What do you need to know about plaque treatment for dogs? Is plaque treatment just a regular dental cleaning, or is it considered an illness that insurance might cover? I couldn’t find clear info in the policies from ASPCA, MetLife, and Lemonade.
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If you’re talking about the scaling and polishing the vet does while your dog is under anesthesia, that’s usually part of a regular dental cleaning.
Yeah, regular cleaning is just for preventative plaque removal. But if there’s gingivitis like plaque buildup causing gum inflammation that’s seen as a dental issue and needs the same treatment as a cleaning.
My vet mentioned that Goldendoodles often have plaque issues, which costs about $800 a year. He suggested I get insurance that would cover it.
That sounds like a typical cost for a regular dental cleaning, especially with anesthesia involved. I think your vet might not fully grasp how pet insurance works. It’d be a good idea to get a written estimate from your vet and then call some insurance companies to ask them directly. Generally, most pet insurance doesn’t cover dental cleanings under their standard policies, though some let you add a wellness plan for an extra fee, giving a small allowance for cleanings. Typically, that payout caps around $100-$200, so you’d still be responsible for the rest.
Thanks for explaining that.
It really depends on the situation. If it’s a preventative cleaning and there are no signs of dental disease, it won’t be considered an illness. But if your vet finds signs of dental disease like plaque buildup, bad breath, gingivitis, or infected teeth it might be covered, as long as it’s not considered pre-existing under the policy.