Category: Pet Dental

So your vet has told you that your pet needs a dental procedure. Maybe it is a scale and polish, maybe there are a few teeth that need to come out. Either way, you are probably sitting there wondering what actually happens on the day, and whether your furry mate is going to be okay.

That feeling is completely normal. Most pet owners in Keysborough and across Melbourne feel anxious in the lead-up to their pet’s dental procedure. The good news is that once you know what to expect, the whole thing feels a lot less daunting.

According to the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA), four out of every five dogs and cats over the age of three have some degree of dental disease. That means dental procedures are one of the most common things vets do, day in, day out. The team at Keysvet in Keysborough performs these regularly, with careful anaesthetic monitoring and a genuine focus on your pet’s comfort and safety.

This guide walks you through everything: from the night before drop-off to what to do when you bring your pet home that evening.

The Night Before: How to Pre-Surgery Prepare Your Pet

Getting a few things right the night before will make your pet’s surgery smoother for everyone.

Fasting is essential. Your pet requires fasting from midnight the night before the procedure. No food after midnight, though water is generally fine until a few hours before drop-off. Your vet will give you specific instructions, so always follow what they tell you over any general advice.

Keep things calm. Skip the big game of fetch or any exciting roughhousing. Help your pet relax with some quiet time and a comfortable sleep.

Prepare your information. When you first arrive at the clinic, the team will ask for relevant information about your pet’s health, including:

The time of their last meal

Any medications they are currently on

Any recent health changes or concerns

Having this ready means admission goes smoothly and quickly.

Drop-Off: What Happens When You Leave Your Pet

Saying goodbye at the clinic door is the hardest part for most owners. Here is what is happening on the other side of that door.

When your pet has been admitted, you will complete an admission form, which includes contact phone numbers so the team can reach you during the day.

Pre-Anaesthesia: Getting Your Pet Ready

A veterinary nurse will settle your pet in, and the veterinary team will:

1. Perform a health check, reviewing your pet’s history and confirming fasting
2. Carry out pre-anaesthetic blood tests if these have not already been done, to check your pet’s blood, organ function and overall health before any anaesthetic agent is administered
3. Place an IV catheter so that fluids and medications can be given safely
4. Administer a sedative (pre-medication) to help your pet relax before the procedure begins

Pre-anaesthetic blood tests are an important step in every pet’s dental procedure. Modern anaesthetic agents used by veterinarians are safe, anaesthetised animals are closely monitored, and complications are rare.

Once everything is in order, the anaesthesia begins, and your pet is transferred to the dental suite.

You will typically hear from the vet or nurse after the procedure is complete, so expect a call in the afternoon rather than at midday. Resist the urge to ring every hour, as the team is focused on giving your pet their best care.

The Dental Procedure: What Veterinary Dentistry Actually Involves

Once your pet is under general anaesthesia, the vet can examine the mouth thoroughly and treat any dental issues properly. This is why anaesthesia is non-negotiable for proper pet dentistry: it is not possible to perform a professionally thorough and complete dental examination in the fully conscious animal. 

Here is a typical sequence for a dental procedure day:

A Note on Dental X-Rays

X-rays are not just an add-on. They allow the vet to see what is happening beneath the gum line, where most dental disease actually lives. Problems with tooth roots, bone loss and abscesses are invisible without them. This is why our X-rays and ultrasounds service is a key part of every dental procedure at Keysi Vet.

What About Extractions?

If your pet requires an extraction as part of their oral surgery, the vet will explain why. Teeth that are fractured, infected or affected by advanced dental disease can cause ongoing pain and even systemic illness if left in place. Most pets recover within a few days, though healing below the gum line continues for one to two weeks.

The number of teeth removed depends entirely on what the examination and X-rays reveal. Sometimes it is one tooth. Sometimes it is several. The vet will always aim to preserve healthy teeth and only recommend removal where it is truly in your pet’s best interest.

Recovery at the Clinic and the Pick-Up Call

After the procedure, your pet will recover in a warm, monitored space at the clinic. Most pets undergoing a dental procedure will be up and about and ready to walk out the door in the afternoon on the same day, with most discharged after 4:30 pm to allow ample time to recover from the anaesthesia.

All patients will receive pain relief before and after the procedure.

When the vet or nurse calls you, listen carefully. They will go through:

• What was found during the examination
• Whether any extractions were performed
• Which medications are going home with your pet
• Any specific instructions to follow at home
• Whether a follow-up appointment is needed

Do not be afraid to ask questions during this call. The veterinary team is there to make sure you feel confident taking your pet home.

When you arrive for pick-up, your pet may be groggy, a little unsteady on their feet and quieter than usual. This is completely normal after anaesthesia and nothing to worry about.

Every Pet Matters: The First 24 Hours at Home

Feeding Your Pet After Surgery

Offer soft food on the night of the procedure

If no extractions were performed, you can return to their normal diet the following day

If extractions were done, stick with soft food for several days as directed

Make sure your pet does not eat means your pet does not eat hard kibble, bones or chews until cleared by your vet

Pain Relief at Home

Your pet will receive pain relief medication to take home. Pets who have undergone a tooth extraction will likely have been administered an anti-inflammatory injection for pain relief, and additional medication for ongoing pain relief may also be provided.

Give medications exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses, and do not give human pain medications, as many are toxic to cats and dogs.

What is Normal in the First 24 Hours

After any surgical procedure under anaesthesia, you can expect:

Sleepiness and disorientation for the rest of the day

Reduced appetite, especially if extractions were performed

Mild gum bleeding, particularly in the first few hours after extraction

When to Call the Vet

Contact the clinic right away if you notice any of the following signs throughout recovery:

Excessive or ongoing bleeding from the mouth

Non-stop vomiting

Extreme lethargy persisting past 24 hours

Refusal to eat after 24 hours

Swelling around the mouth or face that does not improve

Recovery After Extractions: What Is Different

If your pet’s dental procedure included extractions, recovery looks slightly different.

Give your pet soft food for one to two weeks if multiple teeth were removed. Most pets will readily continue to eat hard nuggets of food even when their mouth is still sore, and this could cause damage to any sutures placed in the gums.

During the healing period:

No bones, hard chews or toys that could stress the extraction site

No tooth brushing around the surgical area until cleared

Keep exercise gentle, particularly for the first few days

Attend any follow-up appointment scheduled at discharge, typically around 10 to 12 days post-procedure

The great news? Most pets are back to eating, playing and being themselves within 24 to 48 hours of the procedure. The difference in their demeanour once a painful tooth is gone often surprises owners.

Why Dental Care in Keysborough Matters

Dental disease does not stay in the mouth. Left untreated, bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, kidneys and liver. PetSure claims data analysed by Bow Wow Meow found that the average cost of treating dental disease in dogs in 2024 was $816, with some bills climbing to $13,158.

Early intervention means shorter procedures, less discomfort and a faster recovery. That is true whether you are bringing your dog or cat to a vet in Keysborough, or anywhere else across Melbourne.

Australia’s pet dental health market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.1% from 2024 to 2030, reflecting just how seriously Australian pet owners are taking their pets’ oral health.

Book Your Pet’s Dental Procedure at Keysi Vet, Keysborough

If your pet has a dental procedure scheduled, or if you just want to know more before committing to a date, our team is happy to walk you through everything. Keysvet offers full anaesthetic monitoring, pre-anaesthetic blood screening, digital dental X-rays and a caring team that treats every pet like their own.

We see and treat pets from Keysborough and right across Melbourne’s south-east.

Contact us today on (03) 9798 7274 or book online. We are here to answer any questions, before and after the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does my pet need to fast before a dental procedure?
   Yes. Food must be withheld from midnight the night before. Water is usually fine until a few hours before drop-off, but follow your vet’s specific instructions.
2. Will my pet be in pain after the procedure?
   Your pet will receive pain relief at the clinic and go home with medication. Some mild discomfort is normal for a day or two, particularly after extractions, but this is well managed.
3. How long does a pet dental procedure take?
   It varies depending on what is found once the vet can properly examine the mouth under anaesthesia. A routine scale and polish may take an hour, while procedures involving multiple extractions take longer.
4. What if my pet needs teeth removed?
   Extraction is recommended when a tooth is too damaged or diseased to be saved. Most pets adapt very well and are eating comfortably again within one to two days.
5. When should I book a dental check for my pet?
   At least once a year is recommended, or sooner if you notice bad breath, difficulty eating, drooling or visible tartar build-up. Book your pet in for a dental check at Keysvet today.

Most Keysborough pet owners are shocked when their vet tells them their dog or cat already has dental disease, especially when the pet seems perfectly fine at home. But here’s the thing: by the time you notice something’s wrong, it’s usually been brewing for a while.

Dental disease is the most common health condition affecting pets, with 70% of cats and 80% of dogs experiencing some level of dental disease by age three, according to RSPCA Australia. That’s not a small number. And yet, most owners never notice it in the early stages.

The good news? Knowing the early warning signs of dental issues and acting on them quickly can prevent serious pain, tooth loss, and costly treatment down the track. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about pet dental cleaning in Keysborough: from spotting the signs your pet might be struggling to what a professional dental cleaning actually involves.

 

Why Dental Health Matters More Than Most Owners Think

A lot of people assume bad breath is just “normal pet smell.” It’s not. A pet’s breath that smells consistently off is usually one of the first signs of a dental problem, and it’s worth taking seriously.

Here’s why dental care is essential beyond just fresh breath: when bacteria build up in your pet’s mouth, it doesn’t stay there. If left untreated, infected gums can allow bacteria to enter your pet’s bloodstream, and that bacteria can lodge in small blood vessels:  most commonly in the liver or kidneys, causing life-threatening disease, Vetvoice, according to the Australian Veterinary Association.

So what starts as a build-up on the teeth can, over time, affect the health of your pet’s heart, kidneys, and liver. That’s why regular dental check-ups aren’t just a “nice to have”:  they’re a real part of keeping your pet healthy overall.

Dental disease was one of the most common health issues experienced by dogs and cats in 2024, according to PetSure claims data BowWow Insurance: Bow Wow Insurance, Feb 2025. This tells us pet owners across Australia are dealing with this issue regularly, and many are only finding out once it’s already become a serious dental issue.

 

Key Signs of Dental Disease: Signs Your Pet Might Need a Dental Check-Up

So how do you know if your pet’s teeth and gums need attention? Here are the key signs to look out for:

.  Bad breath that won’t go away:  not just after eating something smelly, but a persistent odour that hangs around

.  Yellow or brown build-up on the teeth:  that’s tartar, and it doesn’t brush off at home

.  Red or swollen gums:  healthy gums should be pink, not inflamed or bleeding gums

.  Pawing at the mouth or face:  a clear sign of dental pain or discomfort

.  Dropping food while eating:  your pet might be avoiding chewing on the sore side

.  Reluctance to chew on toys or hard food:  this is easy to miss but worth noticing

.  More drool than usual:  excessive drool can point to something going on in the mouth

.  Loose teeth:  in adult pets, this is never normal

.  Brown stains on your pet’s teeth:  often a sign that plaque and tartar have been building up for a while

If you’re noticing one or more of these signs that your pet might be uncomfortable, it’s worth booking a dental assessment sooner rather than later. Don’t wait for it to get worse:  that’s when things get complicated and costly.

 

Signs of Dental Disease in Dogs & Cats: The 4 Stages Every Vet Watches For

Understanding the stages of dental disease helps explain why early-stage detection makes such a big difference:  both for your pet’s comfort and for your wallet.

Stage 1:  Early Plaque Build-Up.

This is the early stage where a sticky film of bacteria (plaque) starts forming on the teeth. At this point, it’s reversible with a professional dental cleaning. Your pet’s oral health can be fully restored.

Stage 2:  Tartar and Gingivitis 

When plaque hardens, it becomes tartar. This is the point where gingivitis sets in:  the gums become inflamed and start to pull away from the teeth. This is still very manageable with a professional cleaning and good oral hygiene habits at home.

Stage 3:  Bone Loss Around the Teeth. 

By Stage 3, periodontal disease has started to affect the bone structure around the teeth. This is where things get more serious, and treatment becomes more involved. The risk of developing further complications increases significantly at this stage.

Stage 4:  Severe Infection and Tooth Loss. 

At this stage, there’s severe infection, tooth decay, possible tooth loss, and bacteria can enter the bloodstream and lead to infection in the organs. This is the stage that could have been avoided with earlier intervention.

Catching dental disease in pets at Stage 1 or 2 here in Keysborough makes an enormous difference. The procedure is simpler, recovery is easier, and your pet avoids a lot of unnecessary pain and discomfort.

 

What a Dental Procedure at Keysborough Vet Involves:  A Professional Dental Cleaning

If your veterinarian recommends a professional dental cleaning for your pet, here’s what to expect:

.  Pre-Anaesthetic Blood Test. Before the dental procedure, we run a blood test to make sure your pet is safe to go under general anaesthesia. This is standard veterinary practice:  it’s not something to worry about, it’s something that helps us look after your pet properly. It checks organ function and helps us tailor the anaesthetic to your pet’s needs.

.  Scaling and Polishing. The actual dental cleaning involves scaling:  removing the build-up of plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, followed by polishing to smooth the tooth surface and help prevent future build-up. This can only be done properly under general anaesthesia, which is why anaesthesia-free dental procedures don’t actually treat dental disease.

.  Dental X-Rays Our in-house dental X-rays allow us to see what’s happening below the gum line:  areas that can’t be assessed with the naked eye. This is a critical part of a thorough dental assessment, and it’s one of the reasons professional cleanings go further than anything you can do at home.

.  Recovery at Home: Most pets bounce back quickly after a dental cleaning. You’ll get clear instructions from our team on what to feed your pet in the first day or two, any signs to watch for, and how to help prevent future build-up with good oral hygiene at home.

 

How to Maintain Your Pet’s Dental Health at Home

A professional cleaning gives your pet a clean slate, but what you do at home between visits really matters. Here’s how to provide your pet with the best ongoing dental care:

Brush Your Pet’s Teeth. 

Yes, you can brush your pet’s teeth, and yes, it makes a difference. Use a soft-bristled pet toothbrush and a pet-safe toothpaste (never human toothpaste, which contains ingredients that are toxic to animals). Start slowly, let them get used to the process, and aim to brush a few times a week. Even once a week is better than nothing.

Dental Chews and Toys 

Look for dental chews that are designed to help clean teeth as your pet chews. Not all chews are equal:  ask our team which options they’d recommend for your dog or cat’s size and chewing habits. Certain toys are also designed to reduce plaque build-up over time.

Diet Matters Too

Dry food can help with oral health compared to wet food, though it’s not a substitute for brushing or professional cleanings. There are also specially formulated dental diets available:  speak to your vet about whether these are appropriate for your pet.

How Often Should You Book a Professional Clean? 

Our Keysborough vets generally recommend at least one professional dental clean per year for most dogs and cats, though some pets, particularly small breeds, may need more frequent attention. Your veterinarian will advise you based on your individual pet’s needs and risk of developing further issues.

 

Book a Pet Dental Clean at Keysborough Veterinary Practice

If your pet’s breath smells, their gums look red, or they simply haven’t had a dental check-up in a while, now’s a good time to sort it out.

At Keysborough Veterinary Practice, we assess your pet’s oral health as part of a general wellness visit, so you don’t need to wait until there’s a problem. We’ll give you an honest picture of where things are at and help you come up with a plan that works for your pet’s needs.

Schedule an appointment today and give your pet’s teeth and gums the attention they deserve. A little dental care now goes a long way.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my pet needs a dental cleaning?
The most common signs include bad breath, yellow or brown build-up on the teeth, red or swollen gums, and your pet seeming reluctant to eat hard food or chew toys. If you’re noticing any of these, it’s worth getting a dental assessment done by your vet.

Is it safe to put my pet under anaesthetic for a dental clean?
Yes:  general anaesthesia is necessary for a proper dental clean, and our team takes every precaution to keep your pet safe. We run a pre-anaesthetic blood test beforehand to check your pet’s health and adjust the procedure accordingly.

How often should my pet have a professional dental cleaning?
Most vets recommend once a year as a baseline. Some pets, particularly small dog breeds or cats prone to dental issues, may need more regular dental check-ups. Your vet will give you personalised guidance.

Can I do anything at home to prevent dental disease in my pet?
Absolutely. Brushing your pet’s teeth a few times a week with pet-safe toothpaste, offering dental chews, and feeding a balanced diet all help prevent plaque and tartar build-up between professional cleanings.

Can dental disease really affect my pet’s organs?
Yes. Bacteria from untreated dental disease can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, kidneys, and liver. This is why getting on top of dental care early isn’t just about your pet’s mouth:  it’s about their overall health and longevity.