
For dogs, there are two popular methods of restraint: the standing headlock, and restraint while lying down. Both of these methods are used to allow one person to hold the animal and another to administer treatment.
Full Answer
How do you restrain a dog?
To restrain a dog, start by trying to use a regular collar. If that's not strong enough or if the collar is putting too much strain on the dog's neck, you can use a harness to restrain your dog.
When do you need to restrain a dog for medical reasons?
At times, you may find it necessary to restrain your dog. Sometimes it’s as simple as scooping your dog up into your arms or attaching a leash to your dog’s collar. In other cases, a little more restraint is needed to give medications, to trim nails, or to keep an injured dog safe from further injury.
What is effective restraint in veterinary medicine?
Effective restraint is an important part of veterinary medicine that we simultaneously take for granted but also need to be successful. Restraint techniques are passed on in an almost cultural fashion with sometimes little thought given to their logic and effectiveness.
How do you ask a vet for restraint techniques?
Ask your veterinarian, or veterinary technician, to demonstrate these restraint techniques. Veterinarians, and the people who work in veterinary offices, are well versed in restraint techniques. [8] Ask for advice the next time you are at the vet.

How do you restrain a dog step by step?
Keep your back straight. Place one hand under the dog's neck and onto the head. Pass your other arm under the dog's abdomen, close to the hindlimbs, and place your hand on the flank on the far side. Hold the dog towards yourself, supporting the dog by cradling it between your arms and body.
How do you capture and restrain a dog?
Stand alongside the dog with the front of your body along the side of the dog. Reach both arms over and around the top of the dog. Grasp the front leg and rear leg that is closest to you, (those against your body). Grab the legs in a manner so that the free front and rear legs are in between your arms.
What are the three types of animal restraint?
Verbal - sit, stay, etc.Physical.Chemical.
How do you immobilize a dog?
0:072:42How to restrain a large dog - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you can just simply put a little bit of pressure in front of the dog tips. And that's going toMoreAnd you can just simply put a little bit of pressure in front of the dog tips. And that's going to prevent him from moving forward and getting out of your hole.
How do you restrain an aggressive dog?
When restraining a dog's head, cup the dog under the jawbone with the angle between your thumb and fingers on one hand. Place the other hand, with fingers facing forward toward the dog's nose, across the back of the dog's head where it meets the neck (the occipital region).
How do you restrain a dog with a towel?
1:153:21Canine Cowl wrap for safe handling in emergency and general careYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe towel it's not like it's so tight but it helps to provide this restraint think of it like aMoreThe towel it's not like it's so tight but it helps to provide this restraint think of it like a cervical collar and Debbie and I we work together we're gonna say like lift ball on the table.
How do you keep a dog injected?
0:021:12How to Give a Dog or Cat a Shot: It's Easier Than You Think - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBefore you give it have your injection prepared. And ready easy to this place to give an injectionMoreBefore you give it have your injection prepared. And ready easy to this place to give an injection is behind the neck in the shoulder blade area there's a lot of skin there in dogs and and cats.
What are the different animal restraint techniques?
Physically controlling or restraining an animal may include using equipment such as:Muzzles. May be purpose-made or improvised, and often used for dogs. ... Slip leads. Can be used to control a non-aggressive dog. ... Rigid leads or graspers. ... Snake tongs or graspers. ... Nets. ... Extension poles. ... Towels, cloths or blankets. ... Halters.More items...
What are the two ways dogs can be restrained?
For dogs, there are two popular methods of restraint: the standing headlock, and restraint while lying down. Both of these methods are used to allow one person to hold the animal and another to administer treatment.
How to restrain a short nosed dog?
For breeds with short noses, you may need to take an extra piece of material and tie a connection between the loop over the nose and the tie behind the head.Make sure the muzzle is snug. Be prepared for the animal to struggle against the muzzle. Some animals will even be able to get out of the muzzle. If the animal develops breathing problems or appears to be trying to vomit, remove the muzzle immediately. Once muzzled, you may need to further restrain the animal.
What to do if your dog is not leashed?
Be prepared for some struggling, especially if the pet is normally a stray dog that has never been leashed.If you do not have a leash or the leash technique is not working, a large towel or blanket can also work. This technique also works well for small dogs if you are unable to use a leash.
How to transport a dog in a blanket?
Wrap the blanket around the dog and scoop him into your arms. Be aware of where the mouth and claws are. Some dogs can be very determined and will bite through thick blankets.Some dogs that are used to pet carriers will crawl into an empty box. After inside the box, the animal can be easily transported. Make sure the lid is securely fastened, but still allows air to flow.
How to make a loop out of a leash?
If you have a leash, make a loop out of the leash by passing the end that would normally attach to the leash through the handle loop.
How to tie a t-shirt to an animal's nose?
While standing behind or alongside the animal, slip the loop over the animal’s nose. Once the loop is over the nose, quickly and snugly tie the loop on top of the nose. Take the 2 material ends alongside the nose and twist one time underneath the nose. Take the 2 ends and pass each behind an ear and tie behind the head.
How to stand beside a dog?
Stand alongside the dog with the front of your body along the side of the dog.
When handling a dog, should you avoid rough handling?
Above all else, rough handling should be avoided as this may lead even a good dog to bite in an attempt to defend itself. When Attempting to Restrain One Should: Use the least amount of restraint necessary for patient and staff safety.
What is appropriate restraint?
Appropriate restraint is all about empathy, finesse, and technique – it has little to do with strength. If any procedure requires more than two people to actually hold the animal, there is something wrong with the employed technique for that procedure on that animal for that day.
How to be friendly to a dog?
This is particularly true around horses and dogs. The way the average person greets a dog is a perfect example. Most people approach dogs from the front, lean over, and extend their hand to allow the dog to sniff it or to try to pet the dog. There are several elements in this approach that directly threaten the dog: the direct, frontal approach; making eye contact; leaning over; and reaching out over the dog’s head. These are intensified if they are done in a quick, tense or agitated manner.
What is good restraint?
Good restraint is all about empathy, finesse, and technique – it has little to do with strength. If any procedure requires more than two people to actually hold the animal, there is something wrong with that technique for that procedure on that animal for that day.
How does body language help animals?
Body language can help you determine how easy or difficult an animal may be during handling and restraint.
What are the areas of the body that animals react to?
Animals are particularly likely to react to handling of certain body regions as well. These include the head/neck, the legs and feet, the groin/perineum, the abdomen, and any area that is painful.
Why do animals injure humans?
In 98% of cases, injuries to humans occur because someone did something unwise, became complacent while working on the animal, or did not know how to read the animal’s body language. Remember that behavior is constantly changing. Just because the animal is friendly at the beginning of the exam or procedure, does not mean the animal will remain so three seconds later. Always assume the animal may injure you at any time – be cautious and prudent, but not paranoid. Always keep your body parts away from the animal’s weapons.
What is the procedure to restrain a rabbit?
Procedure: To restrain a rabbit. Procedure: To differentiate the sex of rabbits. Administration of Medication. Dogs. Procedure: Administering a tablet. Procedure: Administering a liquid feed or medication. Procedure: Applying ear medication. Procedure: Applying eye medication.
When examining an animal, is it important to restrain it?
When examining any animal it is important that it is restrained correctly. This allows you to complete the examination quickly, efficiently and confidently without damage to yourself or to your patient. Restraint may be carried out by a nurse, the client or by you, the veterinary surgeon – in many cases it is perfectly possible to both restrain and examine at the same time. You should understand how to restrain an animal so that you can explain it to the person assisting you.
Why do you need to ask for assistance when a patient is aggressive?
Rationale: This allows you to assess the nature of the patient – if it is aggressive you may need to ask for assistance. Restraint may cause respiratory distress.
Why is proper handling and restraint important?
Correct handling and restraint of the patient are essential if you are to perform any procedure effectively. If the animal is allowed to move it may hurt itself or you. An animal that is held firmly will feel much more secure and will be less inclined to struggle or to make an escape.
What is the procedure for muzzling a dog?
Dogs. Procedure: To examine the cranial end of the body. Procedure: To examine the caudal end of the body or take the rectal temperature. Procedure: To examine the dog on its side or to provide stronger control.
How many people can perform the dog manoeuvre?
Rationale: If the dog is small this manoeuvre can be performed by one person.
How to get a dog to not slip?
2. Using correct lifting procedure, lift the dog on to a stable examination table covered in a non-slip mat. Rationale: If the table does not shake and the dog’s paws do not slip, the dog will feel secure and less inclined to try and escape. 3. With the dog in a standing position, stand to one side of it.
A word of precaution before you start
Anytime you restrain your dog for grooming, keep in mind that he still has a natural animal instinct. As dogs cannot speak to communicate with you, when they feel pushed over the edge they might bite or scratch. So be sure to keep yourself safe.
Invest in the right equipment
If your dog is particularly fidgety about grooming, consider including the following items on your must-have dog accessories:
Restraining your dog
Before you restrain your dog, ensure you have everything you need for grooming close. Be gentle and positive but stern when restraining your dog.
What do you catch a dog with?
Catch the dog with a rope or a snare.
How to expose cephalic vein of leg?
Apply thumb pressure to expose cephalic vein of leg.
Why is subcutaneous fluid therapy recommended for dogs?
Why has my veterinarian recommended at-home subcutaneous fluid treatment? Administering supplemental fluids can benefit dogs with a variety of medical conditions. Most commonly, home fluid therapy is recommended for dogs with kidney disease or chronic kidney disease (also known as chronic renal failure).
Why does my dog's fluid move?
If absorption is slow, gravity may cause the fluids to migrate downward along the side of the body. Fluids may even move under the skin of the front or rear legs in rare instances. Do not be alarmed. If this happens, the fluids will still be absorbed and your dog will not be in any pain or discomfort.
How to remove a fluid bag?
The steps are as follows: Remove the fluid bag and the fluid drip set from their protective packaging. Close the line lock in the middle of the fluid tubing, by moving the roller so that it squeezes the tubing. The lock on a new fluid set is usually set in the open position.
What does it mean when a dog's fluids are cloudy?
This discoloration or cloudiness usually means that the fluids have become contaminated with bacteria. If you administer these fluids to your dog, a serious infection may occur under the skin.
How is anesthesia accomplished?
Anesthesia is accomplished by administering drugs that depress nerve function. It is important that you fully understand what will happen to your pet, and that you acknowledge that you understand the risks. Anesthetic monitoring in a veterinary hospital is similar to that found in any human hospital. With today's anesthetics, many of which are reversible, your pet should be almost completely normal by the time of discharge.
Where to insert needle for a syringe?
These include: At the level of the shoulder blades, just to the right and to the left of midline. At the level of the back legs, just to the right and to the left of midline along the "hips.".
Can dogs be wrapped in a towel?
Alternatively, some dogs respond better to being wrapped lightly in a towel; in some cases, just covering the head will relax the dog. Experiment with different locations and techniques until you find the most comfortable technique for you and your dog. Most dogs will quickly become used to fluid administration.
