Average cost
£150–£350
Typical range
£120–£500
Species
Dog
Category
Dental
Anaesthesia
Required
How much does dog dental cleaning cost?
Dog Dental Cleaning typically costs £150–£350 in the UK, though prices can range from £120 to £500 depending on your location, the practice, and your pet's individual circumstances.
Costs are UK averages based on publicly available data. Actual prices vary by practice, location, and animal size.
What affects the price?
| Factor | Impact on cost | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dog size | Larger dogs require more anaesthesia, increasing cost by £50–£100 | Great Dane (£300–£500) vs Jack Russell (£120–£250) |
| Location | London and the South East are typically 20–40% more expensive | £250–£500 in London vs £150–£300 in the Midlands |
| Extractions needed | Each extraction adds £30–£100+ to the bill | A routine scale and polish vs a clean with 3 extractions |
| Chain vs independent | Corporate chains average 16.6% more than independents (CMA data) | £200–£400 at a chain vs £150–£320 at an independent |
What's included in the price?
- Pre-anaesthetic health check
- General anaesthesia and monitoring
- Ultrasonic scaling to remove tartar
- Polishing to smooth tooth surfaces
- Oral examination under anaesthesia
- Post-operative recovery monitoring
What to expect
A professional dental cleaning (scale and polish) removes built-up plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth under general anaesthesia. The vet uses an ultrasonic scaler to clean above and below the gum line, then polishes the teeth to help prevent future build-up. While under, the vet can also do a thorough oral examination to check for loose teeth, gum disease, or other problems that aren’t visible when your dog is awake.
When is it needed? Your vet may recommend a dental cleaning if they spot tartar build-up, red or swollen gums, bad breath, or difficulty eating during a routine check-up. Some dogs need annual cleanings; others may go several years between them. Breeds with crowded teeth (small breeds, brachycephalic breeds) tend to need more frequent dental work.
Recovery time: Most dogs recover from the anaesthesia within a few hours and can eat soft food that evening. If extractions were performed, soft food may be recommended for 5–10 days. A follow-up check is typically included in the price.
