What if My Pet Gets Sick in a Shutdown?
I’m sitting in my living room watching my doodle trot by with a sock in his mouth. On any given day this wouldn’t be a cause for panic, but it’s not normal days. As a veterinarian, my mind immediately starts going to worst-case scenarios:
What if he eats it?
What if he obstructs?
What if he needs surgery? Are the ERs going to be open?
I promise you this: the veterinary community is doing all we can to be here for you. I’m watching my colleagues firsthand as they scramble to prepare, learn telemedicine on the fly, and struggle to figure out how to stay afloat. (P.S. I took the sock away.)
1. Veterinarians are essential.
I say this as an opinion, but it’s also a legal designation in times of emergencies that allows categories of companies to remain open. Pharmacies, grocery stores, things critical to infrastructure and life in general are clearly in that category. Others are murky. In some places veterinarians have already been declared essential services. In those where we haven’t, we’re staying open until explicitly told otherwise (which would be unlikely.)
It’s also super confusing when guidelines as to what is considered essential are coming from federal, state, and local authorities. All you need to know is this: as a group we are working day and night to remain in that ‘allowed to stay open’ category, for your pet’s health and for yours.
2. Pets are not considered at risk from COVID-19.
COVID-19 is not considered a health threat to pets at this time, with no evidence that pets can transmit it to each other or to you.
Please, PLEASE do not take your pet to the shelter because you think they are going to give you coronavirus.
3. You may be asked to postpone certain services. Here’s Why.
We use the same masks, gloves, and gowns as human healthcare providers. We use them in surgeries and with potentially contagious diseases and messy procedures.
In the spirit of community, many veterinarians are already stopping elective procedures such as spays, neuters, and dental cleanings so they can donate as much PPE as they can spare to their local hospitals who need them more. Many are also suspending wellness services like vaccines and providing emergency or sick pet services only. Please be understanding if something gets pushed to a later date. That mask we would have worn for Fluffy’s neuter may go to the doctor taking care of your mom.
4. Your visits are going to look very different.
We want to do everything we can to maintain social distance for our health and yours. Vets are starting to implement 1 person per exam room orders, doing “curbside pickups” and asking you to remain outside. Again, since we are not concerned about COVID-19 from pets, rest assured that they will be getting all the same love and pets they always do.
Many veterinarians are offering telemedicine visits. These are especially useful if your pet has an ongoing problem like allergies, maybe you need a refill on a medication, or maybe you’re worried because your pet is limping and you’re not sure how urgent this is. If your vet doesn’t offer telemedicine services, ask them if they’re considering it. It’s invaluable.
5. The Veterinary ERs are going to be swamped.
I know this time is so stressful for everyone. If your pet gets ill during this time and your regular veterinarian isn’t available, many areas have a 24 hour or after-hours emergency service that will likely still be operating. It will be busy. Vets are doing all we can to help you get the care you need but also keep those ERs free for true emergencies.
What’s a true emergency? Glad you asked.
- difficulty breathing
- a cat who’s panting
- active bleeding
- seizures
- eye problems
- trauma (hit by car, etc)
- toxin ingestion (Poison Control phone numbers are below)
- sudden swollen belly
- male cat who can’t urinate or appears constipated (straining in litterbox)
- pet who can’t walk
- collapse
- pet who is suddenly sluggish and you can’t get them to fully wake up
There are others, but those are some of the biggies.
What if you’re not sure? Symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea may or may not be emergencies depending on the circumstances. If you can’t get your veterinarian or the ER on the phone to assess the urgency of the situation, there are 24/7 triage apps and chat lines that can help you figure it out. Ask.vet and whiskerdocs.com are two big ones; petriage.com offers triage using a mobile app. There are others. They are much better than taking your chances with Google.
Also good to have on speed dial are the two big Poison Control Hotlines:
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426–4435
Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764–7661.
Fees apply for these calls and, as someone who’s worked in an ER, they are worth every penny. The people you talk to are the same ones we call when we need guidance.
On the money note: I know this is a horrible, terrible time and so many people have lost their jobs. I am frightened about the consequences too. I know pet care is expensive. I wish I had more to give you other than I hear you, I am advocating for you, and the pet care community will be alongside you reinforcing the need for solutions, affordable care, payment plans. It is overwhelming. Your vet is overwhelmed and sad as well. We really are.
6. What Should I Be Doing Now?
If your pet has chronic issues and is on regular medication, touch base with your veterinarian and see what’s needed to get a 90 day supply.
Get extra food and litter. The supply chains are intact, grocery and pet stores are open so no need to panic or hoard, but have an extra bag because that’s always smart to do.
Get your flea, tick, and heartworm medications ordered. That season is upon us too.
Take your dog for a walk. Unless your government has said otherwise, a walk is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise and maintain social distancing.
We’re all in this together. Be well.
