Whenever we are working with any animal, there are safety considerations.  Adding mechanical tools to your practice will generally increase the safety considerations you need to be aware of.

At all times, it is important that the therapist is creating a safe environment for both themselves and the animals.  This includes creating adequate space for you and the animal to move comfortably and being away of potential hazards in the environment.  It is also necessary to take into consideration the light and noise present and any activities that may take place during the session that could be disruptive.

Adding mechanical tools may also require access to electricity, the use of strapping or pads to help secure devices and in some cases, cords or external boxes that need to be close to you and the animal.

Any time electricity is involved, we must take into consideration the risk of electrocution or shock.  Make sure the environment is dry and that your equipment is in good condition before starting.  Make sure you and the animal are well-hydrated (I do a pinch test on the animal prior to exposure).  Try to work in a dust-free environment and ensure that the animal is clean, at least in the area where you will be placing any instrumentation.  I like to wipe a towel over the animal that I have sprayed with a small amount of witch hazel or alcohol and allow it to evaporate.

If your device can be charged, make sure you have charged it prior to use.  If you need to plug your device in, I recommend using a grounded extension cord to do so and keeping any extra cord neatly coiled and secured away from you and the animal.

Having a mental or physical checklist that you run through before starting treatment is good planning.

Microcurrent is generally one of the safest mechanical therapies.  The devices are battery-operated or can be charged so there is rarely the need for plugging anything in.  The devices tend to be small and can easily be affixed to the body of the animal or to the belt of the practitioner.  In some cases, the lines connecting the electrodes to the animal and the device need to be managed.  NEVER leave an animal unattended during a session for their safety and for the safety of your equipment.  Because microcurrent is not felt by the animal, it rarely causes anxiety or fidgeting once it is in place, although there will always be that animal who simply does not like the feeling of something against their skin.  If the device you use beeps when complete or changing cycles, this may cause anxiety for some animals.  Dogs are particularly sensitive to noise made my devices. There may be settings that allow you to lower or turn off signals.

In terms of side-effects, overexposure to microcurrent is the greatest concern.  Electrodes may dry the skin and the animal may become aware of a prickly feeling or mild shock.  Overexposure may also cause agitation.  Long term side-effects have not been reported.