Provide basic animal care assistance

Effective restraint is one of those aspects of animal handling that we simultaneously take for granted but also wish we could do better. Restraint techniques are passed on in an almost cultural fashion with little thought given to their logic and effectiveness. Historically, animals were restrained by physically overpowering them. This often resulted in injury to the animal or involved personal injury to the handler. Often, the restraint attempt fails, preventing the successful completion of the intended procedure.

Animal restraints may include:

• Muzzles, collars, halters and head collars
• Rearing bits, twitch or hobbles (used on horses)
• Leads
• Holding cages
• Physical holds using hands, gloves
• Equipment (e.g., Towels or bags)

Good restraint is about empathy, finesse, and technique

Good restraint has little to do with strength. Choosing techniques that build on natural behavioural responses results in a greater likelihood of success. This approach also encourages increased empathy and awareness of the animal as an emotional and sentient being. Safety and success are much more likely when you strive to reduce actions that the animal may view as threatening or aggressive. Adversarial handling typically increases the probability of the animal becoming aggressive or attempting to escape.

A number of factors are involved in triggering aggression and/or escape responses in animals. In laboratory settings, restraint stress has long been used as a way to study acute and chronic stress responses in animals.

In an animal care setting, the most common actions or interactions that prompt aggressive responses include fear, pain, and excessive physical restraint. Most animals show fear/defensive aggression because they find some aspect of the process threatening. This may be the environment, the personnel, the equipment, the procedure, the restraint technique used or any combination of these. The determination as to whether something is aversive or painful to an animal is based on the animal's response, not on the opinion of the staff or veterinarian.

Often, in the process of trying to be friendly to an animal, we portray body signals that actually mean the opposite. The way the average person greets a dog is a perfect example. Most people approach dogs from the front, lean over, and extend their hands to allow the dog to sniff it or to try to pet the dog. Several elements in this approach directly threaten the dog: the direct, frontal approach, making eye contact, leaning over, and reaching out over the dog's head. These are intensified if they are done in a quick, tense or agitated manner. ²

Basic reactions

Animals have 5 basic reactions to stress or threat – the five "F's":

• Fight
• Flight
• Freeze
• Faint
• Fidget (or fooling around)

Watch

The next animation is explaining the 5 F's.

The latter is an often-overlooked sign of stress. Staff members frequently assume animals that are obnoxious and hyper in the room are just plain stupid or untrained, but this is a simplistic outlook considering the situation the animal is in.

Keep open-minded that the animal's hyperactivity might actually be a stress reaction. Punishing these animals usually raises their stress level and exacerbates their behaviour.3

Professionalism and safety in animal handling and restraint

When clients and their pets come into your facility, there will be times that you will have to assist with restraining and handling animals: it is important to remember that:

• The owners will be watching you to learn how to properly handle animals
• Being professional means being SAFE and HUMANE
• Good animal handling skills prevent staff from being injured
• Good animal handling skills reduce stress for the animal

Examples of safe animal handling:

It is important that you:

• Be aware of the stressors for animals in the environment
• An animal care facility is extremely chaotic for any animal. There are an incredible number of smells and other stimuli, and animals are likely to be confused and distressed
• Many animals have lived entirely outdoors and have not been handled or examined before. They may not have any experience on a leash and may panic in response
• Even the most social animal may exhibit aggression toward other animals, particularly in a strange environment and may redirect that behaviour to nearby people when over-stimulated
• Never put your face directly into the face of a dog or cat
• Do not move in behind or crowd around a dog
• Concentrate on the animal you are handling without being distracted by other activities
• NEVER sit on the floor while handling/examining a dog. If the animal becomes aggressive or aroused, you will be unable to move away or protect yourself and risk serious facial bites
• Always be prepared to protect yourself or move away quickly in the event an animal becomes aggressive unexpectedly

Safe and effective animal handling requires a thorough understanding of the normal behaviour and responses of each species. Below is some general information on animal behaviour and handling techniques.

There is no substitute, however, for careful observation and experience.

If there is any doubt about the temperament of an animal - ASK FOR ASSISTANCE. ⁴

Communication

Any animal exhibiting potentially aggressive behaviour should have a “WATCH” sign or “CAUTION’ posted to alert other staff members who may be handling the animal. Specific alerts or recommendations should be written on the sign and in the animal’s record to provide staff with as much information as possible in relation to handling the animal.

Restraint or control

The most important thing to keep in mind when handling any kind of animal is

This does not mean that you lose control. More importantly, you use as little restraint as necessary while maintaining control of the situation. Every animal and every situation is different, so there are no hard and fast rules as to what method works best in which situation.

Before you attempt to restrain any animal, you should take a few minutes so as to allow the animal to become comfortable with you and the facility. It will help if you:

• Crouch down so that you are on their level. Do not sit on the ground, as you will be unable to move away or protect yourself if necessary
• Avoid crouching over the animal, as some can take this as a form of aggression
• Avoid direct eye contact but maintain safe visual contact with the animal
• Talk in soothing tones. Avoid high-pitched, excited talk
• Try patting your leg or the ground, motioning the animal towards you

Types of restraint

Verbal restraint:

Many dogs know some commands or can at least recognise authority, even if the command is unfamiliar.

Commands such as SIT, STAY, COME, DOWN, NO or even HEEL may be useful tools to encourage a dog to cooperate. Also, soft, quiet words can calm a frightened animal. Yelling or screaming should never be used, as it can cause the animal to become more fearful or aggressive.⁵

Physical restraint: tools and equipment

Leash:

The most common tool used to handle animals is the leash. Placed around a dog's neck, it normally controls even the largest dog. In the event a dog refuses to cooperate with a leash, it might be advisable (if possible) to carry him. Some dogs have never seen a leash and will freeze up to the sensation around a sensitive area like the neck.

• Remember that leashes should not be abused; never drag or strangle an animal with a leash. It is very important that you stay calm, take time to pause, let the dog calm down, and try again after reassuring her. Sometimes, a quick tug on the leash will encourage a fearful dog to walk. If the dog refuses to walk, apply a muzzle (if necessary) and carry them (if possible).
• It is VERY IMPORTANT that you remember that every animal being transported or handled in the facility must ALWAYS wear a slip-lead. This includes puppies, cats and sedated animals. It is far too easy for a frightened animal to get loose and escape. If an animal is coming into the hospital or day stay, the animal that comes into your clinic with their owner, who is on a collar and leash, should be transferred to a slip lead and the leash returned to the client so that it is not lost during the animal’s stay.

Your hand:

• Your hands are a very effective form of restraint; your hands are sensitive to the amount of pressure that you can exert on the animal so that you can quickly modify your grip on the situation. Hands can also be used to gently stroke a dog or to firmly grasp a struggling cat. Although hands can be very versatile, they are also the most vulnerable to injury, so remember to take care when you are handling animals. Recognising when they would not be effective is also very important.

Towels:

• A towel or blanket is a very useful tool for restraining cats and small dogs. A towel can be used to decrease an animal’s movement as well as reduce their arousal by covering the head and body and can help protect from their sharp claws.

Nets:

• The net is the primary tool used to handle fractious cats or wildlife. It allows for the safe handling and transfer of even the most aggressive small mammal. Effective use of the net requires some training and practice. If you need to handle a feral or fractious cat, ask for assistance from a staff member.⁷

EZ-Nabbers:

• EZ Nabbers Ensure the safety for animal handlers, providing a safe and humane way to capture animals, aseptic intramuscular injections of tranquillizers, anaesthetics and vaccines can be given through the net. Pets can be transferred from one cage to another without injury or stress to the animal or the clinic's staff. Pets can be removed from and/or placed in pet carriers. When the net becomes soiled, leave it on the frame and wash it in the tub with soap and water; use a disinfectant if needed. Abscesses and wounds can be flushed, and the pet can be bathed in the net. ⁸

Muzzles:

• Muzzles are used when dealing with snappy or potentially aggressive dogs. There are a number of types of these, including nylon muzzles and plastic baskets available. A leash or strip of rolled gauze can be used as a temporary muzzle. Because dogs often try to remove a muzzle, it is important that the muzzle is placed on the animal securely.
• A weak or poorly made muzzle may lead to a false sense of security and the possibility of being bitten. Even with a securely placed muzzle, appropriate handling must be used to prevent injury from an animal who resists.
• Muzzles designed for cats extend up to cover the eyes, reducing visual stimulation. For some cats, these can be very useful for calming the animal and helping to protect the handler from injury,

Drugs:

• When an animal is aggressive or very stressed, it can be handled safely for procedures, sedation, and/or general anaesthesia, or treatment is allowed. It is important that if you are unable to handle an animal, notify a staff member to determine whether sedation is appropriate.
• When receiving an animal for surgery who exhibits difficult or aggressive behaviour, consult the Anaesthesia Lead prior to kennelling the animal, as we may opt to administer a pre-anaesthetic sedative immediately and expedite the surgery process to minimize the animal’s time in the clinic.

The place where the correct use of restraint is the most critical is when two people are handling the animal.

This could be to perform a physical exam, administer an anaesthetic or give medications.

The "holder" is the person whose job it is to restrain the animal in such a way that the procedure can be accomplished with the least amount of stress to both handlers and animals. The specific amount of restraint used to control the animal is the key to safety for the handlers and comfort for the animal.

Too much restraint can cause the animal to fight back, too little restraint can result in the handler or others being injured or in the animal escaping⁹

Watch

The next couple of videos explain the different animal handling techniques used on different types of animals.

Updating clients

Throughout the day, you will interact with clients and give them updates on the animals in the facility. You might update a client if:

• An animal is boarding
  • This could be a simple photo sent to the client, a text message or a phone call to let them know their animal is okay.
• An animal is ready to go home after a service has been provided
  • You may need to call an owner to let them know that their animal is ready to be picked up. 
• An animal is at the clinic seeking medical treatment
  • Providing them with information face to face, via phone or email about medications administered, progress of animal, any complications and any health concerns.
• Addressing owner-specific concerns
  • If the owner had specific concerns prior to or during the animal's stay, address how these were managed and any outcomes observed.
• Upcoming Care Recommendations
  • Provide recommendations for ongoing care, including any upcoming vaccinations, treatments, or follow-up appointments. Offer advice on how to continue supporting the animal’s health and well-being at home, such as dietary adjustments, continued training, or enrichment activities.

Reporting on animal welfare

If you believe an animal requires veterinary attention or you have concerns about an animal, you should report this directly to your supervisor.

• Overview of Animal's Condition
  • Animal Identification: Provide the animal's name, species, breed, age, and any identification numbers or tags.
  • General Health Status: Briefly describe the animal's overall health, noting any changes since the last report.
• Recent Health Assessment
  • Routine Checks: Summarize the results of any recent health assessments, including weight, vital signs, and any notable physical observations.
  • Medical Issues: Highlight any health problems identified, such as infections, injuries, or symptoms of illness.
• Medical Treatments and Procedures
  • Medications Administered: List any medications given, including dosages and administration times. Note any side effects or reactions observed.
  • Veterinary Visits: Mention any recent veterinary consultations or procedures, along with the outcomes or recommendations provided by the vet.
  • Preventative Care: Update on vaccinations, deworming, flea/tick treatments, or any other preventative measures taken.
• Behavioural Observation
  • Behavioural Changes: Report any changes in the animal's behaviour, such as increased anxiety, aggression, or signs of depression.
  • Interaction with Staff and Other Animals: Describe how the animal interacts with staff members and other animals. Note any issues with socialization or signs of distress.
  • Activity Levels: Provide information on the animal’s energy levels and engagement in physical activities.
• Diet and Nutrition
  • Feeding Habits: Outline the animal’s current diet and any changes in eating habits. Note any issues such as loss of appetite or difficulty eating.
  • Nutritional Adjustments: If there have been any changes to the diet (e.g., due to weight loss or allergies), explain why these changes were made and the animal's response.
• Living Environment
  • Housing Conditions: Describe the cleanliness and suitability of the animal's living environment, including bedding, access to fresh water, and temperature control.
  • Environmental Enrichment: Report on providing enrichment activities, such as toys, social interaction, or exercise, and the animal’s engagement with these.
• Quarantine and Isolation (if applicable)
  • Quarantine Status: If the animal is in quarantine, report on the reasons for isolation, the duration, and any observations during this period.
  • Health Monitoring: Detail the monitoring procedures in place for quarantined animals and any signs of improvement or deterioration.
• Progress and Milestones
  • Improvements Noted: Highlight any areas where the animal has shown improvements, such as recovery from illness or injury, weight gain, or behavioural progress.
  • Ongoing Concerns: Identify any ongoing issues that require further attention or monitoring.
• Recommendations for further actions
  • Additional Care Needed: Suggest any additional treatments, dietary changes, or environmental adjustments that may benefit the animal.
  • Follow-Up Actions: Recommend follow-up actions, such as scheduling a veterinary visit, increasing monitoring frequency, or adjusting care routines.
• Summary and Next Steps
  • Overall Summary: Briefly summarise the animal’s current welfare status and any key concerns that need addressing.
  • Next Steps: Outline the next steps that should be taken to ensure the continued well-being of the animal.

Example of a Report Template to your supervisor

It is very important that your clinic's policies and procedures document any interaction with the clients and their pets.

Most documentation is written in the client’s files, which are stored on a computer system such as a vet link.

Interaction with clients may include:

• Inquiries about products and services:
  • Telephone or face-to-face
  • Email or internet
• Collecting payments
• Advising of problems with payments
• Dealing with initial complaints about products, services or staff
• Dealing with distressed clients
• Instructions from clients about products and services required
• Providing information within the limits of business policy and personal responsibility
• Referring clients to senior staff
• Reporting on animal welfare or progress
• Relaying potentially upsetting news

Some interaction with clients and their pets can be in the form of a written proformas, such as:

• Boarding consent
• Grooming consent
• Anaesthesia Record
• Hospital treatment sheet
• New clients form
• Blood sample forms
• Admission forms
• Animal histories
• Vaccination records

These forms can be transferred to the computer system. Information must always be documented following the clinic's policies and procedures.