Just like with humans, using anesthesia on your dog does not come without risks. Make sure you understand all the risks and benefits of anesthesia before you take your dog in for a dental cleaning. It has become common practice among vets to put dogs under anesthesia during dental cleanings.
Ask For A Blood Test
For the majority of dogs, going under anesthesia is a safe process. However, the biggest warning sign that your dog should not go under anesthesia is if their kidney and liver levels are off.
This is not something you will just be able to determine by looking at your dog. Don't rely on your dog's test from their annual visit for this information. Just schedule a quick trip to have your dog's blood tested again a few days before their dental cleaning.
If anything has changed in your dog's liver and kidney function levels, it could be deadly for them to go under.
Ask About Other Medications Used
Talk to your vet about other medications that they might give your dog to calm them down. Anesthesia is not the only medication that can calm a dog down. When used with other medications and methods, less anesthesia can be used, which is healthier and safer for your dog.
Be sure to ask your vet what else they are going to do to ensure your dog is safe during their dental cleaning.
Additionally, if your dog has any adverse reactions to medications, make sure your vet knows that before they put your dog under.
Ask About Monitoring
Just like when anesthesia is used on a person, someone should be monitoring your dog the entire time anesthesia is being used. This person's sole purpose in the room should be to watch your dog's levels and condition, and adjust their anesthesia accordingly.
This person should not be involved in the cleaning or any other procedure that is taking place. They should be monitoring your dog's temperature, heart rate and respiratory rates. They should also be paying attention to your dog's oxygen levels and blood pressure.
In order to ensure the safety of your dog, make sure you ask about the three items listed above. A skilled veterinarian will already have these practices in place. If your vet doesn't want to test your dog's blood, talk about alternatives, or dedicate an individual to monitor your dog, you should consider taking them somewhere else where these practices are in place.
Share2 April 2015
After our youngest daughter was in high school, I realized that I liked having people around to take care of and that my window for doing that was closing quickly. Instead of having more children, I decided to see about adopting a pet or two. I looked everywhere for a dog and a cat that would meld well with my lifestyle, and it was incredible to find a pet that I really connected with. However, I was able to find pets that I absolutely adored, and so I made them a part of our home. This blog is here to help new pet owners to adjust to their new situation and to learn to love everything about having new pets.