Did you know that one of the most common veterinary surgical procedures is tooth extraction? Tooth extraction may be required if your pet has periodontal disease or has experienced oral trauma. While most pets recover quickly from extractions, pets can benefit from rest and TLC after any medical procedure. Your love, care, and attention can make a big difference in quick and easy pet recovery. Extra care during the aftercare process can help to prevent further complications.
Tips to Help Your Pet to Recover After a Dental Procedure
Some pets require extra special care following a dental procedure. Here are some simple tips for providing high-quality, compassionate aftercare for dog and cat dental surgery:
1. Keep an eye on your pet’s behavior
Home care is necessary following tooth extraction. You should be aware that your pet is still not fully recovered even though it may act and eat normally 48 to 72 hours after the procedure. You must observe your pet closely for a few weeks until the sutures have dissolved.
Monitoring your pet’s recovery and return to its routine and diet is essential because complications can occasionally arise after an extraction. Be aware of any complications, as pets often hide the pain. After the procedure, dog and cat vaccinations can be obtained as preventive care to make sure they stay healthy and free of any other diseases.
2. Give them plenty of rest
Giving your pet a quiet, warm, and comfortable place to rest after surgery will help it recover. Your pet should start recovering from the anesthetic within a few hours, though full recovery can take up to 48 hours. Your pet may appear sleepy and lethargic during this time. Contact your veterinarian immediately if she is still drowsy, disoriented, or has lost her appetite after 24 hours.
Dog overnight boarding can be a wonderful experience for pets, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for your pet to rest, play, and recover after surgery.
3. Give them pain relievers and antibiotics
Vets will most likely give your pet pain relievers after surgery. Before taking your pet home, it is essential to discuss pain relief administration in detail with your veterinary dentist and to follow the instructions on the bottle. Check with your veterinary dentist to ensure the treats are appropriate for his post-op diet. If your pet refuses to take her pain relievers at home, contact your veterinarian so they can assist you in determining what to do.
4. Provide them with nutritious food
Before you leave, talk to your veterinary dentist about post-op feeding. Depending on the procedure, your pet must refrain from eating hard kibble until the surgical site has completely healed. This could take up to three weeks.
To make it easier for your pet to eat, soften their regular food with hot water or diluted hot bouillon. Allow it to cool before serving it to your pet. Wet or semi-moist food is another option. Consult your veterinary dentist for a recommendation. Also, proper hydration is essential for a quick recovery.
5. Follow your veterinarian’s instructions
Your veterinarian will recommend limiting your pet’s activity and feeding them softer foods. Brushing your pet’s teeth should be avoided for a few weeks. Nevertheless, you can use chlorhexidine rinses at home until they can start brushing again.
Finally, you should ask your vet if she needs a post-op checkup. Before bringing your pet home, schedule a post-operative follow-up appointment if this is necessary. You can get more information about proper post-operative care for pets from a veterinarian; they can also give you advice about cat surgery neutering. Click here to learn more about post-op care.