A Guide by North Bay Veterinary Dentistry – Petaluma, California

Undergoing dental or oral-facial surgery can be a life-changing procedure for your pet, relieving pain, preventing infections, and restoring function. However, post-surgical recovery requires careful management to prevent complications and ensure optimal healing. While some mild discomfort and swelling are expected, more serious complications can arise without proper care.

At North Bay Veterinary Dentistry, we specialize in advanced dental and oral surgery and are dedicated to providing exceptional post-operative care to minimize risks and help pets recover smoothly. Learn more about our expert team on our Meet the Team page.

The Importance of E-Collars

After dental or oral-facial surgery, pets often experience unusual sensations as they heal. Nerve blocks wear off, sutures feel foreign, and mild itching from healing can all cause a pet to instinctively rub their face with their paws or against furniture. Additionally, pets recovering from jaw or bone surgeries may experience discomfort or pressure changes that make them want to paw at the area, increasing the risk of trauma.

One of the most common causes of poor healing and complications after oral surgery is self-inflicted trauma. Licking, rubbing, or scratching the surgical site can lead to:

Suture breakdown or wound reopening (dehiscence)

  • Infection from bacteria on paws
  • Increased bleeding and swelling
  • Delayed healing or need for additional procedures

Why a Traditional E-Collar (Cone) is Essential

A properly fitted Elizabethan collar (E-collar or “cone of shame”) is the most effective way to prevent trauma to the surgical site. While some pets may tolerate inflatable collars or soft recovery donuts, these do not provide full protection—especially for dogs that are persistent or highly flexible.

For best results:
✔ Ensure the cone extends past the nose to prevent access to the face
✔ Keep the collar on at all times, except under veterinary instruction
✔ If your pet struggles with the cone, supervised breaks with strict monitoring may be an option

While it may seem uncomfortable or inconvenient, an E-collar is temporary but essential for ensuring a smooth, complication-free recovery.

Common Post-Surgical Complications in Dental and Oral-Facial Procedures

While many pets recover from oral surgery without issues, some may experience complications that require attention. Being informed about potential risks can help pet owners take proactive steps to ensure a smooth recovery.

1. Excessive Bleeding (Post-Operative Hemorrhage)

Mild bleeding is normal for the first few hours after oral surgery, but excessive or prolonged bleeding can be a concern.

Causes of Excessive Bleeding:

  • Disrupting a forming blood clot at the surgical site
  • Excessive activity or trauma to the healing area
  • Underlying blood clotting disorders

Signs to Watch For:

  • Blood pooling in the mouth
  • Bleeding that continues beyond 12 hours post-surgery
  • Pale gums or weakness (signs of significant blood loss)

Prevention & Management:

  • Keep your pet calm to avoid dislodging clots
  • Avoid hard chew toys, rough play, or excessive licking
  • Contact your veterinarian immediately if bleeding does not subside

2. Swelling and Facial Edema

Swelling around the surgical site is expected but should begin to subside after 48 hours. Excessive or persistent swelling may indicate infection, fluid buildup, or a reaction to sutures.

How to Manage Swelling:

  • Use cold compresses (wrapped in a soft cloth) for 10-minute intervals during the first 24 hours
  • Keep your pet in a calm, stress-free environment
  • Administer prescribed anti-inflammatory medications as directed

3. Post-Surgical Pain and Discomfort

While pain management is included in every surgical plan, some pets may still experience discomfort.

Signs of Pain:

  • Whimpering, pawing at the mouth
  • Drooling excessively or avoiding food
  • Restlessness or irritability

How to Keep Your Pet Comfortable:

  • Administer pain medications exactly as prescribed
  • Feed soft foods to prevent irritation to the healing site
  • Ensure quiet rest periods to support healing

4. Infection and Abscess Formation

The oral cavity contains natural bacteria, making post-surgical infections a risk.

Signs of Infection:

  • Foul-smelling breath
  • Pus or discharge from the surgical site
  • Swelling or redness worsening after initial improvement

Preventing Infections:

  • Follow all post-surgical cleaning instructions
  • Avoid giving your pet chew toys until fully healed (Certain chews can increase risks)
  • Complete the entire course of prescribed antibiotics

5. Dehiscence (Suture Breakdown or Wound Reopening)

Surgical wounds inside the mouth are at risk of reopening due to chewing, licking, or rubbing.

Signs of Suture Breakdown:

  • Visible gaps or open wounds in the gums
  • Increased bleeding or exposed tissue
  • Excessive licking or pawing at the mouth

Prevention:

  • Use an Elizabethan collar (E-collar) to prevent licking
  • Stick to a soft food diet
  • Monitor the surgical site daily

6. Jaw Fractures After Extensive Dental Work

Small dog breeds and cats undergoing multiple extractions are at higher risk of jaw fractures, especially if the bone is already weakened by disease.

Signs of a Jaw Fracture:

  • Inability to close the mouth properly
  • Misalignment of teeth or jaw
  • Sudden pain and reluctance to eat

Seek immediate veterinary attention if a fracture is suspected.

What Are the Activity and Dietary Restrictions After Oral Surgery?

To protect the healing surgical site, pets require special care post-surgery. The restrictions and guidelines below are general examples; ask your veterinarian for guidelines specific to your pet’s needs.

Activity Restrictions:

  • Limit exercise and play for at least 7-10 days
  • Prevent rough play with other pets
  • Do not allow chewing on hard objects, bones, or toys

Feeding Guidelines:

  • Serve soft or liquid food for 7-14 days
  • Avoid hot food that may irritate healing tissues
  • Ensure adequate hydration to support healing

How to Set Up a Smooth Recovery at Home

1. Create a Stress-Free Recovery Space

  • Provide a quiet, comfortable area with soft bedding.
  • Minimize household noise and distractions to reduce stress.
  • Keep your pet away from other animals or small children to prevent accidental rough play.

2. Administer Medications as Directed

  • Follow your vet’s instructions carefully to ensure proper healing.
  • Use pill pockets or mix medications with food if needed.
  • Set reminders for timely medication administration to maintain pain control.

3. Monitor for Complications

  • Check the surgical site daily for swelling, bleeding, or signs of infection.
  • Look for changes in behavior such as excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, or reluctance to eat.
  • Contact your veterinarian immediately if symptoms worsen.

4. Keep Your Pet Mentally Engaged with Safe Activities

Since exercise and chewing may be restricted post-surgery, it’s important to provide low-impact mental stimulation to prevent boredom and frustration.

  • Puzzle toys: Encourage problem-solving with food puzzles designed for soft treats.
  • Snuffle mats: Hide soft treats in a snuffle mat to engage their sense of smell.
  • Treat-dispensing toys: Fill with soft, frozen food (such as canned food or mashed sweet potato) for slow engagement.
  • Plush toys: If approved by your vet, provide soft plush toys for gentle play.
  • Nose work games: Hide small treats around the house for a fun scent-tracking activity.
  • Obedience work: Engage the brain by learning a new trick, or reinforcing commands.

Providing these safe mental stimulation options will help reduce frustration and anxiety while keeping your pet entertained during their restricted recovery period.

Why Do Complications Happen?

Factors That Increase the Risk of Complications:

  • Pre-existing health conditions (diabetes, immune suppression)
  • Excessive activity post-surgery
  • Poor at-home care or lack of adherence to vet instructions
  • Bored or anxious pets may be more prone to self-traumatize

When to Contact Your Vet

Seek immediate care if your pet shows:

  • Severe bleeding that doesn’t stop
  • Swelling worsening after 3 days
  • Refusal to eat for more than 24 hours
  • Excessive drooling, pus, or bad odor

Expert Post-Surgical Care at North Bay Veterinary Dentistry

Ensuring a smooth, complication-free recovery is essential for your pet’s comfort and health. At North Bay Veterinary Dentistry, we offer advanced surgical expertise and personalized post-operative care to help your pet recover safely.

Learn more about our expert team: Meet the Team
Have concerns about your pet’s dental health? Contact Us Today