What is the difference between anesthesia, sedation, and general anesthesia, and when is each used?

Sedation is used to immobilize your dog so that they aren't able to move a lot while we do a procedure. We might sedate your pet if they have a lot of fear, anxiety, and stress. Sedated patients are still somewhat conscious, but they are able to have some normal reflexes. On the other hand, gas anesthesia involves intubation and the use of an anesthetic machine. The length of time that we have to do our procedures can be controlled by us, potentially much longer.