Did your furry friend return from a teeth cleaning session recently? In some cases, a dog might show post-treatment pain and this can be very distressing for both the owner and their pet!
If you are worried about your whimpering dog, then you’ve come to the right place. In this piece, we will teach all pet parents how to offer the best support to their dogs after a dental session.
Dental Problems in Dogs
Dental diseases are prevalent in dogs. By age 3, more than 80 percent of dogs have some form of dental disease, also known as periodontal disease. Canine dental disease can have serious consequences, so it is essential to maintain good dog dental care.
Dental health is essential for dogs, so it is imperative to make sure your dog has frequent check-ups to prevent serious problems.
Professional dental cleaning involves measuring and polishing teeth and thorough cleaning, including a careful examination of the gums, mouth, and teeth. Before the procedure begins, the vet will sedate your furry friend with anesthesia.
What to Expect After a Dental Appointment
For any extraction sites to heal as quickly as possible, your veterinarian may recommend that you provide your pet with soft food for a few days after the procedure. If extractions occur, you may require a re-inspection appointment to make sure that the area is healing.
Once your pet is discharged from the animal clinic, it might show signs of drowsiness, grogginess, and drooling for a few hours. It may take some days for them to fully recover and this is normal.
Basically, you should expect that your four-legged pal will be tired, show a reduced appetite, and an increased need for more attention and supervision.
Dog Crying After Dental Cleaning – How To Start?
It is sad to see your dog crying and whining after a dental cleaning. Here are the most common reasons as to why dogs whimper after a dental appointment.
Dysphoria
Dogs that wake up from surgeries are confused and feel lost. They are groggy and spacey until the anesthetic sedation wears off.
They are clueless as to what happened to them and where they are or who you are. This confusion and frustration cause the dog to stress, causing it to whine and cry.
Pain
Pain is the primary reason for crying after a dental check. If the vet provided your puppy with proper medication, they wouldn’t face this problem. But if the dog continues to cry, contact the vet and ask for other pain medications.
Attention-Seeking
Dogs are like kids, they want love and attention all the time. They will whine and cry to get your attention, especially after such a confusing experience as undergoing sedation. Try to give them more attention than usual as they might still feel a degree of discomfort or pain.
If your puppy continues to cry and you are not able to find the problem, contact your vet immediately.
Anesthesia Side Effects
Anesthesia includes certain medications that can help depress your dog’s nervous system, so they remain calm and have a painless procedure. Although general anesthesia is generally very safe, it can come with side effects.
These include swelling at the injection site or a faint decrease in the dog’s cardiac output. Your pet may show behavioral changes for a few hours after general anesthesia as well.
Dog Dental Cleaning Aftercare – A Detailed Guide
After their dental cleaning and extractions, you should take your dog care of properly. They need more attention, love, and care after their sedation, oral cleaning, or surgeries. Here are some methods to care for your pup after their dental clean-up.
Rest
Create a warm, quiet and comfortable place for your dog to rest. As soon as they return from the clinic, they might need it. This is their safe space to recover from the anesthesia, drowsiness, and discomfort. Stay aware that initial signs like drowsiness and refusing food is normal for the first 24 hours. If they stay the same after 24 hours, contact the clinic.
Painkillers and Antibiotics
The vet will give your dog pain medication after the dental check-up and surgery. It’s important to discuss the drugs in detail with the veterinary dentist before taking your dog home.
Give your pup the medicine according to the instructions only. Call the clinic if your dog refuses to take the medication or if you face any problems.
Food
Discuss your pet’s post-surgery or cleaning diet with the vet before you take him/her home. Typically, the dog should be fed small meals throughout the day. According to most vets, the dog should stick to soft food or stay on a liquid diet or a bland, soft diet for a few days.
If your pet doesn’t eat or starts to vomit, contact the clinic immediately.
Postoperative Check-Ups
Don’t forget to take your canine for postoperative check-ups if the vet says it’s required. Make sure to find time for their weekly/monthly check-ups too.
Dental Disease Prevention
Ask your vet for advice on a dental home care routine. Brush your dog’s teeth, feed them with dental treats, and formulated dental foods to keep their teeth free from any dental disease.
Warning Signs of Postoperative Complications
Keep a close eye on your pet for the next few days after their dental cleaning or surgery.
Sometimes they show signs of discomfort or infection after the anesthesia wears off. If you notice any following signs, contact the veterinary clinic:
- Avoids hard food
- Extreme drooling
- Swelling or bleeding close to the wound
- Aggressive behavior if you touch their face.
- Drowsy, inactive, and groggy
- Drainage from the eyes
- Swelling around the eyes
The Bottom Line
Dogs require dental cleaning to keep their oral health in check since they are prone to oral diseases. The veterinary dentists sedate the dogs during the procedure to ensure a painless process.
Your pet is bound to show some side effects of the drug and procedure for a few hours, but if it continues for more than 24 hours, contact the clinic immediately.
Take extra special care of your pet for the next few days after the dental cleaning and watch for any signs of postoperative complications. Feed them the advised food and give medications according to the vet’s instructions.