Small Animal Handling Flashcards
Reasons we handle
Grooming
Examination
Medication/vaccines
First aid
Companion role
Possible outcomes of handling
Stress/nervous
Injury
Pain
Fear
Aggression
Loss of client
4 types of restraint
Non contact
Manual/physical
Chemical
Combination
Non contact restraint
Voice, eye contact, gestures
Manual/physical restraint
Using body or equipment
Chemical restraint
Sedatives or anaesthetics
Combination restraint
Two or more methods
Common behaviours in practice
Fear/anxiety
Over excitement
Submissive
Aggressive
Common behavioural expressions
Body language
Facial expressions
Eye movement
Vocalisation
Movement
Poor handling can result in
Excessive behavioural changes
Injury and suffering
Loss of clients
Unable to treat/cure
Excessive chemical restraint
How to improve behaviour
Habituation (get used to practice)
Positive reinforcement
Youth club
Puppy parties?
Time ( book longer appointments )
Approaching a canine
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
Canine restraint for examination
Use one hand to support the body and other to restrain neck/head
Tailor the level of restraint to individual
Canine restraint for blood sampling
Location of blood sampling site will determine position of dog
Lifting aids
Harness
Carrier
Lifting
Restraint methods for dogs
Collar and lead
Slip lead
Halti
Muzzle types
Chemical restraint
Dog catcher (only in extreme cases)
Towel
Approaching cat
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
Frozen fear in cat
Does not move
Does not eat
Does not drink
Aggressive fear in cats
Vocalises
Bites
Scratches
Cat restraint for examination
Hold body close
Form but gentle hold front legs so can’t claw
Start with minimal restraint
Shouldn’t scruff may have to
Restraint methods for cats
Towel ( burrito)
Restraint bag
Crush cage
Muzzle
PPE for handling
Gloves (medical or gauntlets)
Apron
Jumped/overalls
How to stay safe when handling
Never put face in front of theirs
Avoid distractions
Don’t sit on floor
Be prepared
Never get complacent
Communication
Treats
How will cats try to intimidate
Wall of death
Hiss
Puff
Fluff up
Vocalise
Arch back
Ears flat to head
Signs associated with fearful cat
Hissing
Meowing
Ears
Yowl
Purring (to self soothe)
Why shouldn’t we scruff
Feel unsafe and out of control for cat
