A Review on Mitigating Fear and Aggression in Dogs and Cats in a Veterinary Setting

Abstract

A high proportion of dogs and cats are fearful during veterinary visits, which in some cases may escalate into aggression. Here, we discuss factors that contribute to negative emotions in a veterinary setting and how these can be addressed. We briefly summarise the available evidence for the interventions discussed. The set-up of the waiting area (e.g., spatial dividers; elevated places for cat carriers), tailoring the examination and the treatment to the individual, considerate handling (minimal restraint when possible, avoiding leaning over or cornering animals) and offering high-value food or toys throughout the visit can promote security and, ideally, positive associations. Desensitisation and counterconditioning are highly recommended, both to prevent and address existing negative emotions. Short-term pain from injections can be minimised by using tactile and cognitive distractions and topical analgesics, which are also indicated for painful procedures such as ear cleanings. Recommendations for handling fearful animals to minimise aggressive responses are discussed. However, anxiolytics or sedation should be used whenever there is a risk of traumatising an animal or for safety reasons. Stress-reducing measures can decrease fear and stress in patients and consequently their owners, thus strengthening the relationship with the clients as well as increasing the professional satisfaction of veterinary staff.

Effect of Music on Stress Parameters in Dogs during a Mock Veterinary Visit

“…A range of strategies to make vet visits a more pleasant experience for pets are recommended by practitioners who take an interest in animal welfare, including low-stress handling techniques, appropriate waiting/consultation/hospital room layout, pheromonotherapy, lighting, and aromatherapy [ 8 , 17 , 18 ]. An approach which has not been widely recommended, employed, or empirically tested is the inclusion of music therapy in veterinary hospitals [ 19 ].…”

Low and No-Contact Euthanasia: Associated Ethical Challenges Experienced by Veterinary Team Members during the Early Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Indeed, "protecting and promoting animal welfare" is described as the veterinarian's "raison d'etre" [40], and is embedded in codes of professional conduct for veterinarians, animal health technicians and veterinary nurses [41][42][43][44][45][46]. This focus on animal welfare has been accompanied by a recognition of the potential iatrogenic harms of veterinary care [47], and concerted efforts to minimise fear, anxiety and distress in veterinary patients [48][49][50][51][52]. For example, the European Veterinary Code of Conduct states that "euthanasia must be practiced with as little pain, distress and fear as possible" (1.2, Recommendation 4) [44].…”

Functional analysis and treatment of aggression exhibited by cats toward humans during petting

“…Although all three cats exhibited aggression maintained by escape from petting, it is possible that escape was identified as the reinforcer maintaining aggression for these cats because sessions were conducted by novel people in a potentially stressful environment (Riemer et al, 2021). It is possible that other cats might engage in aggression maintained by social‐positive reinforcement (e.g., resumed petting or continued playing) under familiar conditions.…”