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    Pet Health 5 November 2025 6 min read

    Dental Disease in Dogs: The Hidden £500-2,000 Problem

    Dental Disease in Dogs: The Hidden £500-2,000 Problem

    Dental disease is one of the most common — and most overlooked — health problems in dogs. By the age of three, 80% of dogs have some form of dental disease, yet many owners don't realise until the problem is advanced and expensive to treat.

    The Cost of Dental Treatment

    • Scale and polish: £200–400 (under general anaesthetic)
    • Tooth extractions: £300–800 depending on complexity
    • Full dental with multiple extractions: £800–2,000+

    Why Is It So Expensive?

    Unlike human dentistry, all dental work on dogs requires a general anaesthetic. This means blood tests, anaesthesia monitoring, and recovery — all of which add to the cost.

    Prevention Is Key

    • Brush your dog's teeth daily — this is the single most effective prevention
    • Use dental chews and toys — they help but aren't a substitute for brushing
    • Annual dental checks — catching problems early is much cheaper than treating advanced disease

    Use The Vet Price Comparison Site to compare dental treatment costs at practices near you.