5 tips to avoid getting bitten

If you work at a veterinary practice, chances are you've been bitten by a patient. A 2014 Firstline survey shows about 83 percent of team members report they've been bitten. To reduce your risks, let's review a few quick safety tips from Philip J. Seibert, Jr., CVT, owner of SafetyVet.

Rule No. 1: Stay stress-free

Aim for a stress-free practice style to start so pets arrive at your practice less anxious and what they experience in your hospital does not stress them further.

Rule No. 2: Stay alert!

Sudden noises, movements or even light can stimulate the pet to react. So if you're responsible for restraining an animal, keep your attention on the animal's reactions and not on the procedure.

Rule No. 3: Do it right

Learn the proper restraint positions for each of the species your practice treats.

Rule No. 4: Use the right tools

If an animal is fearful and defensive fractious, use appropriate, humane capture and restraint equipment approved by your veterinarian, such as towel wraps. Your veterinarian may also opt to use chemical sedation or anesthesia in lieu of physical restraint.

Rule No. 5: Know the species

If your job entails handling exotic or non-domestic species, remember that they all have their own unique methods of defense. You should know and understand their possible reactions before you attempt to restrain them.