You've probably seen it advertised on a flyer, pinned to a pet supply store bulletin board: "Anesthesia-free dental cleanings for dogs and cats." You looked at it with interest, maybe even some ...

For many pet owners, the mere thought of putting their pet under anesthesia paralyzes them with fear. "Uniformly, people are concerned their pet is going to die," says Dr. Heidi Shafford of Veterinary ...

Crystal, a 15-year-old poodle, visited my office over a four-year period for allergies, ear infections and routine wellness care. She had dental tartar, gingivitis and halitosis. Crystal’s owners knew ...

Q: My dog needs to have her teeth cleaned under anesthesia, and I'm so nervous. Is it really safe? No anesthetic procedure, medication or even natural remedy can have a 100% guarantee of safety, but ...

Whenever my columns turn to the topic of pet health, whether it's veterinary dentistry, a recalled drug or how to select a good veterinarian, one subject always generates lots of e-mail and comments: ...

With strong opinions on both sides, it can be difficult for pet owners to make informed choices for their pets. As a veterinarian and also a pet owner, I understand peoples’ reservations about ...

Q: My dog’s teeth really need to be cleaned, but the thought of anesthesia scares me. How safe is it? Good for you for having your dog’s teeth cleaned! It’s so important for health and comfort. Back ...

Nobody wants this to happen but there are situations when the dog is suffering and he/she can only be treated by putting it under anesthesia. But before you do so, make sure you keep these things in ...

A: Each veterinary hospital may answer this question differently. I believe veterinarians have a personal responsibility to keep your pet safe before, during, and after each procedure. In my practice, ...