Phil Seibert, CVT, underscores the importance of prevention and caution for veterinary professionals. His tips for handling an injured or stressed animal in a vehicle are also applicable to waiting and exam rooms:
- Approach the patient from posterior side.
- Put a slip leash on the animal.
- Always apply a muzzle.
- Use a portable stretcher or cart.
Source: FIRSTLINE, July 18, 2019. Link. Most bite prevention techniques add less than a minute to the length of the procedure, but failure to take precautions can mean immediate and sometimes permanent disfigurement and pain.
Also see: Stop pets’ progression to aggression, Animal Health Digest, April 17, 2018. Link.
INSIGHTS: The handout format is a great prop for a staff meeting discussion.