Learn how to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) in emergency settings by understanding animal emotions, employing strategic handling techniques, and creating a calming environment.
This handout will offer practical tips and tricks to turn a stressful situation into a more calming one for your patients.
1 Understand that dogs and cats in the ER setting are experiencing fear, anxiety, stress, and possibly pain, as opposed to being unruly or mean
- Know the difference between neutral and stressed body language.
- Call out body language to fellow staff to give information and formulate a plan in handling for procedures.
2 Reduce FAS by keeping all four paws on the floor/table
- Have a non-slip mat available for pet to stand on.
- Provides balance for pets, which helps them feel more secure.
3 Use gentle control when handling cats and dogs
- Once touching patients, slide hands to parts of body instead of lifting hands and touching patients repeatedly.
- Offer towels for cats to hide under.
- Take a break and reassess handling plan if FAS is 4-5.
4 How to reduce FAS when giving treatment/doing procedures
- Limit the number of staff members that interact with patients.
- Block view of other patients for the cat or dog you are treating.
- Use lidocaine for needles, especially blood draws and IV catheters.
5 Limit smells, sights, sounds, and touch
- Use Rescue to clean in between patients.
- Separate dogs and cats and do as much in the exam room as possible.
- Quiet voices, and softly open and close doors and cages.
- Once touching a patient, slide hands into place to avoid repeatedly touching them.