🩺 Vet’s 2025 Guide: How to Properly Pick Up a Puppy or Kitten 🐾🩺

Welcoming a new puppy or kitten into your home is an exciting experience. However, these young animals are delicate and require gentle handling to ensure their safety and comfort. Improper lifting can lead to injuries or fear, affecting their trust and well-being. In this comprehensive 2025 guide, Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc provides expert advice on the correct techniques to pick up and hold your new furry friend. 🐶🐱

1. 🐾 Understanding the Importance of Proper Handling

Young animals have developing bones and muscles, making them susceptible to injuries from improper handling. Additionally, early experiences with being picked up can influence their future behavior and trust towards humans. Ensuring a positive and safe experience is crucial for their development.

2. 🐶 How to Pick Up a Puppy

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Approach Calmly: Let the puppy see and sniff you before attempting to pick them up.
2. Support the Chest: Place one hand under the puppy's chest, just behind the front legs.
3. Support the Hindquarters: Use your other hand to support the puppy's hind legs and bottom.
4. Lift Gently: Lift the puppy smoothly, keeping their body level and close to your chest for security.

Note: Always ensure the puppy feels supported and avoid sudden movements that might startle them.

3. 🐱 How to Pick Up a Kitten

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Approach Slowly: Allow the kitten to become aware of your presence and offer your hand for them to sniff.
2. Support the Chest: Slide one hand under the kitten's chest, behind the front legs.
3. Support the Hindquarters: Use your other hand to support the hind legs and bottom.
4. Lift Carefully: Gently lift the kitten, keeping them close to your body to provide a sense of security.

Note: Avoid picking up kittens by the scruff of the neck, as this can cause discomfort and is not recommended for human handling.

4. ⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Never lift by limbs, tail, or scruff: This can cause pain or injury.
• Avoid sudden movements: Startling the animal can lead to fear or defensive reactions.
• Don't force interaction: If the puppy or kitten resists, give them time to become comfortable.

5. 👶 Teaching Children Proper Handling

Children should be taught the correct way to handle young animals:

• Supervise interactions: Always oversee children when they are handling pets.
• Encourage sitting on the floor: This reduces the risk of dropping the animal.
• Teach gentle touch: Show children how to support the animal's body properly.

6. 🧠 Recognizing Signs of Discomfort

Be attentive to signs that your pet is uncomfortable:

• Vocalizations: Whining, growling, or hissing.
• Body language: Struggling, stiffening, or trying to escape.
• Behavioral changes: Avoidance or aggression when approached.

If any of these signs are observed, gently place the animal back down and give them space.

7. 📲 Seek Expert Guidance

For personalized advice on handling your puppy or kitten, connect with licensed veterinarians 24/7 via AskAVet.com or the Ask A Vet app. 🐾📱

🎯 Final Thoughts

Properly picking up and handling your puppy or kitten is essential for their physical safety and emotional well-being. By following these guidelines, you can build a trusting relationship with your new pet and ensure their comfort and security. 🐾❤️