Canine body language Flashcards
Potential causes of anxiety in the clinic
New surroundings
Contact with new dogs
Contact with unfamiliar people
Unfamiliar smells
Dogs are often more noxious in the waiting room then the exam room
Three responses to anxiety
Freeze, fight, flight
Eyes of the dog communicate by
How open (seperated) are the eyelids?
Widely separated
“Half moon’ and “whale eye”
White (sclera) of eyes visible
Sign or arousal and fear
Ears of the dog communicate by
Middle of head: relaxed
Middle of head, raised: unsure (airplane ears)
Restricted along neck: fear, submission/appeasement, play
ALWAYS RETRACT DURING A BITE
Pointing forwards: alert, interested, assertive, where he wants to go, possible attack
Muzzle of a dog communicates by
Normal:
Jaw closed
Jaws open- tongue out
Relaxed muzzle
Anxious/defensive/aggressive
Licking lips (also a sign of submission)
Yawning
Drooling
Muzzle retracted, teeth may show
All teeth - defensive
Only front teeth- aggressive
Close mouth prior to biting
Relaxed posture
Weight evenly distrubuted
Invitation to play posture
Rocked back, front legs lowered, looking at person = “play bow”
Anxious posture
Head turned away
C shape to spine
Moves away
Head down
Submissive posture
Body lowered, tail low
Lying down, belly exposed
Aroused body posture
Leaning forwards, head outstretched
Tail body language
Wagging form base is usually friendly gesture
Short, stiff wags, of tip of erect tail, aggressive
Ladder signs of stress
Yawning, blinking, nose licking
Turning head away
Turning body away, sitting, pawing
Walking away
Creeping, ears back
Standing, crouched, tail tucked under
Lying down, leg up
Stiffening up, staring
Teeth exposed
Growling
Snapping
BITE
What can you do for an anxious dog in a clinic
De escalate the situation
Is there a quieter entrance door?
A quiet place to wait
Let the owner do the moving
Don’t drag the dog
Try treats
In the consult room
Let patient settle
Take history, ignore pet
Pet or stroke if it approaches
consider doing the exam on the floor
Can the owner restrain
Capable
Dog not protective of owner
Liability issue
Will the vet ask the owner to leave?
Do you need a muzzle?
Painful or stressful procedure?
Distract
Treats
Petting
Drugs
Consider rescheduling appointment and medication prior to visit
Sedate if necessary
Problem dogs
Some dogs move to bite with very little warning
Particularly a problem if a dog is big
Ask owner about this possibility
Muzzle
