Communication pearls for dogs with disabilities
In a recent interview with dvm360®, Melissa Shapiro, DVM, shared various ways pet parents can effectively communicate with their blind, deaf, or blind and deaf dogs.
At the 2021 Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference (ACVC), Melissa Shapiro, DVM, disclosed to dvm360® a few tips and tricks veterinary clients can use to better communicate with their pets that are blind, deaf, or blind and deaf.
View the video below for the entire discussion. The following is a partial transcript:
Melissa Shapiro, DVM: A lot of people will use ASL, American Sign Language, with their deaf dogs. [It] depends on how much [clients] want to put into it and how much the dogs are interested. So, most people can use at least simple hand signals to their dogs to sit, stay, come, and maybe that they are going to go in the car. A lot of people want to know if there are specific signs that they have to use, and the answer is no. You use what comes naturally to you [and] that you are going to remember when you are communicating with your deaf dog.
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