Small Animal Handling

6 important questions on Small Animal Handling

What is the impact of handling in animal welfare

Exams, procedures, handling, and restraint can cause stress, pain, and discomfort. This can lead to repeated negative experiences and related associations, leading to potential bias against difficult patients.

What is low stress handling?

It is handling that uses a variety of strategies to reduce fear and prevent aggression.

How do we practice low stress handling?

1. Adapting to the individual animal with different approaches for restraint
2. Using minimum control necessary for safety
3. Using alternatives to traditional heavy restraint
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What needs to be done in step 1 of small animal handling?

1. Check the animal's records and include notes on issues/approaches that worked previously
2. Observe animal behaviour/demeanor/response to interactions
3. Ask the owner/animal care staff about their experiences with the animal and their body parts

What are some restraint methods in small animals?

1. Physical restraint
2. Chemical restraint
3. Modified examinations
4. Modified human behaviour
5. Behavioural therapy

How can we start prevention from home?

1. Habituation and counter conditioning
2. Treats, attention, play
3. Less aversives
4. Begin training from a young age
5. Encourage owner training

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