Hello! Just joined the forums, and this is my first post! Our basenji is going on 13 years. I've had her teeth cleaned before, but the last time we had this done (2 years ago), it cost almost $900. Our vet is great and is AAHA approved. They use human-grade anesthesia, put her on an EKG and an IV drip, all of that. But, $900 is a lot of money. Just wanted to check to see if that is the norm? I would hate to cheap out and take her elsewhere and have something go wrong, you know? I think it is definitely time for a teeth cleaning, though. Her breath is so bad I can hardly stand to be near her. Brushing her teeth and giving her Denta Treat powder daily doesn't seem to help.

Thanks!

If her breath is that bad then most likely she needs them done… and how is her blood work? What was it the last time?.... usually typical on an older dog that they need extra supportive care during surgery. It is the blood work (kidney values, liver values) that will tell what shape she is in and what she needs during the surgery. And I have paid that much....

Diggie just had that and a couple of small back teeth removed and it was about 1/2 that cost. Preblood work up, pain killers, anitbiotics, etc. But I'm in a rural area and rural vets are usually cheaper. Of course cost is dependent on where you are too. I know that housing costs are higher in Portland and most of CA compared to here.

I'm paying about half that amount for Nemo's but I also live in Wisconsin.

My first beastie had to have teeth cleaned and two pulled and anesthesia and it cost me just under $300 – but that is really a function of where you are.
Costs for a lot of things are much lower here in the Midwest (but that doesn't mean you should all move back here - you have much milder weather - I'm writing this with -16 deg F outside).

Holy smokes…that seems like a lot for a tooth cleaning. I have paid half that much for two cleanings with extractions. But as Wizard pointed out, things are often less expensive in the Midwest.

Thanks for all the feedback! There's a new vet down the street, and I could actually WALK Deedle there. It looks like a nice place, and I liked what I read about the vet. Maybe I will look into alternatives, but I'm not sure. Deedle has had teeth issues for a long time (we got her when she was 4. Before that she was chained up for weekends in a backyard with just a big bowl of food! So, she tried to chew through the chain and fractured some teeth. Poor thing), so I want to make sure she gets very thorough and good care. Her breath could scare away an army, though, I tell you!

Really happy I discovered this forum.

@mariko:

Really happy I discovered this forum.

We are too!

We have had two of our B girls that have needed advanced oral care. First was cage biter and chewer and the second was a rescue whose mouth had been neglected for many years. We used a dental specialist both times and it was at least as expensive as you are describing. ( twice as expensive for removals and restorations in one instance ) We discussed going to someone less expensive but it all boiled down to who we trusted and which staff seemed most professional and caring. Either way you are doing a good thing and your pooch will appreciate it.

@wizard:

weather - I'm writing this with -16 deg F outside).

OMG, I feel your pain. it's -12 deg F and still dropping here. :eek: I'm almost afraid to let Nemo go outside.

This morning it was -20 F (-29C)! Luny did not want to go outside - I had to go out with him to be sure he peed - he didn't go far from the door either.

I pay $600 and get the IV, special anesthesia, etc., like you. I've had it done quite a bit cheaper without the extras. One thing to keep in mind though–is that letting the teeth go can really affect the organs. It's best to keep their teeth in tip top shape (especially when they're older).

Once you get her teeth cleaned it will be important to maintain good dental health. I can't say enough good things about this product. I use the gel to brush the teeth several times a week and use the spray on the other days. The results are UNBELIEVABLE. I will never use another dental product again.

http://www.petzlife.com/

My dog (only have a rat terrier now) doesn't mind the taste of any of the products but I don't like the 'fishy' smell of the salmon flavor so I only use the regular. If you can, try to brush the teeth, but if not, use your finger or a cloth to apply the gel to the teeth. This stuff WORKS!

Deb

@nodakerdeb:

Once you get her teeth cleaned it will be important to maintain good dental health. I can't say enough good things about this product. I use the gel to brush the teeth several times a week and use the spray on the other days. The results are UNBELIEVABLE. I will never use another dental product again.

http://www.petzlife.com/

My dog (only have a rat terrier now) doesn't mind the taste of any of the products but I don't like the 'fishy' smell of the salmon flavor so I only use the regular. If you can, try to brush the teeth, but if not, use your finger or a cloth to apply the gel to the teeth. This stuff WORKS!

Deb

Very interesting. I've had pretty good results with just brushing every other day (I try to do it every day), but I may look into this later on.

Welcome to the group. My boy has foul mouth also. I have an appt booked with the vet. I haven't asked price.

G

Thanks Deb, I am going to give it a try….

I brush Congo's teeth and I can't use my finger to brush his teeth unless I want my fingers pinched. He is pretty good about it and I use a peanut butter flavor toothpaste and also a chicken broth flavor. I don't have to buy Denta bones and his teeth stay in pretty good shape if I brush them 2-3 times a week. It took a good month though before he would let me do it without a huge protest.

@tanza:

Thanks Deb, I am going to give it a try….

Pat, I've tried just about every product on the market and nothing has even come close to working like this stuff. We have a natural pet food/supply store in Fargo and they no longer carry any dental products other than PetzLife. They said once the word got around about this product that was all they sold while the other products sat on the shelf.

[edit] I should also say that I use the 'Triple-headed' toothbrush also. The best invention ever!

I use a "human" battery powered toothbrush… no one minded it at all....

@nodakerdeb:

Pat, I've tried just about every product on the market and nothing has even come close to working like this stuff. We have a natural pet food/supply store in Fargo and they no longer carry any dental products other than PetzLife. They said once the word got around about this product that was all they sold while the other products sat on the shelf. I have to thank Linda Seikert of Sinbaje Basenjis for alerting me to this fine product.

[edit] I should also say that I use the 'Triple-headed' toothbrush also. The best invention ever!

There was a local pet store nearby that carried PetzLife products. The employee there mentioned that he hears nothing but good things about this stuff and that they were completely out of the spray. $25-30 may seem like a lot for such a small amount of product but it's cheap insurance to keep your dogs teeth healthy.