We, as humans, know how important it is to have a postsurgical recovery, whether it be from a dental or medical procedure. These invasive processes and treatments solved our problems, but they can also leave risks and complications so aftercare and post-surgery restrictions should be implemented to make sure that these untoward incidents are avoided. This principle goes the same way with our pets. If we are, let’s say, from a medical center near Homebush coming out from dental surgery, we should know our restrictions, work limitations, and aftercare activities so that we can ensure our surgery’s effectiveness and our safety. So let us find out what pet owners should know about the basic dog dental surgery aftercare, from what procedures usually require surgery in dogs to what tips can owners get to care for their canines post-surgery.
Dog dental surgery: Why do they need it?
If humans dread surgeries because of fear of pain and the cost they could entail, our pets can also be assumed to feel anxiety towards pain and change. However, there are instances where dogs, for instance, need to undergo dental surgery or tooth extractions to save them from further medical complications that an infection can bring. Dental problems that warrant surgery for dogs include:
- Deep tooth cracks or fractures that reached the pulp or tooth roots
- Abscesses or presence of pus in the gums, indicative of a dental or gum infection
- Severe cavities and tooth decay
- Pyorrhea or severe periodontal complication
Dog dental surgery: What to expect during the procedure
If your dog is to have a tooth surgery, your vet dentist will inform you of the following steps that he will take so you know what to expect during the dental procedure and how to prepare for your dog dental surgery aftercare. First, he will give your canine combination meds of anesthetics for sedation and pain relief through an intravenous route or through inhalation. He will then put a tube to its mouth to suck saliva and other fluids out while the dental procedure is ongoing. He may first perform teeth cleaning to remove plaque and cavity buildup and to better determine which teeth are deemed to be extracted and which can be salvaged. Once tooth extraction is performed, the empty sockets will be sutured close so that food debris will not enter post-op.
Dog dental surgery aftercare
Dogs and other pets have no way of directly verbalizing and communicating how they feel, so all pet owners should do is to put themselves on their pet’s shoes to understand their needs.
Food. If your dog only underwent deep dental cleaning, they can still consume their regular food and drink in small but frequent feedings. This will ensure that any tenderness or sensitivity that they may feel towards their mouths would not hinder them from supplying their bodies with nutrients. However, if they had tooth extractions, it is advisable to have them follow a soft diet for the first few days so as not to injure or damage the sutured part of their mouths that could elicit pain.
Medication. If humans need pain medications after dental surgery, dogs would certainly do too! They may also be prescribed with antibiotics as prophylactic steps to avoid complications of infection post-op.
Activities. All exercises and activities or movements of your dog should be monitored and assisted. Some pets take time to recover from the anesthesia, so their movements may be affected. ‘Bathroom privileges’, exercise, cuddling, and petting should also be maintained so they could heal and recover faster and safer.
Follow up. You should go for a follow-up consultation with the vet a few days after the dental surgery to make sure that the sutures have dissolved and the gums have healed. Only then can you let your dogs come back to their own usual ways.
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