"What We Do Before They Sleep"

Most dog owners approach their pet’s surgery with far more emotional drama than the dog ever will.

While the canine patient trots into the clinic with a relaxed tail wag—unaware that today involves anesthesia and a shaved patch of fur—the human counterpart is at home pacing, skipping meals, and quietly Googling “Can my dog survive anesthesia?” at two o’clock in the morning.

The truth is far less cinematic. Veterinary surgery is not an action movie—it is a carefully planned, medically controlled event designed to minimize risk and maximize safety. Whether your dog is scheduled for a routine spay or neuter, a repair after an overly enthusiastic leap, or a more complex corrective procedure, success depends less on panic and more on preparation.

A well-prepared dog experiences a safer anesthetic process, smoother healing, and fewer complications. Just as importantly, a well-informed owner enjoys something rare and precious: peace of mind. This guide outlines the essential pre-surgical steps veterinarians recommend—grounded in science, guided by common sense, and softened with just enough humor to keep you from spiraling into worst-case scenarios.

     1) What Should You and Your Dog Prepare?

          Before anesthesia, veterinarians typically recommend fasting for 8–12 hours, most commonly beginning around 8:00 p.m. the night before surgery. This usually applies to food and, in many cases, water, unless your veterinarian gives specific instructions otherwise. Fasting reduces the risk of vomiting or aspiration while your dog is under anesthesia—a safety measure that is far more important than your dog’s temporary displeasure.

To avoid “secret snacking,” keep your dog in a supervised area, especially if they are known for late-night kitchen patrols or countertop thievery. This is not the evening to trust a dog who has previously stolen half a sandwich without remorse.

It is also helpful to maintain a calm routine. Dogs are remarkably perceptive; if you are anxious, they will sense it. Speak gently, avoid dramatic goodbyes, and remember that for your dog, this is simply another day that begins with love and ends with rest.

If your dog attempts to negotiate for treats using soulful eyes or elaborate sighs, remain strong. You are not being cruel—you are being responsible. In this moment, you are managing your dog’s pre-operative routine, not the other way around. Safety always outweighs snacks, even the very convincing ones.

     2) Why Must Dogs Abstain From Food and Water?

          For many dog owners, asking a beloved companion to skip dinner—or worse, breakfast—feels like a small act of betrayal. After all, dogs measure time in meals, not minutes. Yet this brief period of fasting is one of the most important gifts you can give your dog before anesthesia.

When a dog is placed under general anesthesia, the brain temporarily relaxes the reflexes that normally protect the airway. Swallowing, coughing, and gagging—those quiet guardians that keep food and liquid moving in the right direction—take a well-deserved break. If the stomach contains food or water during this time, there is a risk that it may be brought back up through regurgitation.

Should any of that material slip into the trachea instead of the esophagus, it can partially block the airway or travel deeper into the lungs. This can lead to aspiration pneumonia, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires intensive treatment and can complicate recovery. No dog plans to inhale yesterday’s dinner, of course—but anesthesia removes the body’s ability to stop it from happening.

The good news is that prevention is remarkably simple. An empty stomach is not a punishment; it is protection. By following your veterinarian’s fasting instructions, you are quietly reducing risk long before the first surgical instrument is ever touched.

Your dog may look at you with confusion, mild disappointment, or the dramatic expression of someone who believes they are being starved for narrative effect. Stay gentle. Stay firm. This small inconvenience buys something invaluable: a safer anesthetic experience and a smoother path back home, where meals—and forgiveness—will resume right on schedule.

     3) Surgical Risks in Dogs Are Multifactorial

          Surgical risk in dogs is never determined by a single factor. It is a quiet conversation between age, anatomy, overall health, and timing—and veterinarians listen carefully to every part of that conversation.

Age plays a significant role. As dogs grow older, their bodies change in ways that are both natural and unavoidable. Cellular repair slows, cardiovascular strength may decline, and the lungs become slightly less efficient at exchanging oxygen. None of this means that senior dogs cannot undergo surgery—but it does mean they deserve additional attention and respect for the miles their bodies have already traveled.

This is why veterinarians perform thorough pre-operative assessments in older patients. Cardiac auscultation helps detect murmurs or rhythm irregularities. Examination of the mucous membranes offers insight into circulation and oxygenation. Careful respiratory monitoring provides clues about how well the lungs and airways may tolerate anesthesia. These steps are not caution for caution’s sake; they are acts of preparation designed to reduce risk and improve outcomes.

Breed anatomy also matters—sometimes more than owners realize. Brachycephalic dogs, including Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and other short-nosed companions, are born with narrower airways, elongated soft palates, and compact facial structures. These anatomical features can make breathing more challenging, especially under anesthesia or during recovery.

When these dogs snore, snort, or struggle slightly after surgery, they are not being dramatic. They are simply working with less airway “real estate” than their long-nosed counterparts. Recognizing this allows veterinary teams to adjust anesthetic protocols, airway management, and post-operative monitoring to keep these dogs safe and comfortable.

     4) Surgical Interventions and Associated Conditions

    

          Veterinary surgeries are generally classified into two broad categories: emergency and non-emergency procedures. Understanding the difference helps owners make informed, calm decisions—even under stressful circumstances.

Emergency surgeries involve conditions that cannot wait. These include urethral obstruction, severe traumatic injuries, and pyometra, a life-threatening uterine infection. Pyometra occurs when bacteria proliferate within the uterus, leading to the accumulation of pus, widespread inflammation, and the release of toxins into the bloodstream. Left untreated, it can rapidly progress to sepsis and shock.

This is not a condition that improves with time or responds to home remedies. Surgical removal of the infected uterus is the only effective and definitive treatment. In these cases, surgery is not simply recommended—it is lifesaving.

Non-emergency surgeries, on the other hand, allow for thoughtful timing and preparation. When the condition is stable, veterinarians may choose to first support the dog medically. For large masses, inflammatory conditions, or patients with higher anesthetic risk, reducing inflammation, correcting dehydration, or stabilizing organ function before surgery can significantly decrease blood loss and improve recovery.

Sometimes, the safest surgery is not the fastest one—but the best-prepared one. Thoughtful timing, guided by veterinary expertise, turns surgical intervention into a measured step forward rather than a rushed leap.

     5) The One Essential Step Dogs Should Never Skip: Pre-Surgical Blood Tests

          If there is a quiet hero in the surgical journey, it is pre-surgical blood testing. It does not arrive with suspense, applause, or a cone of shame—but it stands guard long before anesthesia begins, protecting your dog in ways that are both subtle and profound.

Pre-operative bloodwork gives veterinarians a trustworthy glimpse beneath the fur, offering insight into how the body is functioning at a cellular level. It answers essential questions: Are the vital organs ready to handle anesthesia? Is the blood prepared to support healing? Are there hidden imbalances that could turn a routine procedure into an avoidable complication?

The liver and kidneys take center stage in this evaluation. These organs are responsible for processing anesthetic drugs and medications, then clearing them safely from the body. When their function is reduced—even mildly—medications can remain active longer than intended, increasing the likelihood of unwanted side effects. Bloodwork allows these risks to be identified before they have a chance to matter.

Red blood cells are just as important. Low levels, a condition known as anemia, limit the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to tissues—an unnecessary disadvantage during surgery. Platelets, the body’s natural clotting partners, are also carefully assessed. When platelet counts are insufficient, the ability to control bleeding is compromised, increasing the risk of surgical hemorrhage.

When pre-surgical blood tests reveal abnormalities, veterinarians do not see delay as failure. They see foresight. Surgery may be postponed to allow time for supportive care, correction of imbalances, stabilization of organ function, or reduction of inflammation. This pause is not a retreat—it is a thoughtful adjustment designed to make the procedure safer and recovery smoother.

Think of pre-surgical bloodwork as a pre-flight checklist written specifically for dogs. No responsible pilot leaves the runway without confirming that every system is prepared for the journey ahead. In the same spirit, no conscientious surgical team proceeds without first ensuring that your dog’s internal systems are ready. It is a quiet step, often underestimated, yet one that saves lives far more often than it is ever praised for.

"Most dogs approach surgery with calm curiosity, while their humans carry the worry for both of them. Veterinary surgery is not a dramatic gamble, but a carefully planned medical process where preparation quietly does the heavy lifting. Fasting before anesthesia protects the airway, reducing the risk of vomiting and aspiration when protective reflexes rest. Age, anatomy, and overall health all shape surgical risk, especially in senior dogs and short-nosed breeds with limited airway space. Some conditions demand immediate, lifesaving surgery, while others benefit from patience and careful timing. Pre-surgical blood tests serve as an essential safety net, revealing how organs and blood cells will handle anesthesia and healing. When abnormalities appear, delaying surgery is not failure—it is foresight. In the end, safe surgery is less about speed or bravery and more about thoughtful preparation, steady hands, and deep respect for the dog trusting us completely."

This information is intended for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

Reference source

1. Asst. Prof. Dr. Tildis Rungruangkitkrai and Dr. Chatwalee Boontham, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University. 

2. American College of Veterinary Surgeons. (n.d.). Pyometra. Retrieved from https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/pyometra/

3. VCA Animal Hospitals. (n.d.). Preanesthetic bloodwork. Retrieved from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/preanesthetic-bloodwork

4. Seaport Animal Hospital. (2025, November 10). Why pre-operative bloodwork is essential for your pet’s safety. Retrieved from https://www.seaportanimalhospital.com/blog/why-pre-operative-bloodwork-is-essential-for-your-pet-s-safety

5. WSAVA Global Pain Council. (2023). WSAVA guidelines for veterinary practice. Retrieved from https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/VPAT-2022-WSAVA-pain-guideline-Thai-version.pdf

6. American Animal Hospital Association. (n.d.). Anesthetic considerations for brachycephalic dog breeds. Retrieved from https://www.aaha.org/trends-magazine/publications/anesthetic-considerations-for-brachycephalic-dog-breeds/

7. Anyamaneecharoen, T., Kradangnga, K., Sutayatram, S., Brikshavana, P., & Durongphongtorn, S. (2024). Quantitative assessment of preoperative and postoperative brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome surgery. The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 53(4). Retrieved from https://he01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/tjvm/article/view/272298

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