Hope, Health, and Rational Choices

The progression of COVID-19 information and human cases have affected everyone, some more profoundly than others. Health concerns are warranted, and many people are concerned about how and if sick and injured pets will receive vet care. Fortunately, the outlook is still positive for your animals. My and many of my veterinary colleagues' offices are remaining open with limited staff for the care of sick and injured animals, and large animal veterinary services are supporting our food chain and human health.

Veterinarians, especially those that have worked in mixed and large animal services, have experience in studying, treating and controlling infectious/emerging disease outbreaks of both individual animals and groups. Part of our education includes learning how to limit disease spread and contain it to as few animals as possible. With an understanding of controlling viral spread, and considerations regarding the current knowledge of COVID-19, vets have instituted changes in operations. 

Here’s some advice for protecting yourself from the coronavirus, as well as the flu and other infectious illnesses:

1. Stay home as much as possible.
2. When you must go out, take disinfectant wipes and wipe everything you are about to touch. Let your hands air dry.
3. If you already own an N-95 facemask, wear it, especially if you are a high risk individual.  Maintain your 6 foot distance away people. Don’t stand in a crowded area.
4. Keep fingernails cut short and remove nail polish for the most effective hand sanitizing. 
5. Keep hands away from face and mouth.
6. Sanitize hands after every cough or sneeze.
7. If you must leave home, take sanitizer. Wipe all door knobs, car handles, steering wheels, carts and product packaging. Let hands and surfaces air dry.
8. When sanitizing, assure all physical and visible dirt is removed before disinfectants.
9. DO NOT smooch your pet.  If you cough on pets, bathe them well, afterward.
10. When getting supplies, prescriptions and items which have been handled by others, sanitize the outside of packages, before opening and bringing into your home.
11. Upon returning home from, remove shoes and clothing in the garage, place clothing in a plastic bag, and put on fresh clothing to enter your home. Shower as soon as possible and wash all bagged clothing. A boot tray may be used to dip shoes in disinfectant which remains in your garage.
12. If you are ill, stop all contact with others and seek medical testing. Then follow healthcare providers’ recommendations.
13. Reading scientific articles about the virus, will empower you to make more rational decisions about your own health care. 

We can be hopeful, because many people are working round the clock to provide medical care for those in need. Others are diligently investigating the science of this disease and the way to contain its spread, including improved diagnostics and vaccines. 

These individuals are committed to service and are willing to risk their health in the interest of others. You can help healthcare professionals by being responsible with your travels. Limit your time out of your home to only that which is necessary. When you must visit the doctor or veterinarian, be up front about your health issues, so they can protect themselves and their staff.   

These guidelines are helpful for owners of emergency, sick and injured pets seeking care:

1. Phone ahead, so the staff knows you are coming.
2. Be sure you tell staff of any exposure you may have had to sick people or possible COVID 19 exposure, before your visit. If you have had COVID 19 exposure, methods of treatment and consultation will be modified.
3. Wait in your vehicle and call staff when you arrive.
4. Bring your own sanitizers and use them prior to touching the entry door. You will also likely be given sanitizer once indoors. You may be asked to walk through a shoe sanitizer.
5. You will likely be put right into an exam room. Stay in that room and avoid touching anything.
6. Limit the number of people you bring to the vet office to 1. If you must bring others, expect for them to wait in the vehicle.
7. When possible, pay with a credit card, which will be disinfected.
8. Be patient, as staff are treating only sick animals.

Stay hopeful, be grateful. Meditate or pray. Reconnect with everyone, talk by phone or social media. Play with your pets and kids. Use the internet to learn something new, maybe some methods for managing stress. Yoga and Qi Gong are beneficial for your health. Improve your diet, take enzymes, eliminate sugar and eat more vegetables. Be thankful for all the luxuries and freedoms you’ve had. Ask for help when you need it and keep reaching out to friends and neighbors to prevent loneliness. Go for a walk. Hug your pets.

Look for the positive in the challenges we are facing.