What is the first step in performing an abdominal palpation on a dog?

The first step in performing an abdominal palpation on a dog is to begin with gentle pressure. This approach is essential for a number of reasons. Initially, using gentle pressure allows the handler to assess the dog's comfort level and readiness for the procedure. It helps establish trust between the dog and the examiner, making the dog more relaxed and less likely to react defensively.

Starting gently also allows the examiner to evaluate any responses from the dog, such as tension or discomfort, that could indicate underlying pain or other issues. This step is crucial for gathering accurate information during the palpation process, as the dog's reaction can help inform the examiner about potential health concerns.

Furthermore, applying heavy pressure immediately can be alarming for the dog and might provoke a negative response, while skipping palpation altogether could result in missing important health assessments. Likewise, introducing oneself to the dog, although beneficial for building rapport, is not the immediate first step in the physical examination process.