Depending on your dog’s dental health, there may come a time when they need to have a tooth removed. Dog tooth extractions are a relatively common procedure and can be necessary for a number of reasons. Sometimes a fractured tooth gets damaged beyond repair. In other cases, a tooth with significant decay might need to be removed in order to prevent infections and further tooth decay.
Well-trained veterinary dentists will do everything possible to save a functional tooth that isn’t causing your canine any pain. But when the decay or injury is too extreme, removing the tooth may be the best option for your dog’s dental and overall health. Although a tooth extraction will require your dog to undergo anesthesia, don’t worry—we take every precaution to ensure your pet’s health and safety throughout the procedure.
Understanding dog tooth extraction aftercare is just as important as the procedure itself. Knowing how to support your dog’s healing at home can lead to a smoother recovery and help prevent complications.
Having your furry friend undergo a dental procedure can be worrying If you’re wondering “are dogs in pain after tooth extraction?” – the short answer is yes, but it’s manageable and temporary Most dogs experience some discomfort for about 4-5 days following the procedure, but with proper care and medication, they can recover comfortably.
As a pet parent who’s been through this several times with my own pups I understand the concern. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about managing your dog’s pain after tooth extraction and helping them recover smoothly.
How Much Pain Do Dogs Experience After Tooth Extraction?
Dogs typically experience moderate pain for about 4-5 days following a tooth extraction, This is completely normal and expected Your vet will usually prescribe pain medication to keep your furry friend comfortable during this recovery period
The level of pain varies depending on:
- How many teeth were extracted
- Whether it was a simple or surgical extraction
- Your dog’s individual pain tolerance
- The presence of any complications
In my experience with my Lab, Max, he was pretty groggy and uncomfortable the first evening after surgery, but by the next morning, he was almost back to his normal self – just a bit more careful with his chew toys!
Warning Signs That Your Dog Is In Excessive Pain
While some discomfort is normal, excessive pain could indicate complications. Contact your vet immediately if you notice:
- Significant pain that doesn’t improve with medication
- Excessive facial swelling beyond the first 48 hours
- Heavy bleeding that doesn’t stop
- Increased drooling after the first couple days
- Complete refusal to eat or drink after 24 hours
- Dramatic behavior changes
- Sudden bad breath (which could indicate infection)
- Lethargy lasting more than 2-3 days
When my neighbor’s Beagle had a tooth extraction, she noticed he was still hiding under the bed and whimpering on day 3 despite medication. She called the vet, who discovered one of the extraction sites had become infected. Quick intervention with antibiotics solved the problem!
Immediate Post-Extraction Care (First 24 Hours)
The first day is usually the most challenging. Here’s what to expect and how to help:
What’s Normal:
- Grogginess from anesthesia
- Some blood in their water bowl
- Reluctance to eat
- Light bleeding from the extraction site
- Mild swelling
How to Help:
- Create a quiet, comfortable recovery space
- Administer pain medication exactly as prescribed
- Offer small amounts of water frequently
- Have soft food ready when appetite returns
- Monitor the extraction site for excessive bleeding
- Keep activity minimal – just short potty breaks
We usually set up a little recovery nest for our dogs in the living room so they can be with the family but still rest comfortably. I’ve found that a soft blanket and being near their humans makes a huge difference in their comfort levels.
Pain Management for Dogs After Tooth Extraction
Your vet will likely prescribe one or more of the following:
- Prescription pain relievers – Usually NSAIDs specifically formulated for dogs
- Antibiotics – If there was infection or as a preventative measure
- Topical treatments – Sometimes applied directly to the extraction site
Never give human pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to your dog – these can be toxic!
I always set reminders on my phone for medication times. Missing a dose can result in breakthrough pain, which is harder to control. Also, I’ve found that hiding pills in a small amount of wet food or pill pockets makes administration so much easier.
Feeding Your Dog After Tooth Extraction
What and how you feed your dog after extraction is crucial for both comfort and healing:
Food Recommendations:
- First 24 hours: Soft foods only – canned food, softened kibble, or homemade options like plain boiled chicken and rice
- Days 2-10: Continue with soft foods
- After 10 days: Gradually reintroduce regular food as advised by your vet
Feeding Tips:
- Serve food at room temperature (not hot or cold)
- Feed smaller portions more frequently
- Avoid dry kibble, crunchy treats, or rawhides for at least 10 days
- Keep food and water bowls elevated if that’s more comfortable for your dog
When my Shepherd had two molars removed, I discovered he preferred his soft food slightly warmed – not hot, just room temperature instead of cold from the fridge. These little adjustments can make a big difference in encouraging them to eat.
Activity Restrictions During Recovery
Too much activity can disrupt healing and increase pain. Here’s how to manage your dog’s activity level:
- First 2-3 days: Minimal activity – short leashed potty breaks only
- Days 4-10: Gentle walks on leash, no running or jumping
- After vet follow-up: Gradually return to normal activity based on vet’s advice
Avoid:
- Dog parks
- Rough play with other pets
- Chew toys
- Tug-of-war games
- Swimming
My energetic Border Collie was the hardest to keep calm after her dental surgery. I found that puzzle toys that don’t require chewing were lifesavers – they kept her mentally stimulated without risking damage to the extraction sites.
Understanding the Healing Process
Knowing what to expect during healing can help you gauge if recovery is on track:
| Timeline | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Grogginess, some bleeding, discomfort |
| Days 2-3 | Improved appetite, decreased bleeding, mild swelling |
| Days 4-7 | Gradual return to normal behavior, continued mild discomfort |
| Days 7-10 | Significant improvement, stitches dissolving |
| Days 10-14 | Complete healing for most simple extractions |
Remember that dissolving stitches typically disappear within 2-4 weeks. If your dog somehow manages to dislodge them earlier, contact your vet right away.
Common Questions About Dog Tooth Extraction Pain
How long will my dog be in pain after tooth extraction?
Most dogs experience discomfort for about 4-5 days following the procedure, though this varies depending on the complexity of the extraction and your dog’s individual pain tolerance.
Can I give my dog something for pain if the medication isn’t working?
Never give additional medication without consulting your vet first. If prescribed pain medication doesn’t seem effective, contact your vet – they may adjust the dosage or prescribe something different.
When should I be concerned about my dog’s pain after extraction?
Contact your vet if pain seems excessive, doesn’t improve with medication, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like significant swelling, heavy bleeding, or refusal to eat after 24 hours.
Will my dog’s face be swollen after tooth extraction?
Some swelling is normal for the first 48 hours. Ice packs wrapped in a towel can be applied for 10 minutes at a time to help reduce swelling. Excessive or increasing swelling should be reported to your vet.
How soon can my dog eat after tooth extraction?
Most dogs will want to eat within 24 hours after surgery. Offer soft food in small amounts once they seem interested. If your dog refuses to eat for more than 24 hours, contact your vet.
Special Considerations for Multiple Extractions
If your dog had several teeth removed, they may experience more significant pain and a longer recovery period. In these cases:
- Follow all vet instructions even more diligently
- Be extra vigilant about pain management
- Consider hand-feeding or using special feeding techniques if needed
- Expect recovery to potentially take longer
- Schedule a follow-up with your vet to ensure proper healing
My old Golden had 5 teeth removed during one procedure when he was 12. His recovery definitely took longer than when he’d had single extractions as a younger dog. We found that slightly warming his soft food and hand-feeding small portions helped tremendously during those first few days.
Preventing Future Tooth Extractions
Once your dog has recovered, focus on preventing future dental issues:
- Daily tooth brushing using dog-safe toothpaste
- Regular dental exams with your veterinarian
- Professional dental cleanings as recommended
- Appropriate chew toys that promote dental health
- Dental-friendly treats or water additives
- Avoid hard objects like bones, antlers, or ice cubes that can fracture teeth
We started a tooth-brushing routine with our youngest dog from puppyhood, and it’s made such a difference compared to our older dogs who were more resistant to having their teeth brushed later in life.
When to Follow Up With Your Vet
Most vets will schedule a follow-up examination 7-10 days after the extraction to ensure proper healing. However, don’t wait for this appointment if you notice:
- Excessive pain despite medication
- Swelling that gets worse instead of better
- Bleeding that continues beyond the first day
- Stitches that come out prematurely
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Lethargy or depression
- Signs of infection (bad breath, pus, fever)
Conclusion: Supporting Your Dog Through Recovery
While dogs do experience pain after tooth extractions, with proper care and medication, most recover comfortably within a week or two. The key is following your vet’s instructions closely, managing pain effectively, and monitoring for any signs of complications.
Remember that your presence and comfort make a huge difference to your furry friend. A little extra TLC during recovery goes a long way!
Have you helped a dog through tooth extraction recovery? What techniques worked best for you? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!
Disclaimer: While I’ve shared personal experiences and general information, always follow your veterinarian’s specific advice regarding your dog’s dental care and pain management after extractions. Each dog is unique and may require individualized care.
Five Common Questions About Dog Tooth Extraction Aftercare
It’s normal for your dog to experience pain at the extraction site for about four or five days following the procedure. We will usually prescribe a post-surgery topical or oral pain reliever that will mitigate most of your dog’s discomfort. However, if your dog seems to be in a lot of pain, or starts to do other out-of-the-ordinary things like refusing to eat or drink, you should contact us immediately.
Dog Tooth Extraction Aftercare and Recovery
Every pet owner should feel confident about the treatment their pets are receiving. Knowing what to expect after a dog tooth extraction and how to care for your dog will ensure a full recovery.
Aftercare involves regularly and carefully monitoring your dog to watch for signs of pain or extraction complications. You might need to feed your dog a special soft food diet after a tooth extraction to make eating more comfortable.
Your vet may also prescribe pain medication for your pup, and recommend limiting exercise to aid in the healing process. But keep in mind that every dog’s tooth extraction recovery time and aftercare needs will be different.
At East Valley Animal Hospital, we discuss your dog’s specific at-home care with you before you take them home to recover. In most cases, we will also schedule a follow-up exam seven to ten days after surgery to make sure your dog’s mouth is healing properly. If you have any questions along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out—we want to help both you and your pet feel at ease.