We have a dynamic duo with us today! First off, I don’t know if you all remember our favorite board-certified veterinary dentist, Dr. Sharon Hoffman. She was on the podcast a few episodes ago, and we had so many comments and questions about dental care and oral health that we just had to bring her back. We're thrilled she could join us again! Just to remind you, Sharon is not only a board-certified veterinary dentist but also a diplomat of the American Veterinary Dental College. She earned her DVM from Louisiana State University and now runs her own veterinary dental consulting practice in Florida, while also teaching at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Now, on to the second part of our dynamic duo! We’re joined by Dr. Carolyn McCune, a Michigan native and proud Spartan. Carolyn earned her veterinary degree from Michigan State University, completed an internship at Washington State University, and then did a residency in anesthesia and critical care at UC Davis. She became board-certified in 2009 and, after a stint on the faculty at the University of Florida, launched her own independent anesthesia consulting service, Methos Veterinary. In this enlightening episode, we dive into the critical topic of anesthesia safety in dental care for pets, join us as they discuss the essential role of anesthesia in veterinary procedures and demystify common myths surrounding it. Dr. McKune emphasizes the importance of a veterinarian's thorough preoperative evaluation, highlighting how anxiety can affect pets prior to dental visits. She explains the anesthesia period, which encompasses not just the procedure itself but also the pre- and post-operative care that is crucial for a safe recovery. Dr. Hoffman shares insights on why anesthesia is necessary for comprehensive dental care and the risks associated with not using it. Together, they address frequently asked questions from pet owners, including the significance of IV catheters, the realities of anesthesia recovery, and how to prepare pets for surgery. Throughout the episode, the duo debunks several misconceptions, such as the idea that smaller pets are inherently more at risk during anesthesia. They also discuss the importance of pain management and the individual considerations needed for pets with pre-existing conditions. Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or new to the world of veterinary care, this episode is packed with valuable information that will help you understand the safety protocols surrounding anesthesia in dental procedures, ensuring your furry friends receive the best care possible. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion that prioritizes the health and well-being of our beloved pets! Support our sponsor for this episode Blue Buffalo by visiting bluebuffalo.com. BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet formulas offer the natural alternative in nutritional therapy. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents. All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.