There are a variety of reasons why a dog is sensitive to anesthetic. None of these reasons has anything in particular to do with being a Leonberger (heart disease, liver disease, dehydration). Leonbergers (and some other giant breeds such as the Newfoundland and Great Pyrenees) have a low metabolism. This low metabolism can give them a low tolerance to barbiturates (anesthetic). For this reason Leos generally need less anesthetic than other comparably sized breeds.

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