Social Distancing and Veterinarian Visits
It’s A Whole New World Out There for Pets and Vets
The world is changing at such a rapid pace these days. The unknown. The concern. The worry. We’re learning to be (very) creative doing what only weeks ago would have been considered a “normal every day activity”. And this now includes having our pets seen and treated by veterinarian professionals.
What happens now, during a time of social distancing, when our pets need to be seen by a veterinarian?
Add to that, what happens when, like me, you’re a new veterinarian client because you’ve recently moved into the area?
Before moving, one of my many concerns was being able to find a vet to care for my pets. Would our new vet be someone my pets and I would feel as comfortable with as our previous vet of almost 20 years?
Knowing my dogs were coming up for their annual examinations, vaccinations and a need to get their flea/tick and heartworm medications, I didn’t want to procrastinate with finding a vet.
Fortunately for us, our new vet was “still” taking on new clients.
“Still taking on new clients”.
Because, once again, in this world of unknowns, some vets have temporarily suspended taking on new clients.
This time last year my dogs visited their vet – in person – for their annual checkup, vaccinations and to receive their yearly dose of flea, tick, and heartworm preventative medications. These annual veterinarian visits gave me the opportunity to discuss my pet’s health and go over any questions or concerns I may have had.
Fast forward to 2020. Just one year later.
How My Dog’s Annual Veterinarian Visit Changed
Veterinarians have been deemed an essential service and rightfully so. But not knowing if our new vet was going to be open for business other than urgent appointments, I thought there could be a real possibility my dogs would not be receiving their annual vaccinations, or be able to get their flea and tick preventative medications.
Now living in the country, and with the dogs walking through fields, I was concerned the possibility of their exposure to fleas and ticks would be increased, and for me, this was a concern.
Our Vet Was Open For Business!
But Only for My Dogs
Open for Business – For Pets Only
Our vet was still open for business, but ONLY for my dogs. And business was NOT as usual.
Talk about adding to my stress, and, to my dog’s stress!
Now don’t get me wrong.
I TOTALLY AGREE with the new safety procedures to protect our veterinarians, veterinarian technicians and the clinic staff – those who have, and rightfully so, been deemed an essential service. But it didn’t mean I was not nervous about not being able to be physically present for my dog’s checkup.
How My Dog’s Veterinarian Visit Changed
Instead of physically entering the vet office, we were greeted by a vet technician at our car in the parking lot of the veterinarian clinic.
The vet technician was dressed in face mask, gloves, and gown. Each dog was retrieved from the car and brought into the clinic to be assessed by the veterinarian.
Now I’m going to be honest here, I was a little concerned and nervous for my dogs. The mind can play all sorts of games when it comes to the unknown and not being able to see what’s going on behind closed doors.
“How were the dogs adjusting being examined by someone they’ve never met, in a place they’ve never been?” I wished I could have been in there to comfort them . Or was it really me that needed to be comforted? I’m pretty sure it was the latter.
After each dog had their appointment, the vet came out (in the rain I might add) and stood outside my car window to discuss his findings for each dog and to give me instructions on how to administer their medications (and me worrying if I would remember everything!)
How Did My Dogs Manage This New Way of Veterinarian Visits?
So how did my dogs manage this new (hopefully temporary way) of veterinarian visits?
Perfectly fine!
Much better than I did I’m sure 😉
Well that was interesting. You alright up there Humom?
I’m not sure what just happened – other than it’s raining out and I got wet
Both dogs were safely placed back into their car seats by the veterinarian technician, and we continued on our car ride back home as if nothing out of the ordinary had ever happened.
Thank your Veterinarians, Veterinarian Technicians and Vet Staff!
Be sure to thank your veterinarians, veterinarian technicians and vet staff for being here for us, for our pets! Because for some, our pets are what’s keeping us comforted in this time of #SocialDistancing
