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After dental surgery, your furry friend needs a gentle and nourishing diet to aid in the healing process. Opt for a high-quality, easily digestible soft food that meets their nutritional needs.
Choose a food that is low in fat and sugar, as these can exacerbate dental issues. A good option is a canned dog food with a meat-based protein source, such as chicken or salmon.
Feed your dog small, frequent meals to prevent discomfort and nausea. This can also help prevent vomiting, which can lead to dehydration and delay healing.
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Post-Operative Care for Dogs
Proper post-operative care is crucial for a smooth recovery in dogs.
If your dog had a routine exam and cleaning without extractions, you can resume at-home dental care the next day. However, if they underwent an extraction, their aftercare needs will be more demanding.
You'll need to follow specific instructions to care for your dog in the days following their procedure.
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Your vet will likely instruct you to feed your dog only soft, easily digestible food for the next day or two.
Dogs can't verbally express pain from their cleaning, so it's up to you to be conscious of what you feed them.
You're allowed to feed your dog three kinds of foods when they're fresh from a dental cleaning:
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Feeding After Dental Procedure
After a dental procedure, it's essential to feed your dog soft food to prevent pain and discomfort.
Your vet will likely instruct you to feed your dog only soft, easily digestible food for the next day or two, especially if they had a deep cleaning.
Soft, wet versions of their dog food are a great option, and you can switch them to canned food or give them a mixture of cooked chicken and white rice.
Pouring warm water over their kibble can also make it soft and easy to digest.
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For dogs who had a tooth extraction, it's best to feed them chunky meat or soft food for the next 10-12 days, and avoid dry food, bones, rawhide, or chew toys.
Giving your pet soft food helps prevent pain and discomfort, and it also lowers the risk of injury to their gums and underlying tooth structures while they heal.
You can reintroduce full, hearty meals the following day after a dental cleaning, but start by giving them a small meal of soft food, about a quarter or half of their usual size.
Soft food makes it easier for your dog to chew and get all the nutrients they need without aggravating the soreness they might feel in their gums.
If your dog doesn't have any bad reactions to drinking water first, you can gradually introduce an easy-to-digest snack later on.
It's essential to monitor how your dog reacts to drinking water and eating soft food before gradually introducing full meals.
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Soft Food Options
Soft food is a must after dental surgery to prevent pain and discomfort, and to lower the risk of injury to the gums and underlying tooth structures while they heal.
Soft, wet versions of your dog's regular food are a great option. You can switch to wet, canned dog food or pour warm water over their kibble to soften it up.
Giving your pet soft food for the next day or two after a cleaning can help prevent aggravating their sore gums.
Healthy, easily digestible home-cooked meals are another option. You can prepare meals like boiled skinless chicken and rice, mashed potatoes, and very soft pasta.
Avoid hard treats and opt for soft foods like peanut butter, dog ice cream, and cream cheese. However, don't overdo these foods.
For dogs who had a deep cleaning, soft food makes it easier for them to chew and get all the nutrients they need without aggravating the soreness they might feel in their gums.
If your dog is on an organic diet, feed them homecooked meals with soft textures, like cooked, tender meats and steamed vegetables that were long enough to make them easy to mash.
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Sources
- https://www.animalhospitalofmebane.com/services/dogs/blog/post-op-dental-care-and-home-dental-care-dogs
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/dog-tooth-extraction-recovery
- https://www.cdhp.org/what-to-feed-dog-after-dental-cleaning/
- https://www.greencrossvets.com.au/aftercare/dog-cat-dental-surgery-aftercare/
- https://pennypaws.com/blog/how-to-prepare-for-your-pets-dental-surgery/
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