Does Pet Insurance Cover Dog Dental Wash? Best Plans & Costs Compared (2026)

Maintaining your dog’s oral hygiene is just as important as regular vet visits for your pet. Dental issues can cause pain and infection as well as problems throughout the dog’s body with heart, liver, and kidney damage. Regularly having your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned also helps keep his mouth clean and free from bacteria by using a mild cleaning agent called the “dog dental wash” instead of a complete tooth cleaning.

Many dog owners ask, “Will my pet insurance cover my dog dental wash?” Based on my experience in working closely with veterinarians and reviewing numerous pet insurance plans, coverage for dog dental washes can differ widely depending on the insurance carrier and whether the procedure is seen as preventive compared to medically necessary.

In the following guide, I will review:

• What a dog dental wash is and why it is important
• The way insurance treats dental procedures
• Where you can find insurance coverage for a dog dental wash, and under what circumstances
• Examples of costs and real-world prices of dog dental washed
• How to best select the right plan for your pet

What Is a Dog Dental Wash and Why It Matters

Dental wash for dogs is about prevention. It can be done satisfactorily without anesthesia, only using solutions that are veterinarian-approved to brush or rinse; reduce plaque; check for gum disease; and freshen breath.

In my experience, dogs that get regular dental washing usually have fewer severe dental problems later in life. I’ve had examples of dogs that received regular prevention avoiding costly tooth extractions or treatments over $1,000.

If a dog doesn’t receive proper dental health care, oral disease includes the following:

• Periodontal disease which leads to pain and tooth loss.
• Bacteria from infected gums entering into the blood stream (from gum infections) going to the kidneys, liver, and heart (dental disease is also known to be a risk factor for these medical conditions).
• Dogs with dental disease not eating as much or avoiding chew toy(s) as they used to due to pain & discomfort.

While dental washes cannot replace having a veterinarian clean your dog professionally under anesthesia, they will help keep your dog’s mouth healthy, remove tartar buildup, and allow for less frequent full mouth dentals.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Dog Dental Wash?

Most standard pet insurance policies don’t include dental cleaning as part of their base coverage; they generally cover:

• Accidents (breaking teeth by chewing on toys)
• Dental illness (gums infected, fractured tooth)
• Medically necessary treatment.

However, many insurance companies offer wellness or preventive care add-ons that will reimburse pet owners for a portion of the expense of having their dog or cat done.

When I was looking into this topic I discovered that:

• The majority of the standard pet insurance plans do not cover preventative dental care.
• Wellness add-on coverage plans cover preventative dental care, including preventative washing, and other types of preventative cleaning.
• Medically necessary treatment will be covered if the need for preventative cleaning was created by a dental condition or injury.

Real-World Example

I worked with a dog that belongs to a client who purchased the wellness add-on on her Figo plan; after his routine dental cleaning at a total cost of $250.00, her pet insurance company reimbursed her for $180.00. This has made preventative care more accessible and encouraged more frequent visits to the veterinarian’s office for her and her dog.

Which Pet Insurance Plans Cover Dog Dental Cleaning and Wash

Coverage varies significantly. Here’s a breakdown of top providers in 2026:

Tip: Always check the fine print. Many insurers differentiate between professional dental cleaning under anesthesia and preventive dental wash, so understanding classification saves unexpected costs.

Pros & Cons of Dental Coverage in Pet Insurance

PROS

• Prompt assistance for dental problems or injuries
• Wellness options encourage regular maintenance practices
• Can greatly decrease the cost of general dental care
• Makes pet parents less anxious about having older pets

CONS

• More often than not, preventative coverage will require additional premium payment
• Wellness payment types tend to be higher than standard type polices
• Pre-existing oral conditions are generally excluded from coverage by many companies
• The time it takes for reimbursement varies by company

Cost of Dog Dental Wash With and Without Insurance

Costs vary by location, clinic, and the dog’s size and age:

Example from my experience:

My Golden Retriever received a dental cleaning at an estimated cost of $300. Due to the addition of wellness on their Lemonade plan I was reimbursed for $210 or had to cash out of my own pocket for $90 for routine maintenance for the dog and showed me the true value of preventative coverage.

Choosing the Right Plan for Dental Wash Coverage

Dental Coverage Checklist

When choosing a pet insurance plan that includes dental coverage, consider the following:

1. Type of Coverage – Confirm that the insurance policy includes preventive procedures, not just coverage for illnesses or injuries.
2. Annual Limits – Choose insurance that provides a high annual limit. This will help to limit the amount of money you pay if unexpected dental work is required.
3. Reimbursement Percentage – A good rule of thumb for preventive care is to look for a reimbursement rate of 70% to 90%.
4. Exclusions – Be familiar with any exclusions in your policy regarding any pre-existing dental problems. In addition, find out if there are limits on the number of cleanings your pet may have annually.
5. Wellness Add-Ons – Evaluate whether you need the wellness add-ons and how they compare to the total amount of reimbursements you would receive.
6. Provider Reputation – Choose a digital-first platform that processes claims quickly. Or you may choose a more reputable traditional insurance provider.

Common Mistakes Pet Owners Make

• Believing that all dental procedures are included – Many policies do not cover preventative washes.
• Neglecting to add wellness coverage – Without wellness coverage, routine cleanings will need to be paid out of pocket.
• Ignoring “fine print” – Excluded items, periods of waiting and reimbursement caps can surprise you.
• Delaying dental coverage until your pet reaches their senior years – Dental problems can build up; cover your dog’s teeth at an earlier age to avoid unexpected, expensive procedures.

Real World Use Cases

Case 1:

A 5-year-old Beagle received two preventative washes a year. With adding the wellness coverage (Figo’s) to their insurance plan, the owner has reduced the amount of money incurred for future periodontal disease from $1200 to $300 annually.

Case 2:

An older Labrador had mild gingivitis and required a medical cleaning due to infection. The dog had Embrace insurance, including wellness coverage, and the insurance reimbursed $650 for the $950 medical bill, making the treatment more affordable.

FAQs About Dog Dental Wash and Insurance

Conclusion

Caring for your canine’s teeth isn’t only for fresh breath—caring for dogs’ teeth is very important for their overall health! Based on my expertise and research, when pet insurance is paired with wellness add-on plans (like dental cleaning), it can significantly reduce the cost of monthly bills and improve the long-term health of your pet.

Before you purchase one of these plans, do your due diligence. Review all of the following before making a decision:

Illness vs preventive coverage
The reimbursement percentage of any wellness add-ons
Annual limits or exclusions to care
The cost to you without insurance vs the cost with insurance

Animals will receive consistent dental care and owners will benefit financially from continuous dental care if an appropriate plan is chosen.

About the Author 📚

M. Nouman is a dedicated pet insurance researcher with over 7 years of experience helping U.S. pet parents find affordable, trusted coverage. Working closely with veterinary professionals, Nouman ensures that every article on PetCoverUSA is accurate, reliable, and backed by real data.