Discharge Instructions:
Dental Cleaning
Your pet has had a dental procedure today. It is normal for them to be tired or slightly sore for the next several hours to a few days. Please follow the instructions below to ensure a smooth recovery.
Questions?
If you have any concerns at all, please call. We are happy to help and would much rather answer a small question than have a complication develop.
When Leaving the Hospital
For your pet’s safety:
- Use a leash for dogs.
- Use a secure carrier for cats.
Medications
- Begin all prescribed medications as directed.
- Please call us if you have any difficulty giving medications.
Food & Water
- Tonight: Offer small amounts of soft/moistened food and water only.
- Tomorrow: Resume normal feeding with your pet’s regular diet unless otherwise instructed.
Activity & Exercise
- Restrict activity for the next several days.
- Keep indoors.
- Take outside on leash only for bathroom breaks.
- No running, jumping, playing, or stairs.
Sutures / Incision Care
- Prevent licking, chewing, or scratching at the surgical site.
- Please call to schedule a technician appointment.
Follow-Up
- Call us in 2–3 days with a progress report.
Post-Anesthesia Information
It is common to notice:
- Sleepiness or unsteadiness tonight.
- Use caution around stairs and furniture.
- A mild soft cough for a few days due to the breathing tube.
- Call if coughing worsens or becomes productive.
- Mild constipation for a few days.
- Call if no bowel movement occurs within 3 days.
Contact Us Immediately If You Notice
Summit Dog and Cat Hospital — (908) 273-2200
- Loss of appetite for more than 2 days
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Swelling at the surgery site
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Labored breathing
- Straining to urinate or defecate
- Depression or extreme lethargy
- Refusal to drink water for more than 1 day
- Excessive pain
- Missing or loose sutures
- Bad odor or drainage from incision/bandage
- Weakness or inability to stand
- Discharge from eyes, ears, or nose
- Chewing or licking at sutures
Location & hours
Find us on
Morris Turnpike.
Open now until 6:00 pm
Office hours
Monday
8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Sunday
Closed
16 Morris Tpke, Summit, NJ 07901
Get directions
Call the hospital
Email us
Summit Dog and Cat HospitalOn the Summit / Short Hills border
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