Many people who love and care for their pets have the question, “What should I expect after my pet’s dental surgery?” Dental health for pets, just like humans, is critical when considering their overall health and welfare. Dental issues in our beloved pets can lead to serious problems if left untreated.
These issues can include infections, diseases that affect the gums, loss of teeth, and even illnesses that make their way to other parts of our pet’s bodies, such as the heart or kidneys. Pet dental surgery is one way we can help prevent and treat these issues.
Observing Your Pet Post-Surgery
Most dental procedures for pets require anesthesia, which means your pet may feel a bit groggy or seem sleepy after coming home. In the first few hours after surgery, you may see some unusual behavior in your pet. Here are some things to watch for:
- Lethargy: Just like us, pets may feel tired and want to sleep more than usual after anesthesia. It’s entirely normal for your pet to want to rest and sleep it off during the first 24 hours after their dental surgery.
- Incoordination: Anesthesia can impact our pet’s balance and coordination. Just like humans under anesthesia, our pets may stumble a bit or walk as if they’re off-balance. It’s important to keep an eye on them to prevent accidents during this time.
- Loss of Appetite: After having dental surgery, your pet may not be hungry or want to drink water. This usually happens because anesthesia can make your pet feel a little sick to its stomach.
Signs of Complication
Is your pet continuing to act strangely or show symptoms even 48 hours after surgery? If so, you should call your vet right away. Some signs there may be complications from dental surgery include:
- Bleeding: Some blood is expected right after dental surgery, but it shouldn’t continue for much longer. If your pet is still bleeding from its mouth after a few hours, it could be cause for concern.
- Excessive Drooling: Does your pet seem to be drooling more than usual? This could suggest that they’re feeling some sort of discomfort or pain in their mouths.
- Fever: Just like humans, pets can also get a fever if there’s an infection. If your pet’s temperature is higher than usual, this could signify an infection from their recent dental surgery.
Importance of Pet Parasite Prevention
Pets are also prone to parasite infections, and as responsible pet owners, we need to ensure that our furry friends are protected. This can be achieved through regular cat vaccinations. Since parasites can cause a number of health problems in our pets, ranging from skin disorders to stomach issues, and even severe illnesses that can affect their entire body, it is important to make pet parasite prevention a priority.
Care for Your Pet’s Oral Health
Just like us, our pets can greatly benefit from good oral hygiene at home. Proper care at home can make a big difference in your pet’s dental health, reducing the need for dental procedures down the road. Here are some tips to ensure good pet oral health:
- Dental Chews: Dental chews are designed to help clean your pet’s teeth as they eat them. They’re a fun and easy way to help take care of your pet’s oral health.
- Daily Toothbrushing: Did you know pets need their teeth brushed too? Using toothpaste that’s made for pets, brushing your pet’s teeth daily can greatly improve their oral health.
- Dietary Changes: Changing your pet’s diet to include dry kibble and dental diets can help reduce the buildup of pet oral health dangers like plaque and tartar.
What is a Veterinary Diagnostic Lab?
Veterinary diagnostic labs are a big part of taking care of our pet’s healthcare. These labs are where various lab tests for pets are conducted to diagnose and monitor various health conditions. Some of these tests can help determine if pets have any parasites, while others can provide an in-depth look at the internal health of your pet.
These labs come equipped with modern technology to provide the most accurate results. You can ask your vet for more info about what specific tests are conducted and how they can provide valuable insights about your pet’s health.
Benefits of Veterinary Dentistry
Visiting a veterinary dentist isn’t just for when your pet has a mouth problem. Regular check-ups with a professional cat dentist greatly contribute to your pet’s overall health. Dental cleanings can remove the dangerous build-up of plaque and tartar, and early detection of oral diseases can save your pet from unnecessary pain and potentially costly procedures in the future.
Conclusion
To make sure your pet recovers well after dental surgery, observing their behavior and symptoms closely after the surgery is very important. Equally important is ensuring their oral hygiene at home to prevent any future dental issues.
Remember, the health of your pet is in your hands. Regular vet check-ups and prevention protocols like vaccinations can keep them healthy and active. After all, they rely on us for their health and well-being, and keeping them healthy is the least we can do for all the love and happiness they bring into our lives.
