Preparing Your Pet For Anesthesia

Preparing your pet for a surgery or dental procedure

At Companions Animal Hospital, all of our staff understands how important your pet is to you and how you may worry about leaving your pet for a scheduled procedure. We want to reassure you that we will take care of your pet just like they were our own!

To help us make sure your pet’s anesthesia and surgical experience goes as smoothly as possible, here is some information that we would like you to review.

Before anesthesia appointment:

No food after 10 pm the night before the procedure; fasting decreases the risk of vomiting while under anesthesia.
We do encourage your pet have access to water throughout the night. Do not let them drink a large quantity of water the morning of the procedure.
If your pet is on medications, continue to give those medications as you normally would, prior to bringing your pet in the morning of the procedure. If you usually give the medication with a meal, please give the medication in a small treat instead.

The day of the appointment:

Bring your pet to the clinic at the time you were given when you made your appointment. If you are unsure what time to bring your pet, please call our clinic.

We do request you bring your pet to the clinic early in the morning so that our surgical team can prepare your pet for its procedure. This may include taking blood for pre-anesthetic lab work, placing an IV catheter, clipping hair, administering anti-nausea medication prior to anesthetics etc.

Your pet’s procedure may occur in the morning or early afternoon, depending on day’s schedule. Please let us know if you have your own schedule restrictions on communication or pick up time. Ideally we ask that you be available by phone at any time during the day so that we can update you on your pet’s status. We want you to be assured your pet will be comfortable while it is here!

After the procedure:

Once your pet is recovering, one of our trained surgical staff will call you with an update and set up a time for you to come and pick up your pet.

When you talk to your technician about preparing to pick up your pet, please let us know if you have any concerns with giving your pet medication, or with keeping your pet calm and the surgical site undisturbed during healing time.

Returning home:

Upon your return to the clinic, a technician will review your pet’s written dismissal instructions and medications with you. Please be sure to understand all of the instructions. Do not hesitate to ask any questions! The doctor who performed your pet’s procedure will be available by phone to talk to you and address any concerns that you may have. We want you to have a good experience working with our staff to make your pet as healthy and comfortable as possible.