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Veterinarian-Reviewed 2025 Guide: Top 5 Injectable Induction Anesthetics for Dogs in Canada — Evidence-Based Choices (Propofol, Alfaxan, Ketamine, Rapinovet, Propoflo)

Published on Thursday, August 21, 2025

Intravenous induction agents used for rapid, controlled induction of anesthesia in dogs are chosen for predictable onset, smooth transitions to maintenance, and often superior cardiovascular stability compared with some inhalant-only approaches. This category includes agents such as propofol, alfaxalone formulations, and ketamine-based products, which are commonly used in premedicated patients to achieve fast, smooth inductions and reliable recoveries. Canadian veterinarians and clinics typically choose among these options based on factors such as onset and recovery profiles, cardiovascular and respiratory effects, the need for analgesia, vial format (single vs multidose), shelf life after opening, local availability and pricing, and Health Canada regulatory status. Pet owners and clinicians alike value agents that balance patient safety, recovery quality, and practical considerations for clinic workflows.

Quick Menu

1. Best Generic Propofol

2. Best Market Leader Alfaxalone

3. Best Budget Dissociative (Ketamine)

4. Best Short-Acting Brand Induction

5. Best Preserved Multidose Propofol (Propoflo 28)

1
BEST GENERIC PROPOFOL

Propofol Injection USP 10mg/mL

Propofol Injection USP 10mg/mL

A widely used generic propofol formulation, valued in canine induction for its rapid onset and short recovery profile. It holds a best-in-class position for cost-conscious practices because its lower per-vial price and broad availability make it more economical than branded veterinary formulations, although it is typically single-use and therefore can be less convenient than preservative-containing multi-dose products like Propoflo 28 or Alfaxan Multidose.

4.5
★★★★☆
  • Rapid induction — blink-and-go

  • Smooth transition — minimal struggle

  • Rapid induction — blink-and-go

  • Smooth transition — minimal struggle

Review Summary

88%

"Clinicians report reliable, rapid and smooth induction with predictable short recovery, though propofol commonly causes dose-dependent respiratory depression and occasional apnea; some formulations can cause transient pain on injection. Overall users value its controllability for short procedures but emphasize careful monitoring and incremental dosing."

  • Quick recovery — tail-wag ready

  • 1% propofol (10 mg/mL) intravenous induction with rapid onset (30–60 seconds) and short duration.

  • Quick recovery — tail-wag ready

  • 1% propofol (10 mg/mL) intravenous induction with rapid onset (30–60 seconds) and short duration.

Time-Saving Convenience

Increased Safety & Security

A widely used generic propofol formulation, valued in canine induction for its rapid onset and short recovery profile. It holds a best-in-class position for cost-conscious practices because its lower per-vial price and broad availability make it more economical than branded veterinary formulations, although it is typically single-use and therefore can be less convenient than preservative-containing multi-dose products like Propoflo 28 or Alfaxan Multidose.

  • Rapid induction — blink-and-go

  • Smooth transition — minimal struggle

  • Quick recovery — tail-wag ready

  • 1% propofol (10 mg/mL) intravenous induction with rapid onset (30–60 seconds) and short duration.

  • Wide clinical familiarity for dogs, suitable for induction and short procedures with smooth recoveries.

  • Rapid induction — blink-and-go

  • Smooth transition — minimal struggle

  • Quick recovery — tail-wag ready

  • 1% propofol (10 mg/mL) intravenous induction with rapid onset (30–60 seconds) and short duration.

  • Wide clinical familiarity for dogs, suitable for induction and short procedures with smooth recoveries.

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$60-150 CAD

2
BEST MARKET LEADER ALFAXALONE

Alfaxan Multidose 10mg/mL

Alfaxan Multidose 10mg/mL

Alfaxan Multidose (alfaxalone) is a veterinary-specific neurosteroid induction agent prized for cardiovascular stability and smooth recoveries in dogs, making it a market leader for patients where hemodynamic support matters. It competes technically with propofol by offering less hypotension and often calmer recoveries, and financially it can justify a premium price for practices prioritizing patient stability and lower post-op complications compared with cheaper generics or dissociatives like ketamine.

4.4
★★★★☆
  • Cardio-stable induction — gentle on hearts

  • Multidose format — clinic-friendly

  • Cardio-stable induction — gentle on hearts

  • Multidose format — clinic-friendly

Review Summary

87%

"Alfaxan Multidose is praised for smooth inductions and generally calm, often rapid recoveries with less cardiovascular depression than many alternatives, though some dogs can show excitatory behavior in recovery. Veterinary teams appreciate the multidose convenience and safety profile when used with appropriate monitoring."

  • Calm recovery — cuddle-ready

  • Alfaxalone 10 mg/mL multidose formulation designed specifically for veterinary use with predictable induction quality.

  • Calm recovery — cuddle-ready

  • Alfaxalone 10 mg/mL multidose formulation designed specifically for veterinary use with predictable induction quality.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Alfaxan Multidose (alfaxalone) is a veterinary-specific neurosteroid induction agent prized for cardiovascular stability and smooth recoveries in dogs, making it a market leader for patients where hemodynamic support matters. It competes technically with propofol by offering less hypotension and often calmer recoveries, and financially it can justify a premium price for practices prioritizing patient stability and lower post-op complications compared with cheaper generics or dissociatives like ketamine.

  • Cardio-stable induction — gentle on hearts

  • Multidose format — clinic-friendly

  • Calm recovery — cuddle-ready

  • Alfaxalone 10 mg/mL multidose formulation designed specifically for veterinary use with predictable induction quality.

  • Provides rapid, smooth induction and short recovery, often preferred for cardiovascularly unstable patients.

  • Cardio-stable induction — gentle on hearts

  • Multidose format — clinic-friendly

  • Calm recovery — cuddle-ready

  • Alfaxalone 10 mg/mL multidose formulation designed specifically for veterinary use with predictable induction quality.

  • Provides rapid, smooth induction and short recovery, often preferred for cardiovascularly unstable patients.

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$180-320 CAD

3
BEST BUDGET DISSOCIATIVE (KETAMINE)

Ketamine Hydrochloride Injection USP 100mg/mL

Ketamine Hydrochloride Injection USP 100mg/mL

Ketamine HCl is a low-cost dissociative anesthetic commonly used in canine induction protocols, often combined with benzodiazepines to smooth recoveries. Its financial advantage is strong affordability and multi-purpose utility (induction, analgesia, and restraint), and technically it differs from propofol and alfaxalone by supporting cardiovascular tone and providing analgesia, though it can produce rougher recoveries and more dysphoric phases in some patients.

4
★★★★☆
  • Dissociative anesthesia — strong shield

  • Analgesic properties — pain-sparing

  • Dissociative anesthesia — strong shield

  • Analgesic properties — pain-sparing

Review Summary

78%

"Ketamine HCl is valued for reliable dissociative anesthesia, good analgesia and cardiovascular stability, but users commonly report rough or prolonged recoveries, increased salivation, and the need to combine it with sedatives to improve quality. It is widely used for shorter or field procedures where its advantages outweigh the recovery drawbacks."

  • Combo-friendly — team-player drug

  • Ketamine hydrochloride 100 mg/mL is a dissociative anesthetic commonly used for induction in combination with sedatives.

  • Combo-friendly — team-player drug

  • Ketamine hydrochloride 100 mg/mL is a dissociative anesthetic commonly used for induction in combination with sedatives.

Increased Safety & Security

Skill Development & Mastery

Ketamine HCl is a low-cost dissociative anesthetic commonly used in canine induction protocols, often combined with benzodiazepines to smooth recoveries. Its financial advantage is strong affordability and multi-purpose utility (induction, analgesia, and restraint), and technically it differs from propofol and alfaxalone by supporting cardiovascular tone and providing analgesia, though it can produce rougher recoveries and more dysphoric phases in some patients.

  • Dissociative anesthesia — strong shield

  • Analgesic properties — pain-sparing

  • Combo-friendly — team-player drug

  • Ketamine hydrochloride 100 mg/mL is a dissociative anesthetic commonly used for induction in combination with sedatives.

  • Provides analgesia and preserved sympathetic tone, useful in hypotensive patients when combined appropriately.

  • Dissociative anesthesia — strong shield

  • Analgesic properties — pain-sparing

  • Combo-friendly — team-player drug

  • Ketamine hydrochloride 100 mg/mL is a dissociative anesthetic commonly used for induction in combination with sedatives.

  • Provides analgesia and preserved sympathetic tone, useful in hypotensive patients when combined appropriately.

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$20-60 CAD

4
BEST SHORT-ACTING BRAND INDUCTION

Rapinovet 10mg/mL

Rapinovet 10mg/mL

Rapinovet is a veterinary-labeled propofol formulation designed specifically for small animal practice, offering a balance between the low acquisition cost of generics and the clinic-oriented features of branded products. It earns a competitive spot for clinics wanting a vet-focused supplier with likely multidose or practice-support options, positioning it between generic Propofol and premium multiuse options like Propoflo 28 in both price and convenience.

4.3
★★★★☆
  • Fast onset — clinic-speed start

  • Clear recovery — playful comeback

  • Fast onset — clinic-speed start

  • Clear recovery — playful comeback

Review Summary

85%

"Rapinovet (propofol brand) receives positive feedback for fast, smooth inductions and clear recoveries similar to other propofol products, with the same need for attentive respiratory monitoring and cautious dosing. Practitioners like its consistency and predictability for short anesthetic procedures."

  • Oil-in-water emulsion — silky feel

  • Rapinovet 10 mg/mL is a veterinary injectable induction option with rapid onset and short duration suitable for dogs.

  • Oil-in-water emulsion — silky feel

  • Rapinovet 10 mg/mL is a veterinary injectable induction option with rapid onset and short duration suitable for dogs.

Time-Saving Convenience

Increased Safety & Security

Rapinovet is a veterinary-labeled propofol formulation designed specifically for small animal practice, offering a balance between the low acquisition cost of generics and the clinic-oriented features of branded products. It earns a competitive spot for clinics wanting a vet-focused supplier with likely multidose or practice-support options, positioning it between generic Propofol and premium multiuse options like Propoflo 28 in both price and convenience.

  • Fast onset — clinic-speed start

  • Clear recovery — playful comeback

  • Oil-in-water emulsion — silky feel

  • Rapinovet 10 mg/mL is a veterinary injectable induction option with rapid onset and short duration suitable for dogs.

  • Often used where quick, controllable induction is required; typically combined with sedatives/analgesics for balanced anesthesia.

  • Fast onset — clinic-speed start

  • Clear recovery — playful comeback

  • Oil-in-water emulsion — silky feel

  • Rapinovet 10 mg/mL is a veterinary injectable induction option with rapid onset and short duration suitable for dogs.

  • Often used where quick, controllable induction is required; typically combined with sedatives/analgesics for balanced anesthesia.

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$70-200 CAD

5
BEST PRESERVED MULTIDOSE PROPOFOL (PROPOFLO 28)

Propoflo 28 Injection 10mg/mL

Propoflo 28 Injection 10mg/mL

Propoflo 28 is a veterinary-grade propofol formulation optimized for canine induction and labeled for extended multidose use (up to 28 days), giving it a clear operational and economic advantage for high-volume clinics. Technically equivalent in induction characteristics to other propofol products, its preservative-enabled multiuse labeling reduces waste and overall per-procedure cost compared with single-use generics and makes it a practical market leader for busy practices compared with alternatives like ketamine or alfaxalone.

4.7
★★★★☆
  • 28-day multidose — long-lasting vial

  • Preservative-stable — reuse-friendly

  • 28-day multidose — long-lasting vial

  • Preservative-stable — reuse-friendly

Review Summary

92%

"Propoflo 28 is highly regarded for offering the familiar propofol profile with the added convenience of a preservative allowing multi-use vials, making it popular in clinics; users note the same risks of respiratory depression and recommend close monitoring. The extended-use feature and reliable performance make it a market leader for routine inductions."

  • Rapid wake-up — back to zoomies

  • Propoflo 28 (10 mg/mL) is a veterinary propofol formulation with extended 28‑day multidose shelf life under refrigeration.

  • Rapid wake-up — back to zoomies

  • Propoflo 28 (10 mg/mL) is a veterinary propofol formulation with extended 28‑day multidose shelf life under refrigeration.

Time-Saving Convenience

Increased Safety & Security

Propoflo 28 is a veterinary-grade propofol formulation optimized for canine induction and labeled for extended multidose use (up to 28 days), giving it a clear operational and economic advantage for high-volume clinics. Technically equivalent in induction characteristics to other propofol products, its preservative-enabled multiuse labeling reduces waste and overall per-procedure cost compared with single-use generics and makes it a practical market leader for busy practices compared with alternatives like ketamine or alfaxalone.

  • 28-day multidose — long-lasting vial

  • Preservative-stable — reuse-friendly

  • Rapid wake-up — back to zoomies

  • Propoflo 28 (10 mg/mL) is a veterinary propofol formulation with extended 28‑day multidose shelf life under refrigeration.

  • Provides rapid, smooth intravenous induction with consistent recovery characteristics when used appropriately.

  • 28-day multidose — long-lasting vial

  • Preservative-stable — reuse-friendly

  • Rapid wake-up — back to zoomies

  • Propoflo 28 (10 mg/mL) is a veterinary propofol formulation with extended 28‑day multidose shelf life under refrigeration.

  • Provides rapid, smooth intravenous induction with consistent recovery characteristics when used appropriately.

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$120-240 CAD

What the Research and Clinical Practice Say

Clinical studies and veterinary anesthesia literature consistently examine induction agents for onset time, cardiovascular and respiratory effects, recovery quality, and compatibility with premedication and multimodal analgesia. For clinicians and informed pet owners, the key takeaways are straightforward: propofol offers rapid induction and clear recoveries but can depress respiration in high doses; alfaxalone (available in multidose formats) provides good cardiovascular stability and smooth recoveries in many patient groups; ketamine brings dissociative anesthesia with analgesic benefits and is often used in combination regimens; and product formulation, handling, and dosing strategies influence both safety and operational convenience in Canadian clinics.

Propofol: Rapid onset and short recovery make it a standard induction agent; monitoring for dose-dependent respiratory depression is important.

Alfaxalone (e.g., Alfaxan Multidose): Clinical reports and comparative studies highlight cardiovascular stability and smooth recoveries, particularly when used after appropriate sedation/premedication.

Ketamine Hydrochloride: Produces dissociative anesthesia and analgesia, is often combined with sedatives/opioids for balanced induction, and can increase heart rate and blood pressure—useful in hypotensive patients but requiring caution in those with cardiac risk.

Combination strategies: Using lower doses of two agents (for example, ketamine plus a benzodiazepine or opioid plus propofol/alfaxalone) can reduce individual drug side effects and improve induction quality.

Practical clinic factors: Multidose vial formats, storage rules, and post-opening shelf life affect product selection and cost-efficiency in Canadian practices.

Monitoring and training: Research emphasizes that appropriate monitoring (ECG, pulse oximetry, capnography when ventilating, blood pressure) and staff training are as critical to outcomes as the choice of induction agent.

Regulatory context: Health Canada approval and supply chain dynamics influence availability and brand choices across provinces; veterinarians often rely on reputable suppliers and up-to-date formularies.

In the Canadian 2025 context, the five main injectable induction agents covered on this page — Propofol Injection USP 10mg/mL, Alfaxan Multidose 10mg/mL, Ketamine Hydrochloride Injection USP 100mg/mL, Rapinovet 10mg/mL, and Propoflo 28 Injection 10mg/mL — represent the range of practical, evidence-informed options used by veterinarians. For many practices and patient types, Alfaxan Multidose 10mg/mL stands out as a balanced first-line choice because of its cardiovascular stability and generally smooth recoveries, while Propofol Injection USP is often preferred for very rapid, predictable wake-ups. Ketamine Hydrochloride is valuable in analgesic or dissociative combinations, and Rapinovet and Propoflo 28 provide alternative formulations that may suit specific clinic preferences or supply situations. We hope you found the information you were looking for; you can refine or expand your search using the search box to compare dosing guidance, product availability in your province, or compatibility with specific premedication protocols.

Discover More
  • Inhalant Anesthetics for Dogs
  • Total Intravenous Anesthesia (TIVA) Agents for Dogs
  • Sedatives and Tranquilizers for Dogs
  • Local and Regional Anesthetics for Dogs
  • Anesthetic Reversal Agents for Dogs
  • Neuromuscular Blocking Agents for Dogs

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