Depending on the condition of your pet’s dental health and the signs they’re showing, there may come a time when tooth extraction will be necessary. When a tooth gets damaged beyond repair or has significant decay that must be removed to prevent spreading to other teeth and causing infections, tooth extraction will be required. The aftercare needs and recovery time of every dog following their dental surgery will vary depending on their condition and the size of teeth extracted.
If your pet is due for a tooth extraction a few days or weeks from now, we’ll discuss several pointers for providing proper care when you take them home after their surgery.
How to Care for Your Pet Following a Dental Surgery
Some pets may not show signs of oral pain after an extensive dental procedure or dog teeth cleaning, especially if their drive to eat is great. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t need aftercare. Regardless of any surgical procedure, your furry family member will rely on you to look after them until they recover fully.
So we’ve collected five tips to ensure your pet’s swift recovery after dental surgery.
1. Give Medications Prescribed by the Vet
Pets who have their tooth extracted are administered anti-inflammatory injections for pain relief. The vet will also provide additional medications for ongoing pain relief at home. It’s important to give medications exactly, as prescribed by the Toledo animal hospital, to avoid underdosing and overdosing. Also, don’t hesitate to contact them if you’re having problems administering the medications.
2. Feed Them Chunky Meat or Soft Foods
Before you head home after your pet’s surgery, discuss postoperative feedings with the vet. Depending on the procedure, the vet may recommend soft or wet foods and prohibit hard kibbles until the surgical site has completely healed. This may take several days or upon the vet’s specific instructions on when your pet can return to its regular diet.
3. Ensure Your Pet Gets Enough Rest
Prepare a safe, quiet, and comfortable space for your furry buddy to rest undisturbed following the surgery. Your pet should recover from the anesthesia within a few hours, although it usually takes 12-24 hours to fully recover. Your pet may seem drowsy, disoriented, or lacking in appetite during this time, so be proactive in assisting them and providing their needs that are easy to reach for them. If your animal companion remains like this after 24 hours, call the vet immediately.
4. Inquire if Postoperative Checkup is Necessary
After your pet’s surgical procedure, ask the vet dentist if a postoperative checkup will be required. If the vet confirms, schedule the postoperative follow-up appointment before taking your pet home.
5. Regularly Check for Signs of Complications
Even when your pet returns to its normal routine and diet, it’s still important to look out for any signs of complications that may occur after an extraction. Call your veterinarian for advice if you notice the following symptoms:
- Bad breath (Halitosis)
- Swelling or bleeding around the wound area
- Disinterest in favorite chew toys
- Excessive drooling
- Showing aggression when touching their face
- Dropping food while eating
However, if you observe serious symptoms like frequent urination, sudden weight loss, rapid heartbeat, or shallow breathing, you may need to have your pet checked by an internal medicine veterinarian. Conditions like reproductive issues, digestive disorders, tumors, heart problems, and other chronic diseases will require the attention of experts specializing in vet internal medicine. Vet internists are trained in handling and diagnosing internal medicine conditions in pets to help dogs live their best lives regardless of their serious illnesses.
Final Thoughts
Although most dogs don’t experience many troubles following dental procedures or extractions, they can use some rest and tender loving care from their pet owners to ensure they recuperate well. Your attention, love, and care for your pet make a big difference in their swift recovery. Do not hesitate to contact the vet dentist when your pet shows alarming symptoms while recuperating. Extra attention to detail during their recovery process can prevent and stop further complications.