At Sugar River Animal Hospital, we understand that the thought of anesthesia can be stressful for pet owners. Dr. Catherine MacLean and our veterinary team take a careful, individualized approach to anesthesia for dogs, considering each pet’s health, age, breed, and procedure. From pre-anesthetic testing and careful monitoring to temperature control and recovery, our goal is to keep your dog as safe and comfortable as possible throughout the process.
Is anesthesia safe for dogs?
In general, yes. Anesthesia is safe for dogs. As long as anesthesia is monitored and administered properly, we rarely have complications.
What procedures require anesthesia for dogs?
Anesthesia is typically used for surgery, such as a spay or neuter, mass removal, or removal of a foreign body. We also use general anesthesia for dental cleanings and sometimes for procedures that are not surgical but are extremely painful. For example, we had a dog come in with more than 1,000 porcupine quills, and general anesthesia was the best way to keep the dog comfortable while removing them.
Are there procedures where dog anesthesia is not needed?
If we are doing something painful where general anesthesia is not necessary, sedation is usually needed. For example, a painful ear flushing or routine porcupine quill removal may be performed with sedation instead. We cannot always use local anesthesia and perform a procedure quickly because animals need to remain still and may not understand what is happening. There may also be blood supply to something like a mass that needs to be carefully controlled during the procedure.
Is sedation used for dog X-rays?
We may use sedation for certain radiographs or X-rays, such as when evaluating the knees or looking for an orthopedic problem. In these cases, we generally use sedation rather than general anesthesia.
What types of anesthesia are available for dogs?
The most common anesthetic for dogs is inhalant anesthesia. There are different types of inhalant anesthesia with slight differences between them, but as long as the veterinary team is comfortable using the anesthetic and the dog is monitored properly, they are considered safe.
What are the side effects of anesthesia in dogs?
Just like in people, dogs can sometimes experience gastrointestinal side effects after anesthesia, such as vomiting or, more commonly, diarrhea.
Are some dogs at higher risk for anesthesia?
Any dog can undergo anesthesia, but different breeds and health conditions can change our anesthesia protocols and may come with greater risks. Brachycephalic dogs, such as French Bulldogs and Bulldogs, require additional precautions because they can have more difficulty breathing. We use a different drug protocol for these dogs and may remove the endotracheal tube at a different time than we would for dogs with a typical nose.
Does age affect anesthesia risk in dogs?
Age alone does not prevent us from using anesthesia. However, certain conditions that become more common with age, such as kidney disease, may change our anesthesia protocols. This is why pre-anesthetic information, such as an EKG and blood work, is important when planning anesthesia and determining the safest approach for each dog.
What are the possible complications of anesthesia in dogs?
Most commonly, you may notice a decrease in appetite, lethargy, or sometimes diarrhea after your dog goes home. These effects can occur for up to 24 hours after anesthesia.
How can anesthesia risks be reduced for dogs?
We cannot always know how an individual dog will respond to anesthesia. Some of the drugs used for certain procedures can cause nausea, so we may give anti-nausea medication ahead of time to help prevent this. If a dog experiences diarrhea or another issue after anesthesia, we make note of it and can adjust the anesthesia protocol if the dog needs another procedure in the future.
What is the difference between dog sedation and anesthesia?
With general anesthesia, the dog is fully unconscious and maintained on an inhalant anesthetic to keep them unconscious during the procedure. Sedation usually involves a combination of medications, and the dog is generally still semi-conscious during the procedure.
How is a dog monitored under anesthesia?
At our practice, we monitor many things while a dog is under anesthesia, including body temperature, blood pressure, oxygenation, tidal CO2, heart rate, breathing rate, and a continuous EKG. We also monitor fluid administration and the depth of anesthesia.
What does dog anesthesia recovery look like?
Recovery from anesthesia is managed by the medical team at the veterinary hospital. After the procedure, we provide oxygen for a few minutes before moving the dog to the recovery area. Once the dog is conscious and awake enough, we remove the endotracheal tube. During recovery, we continue to monitor heart rate, body temperature, and how awake the dog is at regular intervals.
Why is body temperature important during dog anesthesia?
Maintaining a normal body temperature is very important during anesthesia. We want our patients to stay warm because dogs that maintain a normal body temperature generally recover more quickly. If they become too cold, we need to bring their temperature back to normal during recovery, which can make the recovery process slower.
How do you keep a dog warm during surgery?
We use several methods to maintain a normal body temperature during surgery. Our surgery tables are heated, and we have a device called a Bear Hugger that blows warm air into a blanket. We may also use booties on the feet, since the feet can lose heat quickly. Our IV fluid lines have a warmer as well. If additional warmth is needed during recovery, we can use a special reflective mat in the cage to help return the dog's body heat.
What should I do if my dog acts weird after anesthesia?
If your dog is acting differently after anesthesia, such as being lethargic or not interested in eating or drinking, this can be normal for up to 24 hours. Sometimes getting your pet moving can help process the anesthesia more quickly. Being a little out of sorts for up to 24 hours can be expected as the medications wear off.
How long does anesthesia take to wear off in dogs?
For some dogs, it can take up to 24 hours for the medications to fully wear off.
Are there alternatives to general anesthesia for dogs?
There are no alternatives that provide the same effect as general anesthesia when a procedure requires a dog to be fully unconscious.
Can anesthesia affect my dog's long-term health?
Anesthesia itself is not expected to affect your dog's long-term health. The anesthesia itself is out of the body within about 20 minutes, and most of the medications used are out of the system within 12 to 24 hours or less.
What if my dog won't eat or drink after anesthesia?
It is not uncommon for a dog not to eat or drink the day of the procedure after going home, and some dogs may still have a decreased appetite or thirst the following morning. If your dog is still not eating or drinking well by the afternoon, we want to know. We typically call to check on patients the day after their procedure. If we cannot entice a dog to eat, we may dispense anti-nausea medication because nausea can be the reason they do not want to eat.
How can I find a veterinary clinic with safe anesthesia practices?
Ask the veterinary clinic how they monitor pets during anesthesia and who is involved in the anesthesia process. You can also ask about their safety record and what monitoring equipment and procedures they use. These questions can help you understand how the veterinary team approaches anesthesia safety.
“Whether you have questions about your dog’s upcoming procedure, anesthesia safety, or what to expect during recovery, the team at Sugar River Animal Hospital is here to help you feel informed and prepared. Contact our veterinary team during regular business hours at (603) 287-1181 or [email protected] to discuss your questions or schedule an appointment.”