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130 Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant

FIGURE 8.15 Range of treats.

FIGURE 8.16 Cat leaving carrier.

stick is offered (Figure 8.15). It is to be hoped that one
of those three treats will be accepted. If not, lift the FIGURE 8.17 Using treats and blowing to distract from a procedure.
animal to the table and try again. Not all patients will
take the treat and so extra gentle handling and speaking
to the pet is important. Maintain a hand on the pet at all times while they are
Cats are allowed to leave the carrier and explore the on the table. To put it into perspective for pets on a table,
exam room (Figure 8.16). Their treat selection starts think of yourself being on a mountain ledge with a
with the soft chewy treat, then the spray cheese, and the lengthy drop right beside you. Vertigo or anxiety usually
final offering is some great smelly canned food. Move affect us as negatively as it does the pet standing on an
them to the table, find the cat’s itchy spot, either behind exam table.
the ears, base of tail, or under the chin, while continuing And that is the start! We won’t go any farther because
to offer up a treat now and then. The treats or blowing this book cannot nor should not try to reproduce an
into the face are used as a distraction when a procedure already established program. Instead, we would
is started and while the procedure is being carried out encourage you to invest in yourself by registering to
(Figure 8.17). become a certified fear free practitioner! What the rest