How To Restrain A Pet

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

01 May 2007 06:20 PM

In medical emergencies, knowing the right way to restrain your pet can save your pet's life. But knowing how to restrain your pet will be useful in more mundane situations, too -- like at the vet's, when you're trying to trim toenails, or when your pet has a minor injury that needs attention.

A humane restraint protects humans from being bitten or scratched. It also protects the pet from struggling and possibly making an injury worse. Perhaps most importantly, a humane restraint gives you a chance to administer first aid and check the severity of the injury.

A reclining restraint is good for medium to large sized dogs and breeds with prominent eyes. Place your pet on her side and kneel (if your pet is on the floor) or stand (if your pet is on a table) behind her. With one hand, grasp the foreleg and lean your forearm gently against the shoulders. With the other, grasp the hind leg and lean your forearm gently against the hips.

Cats and smaller dogs do well with a modified version of the reclining restraint known as the stretch restraint. Again, place your pet on her side and kneel or stand behind her. With one hand, grasp the scruff of the neck; with the other hand, hold both hind feet. Gently stretch your pet out against the floor or tabletop. This restraint, which puts pressure on the neck, is not recommended for pets with prominent eyes.

A hugging restraint works well for pets that weigh more than 20 pounds. Stand facing your pet's side; bring one arm under the chin and around the neck loosely. Use the other arm to reach under the stomach and around the chest.

Pets that are prone to popping eyes out of their sockets may need a kneeling restraint. Put the pet on the floor between your knees and facing away from you. Use one hand to hold the jaw steady and place the other hand on the top of her head.

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Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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Courtney Mroch (9169) 02 May 2007 09:53 AM

I'm going to try one of these techniques for trimming Tabby's claws! Thanks for the good write up, Aim!