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My dog had a dental cleaning. When can she eat and take pain meds?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | spayed | 6 years and 6 months old

My dog had her teeth cleaned today (just cleaning, no extractions) and I wasn’t given any aftercare instructions. Can she eat soon after her procedure (i.e., tonight)? She was given pain medication (Metacam) — when can I start giving this to her? She was administered Buprenorphine and Carprofen during her dental procedure, so does she still have pain meds in her system therefore Metcam won’t be necessary tonight?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 1st, 2019

Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am sorry she wasn’t given any aftercare instructions, but we are here to help. If Zia was given a Metacam injection then that lasts for 24 hrs of pain control. But you can safely give this medication after noon the following day in most situations. It’s best to wait until tomorrow and call your vet to see what time the Metacam was given of you want specifics, but she should be fine either way. : )
Also you can typically give 1/2 her regular portion of food the night of the surgery and then regular portions starting the following day. If she didn’t have any extractions then you shouldn’t have to soften the food or anything like that.
I hope that Zia does well following her dental cleaning here moving forward! Best wishes and take care.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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