POST-DENTAL CARE AND INSTRUCTIONS

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These general instructions are provided in addition to any specific recommendations discussed with you by your veterinarian. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet’s recovery, please contact the clinic on 07 3846 0043.

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FEEDING

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After arriving home, allow your pet to rest quietly for at least 30 minutes.

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Offer a small amount of fresh water initially, followed by approximately half of their normal evening meal.

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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:
• Small pieces of cooked meat
• Soft commercial dog rolls
• Softened kibble

 

Avoid hard biscuits, bones, antlers, rawhides, dental chews, sticks, balls, or other hard items during the healing period.

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It is not unusual for your pet to have a reduced appetite on the evening of the procedure. Normal feeding can usually resume the following day unless otherwise instructed.

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ACTIVITY

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Your pet may be sleepy or quieter than normal following anaesthesia.

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Restrict exercise and vigorous activity for the first 24 hours after the procedure.

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If extractions were performed, prevent chewing of toys, bones, treats, sticks, or other hard objects until advised by your veterinarian.

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RECOVERY AND MONITORING

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Please monitor your pet closely over the next few days.

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Contact the clinic if you notice:
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Weakness or lethargy
• Loss of appetite lasting more than 24 hours
• Any other concerning changes

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Some pets may develop a mild cough, throat irritation, or occasional gagging following anaesthesia due to placement of the breathing tube. This usually resolves within a few days.

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Please contact the clinic if:
• Signs persist longer than 5 days
• Symptoms worsen
• Any breathing difficulties develop

 

EXTRACTIONS AND ORAL HEALING

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If tooth extractions were performed, a small amount of blood-tinged saliva may be seen during the first 24 hours.

 

This can be normal.

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Please contact the clinic immediately if you observe:
• Significant or persistent bleeding from the mouth
• Excessive drooling
• Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face
• Difficulty eating or chewing
• Persistent jaw chattering
• Food falling from the mouth
• Foul odour from the mouth
• Swelling around the face or jaw

 

Dissolvable sutures may have been placed to close extraction sites. These are typically purple or blue initially and gradually become lighter in colour as they dissolve.

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These sutures do not require removal and may remain visible for several weeks.

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Avoid lifting the lips or manipulating the extraction sites during healing, as this may disrupt the sutures and delay recovery.

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A post-operative recheck may be recommended, particularly if multiple or complex extractions were performed.

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ONGOING DENTAL CARE

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If no extractions were performed, dental home care can generally recommence within 48 hours.

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If extractions were performed, wait approximately 14 days or until advised by your veterinarian before restarting dental care.

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Recommended home dental care includes:
• Daily tooth brushing (gold standard)
• Veterinary dental gels or rinses
• Prescription dental diets
• Approved dental chews or dental supplements
• Routine veterinary dental examinations

 

Regular dental assessments every 6–12 months are recommended to maintain oral health and identify problems early.

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BANDAGE REMOVAL

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

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Mild skin irritation can occasionally occur where the fur was clipped. Please contact the clinic if you notice redness, swelling, or excessive licking.

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If you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet’s recovery, please do not hesitate to contact us on 07 3846 0043.

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Located in the heart of West End, South Brisbane Vet is a trusted veterinary clinic serving pets and families throughout South Brisbane, Southbank, Woolloongabba, West End, Highgate Hill, Dutton Park, Kangaroo Point, Paddington and surrounding inner-city Brisbane suburbs. We provide comprehensive veterinary services including pet vaccinations, dental treatments, surgery, diagnostics and wellness care at affordable prices.

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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 Advocate