries resulting from an accident. Accidental injuries are also covered.

In short, this pet insurance plan provides coverage for accidental dental injuries. It covers treatment expenses such as X-rays, repairs, and extractions of your dog's teeth.

Dental coverage includes:

  • Accidental dental injury
  • Teeth extraction
  • Dental examination (X-rays)
  • Dental surgery
  • Accidental injury

Table for Types of Dental Insurance Coverage

Type of Coverage

What It Covers

Usually Included In

Accidental Dental Coverage

Covers damage to teeth caused by accidents or injuries (e.g., broken or fractured teeth).

Basic Plan

Illness-Related Dental Coverage

Covers treatment for gum disease, tooth infections, or abscesses caused by illness.

Basic or Premium Plan

Preventive Dental Cleaning Coverage

Covers routine teeth cleaning, scaling, and preventive dental checkups.

Add-on / Wellness Plan


Does Pet Insurance Cover Teeth Cleaning for Dogs?

A common question among dog owners is, does pet insurance cover teeth cleaning for dogs? Let me tell you, teeth cleaning is not covered in basic pet insurance. This is because pet insurance plans are categorized. Pet insurance includes wellness or preventative care plans that can be added as add-ons. Dental care is covered in these plans. Routine dental cleaning for dogs is not a medical emergency, so it is classified under the cosmetic care category.

Next, we'll explore which dental care conditions are covered and which are not covered under basic pet insurance.

What’s Usually Covered

  • Treatment of dental infections
  • Gum disease
  • Dental surgery or extraction (due to illness or injury)
  • Fractured teeth from an accident
  • Treatment of broken teeth from an accident

What’s Usually Not Covered

  • Teeth whitening or polishing
  • Pre-existing dental problems
  • Teeth cleaning and scaling

How to get dental cleaning coverage in pet insurance

If you need coverage for your dog’s dental cleaning expenses in pet insurance, here’s what you should do.

How to include dental cleaning in pet insurance:

  • Add wellness plans to basic pet insurance.
  • You can add a prevention add-on plan as an alternative option.
  • Or consider premium plans for dental cleanings.
  • Talk to your pet insurance provider.

Example Comparison Table – Coverage Overview

Type of Dental Coverage

Included in Basic Plan

Add-On Required

Typical Annual Limit

Approx. Cost (USD)

Routine Teeth Cleaning

❌ No

✅ Yes

$200–$500

Add-on cost: $10–$25/month

Dental Illness (Gum Disease, Infection)

✅ Yes

❌ No

$1,000–$2,000

Included in illness plan ($35–$60/month)

Broken Tooth (Accident)

✅ Yes

❌ No

$1,000–$5,000

Included in accident plan ($25–$40/month)

Pre-Existing Dental Conditions

❌ No

❌ No

Not Applicable

Not eligible for coverage


Top Pet Insurance Providers That Cover Dental Cleaning

We've brought you information about some of the top pet insurance providers that offer dental cleaning or preventative dental coverage. 

Top Insurance Providers Offering Dental Cleaning Coverage

1) Embrace Pet Insurance

  • Dental coverage in basic pet insurance plans only covers dental illnesses and accidental injuries to teeth.
  • Dental cleanings are covered in their preventative care add-on plans.
  • Add-ons include plans called Wellness Rewards.
  • Reimbursement is provided for cleanings.

2) ASPCA Pet Health Insurance

  • Their policies cover disease-related dental treatments.
  • Gum disease and gingivitis are covered.
  • Some of their insurance plans include routine dental cleanings as preventive care.

3) Spot Pet Insurance (Canada)

  • Dental cleanings are not included in their basic pet insurance plans.
  • However, preventive care add-ons are available, and dental cleanings are included in routine services.
  • This company's preventive care plans can provide you with benefits up to $450 annually.

4) Fetch Pet Insurance

  • Their policies offer the Fetch Wellness add-on.
  • They provide coverage for preventive or routine cleanings.
  • Their coverage includes tooth extractions and treatments for caries and dental diseases.

Some Other Dental Pet Insurance Providers

1) Petplan Insurance (Australia)

Preventive dental care coverage is included in their pet insurance premium plans.

2) Trupanion (Canada)

Their dental pet insurance plans do not cover routine cleanings. Only accidents and dog dental problems are covered.

3) Healthy Paws (USA)

These dental pet insurance providers only cover dental injuries. Their policies exclude routine cleanings.

4) ManyPets Insurance (UK)

To continue coverage for dental diseases, you have to take annual dental exams; that is, you have to provide proof of annual dental checkups, and you have to maintain a record of cleaning.

5) Knose Pet Insurance

Routine dental cleanings are not covered except as optional wellness benefits. Their policies only cover dental illnesses.


Why Routine Dog Teeth Cleaning Is Essential

Teeth cleaning is essential for maintaining a dog's oral and physical health. Unclean teeth can lead to many diseases. We need to be preemptive to protect dogs from these diseases. If dogs' teeth are not kept clean, infections and other problems develop throughout their mouths, which then gradually spread to the entire body. That's why most dog owners are currently looking for good dental cleaning coverage for their dogs. In Pet Insurance for Dogs' Teeth Cleaning, we'll explore whether routine teeth cleaning is necessary for dogs.

Reasons why routine teeth cleaning is essential for dogs

1) Risk of dental and gum disease

If you neglect your dog's teeth cleaning, your dog may suffer from dental problems later in life. Failure to regularly clean your dog's teeth puts them at a higher risk of developing diseases like tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.

2) Impact on overall oral and physical health

If you don't clean your dog's teeth regularly, bacteria build up in their mouth, causing a foul odor. These bacteria can then spread through the bloodstream to the dog's kidneys, heart, and liver. This can lead to deterioration in their physical health and can lead to serious infections. Therefore, regular teeth cleaning is essential for their health.

3) Risk of Infection from Plaque and Tartar

Dogs' teeth cleaning is important because the food they eat gets deposited on their teeth in the form of small particles. This accumulated plaque turns into tartar, which contributes to bad breath and gum infections. Therefore, preventative dental care is essential for dogs to reduce the risk of gum infections.

4) Infection can lead to tooth loss and extractions.

Failing to brush your dog's teeth regularly increases the risk of infection, which can lead to tooth breakage. Or, if a tooth is severely damaged, it may require extraction. Sometimes, the situation becomes so dire that the vet has no other option but to extract the tooth. The tooth extraction process is quite painful, and the pain can last for several days.

5) Expensive Dental Treatments

Dog dental treatments are very expensive. If you don't prioritize regular teeth cleanings, you'll end up paying a lot for these expensive treatments. A tooth extraction or major surgery can cost you thousands of dollars. So, save on expensive expenses by using pet insurance for dogs with a budget-friendly teeth cleaning.

Now, how do you know when your dog needs dental care? Let's learn more about the signs that indicate a dog's dental care needs.

Common Signs Your Dog Needs Dental Care

Dogs can't tell you how much they're bothered by a dental problem. So, below are some common science tips that will help you understand a dog's dental condition.

Common Signs of Dog Dental Health

1) Bleeding or swollen gums.

If you notice your dog's gums bleeding or swollen, your dog needs urgent dental care. This could be a sign of gingivitis or gum disease.

2) Difficulty chewing.

Dogs with toothaches may avoid eating. They may even stop eating altogether. Or they may eat slowly and avoid solid foods. Another sign of toothache is that the dog chews food with only one side of its jaw. This can indicate a tooth infection or pain. If you notice these signs regularly, start dental care treatment before the problem worsens.

3) Bad breath in dogs.

Plaque accumulates on dogs' teeth, which eventually turns into tartar and causes bacteria to accumulate in their mouths, causing a foul odor. If you're experiencing this with your dog, you know your dog needs dental care. They could be suffering from an infection, bacteria, or tartar.

4) Frequently touching their mouth with their paws.

The following is also included in the science of dog dental care needs. When a dog repeatedly rubs or touches its mouth with its paws, it may cause pain in its teeth or gums.

5) Loose teeth or discoloration in dogs.

Sometimes, a dog's teeth appear yellow. However, if you notice brown, yellow, or black spots, tartar may be present. If you notice a dog's teeth falling out, it's likely that their teeth have become weak.

6) Changes in dog behavior.

A dog's behavior can change due to many reasons; it doesn't always mean it's just a dental condition. Dogs with toothaches can become irritable and lethargic, and they may avoid eating and show less interest in playing. Considering these overall signs, understand that the dog needs dental care.


How to Choose Pet Insurance That Covers Dog Teeth Cleaning

We understand how essential dental cleaning is for dogs, but the cost of dental care must be managed along with other expenses. We understand how essential dental cleanings are for dogs, but the cost of dental care must be managed along with other expenses. Pet insurance provides financial assistance for all these dog dental care expenses. So, below are some tips on how to choose pet insurance that covers dog teeth cleaning.

Tips for Choosing Insurance with Dog Teeth Cleaning Coverage

1) Check the Dental Coverage Limit.

Policy providers typically set annual limits for dental coverage. Higher limits can help you cover your dog's dental care for a longer period of time. Therefore, it's important to check the policy's annual dental coverage limits.

2) Check the Waiting Period.

Every insurance policy has different rules. Some providers offer preventive care plans with no waiting period, while others impose a waiting period. Similarly, some providers impose a waiting period of 10 to 30 days before starting dental coverage.

And during the waiting period, you cannot file a policy claim in case of any emergency, except an accident. Therefore, check the policy's waiting period.

3) Insurance plans should include preventive dental care.

Pet insurance policies for dogs that include teeth cleaning include basic plans that only cover dental diseases or accidental tooth damage. However, routine cleaning is not included in every plan. Whether or not they offer routine cleaning coverage in their plans also depends on the provider. Therefore, be sure to check whether your pet dental insurance plan includes preventive care or wellness add-ons.

4) Look for a transparent claims process.

When purchasing dental pet insurance for dogs, keep in mind that pre-existing dental conditions may be excluded from the policy. Most policies do not cover pre-existing dental problems. Therefore, pay attention to the exclusions. Furthermore, the claims process should be transparent and quick to ensure your peace of mind.

While you're at it, let's also learn some tips for maximizing dental coverage.

Tips for Maximizing Dental Coverage

If you use dental coverage and pet insurance correctly, you'll receive more benefits. Here are some tips on how to maximize this coverage.

Coverage Maximizing Tips:

✅ Choose the Accident + Preventive/Wellness add-on instead of the basic plan. Combining both offers greater benefits.

✅ Get your dog's annual dental checkup, which will simplify the claim process.

✅ Always keep proof of your dog's dental exam for policy claims.

✅ Be sure to read the terms and conditions of your dental coverage policy. 

✅ Also, check the waiting period and annual coverage limit for coverage.

✅ Check which dog dental conditions are not covered under dental coverage.

✅ Focus on preventative dental cleaning plans in the policy.

✅ Check the health of dogs' teeth.

✅ Choose trustworthy insurance providers with transparent and quick claims processes.

✅ File policy claims on time and keep medical records.


Estimated Costs and Savings Analysis

Dental care and treatment for dogs is very expensive. Without insurance, these costs would be even more out-of-pocket. Pet insurance plans that include preventative and routine dental cleanings for dogs can significantly save you money. Below, we've provided the estimated cost and savings analysis in table format, with and without insurance.

Table for cost comparison with and without dental add-ons


Service

Without Insurance

With Dental Add-On

Estimated Savings

Routine Dental Cleaning

$500

$100–$200 copay

$300+

Tooth Extraction

$1,000

$150 copay

$850

Gum Disease Treatment

$1,200

$200 copay

$1,000


Conclusion

It is very important to clean dogs' teeth from time to time, because just as we humans can suffer from various diseases due to bad teeth, the same happens in animals, especially dogs. Protecting their teeth means protecting their entire body from diseases. If teeth cleaning is ignored, tartar can accumulate in the teeth, due to which bacteria can develop in the teeth and cause various types of infections. This bacteria spreads throughout the dog's mouth and body, potentially having serious consequences for its physical health in the future. Pet insurance for dogs can help reduce the cost of routine cleaning and dental problems. This insurance covers tooth loss due to accidents or accidental injuries. Wellness add-ons provide coverage for dental checkups and dental care. So, you can improve your dog's dental and physical health through regular dental cleanings and checkups.


FAQ

Q1. Does every pet insurance plan include dental cleaning?

Answer: No! Dental cleaning is not included in any pet insurance plan. This is considered care, not a medical emergency. Standard plans only cover accidents, major illnesses, or emergency treatment. If you need regular dental cleanings or preventative dental care, you need an add-on dental plan.

Q2. Is dental cleaning for dogs medically necessary?

Answer: Yes! Regular dental cleanings are medically important because when you clean your pet's teeth regularly, tartar buildup doesn't occur, leading to gum infections and bad smells. Furthermore, any existing dental issues or pain can be cured. So, get your dog regular cleanings within your budget with a pet insurance policy for dogs that includes teeth cleaning.

Q3. Can I get dental coverage for older dogs?

Answer: Yes! Dental coverage is available for older dogs too, but the premium is higher because the insurance company considers both the dog's age and health. And it's important to note that many dental insurance companies don't cover pre-existing dental issues, so be sure to read the terms and conditions before purchasing dental insurance for your senior furry friend.

Q4. Why is pet insurance necessary for dog teeth cleaning?

Answer: The cost of dental treatment and dental cleanings is rising these days. Pet insurance helps reduce the cost of your dog's regular dental care. If you go for a dental cleaning without insurance, you'll incur significant costs. For example, a one-time cleaning for your dog can cost anywhere from $300 to $700. This will help maintain your dog's oral health at a lower cost.

Q5. How often should dogs have professional teeth cleaning?

Answer: Professional teeth cleaning is good for their health. How often to clean dogs' teeth depends on their current dental condition. Generally speaking, you should have a veterinary dental cleaning at least once a year. If your dog has excessive tartar or gum problems, schedule an examination and teeth cleaning every six months. Consult your dog's dental doctor.

If you have any doubt, please let us know

Post a Comment (0)
Previous Post Next Post