Version 1
: Received: 5 December 2020 / Approved: 7 December 2020 / Online: 7 December 2020 (11:33:36 CET)
Version 2
: Received: 31 December 2020 / Approved: 5 January 2021 / Online: 5 January 2021 (11:15:02 CET)
Version 3
: Received: 7 January 2021 / Approved: 8 January 2021 / Online: 8 January 2021 (14:37:01 CET)
How to cite:
Riemer, S.; Heritier, C.; Windschnurer, I.; Arhant, C.; Pratsch, L.; Affenzeller, N. A Review on Mitigating Fear and Aggression in Dogs and Cats in a Veterinary Setting. Preprints2020, 2020120138
Riemer, S.; Heritier, C.; Windschnurer, I.; Arhant, C.; Pratsch, L.; Affenzeller, N. A Review on Mitigating Fear and Aggression in Dogs and Cats in a Veterinary Setting. Preprints 2020, 2020120138
Riemer, S.; Heritier, C.; Windschnurer, I.; Arhant, C.; Pratsch, L.; Affenzeller, N. A Review on Mitigating Fear and Aggression in Dogs and Cats in a Veterinary Setting. Preprints2020, 2020120138
APA Style
Riemer, S., Heritier, C., Windschnurer, I., Arhant, C., Pratsch, L., & Affenzeller, N. (2021). A Review on Mitigating Fear and Aggression in Dogs and Cats in a Veterinary Setting. Preprints. https://doi.org/
Chicago/Turabian Style
Riemer, S., Lydia Pratsch and Nadja Affenzeller. 2021 "A Review on Mitigating Fear and Aggression in Dogs and Cats in a Veterinary Setting" Preprints. https://doi.org/
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.
Biology and Life Sciences, Animal Science, Veterinary Science and Zoology
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Received:
5 January 2021
Commenter:
Stefanie Riemer
Commenter's Conflict of Interests:
Author
Comment:
We have included several more papers, especially those published in 2020, that contained relevant information to the topic, and made some additional modifications to the text.
Commenter: Stefanie Riemer
Commenter's Conflict of Interests: Author