We’ve all heard boring speakers who were a sure cure for insomnia. But what puts our pets in a slumber?

General anesthesia is needed for major surgery, as well as for procedures such as dental or ear cleanings. Fortunately, today’s anesthesia techniques carry minimal risk.

Veterinarians often begin by running tests to ensure that organs such as the liver and kidneys are functioning well.

Usually, anesthesia is induced with an IV injection of a fast-acting drug, followed by delivery of a gas anesthetic through an endotracheal [en dōh trāke′ ee ul] tube. This tube is inserted into the windpipe to protect the airway and to prevent digestive material from being accidentally inhaled.

As the procedure winds down, the gas is turned off and your pet breathes fresh air until the tube can be removed. After a few hours of recovery, it’s time to head home for a nap on that favorite lap.