476 Myrtle Ave

Brooklyn, NY 11205 US

(718) 623-3999

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How Safe is Pet Anesthesia

Concerns about pet anesthesia are one reason why pet owners put off having surgery or other medical procedures, such as dental cleaning. However, if the proper precautions are taken by your veterinarian, anesthesia is safe. Learn more about the safety of anesthesia for pets from Clinton Hill Animal Clinic in Brooklyn, NY.

Times Have Changed

Decades ago, when anesthesia was new, dosages for pets were not well known. Thankfully, those days are over. Anesthetic drugs are now often administered with both gas and injection, which is safer than just using gas. Intravenous medications also help your pet fall asleep with less stress than having a mask put on. Pets are checked more frequently after their procedures since the risk of death from anesthesia is highest in the first few hours after surgery.

Use of Painkillers

Feeling pain means a pet finds it hard to fall asleep and remain asleep. A veterinarian gives painkillers before, and while under, anesthesia. This helps reduce the pet’s pain when they wake up and also means less anesthesia needs to be used since pain signals to the brain are turned off.

The Pre-Anesthetic Assessment

Another reason why fatalities from anesthesia are low in pets is because the vet performs an assessment before surgery to determine if the animal seems healthy enough for anesthesia. For example, pets that are obese are bad candidates for anesthesia. Very old pets with chronic health problems and newborn pets are also bad candidates. Only some kinds of anesthesia are safe for sighthound breeds, including whippets and greyhounds.

Keeping Pets Warm

It’s now known that a pet’s body temperature goes down when it’s under anesthesia. Certain dog breeds are notorious for this. Vets know these dogs need to be kept warm during and after surgery in order to avoid the body getting dangerously cold. Keeping pets warm also helps painkillers do their jobs more effectively.

Still Have Questions? Call Us Today

If you have questions about the safety of anesthesia for your pet and live in the Brooklyn, NY, area, contact Clinton Hill Animal Clinic today at (718) 623-3999. We’re happy to answer your questions and set up an appointment for your pet’s surgery or other needs.

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Office Hours

Monday:

10:30 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

10:30 am-5:30 pm

Wednesday:

10:30 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

Closed

Friday:

10:30 am-5:30 pm

Saturday:

10:30 am-5:30 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Phone: (718) 623-3999
476 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11205, US


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Read What Our Clients Say

  • "Roxy and i loved our experience with Clinton hill, and our doctor was amazing! She explained everything and answered all my questions. I highly recommend this vet clinic!"
    Amanda Hodge
  • "Always excellent professional care. Staff are empathetic towards pets and pet parents. I highly recommend this clinic. My dogs have been under care there for the past eight years."
    Frances Haile
  • "I wish there was a way to give 10 stars. It was the absolute best experience for us and our cats. The guy it the front desk I’m so sorry I forgot your name but he was extremely patient, thorough and took the time to answer every question we had. The doctor was caring and extremely knowledgeable about cats. It was the best experience 10 stars!"
    Brian Bee
  • "This place specializes in creating great relationships with owners and pets. I've been with Dr. Pamela Dendtler since 2003 ! Awesome care and service."
    Diedre Yvonne Gary
  • "To Dr Dendtler and Staff, I cant begin to tell you how impressed I am with the loving care you have given to my cat Baxter, before and after the much needed surgery. Baxter is so pleased with the outcome; he goes around purring all day."
    Thanks again. -Estelle P.
  • "Dear Dr. Dendtler, You were very thorough and caring in treating Buddy. You explained clearly how to protect my dog. I have been to many clinics but you are the best. You were very professional and compassionate. Buddy and I are very grateful. Thanks ever so much to you and your staff."
    John L.
  • "Hi Dr Dendtler, Thank you so very much for fixing my eye. I can see clearly now…I can see all obstacles in my way! Love Vernell R"
    Vernell R.

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