Depending on the condition of your pet’s dental health and the signs they’re showing, there might 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 healing 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 may not show signs of oral discomfort after an extensive dental procedure, especially if their drive to eat is great. However, this doesn’t mean they do not need aftercare. Regardless of any surgical procedure, your furry family member will rely on you to take care of them until they recover fully.
So we’ve collected five tips to guarantee 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 to alleviate pain. The vet will also provide additional medications for ongoing pain relief at home. It is important to give medications exactly as your vet prescribes to prevent overdosing and underdosing. Also, don’t hesitate to call them if you’re having difficulties administering the medicines. You may visit websites like shorelandanimalhospital.com for inquiries regarding your pet’s condition.
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 veterinary surgeon in Toledo may recommend moist or soft foods and prohibit hard kibbles until the surgical site has completely healed. This may take several days or upon the veterinarian’s specific directions on when your pet can go back 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 surgery. Your pet should recuperate from the anesthesia within a few hours, although it generally takes 12-24 hours to fully recover. Your pet may seem 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 remains like this after 24 hours, call the vet immediately.
4. Inquire if Postoperative Checkup is Needed
After your pet’s surgery, ask the veterinary dentist if a postoperative checkup will be required. If the vet confirms, book the postoperative follow-up appointment before taking your pet home.
5. Regularly Check for Signs of Problems
Even when your pet returns to its normal diet and routine, it’s still important to look out for any signs of problems that might happen after an extraction. Call your veterinarian for advice if you notice the following symptoms:
- Dropping food while eating
- Foul breath (Halitosis)
- Disinterest in favorite chew toys
- Showing aggression when touching their face
- Excessive drooling
- Swelling or bleeding around the wound area
However, if you observe serious symptoms like frequent urination, sudden weight loss, rapid heartbeat, or shallow breathing, you may need to have your pet examined by an internal medicine veterinarian. Conditions like digestive disorders, reproductive issues, tumors, heart problems, and other chronic diseases will require the attention of experts specializing in pet internal medicine. Vet internists are trained in diagnosing and handling advanced internal medicine diseases to help pets live their best lives despite their serious condition.
Final Thoughts
Although many pets don’t experience many difficulties following oral 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.
