Why Dental Cleanings Aren’t “Just a Cleaning”
If you’ve ever called around for dental cleaning quotes for your pet, you may have noticed a wide range in pricing—from bargain-basement deals to comprehensive packages that seem more expensive. At PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic, we understand how important it is to budget for your pet’s care. But we also believe that when it comes to dental procedures, it’s not just about the cost—it’s about what’s included.
Here’s why our dental cleanings and surgeries may cost more than the “cheaper” options—and why that investment matters for your pet’s comfort, safety, and long-term health.
What Makes Our Dental Care Different?
Dental cleanings under anesthesia are surgical procedures. Just like you’d expect a safe, monitored, and thorough experience for yourself or your child, your pet deserves the same. Here’s what’s included in every dental procedure at PetMed of Key West:
Pre-Anesthetic Lab Work
Before any anesthesia, we run bloodwork to check organ function, red and white cell counts, and screen for any hidden issues. This helps us tailor anesthesia to your pet’s needs—and avoid complications. Many low-cost clinics skip this step entirely.
IV Catheter & Fluids
Your pet is placed on IV fluids during the procedure, which helps maintain blood pressure, supports organ health, and allows immediate access in case of an emergency. It’s a vital safety step—not an add-on.
Pre-Op and Post-Op Pain Management
We don’t wait for your pet to wake up in pain. We give pain medication before the procedure, and we send post-operative meds home too—because your pet deserves to be comfortable every step of the way.
Dental Nerve Blocks for Extractions
If your pet needs teeth removed, we perform local nerve blocks—just like your dentist would for you. These injections numb the area, reduce anesthetic requirements, and significantly minimize pain during and after the procedure. Many bargain clinics skip this entirely or charge extra for it.
Full-Mouth Dental X-Rays
Not all dental disease is visible above the gumline. We take full-mouth digital X-rays to look for root infections, abscesses, and bone loss—problems that can cause serious pain but would otherwise go undetected. If your pet gets a “quick cleaning” without X-rays, there’s a real chance disease is being left behind.
What’s Not Included at Low-Cost Clinics?
Many budget dental services provide only a basic cleaning—and often skip the steps that make the procedure safer and more effective. These “cheaper” quotes often don’t include:
- Pre-anesthetic lab work
- IV fluids
- Monitoring equipment
- Pain medication
- Dental nerve blocks
- X-rays
- A veterinarian performing or supervising the cleaning
Some may even offer non-anesthetic dental cleanings, which may seem appealing but are not only ineffective—they can be dangerous. Cleaning the visible surfaces of teeth while your pet is awake does nothing for the infection under the gums, and can lead to missed disease and long-term pain.
Your Pet Deserves Safe, Thorough, Compassionate Care
At PetMed of Key West, we’re not in the business of cutting corners. We’re in the business of protecting your pet’s health—and that means doing things the right way, every time. We believe in:
- Clear, transparent pricing
- Honest recommendations
- Quality over shortcuts
- Treating your pet with the same care we’d give our own
Every pet is different, and we’re happy to provide a personalized estimate based on your pet’s age, health, and dental needs. Call us at (563) 583-8387 to schedule a dental consultation or book an appointment online. Because when it comes to your pet’s mouth, “just a cleaning” isn’t enough—they deserve the full picture.