One of the greatest fears that owners have concerning their pets is anesthesia, and with good reason. You trust your veterinarian to put your beloved pet ("child," to many) under anesthesia to perform a particular procedure safely.

To feel more confident that your pet is in good hands, you should check out the following precautions.

First, you want your vet to pay close attention to details, and very cautious. Does he or she insist on pre-anesthetic blood profiles, and do a complete examination, especially listening to the heart and lungs, and checking mucous-membrane color prior to anesthesia?

Other pre-anesthetic tests might include X-rays, urinalysis, electrocardiograms, maybe even ultrasound. If there are any questionable findings during the examination or an abnormal blood result, these concerns should be addressed before anesthesia so that there are no unpleasant surprises while your pet is under anesthesia.

As a pet owner, you need to be proactive during the drop-off time by supplying accurate information to the anesthetist nurse/tech. This means taking the time to listen actively and give succinct true answers, instead of rushing off to work in an "I have to go" mode.

Anesthesia is serious, and vets need to know whether your pet has been properly fasted, has had no serious illness in the prior 30 days, did or did not have his medication that morning, if he is on any fatty-acid supplements, etc.

You can log on to our Web site, www.dog-vet.com, for all the questions your vet should ask.

Your veterinarian should select anesthesia protocols that are specific to your pet's medical condition. These might include intravenous drugs and/or gas anesthesia. Your pet should have his vital signs monitored while under anesthesia, too. This generally includes an EKG, pulse oximeter, blood pressure and temperature monitor.

We have a certified veterinary technician with your pet throughout all procedures to observe all vital signs - adding a human element to the high-tech equipment used.

Because anesthesia can drop your pet's blood pressure, thus reducing blood flow to vital organs, an intravascular catheter and fluids are frequently advised. Because your pet's body temperature will drop under anesthesia, safe and effective warming surfaces and blankets should be used - not heating pads, which can cause skin burns.

Since pain can cause stress, pain medication should be administered, pre- and post-surgery, to ensure your pet's comfort and safety.

Your veterinary staff members understand the loving bond you have with your pet, as well as the concerns and fears you might have about anesthesia. So ask lots of questions. You need to feel confident in your pet's caretakers. If you aren't your pet's best advocate, then who is?