Caring for Your Pet After Extractions or Oral Surgery

18 Jul Caring for Your Pet After Extractions or Oral Surgery

If your beloved dog or cat has recently undergone oral surgery, ensuring proper care post-surgery is crucial for their recovery. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this period and ensure your pet’s well-being:

 

1. Follow Veterinarian Instructions:

• Medication: Your vet will likely prescribe pain relievers and/or antibiotics. Administer these as instructed to manage pain and prevent infections.
• Feeding: Follow specific dietary recommendations. Soft or wet food may be advised for the first 2 weeks to aid in healing. Changing your pet’s food completely may result in GI upset, so just adding warm water is usually best.

 

2. Monitoring Behavior:

• Activity Level: Monitor your pet’s activity. Rest is essential for healing, so limit strenuous activities like jumping or running, especially in the first 24 hours.
• Behavior Changes: Watch for any unusual behavior such as excessive drooling, reluctance to eat, or pawing at the mouth, which may indicate pain or complications.

 

3. Managing Discomfort:

• Pain Management: Your pet may experience discomfort. Provide a calm environment and avoid touching the surgical site to minimize irritation.
• Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress (wrapped in a cloth) to the cheek area can help reduce swelling and provide relief.

 

4. Dental Hygiene:

• Avoid Brushing: Refrain from brushing your pet’s teeth or extraction sites immediately after surgery. Allow time for healing before resuming regular dental care.
• Water Access: Ensure access to fresh water at all times. Hydration supports overall health and aids in recovery. That being said, if there is water added to your pet’s diet to soften their food, you may notice their water intake go down as they are getting it from their food.

 

5. Postoperative Check-ups:

• Follow-up Visits: Attend scheduled follow-up appointments. They will assess healing progress and address any concerns. And don’t hesitate to reach out before then!
• Sutures: Extraction sites are typically closed with absorbable sutures. If any extra oral sutures were placed, they may need to be removed by a doctor or technician after 10-14 days.

 

6. Watch for Complications:

• Signs of Infection: Look out for signs such as increased swelling, redness, or discharge from the surgical site. Contact your vet promptly if you notice any concerning symptoms.
• Difficulty Eating: Often it takes time for pets to learn how to use their new mouth after extensive oral surgery, but if your dog or cat continues to have difficulty eating after the initial recovery period, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet.
• Halitosis/Odor: If you notice an odor from your pet’s mouth, this may be a sign that an infection has developed.

 

7. Gradual Return to Normal Routine:

• Slow Introduction of Regular Food: Gradually reintroduce your pet to their normal diet as advised by your vet. This helps avoid digestive upset.
• Resume Play: Once your pet shows signs of comfortable healing, slowly reintroduce normal activities and playtime. Typically, with simple extractions, pets are able to return to regular activity after 24 hours

 

8. Emotional Support:

• Comfort: Offer reassurance and gentle affection to help alleviate any anxiety or stress your pet may experience during recovery.
• Patience: Understand that recovery times can vary. Be patient and supportive throughout the healing process.

 

Dog & Cat Dentist in Denver, CO

By following these guidelines and maintaining close communication with your veterinary team, you can ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery for your dog or cat after oral surgery. If you think your pet may need oral surgery or other dental care, contact Apex Veterinary Specialists today to make an appointment. We’ll help make sure your dog or cat maintains a healthy smile. 

 

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (7/18/2024). Photo by Alexandru Zdrobău on Unsplash