Understanding the Risks of Anesthesia for Dogs by Breed

This pet health content was written by a veterinarian, Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS, with contributions from Dr. Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS, CVJ, and Kelly Serfas, a certified veterinary technician. This article was reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Elliott and was last updated on August 19, 2024

Concerns and Misconceptions About Anesthesia for Dogs

Occasionally, I come across a client who point-blank refuses to give their dog anesthesia for dogs. Sadly, this is usually because they once lost a much-loved pet under anesthesia.

• Chatting further, it often transpires the tragedy happened years ago.
• Back then, anesthesia for dogs and protocols weren’t as sophisticated as they are today.

Discussing how gentle modern anesthetic agents are often puts minds at rest enough to go ahead with the procedure.

• Another reason for refusing is, “The breeder says this breed dies under anesthetic.”
• While the delivery of the message is a little blunt (and oversimplified), sometimes there is a modicum of truth in what the breeder said.

Breed-Related Myths About Anesthesia for Dogs

We’ve heard it all:

• “Chihuahuas are more sensitive to anesthesia for dogs…”
• “Cocker Spaniels are more sensitive to anesthesia for dogs…”
• “Greyhounds are more sensitive to anesthesia for dogs…”

However, the reality is quite different when you look at scientific facts. Breed sensitivities to anesthesia for dogs are pretty much a myth, despite whatever your breeder, your best friend, or your groomer may claim.

• There is one drug that Greyhounds are very sensitive to: barbiturates. However, these drugs are no longer available in the United States, so they’re not really a concern anymore.

To be fair, some breeds and certainly some individuals can respond to some drugs differently. For example:

• Northern dog breeds such as Huskies tend to vocalize after receiving injectable pain medications related to morphine.
• If you have a Husky, you probably know they are quite vocal to begin with.

With all this in mind, let’s look at some of the breed-specific conditions that affect anesthesia for dogs and what your vet does to keep the dog safe.

What to Expect Before Your Dog’s Anesthesia

Before your dog undergoes anesthesia, several steps are taken to ensure their safety.

• Your vet will likely perform pre-anesthetic blood work to assess your dog’s overall health and identify any underlying conditions that could affect anesthesia for dogs.
• You may be asked to withhold food from your dog for a specific period before anesthesia, as this helps reduce the risk of complications during the procedure.

The vet may also discuss any necessary adjustments to anesthesia protocols based on your dog’s breed, age, and health status to ensure a safe experience.

Flat-Faced Breeds: Pug, Bulldog, and Boston Terrier

A vet’s heart is liable to start racing when they see a squish-faced breed on the operating schedule.

• Bulldogs and other brachycephalic (flat-faced dogs and cats) breeds have a significantly higher risk for respiratory complications around anesthesia for dogs time.

When awake, these dogs often struggle to breathe, and anesthesia is an extra challenge, but your vet knows this and therefore anticipates the risks.

• What many Bulldog folks don’t understand is that their anesthesia is very safe. The most critical period is after surgery. Bulldogs sometimes need an extended recovery period.
• The technician should monitor them closely until they are fully awake before removing the tube from their windpipe.

Some of the challenges facing a flat-faced breed include:

• Large tonsils and a long soft palate blocking the back of the throat.
• A windpipe that is much narrower than it should be.
• A tendency to inhale saliva into the lungs.

To keep your dog safe, the vet will be proactive and will:

• Place an intravenous catheter for direct access to the bloodstream.
• Give the dog oxygen ahead of handling.
• Use low doses of sedatives so the dog has better control of their swallowing.
• Give anesthetic agents that wear off rapidly so the dog wakes quickly.
• Place a tube in the dog’s windpipe to maintain an open airway.
• Monitor the dog constantly until fully awake.

Sighthounds: Greyhound, Whippet, and Saluki

These guys have an unusually low amount of body fat, which alters how they handle anesthesia for dogs.

• Once upon a time, the anesthetics available meant these dogs slept for days afterward. Happily, this is no longer the case.
• Modern drugs are short-acting and don’t rely on body fat soaking them up for the dog to wake up.

From the inductions agents to the gas that keeps the dog asleep, anesthetic protocols for sighthounds are almost unrecognizable from 10–20 years ago.

• This means the dogs are fully awake within hours, just like any other dog.

However, sighthounds do seem to have too much of a blood clot-busting enzyme that leads to excessive bleeding. This is a risk you should discuss with your vet before any surgical procedure. For more on this, see our article "How Minor Surgery Could Put Your Greyhound in Danger."

Herding Dogs: Border Collie and Australian Shepherd

Dogs of herding heritage are special cases.

• A quirk in their physiology makes them overly sensitive to certain drugs, such as Ivermectin.
• This sensitivity also applies to certain sedatives, but your vet knows this and uses low doses to compensate.

Toy Breeds: Chihuahua and Pomeranian

The teeny-tiny toy breeds have a large surface area relative to their size.

• The upshot of this is they lose heat easily, especially under anesthetic.
• Heat pads and a particularly comfy sort of doggy hot air bed (called a "bear hugger") ensure this isn’t a problem.

Another potential concern is a toy dog’s tendency toward low blood sugar. Careful monitoring during the anesthetic helps the vet tech and vet keep abreast of sugar levels so they know if an intravenous supplement becomes necessary.

Giant Breeds: Newfoundland and St. Bernard

These boys may be big, but they’re small at heart.

• Many giant breeds are especially sensitive to sedative drugs.
• Your vet anticipates this by giving reduced dosages.

Special Mentions: Boxer, Doberman, and Dachshund

Some breeds have issues all of their own, such as: The Boxer’s extreme sensitivity to sedatives.

• The Doberman’s risk of silent heart disease or clotting problems.
• The Dachshund's inclination to a low heart rate under anesthetic.

Forewarned is forearmed, so your vet may wish to run tests ahead of the procedure to troubleshoot for problems.

Learn more about what happens when your pet goes under from this veterinary anesthesiologist: 

Common Myths About Anesthesia for Dogs

"But My Dog Is Too Small for Anesthesia!"

Not true.

• All drugs, including anesthesia drugs, are calculated based on the pet's weight, so whether your dog weighs 2 pounds or 102 pounds, they will get each drug based on their exact body weight the day of anesthesia.
• Small patients have a higher risk of hypothermia (low body temperature), so they will be kept warm before, during, and after anesthesia.

"But My Dog Is Too Old for Anesthesia!"

Again, not true. “Age is not a disease,” as the saying goes.

• Don’t use advanced age as an excuse to avoid a surgical or dental procedure under anesthesia that may benefit your pet’s health.
• As long as pre-anesthetic blood work, physical exam, and possibly X-rays or an ultrasound are performed to be sure that vital organs are functioning well, older pets can safely go under anesthesia.

Geriatric patients may need an anesthesia protocol that is tailored to their needs, and your vet was trained to make such adjustments. In complicated situations, a board-certified anesthesiologist can be consulted.

"My Dog Can't Go Under Anesthesia Because of a Heart Murmur"

Patients with heart conditions do need special attention.

• Pre-anesthetic radiographs of the lungs and heart and an ultrasound of the heart should be done to assess the severity of the heart condition and determine if treatment is needed.

Anesthetic complications, no matter how rare, do happen.

It is our job to minimize them by hiring well-trained nurses, performing pre-anesthetic physicals, using modern monitoring equipment, and tailoring anesthesia protocols to each patient.

Monitoring Your Dog During Anesthesia

Monitoring your dog during anesthesia is a critical aspect of ensuring their safety throughout the procedure.

• Your vet will use modern monitoring equipment to track vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood oxygen levels, to ensure that anesthesia for dogs is administered safely.
• Trained veterinary nurses will be on hand to respond to any changes in your dog’s condition, adjusting the anesthesia as needed.

This continuous monitoring helps prevent complications and ensures that your dog’s anesthesia is as safe as possible.

Common Anesthesia Side Effects in Dogs

Anesthesia for dogs, like any medical procedure, can have side effects, although they are typically mild and temporary.

• Common side effects include grogginess, a slight decrease in body temperature, and minor gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea or vomiting.
• Your dog may also experience a temporary loss of coordination or balance as the anesthesia wears off.

These side effects usually resolve within a few hours, but it’s important to monitor your dog and provide a quiet, comfortable environment for recovery.

Rather Than Refuse, Ask Questions Instead

You can’t bear the thought of putting your dog under anesthesia -- and I totally get it.

• There’s a risk with any anesthetic that no one can deny. But what many people don’t appreciate (probably because vets don’t tell them) is that each pet is treated as an individual.
• There’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to anesthetic.

Each patient’s risk factors are carefully assessed and addressed, and everything is tailored to the individual, including: Screening blood tests Intravenous fluids Drugs and dosages Anesthetic circuits

Taking the pre-med injection as an example, there’s a whole array of different drugs available to best match a patient’s age, breed, or health conditions.

In short, discuss your concerns with the vet. Chances are they’re way ahead of you in terms of risk assessment.

• No one will force you to do anything you don’t want to, but perhaps when you know all the facts, you may feel a little better about trusting professionals with your dog's care and a little less like taking the breeder’s word as gospel.

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Post-Anesthesia Care: What to Watch For at Home

Once your dog has undergone anesthesia, post-anesthesia care is essential to a smooth recovery.

• After anesthesia for dogs, it’s common for pets to be a bit groggy or disoriented for a few hours. Make sure they have a quiet, warm place to rest where they won’t be disturbed.
• Monitor your dog for any signs of discomfort, prolonged grogginess, or unusual behavior, and contact your vet if you notice anything concerning.

Your vet may also provide specific instructions for food, water, and medication following the procedure to ensure your dog’s recovery is as comfortable and safe as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

References

• “Anesthesia for Dogs.” VCA Hospitals.https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/anesthesia-for-dogs
• “What to Know About Anesthesia.” American Kennel Club (AKC).https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/what-to-know-about-anesthesia/
• “When Your Pet Needs Anesthesia.” American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/when-your-pet-needs-anesthesia