Dental Insurance for Dogs Dental health is often overlooked in dogs—but it plays a major role in their overall well-being. Gum disease can lead to heart, liver, and kidney issues if left untreated. So, is dog dental insurance worth it? And does it fall under your wellness plan? In this guide, we’ll cover how wellness plans handle dental care and whether extra dental insurance is a smart choice.
Dental Insurance for Dogs: Is It Covered in Wellness Plans?
Why Dental Health Matters for Dogs
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), over 80% of dogs show signs of dental disease by age 3. Without regular cleanings, plaque buildup can lead to:
- Bad breath
- Painful gums or tooth loss
- Systemic infections
- Higher vet bills in the long term
🔗 Source: AVMA – Pet Dental Care
What’s Typically Covered in Dog Wellness Plans
Most basic dog wellness plans include some form of dental care. Here’s what’s usually covered:
| Service | Included in Wellness Plans? |
|---|---|
| Annual oral exam | ✅ Yes |
| Dental cleanings | ✅ Sometimes (varies) |
| Tooth extractions | ❌ No |
| Dental x-rays | ❌ No |
| Emergency dental care | ❌ No |
🦷 Note: Some providers, like Banfield and Embrace, include one dental cleaning per year with their premium wellness plans.
What About Standalone Dog Dental Insurance?
Some pet insurance companies offer optional dental coverage as an add-on or part of a comprehensive policy. This may include:
- Treatment for periodontal disease
- Tooth extractions
- Surgery or trauma-related dental care
Providers to consider:
- Embrace Pet Insurance – Dental illness coverage up to $1,000/year
- Fetch by The Dodo – Covers dental injury & disease
- Pets Best – Optional routine care add-ons including dental
🔗 Source: Embrace Pet Insurance – Dental Coverage
How Much Does Dog Dental Care Cost?
Without a plan, dental procedures can be expensive:
- Dental cleaning (under anesthesia): $300–$700
- Tooth extraction: $150–$500 per tooth
- Dental X-rays: $100–$200
Having a wellness plan that includes dental or standalone dental insurance can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
FAQs
Q: Do all dog wellness plans include dental care?
A: Not all. Some basic plans exclude dental cleanings. Always check the fine print.
Q: Is dental care considered preventive or emergency?
A: Cleanings are preventive. Extractions, infections, or injuries fall under emergency or illness coverage.
Q: Should I get both wellness and dental insurance?
A: If your dog is prone to dental issues or over age 5, it may be worth combining both.
Final Thoughts on Dog Dental Insurance and Wellness Coverage
Dog dental insurance and wellness plans often work best together. Cleanings and exams help prevent disease, while insurance covers high-cost treatments if things go wrong. Check your provider’s dental policy—and don’t skip the teeth!
📢 Helpful Links:
➡️ AVMA: Pet Dental Care
➡️ Embrace: Dental Insurance Details
➡️ Dog Wellness Plan Comparison
📷 Image Suggestions:
- Vet brushing dog’s teeth
- Before-and-after dental cleaning photo
- Comparison chart: dental insurance vs wellness plan
