Small Animal Handling

Question 1

Reasons we handle

Answer 1

Grooming
Examination
Medication/vaccines
First aid
Companion role

Question 2

Possible outcomes of handling

Answer 2

Stress/nervous
Injury
Pain
Fear
Aggression
Loss of client

Question 3

4 types of restraint

Answer 3

Non contact
Manual/physical
Chemical
Combination

Question 4

Non contact restraint

Answer 4

Voice, eye contact, gestures

Question 5

Manual/physical restraint

Answer 5

Using body or equipment

Question 6

Chemical restraint

Answer 6

Sedatives or anaesthetics

Question 7

Combination restraint

Answer 7

Two or more methods

Question 8

Common behaviours in practice

Answer 8

Fear/anxiety
Over excitement
Submissive
Aggressive

Question 9

Common behavioural expressions

Answer 9

Body language
Facial expressions
Eye movement
Vocalisation
Movement

Question 10

Poor handling can result in

Answer 10

Excessive behavioural changes
Injury and suffering
Loss of clients
Unable to treat/cure
Excessive chemical restraint

Question 11

How to improve behaviour

Answer 11

Habituation (get used to practice)
Positive reinforcement
Youth club
Puppy parties?
Time ( book longer appointments )

Question 12

Approaching a canine

Answer 12

Observe behaviour/signs
Use quiet and confident manner
Speak
Lower to animals level (safety)
Offer hand to smell (bite)
Scratch the sternum/under chin rather than head
Avoid cornering/leaning over
Do not stare - threatening
Encourage dog to come to you

Question 13

Canine restraint for examination

Answer 13

Use one hand to support the body and other to restrain neck/head
Tailor the level of restraint to individual

Question 14

Canine restraint for blood sampling

Answer 14

Location of blood sampling site will determine position of dog

Question 15

Lifting aids

Answer 15

Harness
Carrier
Lifting

Question 16

Restraint methods for dogs

Answer 16

Collar and lead
Slip lead
Halti
Muzzle types
Chemical restraint
Dog catcher (only in extreme cases)
Towel

Question 17

Approaching cat

Answer 17

Observe behaviour
Speak in quiet and confident way
Offer hand to smell
Avoid cornering, staring, looming
Allow cat to leave box itself
Remove all items in kennel if not forthcoming

Question 18

Frozen fear in cat

Answer 18

Does not move
Does not eat
Does not drink

Question 19

Aggressive fear in cats

Answer 19

Vocalises
Bites
Scratches

Question 20

Cat restraint for examination

Answer 20

Hold body close
Form but gentle hold front legs so can’t claw
Start with minimal restraint
Shouldn’t scruff may have to

Question 21

Restraint methods for cats

Answer 21

Towel ( burrito)
Restraint bag
Crush cage
Muzzle

Question 22

PPE for handling

Answer 22

Gloves (medical or gauntlets)
Apron
Jumped/overalls

Question 23

How to stay safe when handling

Answer 23

Never put face in front of theirs
Avoid distractions
Don’t sit on floor
Be prepared
Never get complacent
Communication
Treats

Question 24

How will cats try to intimidate

Answer 24

Wall of death
Hiss
Puff
Fluff up
Vocalise
Arch back
Ears flat to head

Question 25

Signs associated with fearful cat

Answer 25

Hissing
Meowing
Ears
Yowl
Purring (to self soothe)

Question 26

Why shouldn’t we scruff

Answer 26

Feel unsafe and out of control for cat