01 May Caring for Your Pet After Oral Surgery
When your pet undergoes oral surgery, it’s natural to want to do everything possible to ensure a smooth, comfortable recovery. At Veterinary Dental Specialists of Wisconsin, we are committed to supporting you and your pet every step of the way. After any procedure, you will receive detailed discharge instructions tailored to your pet’s specific needs. However, a little preparation ahead of time can make the transition home even easier for both you and your pet.
Here are a few helpful tips on how to prepare for and care for your pet after their oral surgery:
1. Set Up a Comfortable Recovery Space
Before bringing your pet home, it’s a good idea to create a cozy, quiet spot where they can rest and recover peacefully. Choose an area that is calm and away from the hustle and bustle of the household, but still allows you to keep a close eye on them.
Prepare the space with:
- Soft bedding to keep them comfortable
- Easy access to fresh water
- Limited access to stairs or slippery floors to prevent injury while they are still groggy or unsteady
Having everything ready before your pet arrives home will make settling in much smoother.
2. Prepare for Soft Food
Many pets will require soft food for a period of time after oral surgery to protect healing tissues and make eating more comfortable. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend:
- Canned food
- Softened kibble (by adding warm water or broth)
- Special prescription diets designed for recovery
It’s a good idea to have soft food on hand before the day of surgery. During your discharge appointment, we will confirm if any dietary modifications are needed and how long you should continue soft feeding.
3. Understand Medication Instructions
If your pet is prescribed medications such as pain relievers, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatories, these will be thoroughly reviewed with you at the time of discharge.
We will:
- Explain the purpose of each medication
- Provide clear written instructions for dosing
- Demonstrate how to administer them, if needed
If you have any questions at discharge or after you get home, we encourage you to call us. Your pet’s comfort and recovery are our top priority, and we are here to support you.
4. Monitor Your Pet at Home
After surgery, it’s normal for your pet to be sleepy or groggy from anesthesia for the first 24 hours. However, you should keep a close watch for any unusual symptoms such as:
- Excessive swelling or bleeding
- Difficulty breathing
- Refusal to eat or drink after the first day
- Signs of severe pain (whining, pacing, hiding)
If you notice anything concerning, don’t hesitate to contact us right away.
5. Follow All Pet Oral Surgery Care Instructions Carefully
Each pet’s recovery plan is unique. Your discharge instructions will outline:
- When to resume normal activities
- How to adjust food and medication routines
- What signs to monitor at home
- When to return for any recheck appointments
Following these instructions carefully will help ensure your pet heals as quickly and comfortably as possible.
Pet Oral Surgery in Wisconsin
At Veterinary Dental Specialists of Wisconsin, your pet’s safety, comfort, and well-being are always our top priorities.
By preparing in advance and closely following the guidance we provide at discharge, you’ll help your pet on their way to a smooth, successful recovery.
If you have any questions or concerns at any point after surgery, please contact us or call (262) 622-2537.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (05/01/2025) Image by Gentle Dog Trainers from Pixabay