Pets undergoing anesthesia for dental procedures require special care during the recovery period. Understanding how to help them through recovery and postoperative care at home is crucial for their health and well-being. This comprehensive guide from our North Bay Veterinary Dentistry team covers everything pet parents should know to ensure a smooth and safe anesthetic recovery.

How anesthesia affects pets

Anesthesia induces a temporary loss of sensation and awareness in pets. These medications allow our veterinarian to perform dental procedures without causing a pet pain or distress and ensure a pet remains still while we work inside their mouth. We use local anesthesia, which numbs local areas, and general anesthesia, which induces unconsciousness and relaxes muscles. Pets may experience several temporary side effects while recovering from anesthesia, including drowsiness, disorientation, nausea, or shivering.

Immediate postanesthetic pet care and recovery

Our team provides a safe recovery environment for pets waking up from anesthesia, including supplemental heat, comfortable blankets, and close monitoring. You should provide a quiet, comfortable space for your recovering pet once they return home. Ensure they have a soft, cushioned bed in a dimly lit area away from other pets. Keep your pet away from areas with stairs or high furniture from which they could fall, as they may be tired or uncoordinated from medications given during their stay, which should resolve within a few hours of coming home. Avoid placing your pet in an extremely hot or cold area, as they may struggle to regulate their body temperature after anesthesia.

Managing postoperative pain in pets

Administering medications as prescribed is crucial for managing your pet’s postoperative pain and discomfort. Closely follow the medication instructions our team explained during your pet’s surgery discharge, and avoid giving over-the-counter (OTC) medicines without first consulting us or your primary veterinarian. Watch your furry pal closely for medication side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, or sedation, and report concerns promptly. You should also watch for breakthrough pain signs, including whining, restlessness, refusal to move, or refusal to eat or drink. 

Postanesthesia nutrition considerations for pets

Proper nutrition and hydration are vital for your pet’s recovery. Some pets feel well enough to eat as soon as they get home, but others may refuse to eat or drink for several hours. To help prevent vomiting, offer your pet small, frequent meals and a small amount of water rather than one large meal. If your pet refuses food or vomits, offer a bland yet tasty food, such as chicken and rice, a few hours later or try again the next day. Ensure your pet has access to fresh water at all times, although they may not be thirsty immediately if they receive a large intravenous (IV) fluid dose while under anesthesia. Contact us if your pet does not return to their normal eating or drinking habits within 24 hours of their procedure.

Postanesthesia activity restriction for pets

Restrict your pet’s activity to ensure they do not injure themselves during the postoperative period, when they may experience incoordination or grogginess. Encourage your pet to rest until they feel like themself, typically the morning after surgery. Most dental procedures don’t require extensive or long-term activity restriction, but you should keep your pet on a leash when outdoors to prevent chewing and discourage vigorous play with toys that could disturb delicate oral incisions. 

Monitoring your pet for issues

You should seek veterinary advice if you have concerns about your pet’s postoperative condition. Persistent vomiting or diarrhea, difficulty breathing, excessive bleeding, intractable pain, or inability or unwillingness to eat softened food can indicate a postanesthetic health complication or interfere with their recovery. Call our team to discuss your concerns as soon as possible.

Your pet will recover best from a dental procedure when you create a calming, stress-free, and supportive environment for them at home. After your pet’s North Bay Veterinary Dentistry procedure, plan to watch them closely for 12 to 24 hours and then strictly adhere to postprocedure feeding and activity restrictions. Contact us if you have concerns or questions about your pet’s procedure or anesthetic recovery.