Reducing Fear in Canine Veterinary Appointments Through Fear Free Tactics

• Other Authors: McBroom, Christina Faith (Author), Caron, Martha (Thesis Director), Wynne, Clive (Committee Member), College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, Barrett, The Honors College
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: Animal Behavior; Veterinary; Canine; Canis lupus
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2286/R.I.47671

abstract: In recent years, many strides have been taken to analyze dog (Canis lupus familiaris) fear behavior. Studies have found that in a veterinary setting, low posture behaviors in dogs are indicative of fear in the animal (Ortolani and Olh, 2014; Stanford, 1981). Other studies found that short term environmental stress can be measured through repetitive behaviors that are paired with high levels of urinary and salivary cortisol (Hiby et al., 2006; Hekma et al., 2012). In order to reduce these commonly seen fear behaviors, veterinarians can purchase the Fear Free Certification program that focuses on an animal's emotional well-being in a veterinary appointment. This study sought to quantify the differences in fear behaviors during veterinary appointments at a traditional veterinary hospital and a Fear Free certified veterinary hospital. The results show that there is a significant decrease in total head and tail fear behaviors at the Fear Free Certified hospital which suggests that the Fear Free certification does make a difference in a dog's emotional well-being at a veterinary appointment. This is important for the future of veterinary medicine to maintain happy clients and a safer work environment.