Post Operative Care For Your Dog And Cat After A Dental Procedure

POST-DENTAL CARE AND RECOVERY INSTRUCTIONS

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Thank you for entrusting us with your pet's dental care today.

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The following instructions are designed to help ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery. These recommendations are general in nature and should be followed in conjunction with any specific advice provided by your veterinarian.

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FEEDING

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Following discharge, allow your pet to rest quietly for at least 30 minutes before offering food or water.

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Offer a small amount of fresh water initially. If this is tolerated well, you may then offer approximately half of their normal evening meal.

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A reduced appetite on the evening of the procedure is common and is usually not a cause for concern. Most pets return to their normal eating habits by the following day.

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If tooth extractions were performed:
• Feed a soft-food diet for the next 7 days, or as directed by your veterinarian.
• Suitable options include softened kibble, cooked meats cut into small pieces, or veterinary-recommended soft diets.
• Avoid bones, antlers, hard treats, dental chews, rawhides, sticks, balls, and other chew toys during the healing period.

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ACTIVITY

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The effects of anaesthesia can persist for several hours after returning home.

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For the first 24 hours:
• Provide a warm, quiet place to rest.
• Restrict vigorous exercise, running, jumping, and rough play.
• Supervise interactions with other pets if they are likely to encourage activity.

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RECOVERY AFTER ANAESTHESIA

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Some pets may experience mild side effects following anaesthesia, including:
• Sleepiness or lethargy
• Mild incoordination
• Temporary reduction in appetite
• Mild throat irritation, coughing, or occasional gagging

 

These signs typically resolve within a few days.

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Please contact the clinic if:
• Coughing persists beyond 5 days
• Symptoms worsen rather than improve
• Any breathing difficulties develop

 

MONITORING THE MOUTH

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If dental extractions were performed, a small amount of blood-tinged saliva may be seen during the first 24 hours. This is often a normal part of the healing process.

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Please contact the clinic promptly if you observe:
• Significant or ongoing bleeding from the mouth
• Excessive drooling
• Swelling of the face or jaw
• Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face on furniture or flooring
• Difficulty eating or drinking
• Food dropping from the mouth
• Persistent jaw chattering or chewing motions
• A sudden foul odour from the mouth
• Any signs of discomfort that concern you

 

SUTURES

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Where teeth have been removed, dissolvable sutures may have been placed to close the gum tissue.

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These sutures are often blue or purple when first placed and gradually become lighter in colour as they dissolve.

 

They do not require removal and may remain visible for several weeks while healing occurs.

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To help ensure optimal healing:
• Avoid pulling back the lips to inspect extraction sites.
• Discourage chewing on hard objects.
• Follow all dietary recommendations provided by your veterinarian.

 

FOLLOW-UP CARE

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Depending on the number and complexity of extractions performed, your veterinarian may recommend a post-operative recheck appointment to assess healing.

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If a recheck has been recommended, please ensure this appointment is scheduled before leaving the clinic.

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LONG-TERM DENTAL HEALTH

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Dental disease is a progressive condition and ongoing home care is essential for maintaining oral health.

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If no extractions were performed:
• Tooth brushing and dental home care can generally recommence after 48 hours.

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If extractions were performed:
• Wait approximately 14 days, or until advised by your veterinarian, before restarting brushing or dental products.

 

Recommended dental home care includes:
• Daily tooth brushing
• Veterinary-approved dental diets
• Veterinary dental chews and supplements
• Oral hygiene gels or rinses
• Regular dental assessments with your veterinarian

 

Daily tooth brushing remains the gold standard for preventing plaque accumulation and slowing the progression of dental disease.

 

BANDAGE REMOVAL

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If a bandage has been placed on your pet’s front leg following the procedure, please remove it approximately two hours after arriving home.

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Occasionally, mild skin irritation may occur at the clipped area. Please contact us if you notice significant redness, swelling, discomfort, or excessive licking.

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If you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet's recovery, please contact the clinic at 07 3216 0045. We are always happy to help.

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Fortitude Valley Vet is an independently owned Brisbane veterinary clinic providing affordable, high-quality veterinary care to pets from Fortitude Valley, Newstead, Teneriffe, New Farm, Paddington, Kelvin Grove, Hamilton, Bowen Hills, Spring Hill and nearby suburbs. Whether you are searching for a vet near Fortitude Valley, a cat vet in Paddington, or a dog vet near Newstead, our experienced team is here to help.

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Written by:

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Dr Nic Cher, BVMS - Australia's Trusted Veterinarian

Pet Longevity, Preventative Health and Owner Preparedness Adovcate