How vets make anesthesia safer

Q: My dog’s teeth really need to be cleaned, but the thought of anesthesia scares me. How safe is it?

Good for you for having your dog’s teeth cleaned! It’s so important for health and comfort.

Back in the day, pets used to be put under anesthesia by placing a mask over the face or putting the pet in a box with anesthetic gas delivered to it. The most up-todate method — intravenous injection of induction drugs — is more controlled and much safer than using “boxing down” or a mask procedure. Modern anesthetic agents help dogs go to sleep safely, effectively and smoothly. When that happens, they also wake up smoothly and peacefully.

The monitoring and care pets receive while under anesthesia is comparable to what you might receive if you were undergoing surgery.

Ask your veterinarian the following questions to ensure that your pet will have a safe anesthetic experience:

• Will you do blood work to make sure my dog doesn’t have any underlying conditions that could increase anesthesia risk? (This costs extra, but it’s worth it to make sure your dog can be anesthetized safely. If your pet has insurance that includes professional cleanings, this blood work should be covered.)

• Will my dog receive a pre-anesthetic sedative beforehand to help reduce stress?

• Will my dog receive intravenous fluids during the procedure to help prevent dehydration?

• What will be monitored while my dog is under anesthesia? (The answer may include blood pressure, blood oxygenation, temperature and electrocardiography to keep tabs on the heart.)

• Do you have a heated table or blankets to keep my pet warm during and after the procedure? (Maintaining body

temperature helps to keep your dog comfortable and allows the body to better metabolize the anesthesia drugs.)

— Dr. Marty Becker

PET BUZZ Watch out for snakes!

With warming weather, snakes are coming out of brumation, a type of hibernation, increasing pets’ risk of encountering them. Not all snakes are venomous, but a bite can still injure your dog or cat.

If you live in an area with rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, water moccasins or coral snakes, take extra care to prevent run-ins with them. Keep pets away from snake habitats such as tall grass, leaf or wood piles, sheds and lesstrafficked areas such as outbuildings.

If your pet is bitten, even if you know the snake is non-venomous, seek immediate veterinary attention, says Dr. Christine Rutter, clinical associate professor of emergency medicine at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Remove your pet’s collar right away to ensure it doesn’t cause choking if swelling occurs around the head or neck. If you can do so without danger or delay, photograph the snake or make a note of its size, color and markings to help your veterinarian determine appropriate treatment.

Begin puppy housetraining right away

Got a brand-new puppy? Start housetraining right away. Remember that puppies don’t have good bladder or sphincter control yet, and excitement can make them need to pee or poop.

Take pups out to potty after 15 to 20 minutes of indoor play, as well as after every meal. Set a timer or have a smart speaker remind you to take your new pal out at set times during the day, based on your pup’s individual needs. Schedule potty outings first thing in the morning and last thing at night.

Scratching the right way!

The sweet spots for petting cats are where their scent glands are located. Scratch beneath the chin, at the base of the ears and on the cheeks behind the whiskers. If your cat leans in or bumps you with her head, you’re doing it right!

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker. Pet Connection is produced by veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, journalist Kim Campbell Thornton, and dog trainer/behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. ©2024 Andrews McMeel Syndication