What professional teeth cleaning for a dog is
Tartar is mineralised plaque. What you see on the crown is only part of the problem: under the gums bacteria accumulate, periodontal pockets form and the bone around the roots is destroyed. That is where periodontitis develops — the disease that eventually makes teeth loose and painful.
So professional teeth cleaning for a dog is not cosmetic but a diagnostic and treatment procedure. Its aim is not just whiter teeth but removing deposits above and below the gums, checking every tooth and finding problems that can’t be seen on a routine examination. I explain in detail why removing tartar alone is not enough in the article dog teeth cleaning: why scaling tartar is not enough.
- Tartar on the crown — what owners can see.
- Plaque and tartar under the gum — the main source of inflammation.
- Periodontal pocket — a gap between the gum and the root.
- Bone around the root breaks down, and the tooth loses support.
Interactive
Why “just a cleaning” does not treat teeth
This is a dog’s lower jaw before the procedure: tartar and reddened gums. Try “just cleaning” the teeth — removing the tartar only, as in a cleaning without diagnostics.
This is a simplified drawing for illustration only, not a dental chart or a radiograph of a real patient. Every animal’s findings are different and can only be established during an examination under anaesthesia.
What dog teeth cleaning includes: the basic COHAT protocol
The base COHAT price covers the following steps — all performed under anaesthesia:
An ultrasonic scaler is just a tool. The value of the procedure lies in the diagnostics: without probing and radiographs you cannot say which teeth are healthy and which need treatment. More about the protocol on the COHAT page.
- 01
Oral examination under anaesthesia
I assess every tooth, the gums, the oral mucosa and the bite.
- 02
AirPolishing (Air Flow)
Removal of soft plaque with a special powder and a jet of water and air.
- 03
Ultrasonic scaling
Hard deposits above and below the gumline — it is under the gums that inflammation starts.
- 04
Periodontal examination
Pocket probing and assessment of tooth mobility and the surrounding tissues.
- 05
Full-mouth dental radiography
Roots, the bone around them, hidden fractures, resorption — what can’t be seen on examination.
- 06
Tooth-by-tooth assessment and plan
I combine the clinical and radiographic findings and draw up a treatment plan if one is needed.
- 07
Polishing
Smooth tooth surfaces collect new plaque more slowly.
- 08
Documentation
A dental chart, photos, dental radiographs, a PDF report and home-care advice.
How much dog teeth cleaning costs in Kyiv
The basic COHAT protocol costs 7 500 ₴ for dogs up to 20 kg and 9 700 ₴ for dogs over 20 kg. Inhalational anaesthesia with monitoring is provided by a veterinary anaesthetist and billed separately: 4 500–5 500 ₴.
As a guide, for a dog up to 20 kg COHAT with anaesthesia starts from 12 000 ₴. If no treatment is needed, the total is made up of COHAT and anaesthesia; the consultation and pre-anaesthetic tests are paid separately.
What is billed separately
The following are paid separately from the base COHAT price:
- the consultation before the procedure (or an online consultation if you are not in Kyiv);
- inhalational anaesthesia with monitoring of vital signs;
- pre-anaesthetic blood tests and examinations;
- treatment of the problems found, when clinically indicated: extractions, root canal treatment, restorations, crowns, orthodontic treatment, complex surgery.
Not every dog needs additional treatment. You pay only for what was actually done: if diagnostics find no teeth that need treatment or extraction, the total is COHAT plus anaesthesia.
If the findings change the agreed plan, the next steps are agreed with you — so please stay reachable on the day of the procedure.
What the final cost depends on
An exact total can’t be given before diagnostics — that is an honest answer, not reluctance to talk about price. The total depends on:
- your dog’s weight — up to or over 20 kg;
- the state of the mouth: how many teeth need treatment or extraction and how complex each one is — root shape, bone condition, access;
- the type of treatment — extraction, root canal treatment or a restoration;
- general health and which tests are needed before anaesthesia.
I give a preliminary plan and an approximate cost at the consultation, and the final one after probing and radiographs. Why a total can’t be quoted from a photo is explained on the Prices page.
Why a dog’s teeth are cleaned under anaesthesia
For a complete procedure a dog has to lie still with its mouth open while I clean below the gums, measure the pockets around every tooth and take a series of precise radiographs. Without anaesthesia this is impossible — and painful and frightening for the animal.
I work under inhalational anaesthesia. An endotracheal tube protects the airway, so water and plaque particles from the ultrasonic scaler don’t reach the lungs, and a veterinary anaesthetist monitors vital signs continuously. Pre-anaesthetic tests help assess the risks for your particular dog.
So-called anaesthesia-free cleaning removes only the visible tartar on the crowns. The inflammation under the gums remains, there are no radiographs, and the teeth look healthy when they may be diseased. Professional bodies, including the AVDC, do not recommend this approach. More in the article dog teeth cleaning without anaesthesia.
Anaesthesia-free cleaning
Visible tartar removed, crowns look whiter. Deposits and inflammation under the gums remain; roots and bone are not assessed.
Cleaning under anaesthesia (COHAT)
Cleaning above and below the gums, probing, full-mouth radiographs and a treatment plan for every tooth.
Preparing for a dental clean: which tests are needed
Before anaesthesia a complete blood count and blood biochemistry, an echocardiogram and an abdominal ultrasound are usually needed. Depending on age, breed and other conditions the list may be extended — I decide it individually at the consultation.
The tests can be done at your local clinic and the results sent in advance. You will receive individual instructions on food, water and medicines for the day of the procedure — don’t rely on generic advice from the internet. More in the article how to prepare your pet for a dental procedure.
How to book a dog teeth cleaning in Kyiv
KYIV VET PODIL clinic: 15 Nyzhnii Val St, Podil, Kyiv, near Kontraktova Ploshcha metro station. You can message me on Telegram at @dr_vetstomat.
Not in Kyiv? Start with an online consultation: I will review your photos, suggest which tests to do locally and help you plan the trip.
- 01
Consultation
I assess the teeth and gums, draw up a preliminary plan and approximate estimate, and explain which tests are needed.
- 02
Pre-anaesthetic tests
Blood tests, echocardiography, ultrasound — you send the results in advance.
- 03
Procedure date
Choose a convenient day among the open slots.
- 04
COHAT under anaesthesia
Cleaning, probing, radiographs and the agreed treatment.
- 05
Report and recommendations
A dental chart, radiographs, a PDF report and a home-care plan.
After the clean: care at home
After the procedure your dog stays under observation until fully and steadily awake. You receive a dental chart, photos, dental radiographs, a PDF report and individual recommendations: when and what to feed, how to give any prescribed medicines and when to start brushing again.
If teeth were extracted, soft food and special oral care are needed for the first few days — I will explain exactly what to do.
The result lasts longer if you brush your dog’s teeth daily with a pet toothpaste. How to get your dog used to it is covered in the article how to brush your dog’s teeth.
How often a dog needs a dental clean
There is no universal interval. Some dogs only need periodic check-ups, while small breeds with crowded teeth or dogs with periodontitis may need professional cleaning more often.
The interval depends on breed and age, gum health, how quickly plaque builds up and how regularly you brush at home. After the procedure I set a check-up date for your dog specifically.
When to see a vet
- Swelling of the face, cheek or under an eye — see a vet the same day.
- Persistent bad breath.
- Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth; red or bleeding gums.
- Loose teeth, or your dog chews on one side or drops food.
- A broken tooth or a tooth that has changed colour.
What you can do at home
- Brush the teeth daily with a toothbrush and pet toothpaste — the best way to prevent new plaque.
- Introduce brushing gradually: short sessions, a calm setting and rewards.
- As an add-on, choose treats or food with the VOHC seal.
- Swap very hard bones and antlers for safer toys.
- Lift the lip and photograph the teeth from the side — the photos will be useful at the consultation.
What not to do at home
- Don’t try to scrape off tartar yourself — it injures the gums and enamel, and the deposits under the gums remain.
- Don’t agree to tartar removal without anaesthesia “for looks” — inflammation under the gums will go unnoticed.
- Don’t use human toothpaste: it isn’t meant to be swallowed, and xylitol in some products is toxic to dogs.
- Don’t give human painkillers — ibuprofen and paracetamol are dangerous for dogs.
- Don’t expect gels or sprays to remove tartar that has already formed.
Frequently asked questions
The basic COHAT protocol costs 7 500 ₴ for dogs up to 20 kg and 9 700 ₴ for dogs over 20 kg. Inhalational anaesthesia is billed separately at 4 500–5 500 ₴. Any treatment needed is priced after diagnostics and only with your agreement.
Not properly. Without anaesthesia only the visible tartar on the crowns can be removed; cleaning below the gums, measuring pockets and taking dental radiographs are impossible. That is why professional bodies, including the AVDC, do not recommend this approach.
Yes. Full-mouth dental radiography is part of the basic COHAT protocol. I don’t offer a version without radiographs as an equivalent: roots and bone under the gums can’t be assessed without them.
There is no universal interval: it depends on breed, age, gum health and home care. After the procedure I set a check-up date for your dog specifically.
The exact time can’t be predicted in advance: it depends on the amount of deposits, on what probing and radiographs show and on whether treatment is needed. Besides the procedure itself, time is needed to prepare for anaesthesia and for a calm recovery. I give guidance on the day of the procedure at the consultation.
Sources and professional guidelines
- AVDC Position Statement on Anesthesia-Free DentistryPosition on dentistry without anaesthesia
- AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and CatsClinical guidelines for dental care
- AAHA Anesthesia and Monitoring Guidelines for Dogs and CatsGuidelines on anaesthesia and monitoring
- WSAVA Global Dental GuidelinesGlobal guidelines for veterinary dentistry
© dr.vetstomat. Original content.
Copying and publishing text and visual materials without the author's written consent is not permitted, except as allowed by law.