Here is a brief except in light of some of the recent news reports about animals becoming infected with coronavirus:
"There is no evidence to suggest that animals, including pets, that may be incidentally infected by humans are playing a role in the spread of COVID-19. Human outbreaks are driven by person-to-person transmission.
Pets have other types of coronaviruses that can cause them to become ill, but these are species-specific, meaning that they do not infect people and are not related to the current COVID-19 outbreak...
Because animals can spread other diseases to people and people can also spread diseases to animals, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands before and after interacting with animals; ensure your pet is kept clean and its fur combed to prevent mats; regularly clean your pet’s food and water bowls and bedding material; and remove and replace soiled or damaged toys. Because we have no confirmed examples of where viruses have been transmitted by contact with pet hair or skin, the use of alcohol or hydrogen peroxide containing cleaning agents, hand sanitizers, or sanitizing wipes to clean your pet’s fur or paws in an effort to prevent contracting COVID-19 is not recommended and may be harmful."
Due to the increasing threat of the COVD-19 virus, we have deemed it necessary to limit access to our building for now and go to curb side service for you and your pets. We not only want to continue to take care of your wonderful companions, but we also wish to be as safe as possible for you, our clients, as well as our staff members.
If you are coming for an appointment, we ask that you call us upon arrival at 369-8080 so that we may come to your vehicle and take your pet inside. Please have your cat in a carrier and your dog on a leash.
If you need to pick up medications, food, or other pet products, please call us in advance so that we may have everything ready when you come & deliver it to your vehicle.
If you cannot call us from the parking lot, please feel free to gently knock on our side door and we will come to you.
We will keep you posted on any other changes if needed during this stressful time. Please call us if you have any questions or if we can help in any way. Thank you call very much.
COVID-19 FAQs
Hi Everyone -
I wanted to take a few minutes and update you on the policies we have had to adopt in light of this terrible COVID-19 virus problem. We will continue to do our best to treat your pets that you and us at FVH love, and to keep everyone as safe as possible. With a case now confirmed in Macon County, we have had to enact some safety measures. When you come in with your pet, we will ask you to remain in a specific area of the lobby separated from other clients. We will come up and take your pet to an exam room or treatment area for any exam/procedure. Unfortunately, at this time, clients will not be able to go into the exam room due to the confined space. When everything is done, we will return your pet to you in the lobby. If you would prefer not to come into the building and wish to wait in your vehicle, we fully understand and will meet you at the door and take your pet from there. Right now, we would prefer not to take your pet from your vehicle, unless he or she is in a carrier, to avoid any fear response and chance of escape. We will call you on your cell or step out to wave to you when we are done. Some basic services may need to be deferred to a later date to avoid crowding in the building and maintenance of a safe distance from each other. We will keep you posted on any further changes if things get worse and we have to initiate further measures. Thank you very much for your understanding during this difficult time, but we will get through it all if we stick together and stay smart. Be safe and please contact us with any questions or if we can be of help in any way.
Sincerely,
Dr. Frank
Wintertime Cat Care
Winter can be a difficult time for many pets. Cold, wet weather can be difficult on joints and can cause serious cabin fever in some pets. Bad weather can also put pets at risk. Cats can be quite hardy, but they also have unique needs than dogs. Outdoor cats may be especially vulnerable during the harsh winter months. If you have a cat that spends some or all of its' time outside please be sure they have consistent access to shelter, bedding, fresh, cool (not frozen) water, and food. Not everyone is able to bring their cats inside all the time in the winter, but providing a safe place for sleeping and resting, as well as a safe haven from the elements is very important. Cats can develop frostbite on their extremities (ears especially) and they may be prone to getting into antifreeze, rat poison (or poisoned rodents). Cats are predators by nature, but they are also vulnerable to predation themselves. Food is more scarce during the winter for all wind animals, so outdoor cats (or small dogs) may be seen as an easy food source. Parasites may not be as abundant during the cooler months but they are still a problem! It is recommended that cats and dogs be treated consistently for fleas (and heartworms) year round. Just because you can't see fleas on your pet does not mean they have no hitchhikers on board, and one flea can quickly become hundreds! One last winter tip for cats is to use caution with cats around vehicles. It is not uncommon for cats to sneak up under the hood of a car or up under a wheel-well where it is toasty warm. Cats can easily become entangled in the fan or serpentine belt of an engine or be otherwise seriously injured when the vehicle or started or begins to move. Always check under the hood or bang on the hood of the car to scare away any potential stowaways!
Check back with Franklin Vet Hospital online for updates and additional pet care tips. We frequently post animal news and pet care tips to our Facebook page, so be sure to check it out and "Like" us.
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