How to prepare a dog or cat for a dental procedure

A few days before the procedure

Before a dental procedure it is important to gather up-to-date information about your pet's health.

Tell the vet about:

• chronic conditions;
• all medications and supplements the pet receives;
• previous reactions or complications under anaesthesia;
• allergic reactions;
• recent changes in appetite, activity, or wellbeing;
• coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea, or breathing difficulty;
• possible pregnancy;
• previous surgeries and important test results.

Pre-anaesthetic assessment is always individual. It may include blood tests, heart evaluation, or other investigations when needed for that patient.

There is no single universal set of tests for every dog and cat.

Food and water before anaesthesia

Do not rely on a generic internet rule such as “no food for 8–12 hours”. Fasting duration depends on age, size, health status, and the individual patient.

Special rules may be needed for:

• puppies and kittens;
• animals with diabetes;
• patients with gastrointestinal disease;
• very small animals;
• patients on regular medication.

The exact time of the last meal and the rules for water will be given before the procedure.

Medication on the day of the procedure

Do not stop or change medication doses on your own.

Most long-term medicines should not be stopped abruptly, but some drugs — including insulin, anticoagulants, or certain cardiovascular medicines — may have special rules.

By the day of the procedure you should clearly know:

• which medicines to give;
• which to withhold temporarily;
• when to give them;
• whether a medicine may be given with a small amount of food.

If a calming medication was prescribed before the visit, give it only at the dose and time stated by the vet.

Do not use human sedatives or veterinary products chosen without veterinary advice.

How to reduce stress before the visit

For a cat, use a reliable familiar carrier. You can place a familiar blanket or pad with a home scent inside.

It helps to leave the carrier open at home in advance, rather than taking it out only right before travel.

A dog can have a short calm walk before travel so they can toilet. Avoid active running, prolonged exertion, and overexcitement.

During travel:

• do not feed the pet to calm them;
• secure the carrier or use a safe restraint;
• keep a comfortable temperature;
• do not leave the pet alone in the car.

If your pet is very afraid of travel or the clinic, say so in advance. The vet may suggest an individual plan to reduce anxiety before the visit.

What to bring

Prepare:

• previous test results if they were done at another clinic;
• a list of all medications with doses;
• information about allergies and previous anaesthetics;
• the veterinary passport if required;
• a familiar carrier for a cat;
• food, if the pet has a special diet and the vet asked you to bring it.

Stay reachable on the day of the procedure.

The final scope of dental treatment cannot always be determined at the awake examination. Some findings become clear only after a full oral examination, periodontal probing, and intraoral radiography under anaesthesia.

The vet may need to contact you to agree additional treatment.

What a comprehensive dental procedure includes

An awake examination helps assess visible changes and roughly plan the procedure. A full assessment of every tooth is only possible under general anaesthesia.

A comprehensive dental procedure may include:

• general anaesthesia;
• airway protection with an endotracheal tube;
• continuous anaesthetic monitoring;
• examination of every tooth;
• completion of a dental chart;
• periodontal probing;
• intraoral radiographs;
• professional cleaning above and below the gumline;
• polishing;
• treatment of identified pathology;
• pain control before, during, and after the procedure.

Removing only visible tartar without anaesthesia is not comprehensive dental care. It does not allow assessment under the gums, quality radiographs, or safe removal of the source of pain.

After the procedure

After treatment the pet remains under observation until stable recovery from anaesthesia.

Before discharge you will receive individual recommendations:

• when water and food may be offered;
• which food to choose for the first days;
• how to give pain relief and other medicines;
• how to care for the mouth;
• when a recheck is needed;
• when home tooth brushing can resume.

After extractions teeth or oral surgery, do not start brushing or touch the treated area until the vet allows it.

At home prepare a calm, warm, safe resting place. In the first hours after return, do not leave the pet unsupervised and keep them away from stairs, high surfaces, or active play.

When to contact the vet before the procedure

Contact the vet before the scheduled visit if:

• vomiting or diarrhoea appears;
• the pet refuses food;
• coughing, nasal discharge, or breathing difficulty appears;
• the pet becomes unusually lethargic;
• a new treatment has started;
• the dose of a long-term medicine has changed;
• the pet accidentally ate after fasting began;
• you are unsure whether to give morning medication;
• pregnancy was found or is possible;
• there were previous anaesthetic complications;
• you cannot arrive at the agreed time.

This does not always mean the procedure must be cancelled. The vet will assess the situation and advise how to proceed safely.

Short checklist

Before leaving, check:

• food and water instructions have been followed;
• medicines were given or withheld exactly as advised;
• any changes in wellbeing have been reported;
• test results and medication list are ready;
• the carrier or restraint is safe;
• your phone is charged and you will stay reachable;
• a calm recovery space is prepared at home.

Frequently asked questions