What do I need to know about the dental cleaning my pet went through?

We appreciate your commitment to your pet’s health. Regular dental cleaning helps prevent future complications, such as infections, gingivitis, and periodontal disease, a common and potentially life-threatening gum disease. 

What did my pet’s dental cleaning include 

• Your pet received thorough dental care which includes full mouth x-rays, sub gingival (below the gum line) scaling, ultrasonic cleaning, and polishing. 
• The doctor may also have recommended other advanced periodontal treatments, depending on your pet’s needs.

What can I expect when I bring my pet home tonight?

• Since your pet had general anesthesia today he or she may be groggy, slightly unstable. Allow your pet to recover in a quiet room at home away from other pets.
• Some drooling can also be expected. 
• Some pets are not quite themselves for up to 24-48 hours following anesthesia. Signs such as pacing, panting, whimpering, mild lethargy, and/or restlessness may be noticed. There may also be some degree of discomfort and swelling around the mouth.
• A small tube was placed down his/her throat and this can cause irritation for a day or two. If there is persistent coughing for more than two days, please reach out to our team.
• Your pet was placed on its back for the dental procedure. Therefore it can be normal for them to experience some nasal congestion and/or sneezing. Please contact us if this does not resolve within a few days.

Special Feeding instructions

• Tonight, feed your pet only 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 the normal amount as pets may feel nauseous after anesthesia and vomit if given large amounts of water or food. 
• Your pet may not want to eat at all tonight. If your pet is still not eating the day after the procedure, please let us know.
• Tomorrow, you may continue with food and water amounts as usual. No change in diet is necessary unless instructed by our veterinarian.

Recheck

No recheck is necessary unless concerns arise. Feel free to reach out to us at any point through the Sploot Vets app — or by texting or calling our clinic at (720) 730-8890.

Should there be an emergency when our hospital is closed (our hours are from 10 am - 10 pm), please bring your pet to one of the following emergency hospitals to be evaluated: 

• Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital (Call Wheat Ridge)
• Veterinary Emergency Group Denver (Call VEG Denver)

Thank you for trusting us with your pet’s health, and for being the BEST pet parent to your furry baby!