Animal Behavior Flashcards
How do animals learn?
What they feel
What the experience
Decision making ability
Specific behavior patterns
Fear Free
In depth instructions on how to interact with animals that reduces fear, anxiety and stress
Dog FAS spectrum
0-1 alert/excited/anxoius
1 mild/subtle signs
2 moderate
3 moderate
4 severe-flight/freeze/fret
5 severe- fight/aggression
Cat FAS spectrum
1 mild/subtle
2-3 moderate
4 severe- flight/freeze/fret
5 severe- fight/aggression
Considerate approach environment
Calming pheromones
Clean away odors
Non slip surfaces
Prevent social interaction
Calm music
Hiding areas/visual barriers
No sounds of distressed patients
Patient interaction
Work where pet is comfortable
Mat on floor
Treats
Approach calmly by side
Avoid eye contact
Calm, confident voices
Allow pets to approach
Gentle handling
Client interaction
Pre-visit questions
Favorite treats
Known fear triggers
Encourage family presence
Discuss med options
Safe travels
Principles of restraint
Behavior/reactions to restraint
Use good judgement
Gentle control
Know when to defer to others
Communicate with team
Rules of restraint
Don’t start until everyone is ready
Apply restraint quickly and decisively
Be patient- don’t get angry
Communicate with team
Positive effects of correct restraint
Enables the procedure to occur in timely manner
Keeps animal safe
Keeps team safe
Negative effects of poor restraint
Stress for the animal
Injury to animal
Injury to team
Permanent effects on the animal’s behavior
Tools of restraint
Voice
Environment
Food
Physical
Chemical
Rules for chemical restraint
NEVER leave sedated animal unattended
Be familiar with the drugs used
Animals can become fearful/aggressive under some meds
