Oral inOral surgeries in pets, whether tooth extractions, gum surgeries, or more complex procedures, require meticulous postoperative care to ensure a quick and uncomplicated recovery. Properly caring for your pet’s mouth after surgery not only helps prevent infections, but also relieves pain and promotes healing. In this article, we provide you with a complete guide to managing postoperative care in your pet’s mouth, using tools like Fitovete ® Gel to facilitate the process.
1. Postoperative Feeding:
- Soft and Nutritious Diet: After oral surgery, your pet will likely have difficulty chewing hard foods. Therefore, it is important to offer a soft and nutritious diet that is easy to consume and does not irritate the surgical areas. You can opt for wet food, pet soups, or even purees prepared especially for them. If your pet only eats dry food, consider soaking it in water or broth to soften it.
- Feeding Frequency: Your pet may not have much of an appetite immediately after surgery, so you may want to offer small portions several times a day instead of one or two large meals. This will also help reduce pressure in the mouth while eating.
- Adequate Hydration: Make sure your pet has constant access to fresh, clean water. Hydration is key to recovery, as it helps keep the mouth clean and prevent blood clots from forming in wounds.
2. Cleaning and Disinfecting the Mouth:
- Be Careful with Oral Hygiene: Keeping your pet’s mouth clean is essential to prevent postoperative infections. However, it is important to be very gentle during the first few days after surgery. Avoid using toothbrushes or products that may be abrasive to the operated areas.
- Using Fitovete ® Gel: Fitovete ® Gel is ideal to apply to affected areas, as it speeds up healing and reduces inflammation without irritating sensitive tissues. Apply a small amount of gel to the gums or areas where surgery was performed, as directed by your veterinarian.
- Gentle Oral Rinses: If your veterinarian recommends it, you can use pet-specific oral rinses that help keep the mouth clean without scrubbing or brushing. Make sure any rinse you use is safe for your pet’s species and follow your veterinarian’s instructions.
3. Pain and Inflammation Control:
- Pain Medication: Your veterinarian will likely prescribe pain medication to control your pet’s pain after surgery. It’s crucial to follow instructions on dosage and frequency of administration. Never give your pet human medication, as many common pain relievers can be toxic to humans.
- Monitoring Inflammation: Some inflammation is normal after surgery, but you should watch for any signs of excessive swelling, redness, or discharge. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Using Fitovete ® Gel: Regular application of Fitovete ® Gel to affected areas can make your pet more comfortable and facilitate a faster recovery.
4. Signs of Complications to Watch For:
- Infections: If you notice that the post-operative wound is red, warm to the touch, or if there is pus or an unpleasant odor, these may be signs of an infection. Infections require immediate veterinary attention, as they can complicate recovery.
- Prolonged Bleeding: Some bleeding after surgery is normal, but if it persists or becomes heavy, it is important to contact your veterinarian. This could indicate that the wound is not healing properly.
- Behavioral Changes: If your pet seems lethargic, loses appetite completely, or shows signs of extreme pain, these may be indicative that something is not right. A veterinary follow-up can help identify and treat any problems early.
5. Additional Tips for Optimal Recovery:
- Avoid Stress: Stress can negatively affect your pet’s recovery. Try to maintain a calm and comfortable environment for your pet. Avoid strenuous activities or rough play that can cause discomfort in the mouth.
- Restrict Access to Harmful Objects: During the recovery period, make sure your pet does not have access to hard toys or bones that can hurt the mouth. Opt for soft, safe toys until your veterinarian says it is safe to return to your pet’s normal routine.
- Regular Monitoring: Check your pet’s mouth daily to observe the progress of healing. If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian for further evaluation.
Post-operative care of your pet’s mouth is essential to ensure a safe and uncomplicated recovery. By following these tips and using products such as Fitovete ® Gel, you can help your pet get through this period with as little pain as possible and promote fast and effective healing. Always remember to follow your veterinarian’s instructions and maintain constant communication with him or her during the recovery process.
