At a glance
Dog dentistry can be expensive as even routine treatments may need a general anaesthetic.
Dental cover is often not included as standard – check the policy terms.
Cover can include dental accidents and illnesses but it’s unlikely to cover preventative care.
Regular dental check-ups may be a requirement of your cover.
Why do I need dental pet insurance?
Your dog’s teeth need a lot of looking after. If you don’t take care of them, dogs can suffer from gum disease, abscesses and tartar build-up.
Left untreated, these can cause infections that could spread to other organs like the liver, kidneys and heart, leading to complications.
They can lower your dog’s immune system, affect their quality of life and even increase their risk of conditions like heart disease. In the worst cases, gum and tooth disease could result in blood poisoning and even death.
That’s why it’s vital to take good care of your dog’s teeth, but this isn’t always cheap.
How much does dog dental treatment cost?
Vet fees can vary hugely, depending on the practice you choose and where you live. Your dog’s size, age and general health can also affect the cost of dental treatment.
For example, if your dog has an abscess or damaged tooth and needs an extraction, they’ll need to have it removed under general anaesthetic, and it’s likely to cost upwards of £400. And you could be charged for X-rays and a consultation on top of that.
Insurance policies that include dental cover tend to be more expensive than those that don’t, but it could be a price worth paying. If your dog suffers an accident or injury that results in tooth trauma, you could be billed for hundreds of pounds.
Unlike humans, dogs don’t tend to sit quietly during treatment. That means even simple procedures, like teeth cleaning, can require an anaesthetic to make sure that your dog isn’t distressed and the vet isn’t bitten.
Some vet practices may charge for a general anaesthetic based on how long the treatment takes, while others may charge more for larger dogs, who need higher dosages of medication and anaesthesia.
This could push up the price, as could the cost of routine painkillers and antibiotics. That’s why you may want to look for pet insurance that covers dental care.
Does pet insurance cover dental work?
Few dog insurance policies include dental work as standard – you’ll normally have to pay extra to have it included. But even if you have dental cover for your dog, it’s unlikely to cover routine dental treatments like a scale and polish.
Your insurance can typically cover accidents, such as your dog or cat breaking a tooth, and, in some cases, the care of dental illnesses, such as infected teeth, abscesses and lesions.
To avoid being left out of pocket, make sure you’re aware of any terms that apply to your dog’s dental cover. For example, for your cover to be valid, you may need to take your dog for a dental check-up every year.
What types of pet insurance are available?
There are four types of dog insurance policy:
Accident-only: this only covers procedures resulting from an accident – you won’t be covered for illness.
Time-limited: new conditions are covered for a set time period (usually 12 months) or up to the policy limit, depending on which comes first. After that, you’ll need to cover the costs.
Maximum benefit: you’re covered up to a set amount for each new condition.
Lifetime: your dog is insured for life, with the cover limit renewed each year if you keep up with the premiums.
You can generally have dental cover added to these policies, but you’ll need to check the terms and conditions to see exactly what’s included.
What doesn’t my dog’s dental insurance cover?
Even pet insurance that covers dental work won’t cover everything.
Among the procedures likely to be excluded are:
Regular check-ups
Routine teeth cleaning and preventative care
Cosmetic dental treatment
Treatment for pre-existing conditions, general tooth decay or anything else that the insurance provider believes you could have prevented by taking better care of your dog’s teeth.
And if you’ve chosen an accident-only policy, you won’t be able to claim for illnesses or chronic conditions, either.
Always check the policy wording carefully before you buy so you know exactly what is and isn’t covered.
How to look after your dog’s teeth
There are a few steps you can take to help keep your dog’s teeth healthy.
Brush your dog’s teeth every day. Pet shops and online stores stock a huge range of dog-friendly toothpaste, toothbrushes, finger pads and teeth gel – you may need to experiment with these to see which your dog likes best.
Take your dog for regular check-ups. It could help you catch any potential problems in their early stages.
Give them dental chews and toys specifically designed to prevent the build-up of plaque.
Feed them teeth-friendly foods. Dental chews, animal supplements and water additives could all improve your dog’s teeth. Your vet can guide you on what’s best.
How to spot dog dental problems
Visit the vet if your dog develops any of these symptoms, which may be a sign of dental problems:
Bad breath
Excessive drooling
Difficulty eating or loss of appetite
Discoloured, swollen or bleeding gums
Brown or yellow teeth
Missing or loose teeth
Plaque or tartar build-up
Rubbing or pawing at the mouth.
How do I compare dog pet insurance quotes with dental cover?
Our comparison service lets you see specific features of each pet insurance policy so you can find the right cover.
But you’ll have to check the policy to see what dental cover is included. You can do this when you click through to the provider’s page.
Which pet insurance providers offer dental pet insurance?
We compare pet insurance from all sorts of big names, so you can see a range of options.
Some of the providers we compare may offer dental care, but you’ll need to go to the providers’ websites to find out exactly what’s covered.
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Allie has spent her career helping people quickly understand complicated topics, to help them save money and focus on what matters. With almost 10 years’ experience writing, leading and managing content, she is an expert in personal finance and insurance products.
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Amy helps make sure you get the best value when choosing insurance. Thanks to more than four years’ experience at Compare the Market, she understands what people look for, working closely with insurance providers to offer you deals and services that are fair, easy to understand and right for your needs.
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