Depending on the condition of your pet’s oral 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 should be removed to prevent spreading to other teeth and causing infections, tooth extraction will be required. The aftercare needs and recovery time of every pet following their dental surgery will vary depending on their condition and the size of the teeth extracted.
If your pet is due for a tooth extraction a few days or weeks from now, we’ll tackle several guidelines for providing proper care when you take them home after their surgery.
How to Look after Your Pet Following a Dental Surgery
Some pets might not show symptoms of oral discomfort after an extensive dental procedure, especially if their drive to eat is great. However, this does not mean they don’t need aftercare. Regardless of any surgical procedure, your furry family member will depend 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. You must give medications exactly as your reliable veterinarians prescribe to avoid overdosing and underdosing. Also, don’t hesitate to call them if you’re having difficulties administering the medicines.
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 might suggest soft or wet foods and prohibit hard kibbles until the surgical site has completely healed. This may take several days or upon the veterinarian’s specific instructions on when your pet can return to its regular diet.
3. Ensure Your Pet Gets Enough Rest
Prepare a quiet, safe, and comfy area for your furry buddy to rest undisturbed following the pet dental surgery in Toledo. Your pet should recover from the anesthesia within a few hours, although it generally takes 12-24 hours to fully recover. Your pet might look sleepy, 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 stays like this after 24 hours, call the veterinarian immediately.
4. Inquire if Postoperative Checkup is Required
After your pet’s surgery, ask the vet if a postoperative checkup will be required. If the vet surgeon confirms, schedule the postoperative follow-up appointment before taking your pet home. You may browse the web for more info on common pet surgical procedures.
5. Frequently Check for Signs of Issues
Even when your pet returns to its normal routine and diet, it’s still essential to watch out for any signs of problems that may occur after an extraction. Call your veterinarian for advice if you see the following symptoms:
- Foul breath (Halitosis)
- Showing aggression when touching their face
- Swelling or bleeding around the wound area
- Excessive drooling
- Dropping food while eating
- Disinterest in favorite chew toys
However, if you observe serious symptoms like frequent urination, sudden weight loss, rapid heartbeat, or shallow breathing, you might need to have your pet checked by an internal medicine vet. Conditions like reproductive issues, digestive disorders, heart problems, tumors, and other chronic diseases will require the attention of experts specializing in vet internal medicine. Veterinary internists are trained in diagnosing and handling advanced internal medicine diseases to help pets live their best lives regardless of their serious condition.
Final Thoughts
Although most pets do not experience many troubles following dental treatments or extractions, they can use some rest and tender loving care from their pet owners to ensure they recuperate well. Your love, attention, and care for your pet make a big difference in their swift recovery. Do not hesitate to contact the veterinary dentist when your pet shows alarming symptoms while recuperating. Extra attention to detail during their healing process can prevent further complications.
