A Review on Mitigating Fear and Aggression in Dogs and Cats in a Veterinary Setting
| Autor: | Ines Windschnurer, Carmen Heritier, Nadja Affenzeller, Christine Arhant, Lydia Pratsch, Stefanie Riemer |
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| Rok vydání: | 2021 |
| Předmět: |
dogs
Veterinary medicine Counterconditioning 040301 veterinary sciences Sedation Psychological intervention Review psychoactive drugs Topical analgesics 0403 veterinary science counterconditioning stress lcsh:Zoology medicine veterinary visit anatomy_morphology 0501 psychology and cognitive sciences lcsh:QL1-991 050102 behavioral science & comparative psychology behaviour modification lcsh:Veterinary medicine CATS General Veterinary Behaviour modification business.industry Aggression cats aggression 05 social sciences Cognition 04 agricultural and veterinary sciences anxiety low-stress handling animal_sciences_zoology 3. Good health Professional satisfaction fear lcsh:SF600-1100 590 Animals (Zoology) Anxiety Animal Science and Zoology medicine.symptom anxiolytic medication business Clinical psychology |
| Zdroj: | Riemer, Stefanie; Heritier, Carmen; Windschnurer, Ines; Pratsch, Lydia; Arhant, Christine; Affenzeller, Nadja (2021). A Review on Mitigating Fear and Aggression in Dogs and Cats in a Veterinary Setting. Animals, 11(1) MDPI 10.3390/ani11010158 Animals, Vol 11, Iss 158, p 158 (2021) Animals : an Open Access Journal from MDPI |
| ISSN: | 2076-2615 |
| Popis: | Simple Summary The majority of dogs and cats are fearful during veterinary visits, and some individuals may show aggression as a result. We review ways to avoid negative experiences and promote positive emotions in animals visiting the veterinarian. Whenever an animal is in the practice, the veterinary team should endeavour to make the visit as pleasant as possible, by using non-threatening body language and by creating positive associations. High-value food (unless an animal needs to be fasted) or toys should be used generously throughout the visit. In the interaction with the animals, low-stress handling methods, brief pauses and adjusting the procedure based on the animal’s body language help them to feel secure. Distractions can be used to minimise perceived pain such as from injections. If a known painful area needs to be treated, pain killers are advised. For animals that are very fearful, several medication options are available that can be given prior to the veterinary visit to help them with their fears. With reward-based training, animals can learn to accept veterinary procedures. A stress-free veterinary visit benefits all involved parties—the animals, their owners, as well as the veterinary team. Abstract A high proportion of dogs and cats are fearful during veterinary visits, which in some cases may escalate into aggression. Here, we discuss factors that contribute to negative emotions in a veterinary setting and how these can be addressed. We briefly summarise the available evidence for the interventions discussed. The set-up of the waiting area (e.g., spatial dividers; elevated places for cat carriers), tailoring the examination and the treatment to the individual, considerate handling (minimal restraint when possible, avoiding leaning over or cornering animals) and offering high-value food or toys throughout the visit can promote security and, ideally, positive associations. Desensitisation and counterconditioning are highly recommended, both to prevent and address existing negative emotions. Short-term pain from injections can be minimised by using tactile and cognitive distractions and topical analgesics, which are also indicated for painful procedures such as ear cleanings. Recommendations for handling fearful animals to minimise aggressive responses are discussed. However, anxiolytics or sedation should be used whenever there is a risk of traumatising an animal or for safety reasons. Stress-reducing measures can decrease fear and stress in patients and consequently their owners, thus strengthening the relationship with the clients as well as increasing the professional satisfaction of veterinary staff. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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