When checking the airway, what should you do to the collar or lead?

• A. Loosen or remove collar & lead depending on safety
• B. Tighten collar
• C. Leave as is
• D. Remove the collar entirely and throw away

Answer: (C)

During an airway check, keep the collar or lead in place. The priority is to assess breathing quickly without introducing new risks or provoking the animal. Loosening or removing the collar can cause sudden movement, struggle, or loss of control, which can complicate the assessment. Tightening could worsen breathing, and removing the collar entirely isn’t necessary for evaluating the airway and would take away a tool you might need to manage the animal safely in a stressful situation. So, leave the collar as it is while you check the airway, then address safety and control if needed.