This hold controls direction in 6 ways to reduce movement and provide staff safety from head flip or bite attempts. Combine this technique with targeting to help the dog focus and learn to stand in place for blood draw, injection, palpation, and nail trims.

This type of restraint is called the “cowl technique.” A pillowcase, flannel baby blanket, or thin hand towel is rolled into a tube and wrapped quickly around the neck like a doughnut to hold the head. The point of restraint is like scruffing but does not create the association of pain with hands or handling.

Communication between the technicians and the veterinarian is crucial to making vet visits as Low Stress as possible. The most important thing to remember is that you are all working together as a team to give your patients a better experience in the veterinary clinic.

Having the tools at your side to deliver the Low Stress care experience is important, especially when creating a new culture of care. It is important that the treats, paper bowls, towels and other tools are stocked every night just like the cotton balls, alcohol and syringes.

In most small animal practices, the intake is done by the technician. Weight check, temp, heart rate, and history are performed by the veterinary technician.  With the advances of Low Stress Handling® skills, there may be some variation on how intensive the technician will be in gathering these vital signs prior to the veterinarian stepping into the room.  There is acknowledgement of the stress level of the patient, so the technician may forego some of the intake exam to reduce stress and allow the veterinarian to triage care. I always felt it was all fun and games until the doctor

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Stefanie Kotschwar, a licensed veterinary technician at Lynwood Animal Hospital, Nepean, Ontario, Canada. Her practice has a strong emphasis in exotic pet care, and makes providing a Low Stress Handling® care experience a top priority.  Stefanie has been selected to present Low Stress Handling® in small mammals at ExoticsCon this fall. Dr Foote: Stefanie, I see that you have various degrees.  Tell me about your journey into veterinary care for exotic pets.  Originally from Austria, I grew up in Colombia. As a young adult I moved to Guelph and earned my degrees in nutrition and zoology.