Restraint
Restriction of an animal’s activity by:
Verbal
Chemical
Physical
Purposes of Restraint
To facilitate physical examination including ophthalmic and rectal examination.
To apply bandages
To medicate the animal
To perform certain procedure such as urinary catheterization
To prevent self mutilation
To perform surgery
Verbal Restraint
In general, begin with the least restraint & proceed to more severe methods.
Speak to dog when approaching it
Use the animal’s name
If necessary speak firmly but do not yell
Many pet animals know commands such as sit, stand, stay, come, down, no etc.
Physical Restraint
Proper restraint and handling techniques are essential for reducing stress in dogs and the handler.
More is not always better. Work with the animal in the position that the animal finds most comfortable
yet provides you with adequate exposure to do what you need to do.
The least amount of restraint that is needed should be applied.
Often, the only restraint needed is someone standing near or behind the animal to ensure they don’t
back up or fall off the exam table.
Excessive restraint becomes a test of wills. Over restraining will cause an animal stress and will make
them more likely to fight against being restrained.
The client should not be the one to restrain their animal. An RVT or Vet Assistant will likely do a better
job. The owner can talk to the animal and comfort them.
Before handling the animal get his/her attention.
If the pet doesn't come, slowly approach from the front.
Extend your hand, palm down.
Let the animal sniff your hand, then slowly move your hand to touch the side of the face then
stroke the top of the head.
Restriction of an animal’s activity by:
Verbal
Chemical
Physical
Purposes of Restraint
To facilitate physical examination including ophthalmic and rectal examination.
To apply bandages
To medicate the animal
To perform certain procedure such as urinary catheterization
To prevent self mutilation
To perform surgery
Verbal Restraint
In general, begin with the least restraint & proceed to more severe methods.
Speak to dog when approaching it
Use the animal’s name
If necessary speak firmly but do not yell
Many pet animals know commands such as sit, stand, stay, come, down, no etc.
Physical Restraint
Proper restraint and handling techniques are essential for reducing stress in dogs and the handler.
More is not always better. Work with the animal in the position that the animal finds most comfortable
yet provides you with adequate exposure to do what you need to do.
The least amount of restraint that is needed should be applied.
Often, the only restraint needed is someone standing near or behind the animal to ensure they don’t
back up or fall off the exam table.
Excessive restraint becomes a test of wills. Over restraining will cause an animal stress and will make
them more likely to fight against being restrained.
The client should not be the one to restrain their animal. An RVT or Vet Assistant will likely do a better
job. The owner can talk to the animal and comfort them.
Before handling the animal get his/her attention.
If the pet doesn't come, slowly approach from the front.
Extend your hand, palm down.
Let the animal sniff your hand, then slowly move your hand to touch the side of the face then
stroke the top of the head.
