Workers' compensation for veterinary staff

Workers’ compensation of nearly 8 were million dollars was paid to veterinary staff for 2005 and 2006. The single most common claim was for:

• Attacks, bites, kicks and scratches.

Workers’ compensation was also paid for:

• Slips and falls
• Sprains and strains, usually due to lifting
• Struck by or caught by objects, such as falling boxes or moving gates.

To help decrease injuries to veterinary staff, warn the staff that your pet may be aggressive when making the appointment so the appointment can be scheduled when the clinic is calm. Ask if your pet can enter and exit by a rear door. Take your pet to the clinic in a carrier or secured with a leash. Put a muzzle on your dog if you know it is aggressive.

In addition to taking precautions, you can also help your pet feel less anxiety at the vet's office by using aromatherapy, such as lavender essential oil on your pet’s harness or collar. (Essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin without being diluted.) Or, use these anti-anxiety products:

• the flower essence calming product for stress from www.SpiritEssence.com,
• the pheromone Feliway for cats, and
• the pheromone DAP for dogs.

If your pet does not behave well and there is a good chance you, the veterinary staff, other pets, or your pet may be hurt, instead of visiting the clinic, use a house-call veterinarian.