Immediately postoperatively, dogs and cats are typically required to eat a soft diet. This can include wet food from a can/pouch or water added to dry kibble. Once they have healed, pets can return to their normal diets.

Why Dogs and Cats Eat Better After Tooth Extractions

Pets often eat better after having diseased teeth extracted for several reasons:

1. Reduced Pain: Diseased teeth can cause significant discomfort or pain while eating. Once these teeth are removed and their surgical sites have healed, pets typically experience pain relief. This relief in pain makes it easier and more enjoyable for them to eat.

2. Improved Appetite: Pain and discomfort can lead to a decreased appetite. Following extraction, pets often regain their desire to eat, as they no longer associate eating with pain.

3. Increased Energy: With the oral discomfort alleviated, pets may feel more energetic and active, which can positively affect their eating behavior and overall enthusiasm. Pets may want to play with toys they have not touched for years. Overall, the removal of diseased teeth not only alleviates pain but also contributes to an enhanced quality of life, encouraging pets to eat more comfortably.

Contact a Houston Pet Dentist

If your pet is due for an exam or showing signs of dental disease, please don’t hesitate to call our office to schedule an oral exam for your pet today!

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (11/6/2025). Photo by Pacto Visual on Unsplash