Your pet has undergone a dental procedure under general anaesthesia. Whether they had a routine dental clean or required tooth extractions, it’s normal for them to need a little extra care while they recover.
Most pets recover quickly following a dental procedure, with the first 24–48 hours being the most important.
This guide is intended to complement the discharge instructions provided by your veterinarian. If your veterinary team has provided different advice for your pet, always follow their recommendations.
What was performed?
Your pet underwent a dental procedure under general anaesthesia which may have included:
- A comprehensive oral examination
- Dental X – rays
- Scale and polish
- Cleaning below the gum line
- Gum irrigation
- Assessment of gum pockets
- Application of anti – plaque treatments
- Tooth extraction(s), where required
- Administration of pain relief and antibiotics, where appropriate
If your pet had one or more teeth extracted, dissolvable sutures may have been placed in the mouth. These do not usually require removal.
What to expect after the procedure
It is normal for your pet to experience:
- Grogginess for the first 1–2 hours after anaesthesia
- Mild tooth or gum sensitivity for 24–48 hours
- Small amounts of blood or blood – tinged saliva for up to 24 hours
- Reduced appetite on the day of the procedure
These signs should gradually improve over the first couple of days.
Feeding your pet
For the first 24 hours:
- Offer small amounts of food and water once your pet is fully awake and alert.
- Feed soft food for 3–5 days to protect healing gums.
If feeding dry food, soften it with warm water and allow it to soak for approximately 15 minutes before serving.
Resume normal feeding once your pet’s appetite returns.
If your pet had multiple teeth extracted, your veterinarian may recommend feeding soft food for a longer period.
Ensure your pet has access to plenty of fresh drinking water during recovery.
Oral care
Your pet’s mouth needs time to heal.
For routine dental cleaning:
- Do not brush your pet’s teeth for 24–48 hours.
- Resume gentle brushing once any gum sensitivity has resolved.
- If teeth were extracted:
- Do not brush the extraction site until your veterinarian advises it is safe.
- Do not provide dental chews or chew toys until the gums have healed (typically around 7 days).
- Your pet’s gums will be assessed at their follow – up appointment if required.
Medications
Your veterinarian may prescribe medications to support your pet’s recovery, including:
- Pain relief medications
- Antibiotics
- Anti – inflammatory medications
- Dental rinses or gels
Always administer medications exactly as prescribed and complete the full course unless directed otherwise by your veterinarian.
Activity
Most pets can return to normal activity once they have fully recovered from the anaesthetic.
For the first week:
- Avoid hard chew toys, bones and other hard items if extractions were performed.
- Monitor your pet for any reluctance to eat or chew.
- Resume normal exercise once they are eating comfortably.
Ongoing dental care
Dental treatment removes existing plaque and tartar, but plaque can begin forming again within 24 hours.
To help maintain your pet’s dental health, your veterinarian may recommend:
- Regular tooth brushing using pet – approved toothpaste
- Dental chews
- Dental rinses
- Veterinary therapeutic dental diets
If there have been any extractions, owners should only return to normal diet once advised by the clinic.
Regular dental examinations and professional cleans remain an important part of your pet’s long – term dental health.
When to contact your veterinarian
Please contact your veterinary team immediately if your pet:
- Stops eating for more than 24 hours
- Continues vomiting after the initial recovery from anaesthesia
- Has significant bleeding from the mouth
- Has difficulty breathing
- Remains extremely lethargic for more than 24 hours
- Has excessive drooling and is unable to swallow
- Develops facial swelling or discharge
We encourage open communication and are here to support you and your pet throughout their recovery.
