Anesthesia in dogs may be necessary for various reasons. Routine procedures requiring anesthesia include castration or dental cleaning. Additionally, accidents, poisonings, or specific illnesses often necessitate therapy under anesthesia. The following sections explain how the anesthesia process in dogs unfolds, the associated risks, and considerations for pre- and post-operative care.

When is anesthesia performed in dogs?

Many dogs will require anesthesia at least once in their lives, such as for castration. Anesthesia induces a state of sleep in the dog. Anesthetic agents lead to loss of consciousness and pain perception, accompanied by muscle relaxation to prevent defensive reactions. The following list outlines reasons for anesthesia in dogs:

How anesthesia works in dogs: Preparation, execution, and aftercare

Preparation for anesthesia in dogs begins, in the case of a planned procedure, a day before the operation. Animals should refrain from consuming any food at least twelve hours prior. This means no eating on the evening before and the morning of the surgery, including regular meals and dog treats.

Before anesthesia, the veterinarian examines the dog, including a blood test. This provides crucial organ values (such as liver and kidney values) and insights into the general health of the animal. It also influences the choice of anesthetic and the anesthesia management during the operation.

Procedure

To initiate general anesthesia in dogs, the veterinarian first places a venous catheter. Through this, the drugs for anesthesia induction are administered. During the operation, the dog also receives an infusion solution through this access.

Once the dog is asleep, intubation takes place. In the operating room, animals receive anesthesia gas through this tube. Anesthesia monitoring during the procedure involves checking mucous membranes, respiratory activity, heart function, body temperature, and blood pressure.

For longer procedures, inhalation anesthesia is typically chosen. During the operation, the dog breathes in a mixture of anesthesia gas and oxygen. In case of an emergency, the anesthesia can be turned off to administer pure oxygen to the dog. Besides inhalation anesthesia, injection anesthesia is also common. Depending on the anesthetic, the dog receives it through the venous access or by injection into the muscle.

Aftercare

The duration of anesthesia in dogs depends on the type of procedure. Diagnostic measures or dental cleanings often require less time than, for example, orthopedic surgeries or abdominal cavity openings.

The anesthesia is terminated by turning off the anesthesia gas or administering an antidote. Continuous monitoring of the dog is essential during the awakening phase.

The dog can only leave the clinic when fully conscious and able to walk independently. In the case of accident- or illness-related surgeries, the four-legged patient may need to stay in the clinic for several days after anesthesia. It’s different for routine treatments like dental cleaning: in such cases, the dog can go home on the same day.

Many animals experience a high need for sleep after anesthesia. Owners should provide the dog with a warm and quiet place and avoid stress. Feeding should be delayed until the dog is awake enough and less prone to choking.

Costs

The expense of sedating a dog is predominantly influenced by the size of your pet, as smaller dogs require a smaller dose of anesthesia, resulting in lower costs. Our research indicates that sedation for small dogs typically ranges from $50 to $75, while for large dogs, it can vary from $100 to $200.

Several factors contribute to the variability in sedation costs, including:

Risks of Anesthesia in Dogs – What to Consider

Anesthesia in dogs, like general anesthesia in humans, comes with risks. During anesthesia, there may be instances of respiratory arrest or complications such as a drop in blood pressure and circulatory failure. In the worst case, a dog may pass away during anesthesia. Animals with pre-existing conditions (e.g., kidney or heart patients) and older animals are at a higher risk and require special anesthesia management.