Last week, the community delved into practical strategies for improving clinic efficiency, discussing everything from effective time management to prioritizing patient care without compromising quality. Members shared experiences on the challenges of maintaining a clean and safe work environment, especially during busy shifts. Another engaging thread focused on the emotional aspects of working in veterinary care, particularly how to handle difficult client interactions with empathy and professionalism.
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Low-stress restraint drills for beginners
This thread is a great resource for those looking to improve their handling techniques with minimal stress to the animals. It’s a must-read for anyone new to veterinary care, as it covers fundamental skills that can ease both patient and practitioner anxiety.
Quick win that’s saved us time on busy shifts: a cheap non-slip yoga mat on the table plus a rolled towel under the sternum keeps cats and small dogs “stationed” so I can get a jugular or temp with one holder instead of two. I pre-load rooms with a fleece lightly sprayed with Feliway — , the difference in grip and heart rate is night-and-day — and if a dog’s still edgy, a basket muzzle with squeeze cheese is calmer than a wrestling match. Fear Free’s stationing handout is handy: Home - Fear Free.
On busy shifts, I keep a couple of $1 microfiber cloths in a zip bag lightly spritzed with feline pheromone and do a loose ‘peekaboo’ drape over the head so I can expose just the cephalic — cats settle and I can draw without extra hands. If the cover stresses them, I turn them to face a corner and cradle the chest with my forearm instead.