Dog Coughing after Dental Cleaning is a common side effect that usually clears up within a few days.

Both when it comes to dental cleaning and/or tooth extraction.

However, you can do a few things to help ease your dog’s discomfort and speed up the healing process.

In this article, we’ll discuss the causes of dog coughing after dental surgery, and we’ll give you some tips on how to help your dog feel better.

Reasons Why A Dog May Cough After a Dental Surgery

  1. Reasons dog coughing after dental cleaning
  2. What to do if the Cough is dry or sharp?
  3. How could you rule out Consistent and Sporadic Cough?
  4. When to Call the Vet?
  5. How Often Does My Dog Need a Dental Checkup?
  6. How to Help a Dog Coughing From Tooth Extractions?
  7. Can My Dog Get Post-dental Procedure Infections?
  8. How Can I Prevent my Dog From Developing Infections?

1.  Reason dog coughing after dental cleaning

  • The most common reason is that the dog has inhaled some of the gaseous anesthesia used during the procedure. It is a common side effect of anesthesia and is usually nothing to worry about. [1]
  • The cough after tooth cleaning in dogs is also due to pulmonary water aspiration. Pulmonary aspiration refers to the inhalation of water into the lungs. [2]
  • Other causes of coughing post-dental cleaning include irritation of the throat or sinuses from the dental instruments used and bleeding in the lungs caused by the surgery.

2.  What to do if the Cough is dry or sharp?

A dry, hacking cough is typical kennel cough in dogs. Following teeth cleaning, the dog may be susceptible to this disease because it is weakened from anesthesia.

The first signs of kennel cough are sneezing and coughing. The cough often has a distinctive sound described as a “goose honk.”

It may sound like the dog has something caught in its throat that it is trying to dislodge by coughing.

The dog’s eyes may water, and it may have discharge from its nose. [3] [4]

If you suspect your dog has kennel cough, contact your vet immediately.

3. How could you rule out Consistent and Sporadic Cough?

A consistent cough occurs when the dog’s chest cavity fills up with fluid; it puts pressure on the dog’s lungs and makes it difficult for the pet to breathe properly.

In severe cases, this can cause your dog to have difficulty breathing and have trouble moving around. [5]

A sporadic cough occurs when food, water, saliva, or vomit enters the lungs due to a teeth cleaning procedure.

So the best way to prevent this type of cough is to restrict feeding for 3-6 hours before going for dental cleaning. [6]

4.  When to Call the Vet?

If your dog is coughing after a dental cleaning, it’s important to monitor the situation and watch for any other symptoms.

In most cases, the coughing will clear up within a few days (sporadic).

However, if your dog is still coughing (consistent/kennel) after a week or two or exhibiting any other alarming symptoms, it’s time to consult your vet.

The vet prescribed an antibiotic called Enrofloxacin (Baytril), Kennel cough supplements and a cough suppressant called Butorphanol. [7] [8]

5.  How Often Does My Dog Need a Dental Checkup?

Most dogs need a dental cleaning at least once a year and more often if they have gum disease.

The only way to know for sure is to have your veterinarian examine your dog’s mouth every year.

Your vet may also recommend professional cleaning, or you can use at-home dental care products between visits.

6.  How to Help a Dog Coughing from Tooth Extractions?

If your dog is coughing after a tooth extraction, you can do a few things to help make them more comfortable.

  • Make sure they have plenty of water and ice to keep them hydrated.
  • You can also give them some of their regular food or a light meal to help them regain their strength.
  • You can also try a steam inhaler to help loosen any mucus and congestion. [9]
  • If your dog still has trouble breathing, go to the vet as soon as possible.

7. Can My Dog Get Post-dental Procedure Infections?

A dog can get an infection after a dental procedure, most commonly after tooth extraction.

A dog should take to the veterinarian if they appear sluggish and tired, especially after undergoing a dental procedure. [10]

Signs of an infection include:

  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Excessive drooling
  • Lethargy
  • Changes in behavior
  • Inflammation or redness around the mouth

8.  How Can I Prevent my Dog From Developing Infections?

  • The best way to prevent any post-procedure infections or soreness is to follow the instructions given to you by your veterinarian. If your pet receives a prescription medication, you must administer this medication as instructed.
  • Using an antiseptic mouth rinse after your dog has dental cleaning, such as Chlorhexidine Rinse for dogs and cats will also help prevent infections in your dog’s mouth after dental procedures.
  • Certain high-quality dental chews may also be beneficial in reducing plaque and tartar buildup between cleanings.

Conclusion:

A dog coughing after a dental cleaning is relatively common.

However, if the coughing becomes severe, you should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.

Coughing can signify many different things, from mild irritation to something more serious, so it’s best to be safe and make sure everything is okay.

In the meantime, you can try some home remedies to help your dog feel better.

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