You take steps to ensure your pet gets enough exercise and eats the right food, but are you also keeping an eye on their dental health? In the same way that humans can develop problems with their teeth and gums, canines and felines can too.
For example, your pet might develop periodontal disease while they’re still young, and if not treated, it could worsen over time. This could lead to pain and discomfort, tooth loss, and problems in other parts of the body, such as the heart and kidneys.
The good news is you don’t have to break the bank to care for your pet’s teeth and gums, especially when you have the right pet insurance!
Pet dental health: at home and at the vet’s office
Thankfully, pet dental care doesn’t need to be too complicated. You can learn how to brush your companion’s teeth at home using a toothbrush and toothpaste that’s specially designed for cats or dogs. And there are foods, treats, supplements, and toys that help keep teeth clean as well.
In addition to at-home dental care, you can talk to your vet about checkups to keep track of the condition of your furry friend’s mouth. Your veterinarian might also recommend a pet dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar and help restore the health of the gums. And, in severe cases, tooth extraction might be necessary.
Dog and cat dental problems that require treatment
Canines and felines can suffer from a variety of oral health ailments, and they can develop a range of symptoms as well. It’s important to work closely with your vet and be aware of the signs of dental problems and gum disease.
When your veterinarian examines your pet’s mouth, they’ll look for things like plaque and tartar buildup, retained baby teeth, loose teeth, missing teeth, gum inflammation, and signs of infection or disease.
If you notice that your pet has really bad breath, or your cat or dog is having trouble eating, pawing at their mouth, showing signs of discomfort, or drooling, talk to your vet. There might be something wrong with your companion’s teeth or gums, and your veterinarian can get to work on diagnosing the problem and prescribing the appropriate treatment plan to help your pet get relief.
How much does it cost for dental work on a dog or cat?
On top of covering the cost of an exam, there are other fees to consider when it comes to healing your pet’s mouth with the right veterinary treatment.
Of course, these costs will vary based on factors like where you’re located and the vet you use. And your final bill might also include fees for things like X-rays, blood tests, and medications.
To get a general idea of what you might need to spend, here are some common dental procedures and treatments and what they might cost:
- A dental cleaning, which usually includes the use of anesthesia for your pet’s safety and comfort, might cost $500 to $1,000 or more, on average.
- Treatment for gingivitis might be $300 to $1,400, on average. On the other hand, advanced gum disease treatment might cost roughly $1,500 or more, on average.
- If there is an infection that requires an extraction or root canal for one or more teeth, the price might be anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000, on average.
Does pet insurance cover dental?
Your regular veterinarian can be helpful when it comes to supporting your efforts to keep your pet’s mouth healthy, but if your dog or cat requires more specialized care, there are also veterinary dentists that you can turn to.
No matter which expert you choose to use, you might be wondering if you can save money on a routine cat dental cleaning or dog dental cleaning, or on a more intensive procedure like an extraction, when you have the right insurance.
Is there dental insurance for dogs or cats?
Yes, it is possible to get coverage through a pet insurance plan. But it’s important to read the details of a policy carefully to know exactly what to expect, to determine if there’s a limit to the coverage, and to find out if you’ll be responsible for out-of-pocket costs like deductibles or copays.
Whether you’re searching for cat dental insurance or dog dental insurance, you do have options, but plans vary from one provider to another. Always check if a plan has any exclusions when it comes to the ailments it will cover.
Keep in mind that you might need to pay extra to get the dental coverage you want, and standard plans might only provide coverage for certain types of dental treatments. For example, treatments that are considered routine (e.g. a cleaning) might not be covered, while dental care related to an accident or injury (e.g. a broken tooth) might be covered under a standard plan.
It may be worth getting a wellness policy if you want to receive support when it comes to routine care like cleanings. On the other hand, an illness plan might be there to help if your pet is diagnosed with a condition like gum disease. And an accident plan may help if your dog or cat suffers a mouth injury.
Also, remember that pet insurance generally doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, so if your companion was diagnosed with oral health problems prior to enrollment, the insurance likely won’t help you cover the cost of treatment.
Search for pet dental insurance on the Direct Benefits Marketplace
Are you hoping to enroll in pet insurance that covers dental, but you aren’t sure where to begin your search for the ideal level of coverage? Check out the Direct Benefits Marketplace, which makes it a snap to browse the various policies that are available in your area. See which ones provide support for dog dental care and cat dental care, and which ones best suit your budget . Before you know it, you’ll have the coverage you need to help keep your furry friend’s teeth and gums clean and healthy!