Help! My Dog Needs Teeth Removed! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Where can I get help to have all of my little dog Rambo’s teeth removed? He is already an adult, 12 years old, and he is a Poodle. They want to charge me $1,050.00.“– Migdalia
Quick Info about Rambo
Hi Migdalia,
I understand how concerning it can feel to hear that Rambo may need full dental extractions, especially at his age. At 12 years old, anesthesia requires special care, but with modern protocols, pre-anesthetic testing, and close monitoring, it is generally safe when performed by an experienced veterinarian. Sometimes it is best to remove all diseased teeth in one session to avoid putting a senior dog under anesthesia twice, but in other cases where there are heart, kidney, or liver concerns, splitting the extractions into two shorter procedures can be safer. The decision depends on Rambo’s overall health and should be guided by bloodwork and a complete anesthetic risk assessment.
If the estimate you received feels difficult to manage, you might explore other clinics, universities with veterinary teaching hospitals, or local practices that work with mobile dental services, as these can sometimes offer lower costs. You may also try these steps. Before proceeding, ask for a thorough oral exam under anesthesia with dental X-rays, since this helps identify exactly which teeth require removal. From there, you and your veterinarian can decide on the safest and most affordable treatment plan, keeping Rambo’s comfort and quality of life at the center of every decision. I hope this helps.
Best,
– Dr. Paola