Is Inhalation Anesthesia Safe for Dogs?

Dogs are usually anesthetized by inhalation or injection, and inhalation anesthesia is generally the safer choice because it places less burden on the organs. It costs more, though, and its effect is shorter, so it is less suited to very long surgeries where the dog might wake and struggle. Any anesthesia carries risk because it depresses heart, lung, liver, and kidney function, so the method should match the dog's pre-operative readings and health. Dogs with metabolic or liver and kidney issues are often better with inhalation. Watch for post-anesthetic reactions like acute kidney failure, irregular heartbeat, temperature swings, and airway blockage in flat-faced breeds.