After Dental Treatment

You should not notice any bleeding from extraction sites, if this happens you should contact the surgery. It is normal to notice very small amounts of blood in saliva or in water bowls for a few days.

Following dental extractions, soft food should be offered for a few days as the mouth may be sore. This can either be wet food or you can soak dry biscuits in warm water until they are soft and cool. If your pet has stitches in their gum only soft food should be fed until after their check up.

Please do not allow your pet to chew toys or bones until after their check up appointment.

Feeding 

Sometimes dogs and cats experience mild tummy upsets following sedation or anaesthesia. A small amount of water should be available as soon as you arrive home. Do not allow your pet to drink large amounts because this may cause vomiting. A normal amount of water should be provided from tomorrow morning.

We advise waiting 1-2 hours before food is offered. If you prefer you can feed a small bland meal this evening, for example boiled chicken, rice, scrambled egg or white fish. If you would prefer to buy a recovery pack of easily digested food, please ask. Alternatively feed half the amount of your pets normal food.

Vomiting and diarrhoea can be common. If this is mild and your pet is otherwise well, feed a bland diet and it should resolve without further treatment in 1-2 days. If you are concerned or your pet is unwell please contact the surgery.

Exercise

Dogs: Restrict exercise to lead walks only until after their final post op check, prevent them from running and jumping up. Do not throw toys or balls.

Cats: Keep cats indoors until after their post op check.

Pain relief

Your pet has been given injections of pain relief before surgery and these will last for up to 24 hours. If necessary the vet will have prescribed oral pain relief medication for you to continue at home until your pet’s next appointment.

Medication

See the table below for details of any medication that the vet has prescribed for your pet. Please follow instructions carefully and call the surgery if you have any concerns.

Homecare

Your pets teeth have been thoroughly cleaned above and below the gum line today to treat and prevent gum disease. Gum disease is the major cause of dental disease in both dogs and cats.

Unfortunately without regular care at home, plaque and tartar will quickly start to build up again and further treatment will be needed in future. Tooth brushing is the gold- standard in oral hygiene and should ideally be done once daily.  If brushing is not possible other products are available.

You will have received a free product and an advice sheet to get you started with tooth brushing, Please do not attempt to brush your pet’s teeth until after their check up. Their mouth may be sore and you may cause them to resent tooth brushing in future.

Next appointment

Please make an appointment at the surgery in 7 days.

Special Instructions

If you have any concerns you can telephone the surgery on 01723 513119 at any time