What to Do After Your Pet's Teeth are Cleaned?

When your pet has its teeth cleaned, your veterinarian will give you instructions on how to help maintain your dog's dental health once you get home. Fairway Knolls Veterinary Hospital offers teeth cleaning for dogs and serves clients in the Bloomington area. It is very likely that your dog was put under anesthesia for the procedure and, as such, will be groggy when it is released from care. For the next 24 hours, provide plenty of opportunities for your pet to rest and feel comfortable.

How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth

You will need to refrain from brushing your pet's teeth immediately following its exam, and in the case of missing teeth, this will need to continue for about a week. A dog who is missing teeth will need to be on soft food, sometimes indefinitely, depending on the number of extractions that were performed.

If your dog is unaccustomed to having its teeth brushed, you can gently massage its gums with your fingers to get them used to the sensation until you are able to use a toothbrush. The way to brush your dog's teeth is by using toothpaste specially formulated for dogs, as it will be safe for them to swallow.

The best method for maintaining teeth after a cleaning is to move the toothbrush in a circular motion. Start from the back, moving toward the front, and gently scrub for a full minute if possible. You can use treats to make the experience more enjoyable, and it is recommended that you only brush the outside of the tooth and not the inside. Access the smaller teeth in the front row by lowering the dog's lip. You can also use a finger brush if this is more tolerable for the animal.

Schedule Your Pet's Teeth Cleaning

Our team at Fairway Knolls Veterinary Hospital in Bloomington offers teeth cleaning and other services related to your pet's oral health, and we invite you to reach out to us today. We are available by phone at (309) 663-1414, online, or in person to discuss your dog's situation further.