Behaviour and Approaching Animals Flashcards
define anxiety
worry about what might happen
define fear
worry about something that is actually happening
What is the most common reason for fear and anxiety to occur in animals?
previous experience (lack of or negative experience
how can fear and anxiety be reduced?
preparing animals where possible
careful set up of the veterinary practice
careful approach and handling
how can animals be prepared to reduce anxiety and stress in a veterinary environment?
pre-training (e.g. learning to wear a muzzle calmly)
habituation
how can the veterinary practice set up positively affect fear and anxiety levels particularly in cats?
laying out the waiting room and kennels in such a way that cats are separate from dogs. At all times should be possible for cats to be placed high up (1m+) in their carriers/kennel. consultations should allow cats time to adjust and so potentially be longer then standard. cats should be treated in their carrier if that is where they are most comfortable
what is essential in all procedures to make the animal feel calm and in control?
they are completed the same way each time so that the animal feels secure knowing what will happen. Ensure all body language is read and responded to so that the animal feels in control.
What are the flight behaviors shown by dogs?
running away
can be more subtle (e.g. backing away or crouching onto back legs)
what are the appeasement behaviors shown by dogs?
appeasement roll (onto back with leg raised and head tilted)
head tilted away
licking lips
yawning
what are the fight behaviors shown by dogs?
growling
snapping
lunging
biting
What is the principle of the ladder of aggression (fear)?
fearful dogs may initially show subtle behavioral signs. When these are ignored/prove unsuccessful in removing the threat they will escalate their behavior showing more obvious signs
When is aggression (e.g. growling and biting) usually shown according to the ladder of aggression (fear)?
as a last resort/if nothing else has been sucessful and usually only once
why is it essential that early warning signs on the ladder of aggression (fear) are responded to?
if early warning signs are ignored the dog may choose to ‘skip’ these in the future and jump straight to behaviours higher up the ladder
What behaviours may the anxious cat exhibit?
tense body pilo erection fast and tense tail swish tense face eyes wide with dilated pupils ears flattened crouching hiding hissing spitting scratching biting
When will a cat use aggressive behaviors (e.g. hissing, scratching)?
as a last resort, as with dogs
