Restraining Animals

More is NOT Better O Use the LEAST amount of restraint that is needed O Dogs can be stubborn and won't give up O The more you try to restrain, the harder they resist O Less pleasant, more dangerous O "Talk to the animals" in a quiet, soothing voice, its comforting O Tone not content O Early application of a muzzle reduces the need for additional restraint

Muzzling O If real muzzles are not available, use a piece of rolled gauze and fold in half (makes stronger) O Create a large loop and slip animal’s mouth through O If animal is resisting or aggressive, sneak muzzle on from behind O Tie gauze in a single knot

Muzzling Cont… O Bring gauze down sides of snout, and the ends of the gauze are tied under the jaw with a single knot O Bring gauze up behind ears and tie in a bow for easy release O Knotting and cutting with scissors to remove may injure animal

Handling OBefore handling, get animal’s attention OCall by name and encourage them to come to you OIf the pet doesn't come, slowly approach from the front ONever come from behind OOffer hand, palm down, curling fingers into a fist to prevent nipping or biting OLet the animal sniff, then slowly move your hand to touch the side of the face then stroke the top of the head

Handling Cont… OIf the owner is holding the pet, have the owner place the animal on the exam table OIts ok to examine a large dog on the floor in either a sitting, standing or recumbent position (The dog….not the veterinarian) OTo pick up and place a dog on the table, put one arm in front of the of the chest and the other either behind the rear legs, lift in a "scooping" motion

Carrying a Cat or Small Dog O Cradle the animal's rear quarters in the handler's arm and loosely gripe the front legs with the same hand O The other hand is free to pet and the animal’s head but can also quickly grab the zygomatic arches to control the head if the animal attempts to escape

Carrying a Cat or Small Dog O Cat's will try to hide when frightened O Carry a cat with one hand under the hind quarters and the other holding the scruff of the neck, letting the cat hide its head

Positional Restraint O To restrain in LR, place an elbow over the neck and holds the elbow of the leg closest to the table O Drape other arm over the abdomen of the animal with the hand holding the rear leg which is closest to the table O Hold limbs at a point close to the body O Only apply light pressure at all restraint points O If the animal struggles, apply greater pressure and lean body over the thorax of the animal for more control O As soon as the animal stops struggling, reduce the amount of pressure

Positional Restraint O Cats can be restrained in LR using the "stretch" method O Hold the scruff of the neck and the hind legs with legs between different fingers

Positional Restraint O The holder stands on the side of the dog opposite the leg being used O The dog is restrained close to the body of the holder O The muzzle is held away from the face of the holder and the vet O Holder reaches over and applies downward pressure over the dog's back, if needed O If the animal is not struggling, it is not necessary to apply pressure over the animal's back

Inspecting the Oral Cavity O Examine the surface of the teeth and gums by lifting the lips O Open the mouth to examine the inner surface of the teeth, palette, tongue and throat O Light pressure on the roof of the mouth with the dog's lip between teeth and your thumb will reduce the chance of being bitten

Inspecting the Oral Cavity O Open a cat's mouth by holding the zygomatic arches and pulling down on the lower jaw, with your finger on the midline, over the incisors, rather off center near the canine teeth