While humans primarily use words to communicate, dogs and cats use energy to communicate, expressing it through body language. To communicate with animals, we need to learn and adopt their language rather than expecting them to learn hours. One way to decode an animal's language is to remember that energy equals intention plus emotion, dogs or cats energy, his intention and his emotions all working together, are communicated by his body language. As a veterinary assistant, it is crucial to be hyper aware of the patient you are working with. Because you're often on the front lines of defense should a situation turn sour. If you are responsible for handling a dog during an exam, and you suddenly feel him tensed up, and you hear a low growl.

You must be ready to maintain the safety of yourself that Animals, the doctor and anyone else in the vicinity. Oftentimes, you're also the first person in the appointment with the patient and the client. So your interpretation of how the dog or cat is feeling will set the stage for how your doctor proceeds with their exam and treatment plan.