Dental Insurance for Dogs: Is It Covered in Wellness Plans?
Dental insurance for dogs is more important than many owners realize. While dental health is often overlooked, it plays a major role in your dog’s 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 in 2025: What Wellness Plans Really Cover
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.
Why Dental Insurance for Dogs Is Gaining Attention in 2025
As veterinary costs continue to rise, more owners are searching for affordable dental insurance for dogs. Providers now offer better coverage, making it easier to prevent and treat dental diseases before they become serious. Combining wellness plans with standalone dental coverage ensures your pet stays healthy without breaking the bank.
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.
🦷 What Does AVMA Say About Dental Insurance for Dogs?
While the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) doesn’t directly offer pet insurance, it strongly recommends regular dental care as an essential part of your dog’s overall health. According to AVMA, untreated dental disease in dogs can lead to heart, kidney, and liver complications—making preventive dental care a top priority.
Most top-rated dog dental insurance providers align with AVMA guidelines when determining which dental procedures are considered routine versus medical. This makes it crucial to select a plan that includes or covers annual cleanings and oral exams.
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. If you want full coverage, explore your options carefully and look for providers who understand the importance of dental insurance for dogs.
📢 Helpful Links:
➡️ AVMA: Pet Dental Care
➡️ Embrace: Dental Insurance Details
➡️ Dog Wellness Plan Comparison
➡️ What Does Dog Insurance Cover
➡️ Ultimate Guide to Dog Insurance
