Animal bites are an occupational hazard for veterinarians. Being bitten is painful and can threaten your health and well-being, whether you’re a new graduate or a seasoned professional. Here are some tips to minimize the risks of animal bites. You could also consider disability insurance for practicing veterinarians to provide financial protection in case of a serious injury.
1. Read the Animal’s Body Language
When an animal feels scared, threatened, or in pain, it may try to defend itself by biting. Learn to recognize signs of anxiety and aggression to respond appropriately and avoid a bite. Familiarize yourself with the common warning signs of an animal about to bite, such as growling, baring teeth, or flattening the ears. If you notice any of these signs, give the animal space and time to calm down and keep your movements slow and non-threatening.
2. Be Gentle When Handling Animals
Animals can sense when someone is trying to harm or take advantage of them. Showing compassion and gentleness can help encourage a trusting relationship with your patients. Speak softly, move slowly, and avoid sudden movements that might startle the animal. Gently pet the animal to help them feel more comfortable and safe. Sometimes an animal may just need a bit of reassurance and trust to feel more at ease around people. Being gentle and patient with animals can help you build trust while avoiding bites.
3. Keep Treats and Toys in the Exam Room
Treats and toys can be excellent tools to help build a connection with an animal and make them more comfortable with being handled. Animals love rewards, so if an animal is being difficult or uncooperative during the exam, you can use a treat as a distraction to help make the experience more pleasant. Toys, like stuffed animals or squeaky toys, can also give animals something to focus on and distract them from the exam. Talk to owners about bringing in the animal’s favorite toy or treat to help build a positive connection with you.
4. Let the Animal Be Last To Enter the Room
Some animals fear confined environments and may panic if they feel trapped. When the animal enters the room first, it may feel unsafe and vulnerable, which may lead to aggression or biting. Let the animal and its owner be last to enter the room, and give the animal time to sniff around and get comfortable before beginning the exam. This can help the animal feel less overwhelmed and threatened, which may make them more amenable to being handled.
5. Have an Assistant Present During Exams
Being alone with an animal can be intimidating when things get out of control. An experienced assistant present can make the situation safer. They can help hold and restrain animals, provide comfort and reassurance by petting, and observe the animal’s behavior. They may notice something you may have missed, like an animal showing signs of stress and aggression, and alert you before things get out of hand. An extra pair of eyes and ears can help keep everyone safe.
6. Use Muzzles When Necessary
Sometimes muzzling an animal is necessary, especially if the animal has a history of biting or aggression, is in pain, or if you’re dealing with an exotic species. A muzzle is a device that goes over the animal’s mouth and nose and prevents them from biting or nipping. Choose a muzzle that allows for proper breathing, and don’t leave it on too long, as it can cause discomfort and stress.
Try Disability Insurance for Practicing Veterinarians
As an animal doctor, you can’t always anticipate the circumstances that may lead to a bite. You may think a situation is safe but end up with a severe and disabling bite. That’s why you should consider disability insurance for practicing veterinarians. It can provide financial protection if you can’t work due to illness or injury. It covers a huge part of your income, allowing you to focus on recovering instead of worrying about paying bills. It’s an excellent way to stay financially secure even if you experience a setback.
Animals can be unpredictable, and you should take precautions to protect yourself from bites as a veterinarian. These tips can help make your exams safer and protect you from danger. It’s also wise to have a backup plan if something unexpected occurs. Disability insurance can help you prepare for the unexpected and give you peace of mind. Talk to an insurance agent to learn more about your coverage options.
