The American Veterinary Dental College recommends that pets be anesthetized for dental cleaning and examination.

Some of the benefits include:

  • increased safety for your pet and for the hygienist
  • reduced pain and stress for your pet
  • ability to perform a complete examination
  • ability to clean all tooth surfaces, even below the gumline
  • ability to take x-rays of the teeth to detect damage and infection
  • prevention of material being breathed in by your pet

Minimizing Your Anxiety

General anesthesia is necessary and recommended by the American Veterinary Dental College to maximize the benefits of dental care for your pet. But it can be stressful for you – what can you do to minimize your anxiety around anesthesia?

Remember that by including a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist on your pet’s care team, you are doing everything you can to provide the best care possible for your pet.

Our care goes beyond providing anesthesia. Dr. Shafford will review your pet’s medical records, develop a plan to maximize anesthesia safety and comfort, and call you to discuss your pet’s upcoming procedure. Whenever possible, Dr. Shafford will meet with you and your pet prior to anesthesia. Afterward, she’ll follow up to make sure pain is being adequately managed and home recovery is going smoothly.

Our process includes:

  • Time for pre- and post-procedure communications
  • A thorough pre-anesthetic physical examination
  • Anesthetic and pain medications
  • Intensive monitoring and support of your pet
  • Advanced anesthesia and pain management protocols
  • Dedicated attention from a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist

Clients repeatedly tell us their pets come home more alert, more comfortable and recover faster when Dr. Shafford provides anesthesia care. Veterinarians and pet owners alike say that having a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist as part of the medical team makes the experience less stressful, because they don’t have to worry about anesthesia.