It is a good time to remind ourselves to be careful in the workplace and take the precautions needed to prevent injury from dog bites. It is also a good time to educate your children, family, and friends about how to avoid dog bite injury. More than 4.7 million people each year are bitten by dogs, and up to 1 million individuals seek medical treatment for dog bites.  While this may not be the most pertinent topic for your NAVLE prep, it is certainly important to the longevity of your career.

This is a veterinarian friend who received a dog bite to the face. A Great Dane/Lab mix was on the radiology table and reached around and bit him on the face. It happened in the blink of an eye, and even though this dog has NEVER been aggressive or questionable in the past visits (she has been going to that clinic for years and has always been very friendly), something triggered her to react. It is a good reminder that any time you are taking x-rays, especially if the dog is painful, just put a muzzle on the dog. It often makes them more likely to hold still and prevents injury to others.

Here is a video from the AVMA with some good reminders: Dog bite prevention video

In the veterinary profession, we must go a step further because we are working on a daily basis with a wide variety of animals and personalities, including injured, sick, and scared animals.
• Remember that ANY dog can bite.
• Approach each patient slowly and calmly and speak in a calm, quiet, and friendly voice.
• Don't corner a dog in the exam room; have the owner bring the dog out and away from the corner or wall so you are not moving toward them but can approach from the side.
• NEVER allow or trust an owner to restrain their own dog; this puts both you and the owner at risk for dog bite. Many pets are protective of their owners and if they are holding their own pet, the pet may perceive that you are a threat. Also remember that YOU as the veterinarian are liable if the owner is holding and gets bit by their own dog. My favorite quote of all time is, “Oh, don’t worry, he’s never bitten anyone.”

• If you are concerned about the pet's behavior and the dog is giving signs that he is scared or aggressive, place a muzzle on the dog for the exam.
• If you are concerned that you or your technicians cannot properly restrain an animal, inform the owner of your concerns and muzzle the dog for exam. Sometimes there are pets that need chemical restraint (sedation) for examination.
• As tempting as it is to give those puppy kisses, avoid putting your face in any animal's face. If you are performing a task close to the dog's face (such as an ophthalmic or otoscopic exam), make sure your technician has a good hold on the dog's head. If you ever have concern that the dog is not appropriately restrained or if you sense that the dog is starting to resist, place a muzzle. I always have my left hand acting as a shield between my face and the dog’s face so that in case the dog tries to bite, I can push away with my left hand and move my head away from the dog to the right (I am right-handed). The same goes for looking at the right ear; I either shield with my right hand (with otoscope in it) by keeping my arm parallel with the dog so I can push away if needed, or I have my technician hold on the right side and I stand behind the tech to reach the dog’s ear.

• If you are ever attacked by a dog or if a stray dog is approaching you, it is best to be perfectly still and "be a tree" or "be a rock.” Curl your hands into a fist to prevent your fingers from being bitten. If you have time, curl into a ball on the ground to protect your face and neck. A dog is less likely to attack if you are not perceived as a threat. Never try to run or fight back; dogs are much faster than we are.
• For more information on dog bite prevention and resources, visit the AVMA website

How to Land Your Dream Job

They say getting in is the hardest part.

“They” don’t know how challenging vet school can be.

But you are in the middle of it and you know that it is very difficult; lots of late nights studying, worrying about your patients, mountains of debt, a giant board exam to pass prior to graduation and then, oh yeah, I guess you should think about getting a job too.

We put together a list of what you should be considering when looking for that DREAM JOB:

• Know what Employers are Seeking in a Vet
• The Top Tips for Finding a Job
• Tips for the Interview
• ...and more!