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170 Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant

Socialization and Exercising TIP BOX 10.1

Hospitalized Patients Be aware that “playing” with patients may be construed as
goofing off, so limit the amount of time you spend with
Pets are accustomed to human–animal interaction. each patient to avoid creating this impression!
Therefore, it is important to provide positive interaction
for each patient whenever it is handled. Offering treats individual. A “one size fits all” mentality does not ade-
during treatments and procedures if possible and when quately meet patient needs. Let the patient set the tone
you start cleaning the kennel helps to keep the patient for the appropriate amount of exercise and socializing.
from becoming fearful of your approach. If the Some may just need you to sit with them on your lap!
procedure doesn’t allow treats, then talk in a gentle,
soothing voice and stroke them calmly. Find their “itchy”
spot, then a cuddle and praise after the procedure will Reflection
go a long way in gaining cooperation and trust. These Think about the types of patients you may see in
positive reinforcements put patients at ease which in a veterinary facility – from boarding pets to very
turn will make it more likely that they will eat, rest, and sick or injured pets. Describe what you can do
respond to the treatments. personally to ensure their comfort and safety.
Exercise and play are important for the hospitalized
and boarding patient. Hospitalized patients may be on
restricted exercise so always check before taking them
outside. Boarding pets will appreciate the opportunity to Patient Care Based
be out of their kennel for a walk or romp in the exercise
yard. Adult dogs are most likely to be house‐trained and on Reason for Being
will not soil their kennel or run. Twice daily at least 10‐ in the Hospital
minute walks to stretch their legs and relieve themselves
is very important to their mental health. If the hospital
has a fenced in yard a longer break with other pets is Boarding
appropriate. Let the pets meet each other while still on
the leash. If there are no indications of aggressiveness, Pets that are boarded at a clinic may become so lonesome
then they can romp together. Never leave the pets or for their owner that they become depressed. This may
patients unattended during these breaks, not only to mean not eating well or at all. Careful records and
make sure they don’t get into a fight but to make sure attention to each pet is vital in order to catch this and
they don’t escape. Remember to double leash the dogs take steps to alleviate this behavior. It may involve
as you transport them from the ward to the exercise yard spending a bit more time with the pet or taking it outside
or for a walk. more often or hand feeding. Another comfort would be
If there isn’t a yard, then only one dog at a time should to ask the owner to bring the pet’s bed or an article of
be taken outside. Double leash the dog and bring a the owner’s clothing as a comfort item to help them
plastic bag to pick up feces. Never allow the dog to run settle in better. Use of the pheromone spray can also
or jerk you, if they do then put an anti‐jump harness on help. Some boarding pets may require medications to be
them for their walks. Never allow a dog to mouth your given on a regular basis. For example, diabetic dogs will
hand or arm while walking. If they do, then a cage muzzle need to be fed at 12‐hour intervals and given insulin
or leash muzzle is applied before the walk. Never drag or about 15 minutes later. Keeping them on a strict schedule
jerk harshly on the collar as this can injure their necks helps them maintain a good blood sugar level. Careful
and backs. records of when the insulin was given, where it was given,
If because of weather the dogs cannot be taken and how much is very important information to write in
outside for their 10‐minute walk, allow them to exercise the record. Failure to do so may result in a double dose
in a run or if available a hallway or room. Anywhere that because anyone checking will see that it wasn’t done
can be secured with doors that lock or have signs posted when in fact it was! This can result in dangerously low
that there are animals loose in the area. Throw a ball or sugar levels and potential loss of life. Older dogs may
play tag with them, whatever is needed to let them thor- require more than a twice daily walk; getting them out
oughly stretch their legs will help them mentally and for a potty break during the day will reduce anxiety.
physically. Again, if you know two dogs get along and like Cat housing rules are like those for dogs. They must
to play with each other, a supervised play session is also have room enough to lay down without being inhibited
appropriate. by the presence of litter pan, food, and water dishes. The
Exercise and socialization is pet dependent. The ideal situation would be a perch that can be placed inside
astute assistant will evaluate and meet the needs of the the kennel, allowing them to be up away from the litter