Which anesthetic agent is commonly used for inducing surgical anesthesia in dogs?

Propofol is a commonly used anesthetic agent for inducing surgical anesthesia in dogs due to its rapid onset and relatively short duration of action. It is administered intravenously, which allows for immediate effects, making it highly effective for inducing anesthesia quickly before surgery. Propofol also provides smooth anesthesia induction and is known for its favorable safety profile when properly dosed, allowing for quick recovery from anesthesia.

In contrast, isoflurane is primarily a maintenance anesthetic agent, used to keep animals anesthetized once they are already under anesthesia. Xylazine acts as a sedative with analgesic properties but is not typically used as the primary agent for inducing surgical anesthesia. Acepromazine is primarily a tranquilizer and is used for pre-anesthetic sedation rather than direct induction of anesthesia.