Fasting & Medication Instructions for Your Pet’s Procedure

Please follow these instructions unless your veterinarian tells you otherwise.

1. Healthy Adult Dogs & Cats (6 Months Or Older)

Fasting Instructions:

• Please withhold food for at least 4 hours before your pet’s appointment.
• Fresh water may be offered until you leave home.
• Medications: Continue all regular medications unless your veterinarian instructs otherwise.
• Optional: A small wet or pâté-style meal may be offered 4 hours before arrival if advised by your veterinarian.

2. Juvenile Patients (Puppies & Kittens Younger Than 6 Months Old)

Fasting Instructions:

• Withhold food for 2–3 hours before the appointment.
• Fresh water may be offered until arrival.

Medications: Continue as directed by your veterinarian.

• Special Note: Wet or soft food is preferred if feeding is needed for medications. Young pets are more prone to low blood sugar, so do not fast longer than recommended.

3. Brachycephalic Patients

(Flat-faced breeds: Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Persian cats)

Fasting Instructions:

• Withhold food for at least 4 hours before the appointment.
• Fresh water may be offered until arrival.
• Optional: A small wet or pâté-style meal may be offered 4 hours before arrival if instructed by your veterinarian.
• Special Note: These breeds are at higher risk for airway obstruction and reflux, so shorter fasting times are recommended.

4. Diabetic Patients

Fasting Instructions:

• Fresh water may be offered until arrival.
• Fasting and medication protocols are determined on a case-by-case basis and may differ between doctors or procedures. Please contact your surgeon for recommendations tailored to your pet.
• Special Instructions: Blood sugar will be checked at presentation, during the procedure, and post-procedure. Insulin may be given in the clinic based on blood sugar readings, typically as a half or adjusted dose. Please bring your insulin and insulin syringes with you.

5. Cardiovascular Patients

Fasting Instructions:

• Follow the standard fasting guidelines for your pet’s age.
• Fresh water may be offered until arrival.
• Medications: Most heart medications are continued unless instructed otherwise. ACE-inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, benazepril) are usually withheld for at least 12 hours before anesthesia. If your pet is on an anti-clotting medication (i.e., Plavix), please consult your veterinarian for recommendations.
• Special Note: Blood pressure will be carefully monitored during the procedure to ensure your pet’s safety.