COVID-19 Gave Us New Lives
Covid 19, Coronavirus and Pets
COVID-19 and the Coronavirus are on everyone’s mind right now and rightly so. We want to make sure we provide you with timely and useful information regarding how you and your pet can stay safe and healthy. Read on to learn more about pets and Coronavirus.
No Vaccine Yet To Protect Pets From COVID-19
The first thing to stress is that this Coronavirus is NOT the same Coronavirus for which a vaccine already exists. Some of you may remember getting your dog vaccinated for Coronavirus in the past and are now wondering why we aren’t currently vaccinating dogs. The answer is that COVID-19 is from a completely different Coronavirus.
The Coronavirus that we previously vaccinated for was a form of the virus that affected the intestines of mostly puppies. The Coronavirus that we are seeing now in humans is more respiratory in nature and is a completely different strain. So the simple answer is that we do not yet have a vaccine for pets to prevent the Coronavirus that causes COVID-19
No Evidence That Pets Get Sick With Covid-19
The good news is that “Currently, there is no evidence that pets become sick (with COVID-19). Infectious disease experts, as well as the CDC, OIE and WHO indicate there is also no evidence to suggest pet dogs or cats can be a source of infections with SARS-CoV-2, including spreading COVID-19 to people.”AVMA
Play It Safe Just In Case
You should still take precautions with your pet if you are diagnosed with COVID-19. You should limit your interaction with your pets out of an abundance of caution. Best practice is to get someone who is not sick to care for your pet while you are ill. Definitely avoid close contact with your pet and most of all wash your hands before and after any contact with your pet. Again, these precautions are only if you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you may be infected.
Protect Yourself and Your Family
The most important things to remember right now are all the steps that you can take to keep yourself and your family safe. Visit the CDC website to learn more.
We Are Staying Safe to Continue Helping Pets
We are doing all we can in the hospital to keep our staff safe. Our goal as an essential business is to remain open to serve your pets’ needs for as long as possible. The only way we can do that is to remain healthy. This is why we have instituted our current operating protocols.
What Can You Do?
Some important things to keep in mind for your pets during this time include the following:
- Stay on top of your pet’s medication. If your pet is on chronic medication, now is not the time to change the dosage on your own or discontinue a medication that your pet takes chronically. Stay the course and stay on track.
- Stick to your pet’s routine as much as possible even though you are at home. This will help avoid stress and anxiety for your pet.
- Get exercise with your pet. Now is a great time to start an exercise routine with your pet. If you are just starting out, start slowly and build. Walking is great exercise and can help shed excess pounds.
- Consider choosing our online pharmacy for your prescription diets and prescription purchases, especially chronic medications. This will lessen your risk by lessening your trips outside of your house and still allow you to get your pet’s needed food and medication.
- Take advantage of your pet’s online pet portal that can be found on our website. Your pet portal can provide information and may be able to answer pet health questions that you have such as questions about anal gland disease to questions about a TPLO repair. You can watch informative videos or take advantage of the interactive animal.
- Use this time to spend quality time with your pet. Animals love to learn. They love to exercise their brains as well as their bodies. Teach your dog or cat a new trick. You may find that it is easy and a lot of fun. Stay tuned to our FB page for future training tips and socializing tips for puppies during the time of social distancing.
Seek The Truth
Yes, Coronavirus and COVID-19 has us all on edge and has us all nervously awaiting the return of our lives as we knew them. Until then let us at least make good use of any spare time we may get to spend with our pets and do something positive. Please remember that if you need information, we are here. Don’t panic when you read something on the internet that may or may not be founded in truth. Call us (210-695-4455) to find out the facts if you have questions. We will always have your pet’s best interest at heart and care for him like he was one of our own! We are all in this together. #staystrongstaysafe