Fear-Reducing Strategies For Small Animal Practice Part 1-Low-Stress Methods For The Interaction With Dogs And Cats

Fear and anxiety in a veterinary setting are highly prevalent in dogs and cats. This article describes the most important strategies for minimising fear and stress in dogs and cats at the vets. These include adaptation of the infrastructure (e.g. visual barriers and elevated spots for cat carriers in the waiting room), direct interactions with the animals (e.g. non-threatening body language, minimal fixation as much as possible), as far as consideration of the owner's role in the animals' wellbeing. Besides minimising adverse experiences, creating positive associations constitutes an important strategy in avoiding and reducing fear in animals. This can be achieved through the generous use of high-value food rewards or toys. Many measures can be implemented easily and with little time expenditure, thus improving the patients' welfare and the clients' satisfaction.