This article was originally printed in the July/August 2024 issue of the California Veterinarian magazine.

Animal bites and scratches are the number one cause of injuries experienced in veterinary practices. Veterinary Insurance Services Company’s (VISC) 2023 injury data shows that 72% of reported claims were caused by bites and scratches from cats and dogs. The injuries are fairly evenly distributed, with 50% attributed to cats, 45% dog-related, and the remaining 5% not specified.

A deeper dive can tell us more. The most frequent and serious injuries were to the upper extremities (finger, thumb, hand, wrist, arm), comprising 84% of all injuries, followed by injuries to the face/head at 11%.

The reported descriptions reveal that injuries can happen at any point during an interaction with the patient, from the waiting room, to the scale, to any phase of treatment, or even in the kennel. Injuries happen during exams, injections, x-rays, intubation, and dental cleaning, to name a few. In some cases, there were behavioral warning signs from the patient, but in many cases, there were not. And in some cases, a protective measure failed, such as a muzzle coming off.

There are several identifiable common causes for bites and scratches, including:

• Fear, and Anxiety: Fear can trigger defensive behaviors, especially if the animal perceives the handling or examination as threatening.
  • Pain: Animals in pain may react defensively if touched in sensitive areas or if their discomfort is exacerbated during treatment.
  • Aggression: Some animals may have an aggressive temperament or may become aggressive due to illness, injury, or previous negative experiences.
  • Protective Instincts: Animals may feel protective of themselves, their owners, or their offspring, especially if they perceive a stranger (like a veterinary worker) as a threat.
  • Provocation: Mishandling or improper restraint during handling, grooming, or medical procedures can provoke a defensive response from animals.
  • Territorial Behavior: Animals may perceive the clinic environment as their territory, especially if they’re regular visitors, and may respond defensively to unfamiliar people or animals entering their space.

Preventing bites and scratches involves addressing the patient behaviors described above using a combination of the following best practices:

1. Staff Training: Provide comprehensive training for all clinic staff on animal behavior, body language interpretation, and safe handling techniques. This includes recognizing signs of fear, anxiety, and aggression in animals. The Animal Care Technologies (ACT) videos offered on the VISC website are a great place to start. Scan the QR code to access these videos.
2. Educating Clients: Educate pet owners about the importance of restraining and managing their pets, and ask if their pet has a history of aggression or fear at previous appointments.
3. Use of Restraints: Use appropriate restraint techniques and equipment during examinations and procedures. This may include muzzles, leashes, towels, and/or other tools.
4. Approach with Caution: Approach animals calmly and confidently, avoiding sudden movements or loud noises.
5. Handling with Care: Handle animals gently, minimizing stress and discomfort.
6. Create a Calm Environment: Maintain a quiet and calm clinic environment, with separate waiting areas for dogs and cats to reduce stress and potential conflicts.
7. Utilize Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to reward calm and cooperative behavior.
8. Personal Protective Equipment: Provide staff with appropriate PPE to minimize the risk of scratches and bites.
9. Emergency Procedures: Establish clear protocols for situations when an animal becomes aggressive. This may include having a plan for safely removing the animal from the situation or calling for assistance.

Implementing these best practices can help veterinary practices ensure the safety and well-being of their staff and patients!