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When you visit the veterinarian, they often wear a protective coat. But did you know that a veterinarian’s workwear set is much more extensive? Most of the clothing worn during their work is not visible to you. In this article, I’ll tell you about the essential clothing and personal protective equipment veterinarians need for their job.
Standard workwear
A veterinarian’s daily workwear resembles that of regular doctors in many ways. It is usually white, so it can be properly washed at high temperatures. The trousers have pockets, and the chest often features a small pocket for storing items.
Comfortable footwear is essential since veterinarians are on their feet for long periods. Like in hospitals, they typically wear sturdy shoes or clogs.
In some practices, standard white clothing is replaced with colored tunics or polos. As long as these can be washed at high temperatures and are comfortable, they work well for lighter tasks, such as checking a dog with a stethoscope or deworming a cat.
Surgical attire
For surgeries, special clothing is required. It is crucial to prevent bacteria or viruses from entering an animal’s body. That’s why veterinarians wear sterile gowns. These are moisture-resistant to keep the clothing underneath dry and lint-free to prevent stray fibers from contaminating the surgical site.
The gowns can be adjusted with a tie at the waist and Velcro at the neck. Elastic cuffs make it easy to push up the sleeves.
For procedures involving a lot of fluids, there are special surgical gowns. These provide extra moisture protection and are reinforced around the forearms and chest.
Unlike daily workwear, surgical gowns are only worn once, as they lose their sterility after use. Surgical attire should not be confused with the transparent plastic gowns sometimes seen, which only protect against moisture and are not sterile.
Head protection
To prevent the veterinarian’s hair from falling out during surgery, they wear head covers. There are two main types: the bouffant cap and the surgical cap. The bouffant cap is made of thin fabric and fits snugly with elastic. The surgical cap is made of sturdier fabric, can be washed at high temperatures, and is adjustable at the back. Fabric caps come in many colors, allowing veterinarians to personalize their workwear.
There are also disposable head covers with an integrated face mask. These are ideal for bearded individuals and offer additional protection against infectious diseases.
Gloves
Veterinarians use a wide variety of gloves, from small, simple rubber ones to long plastic gloves that reach over the shoulders. The type of glove depends on the animal and the procedure; larger animals sometimes require deeper internal examinations.
Protection against X-rays
When taking X-rays, veterinarians must protect their bodies from harmful radiation. Special protective garments are used, including lead coats, hip aprons, and neck guards. Additionally, protective glasses, gloves, and even shoe covers are available.
This is how much work clothes a vet has
Did you know that veterinarians require so much workwear and personal protective equipment? My veterinarian usually wears a white coat over their regular clothes and occasionally gloves, but clearly, there’s much more involved.
What does your veterinarian usually wear?
Best regards,
Aileen