COVID-19 is not a concern for animals, but the current "sheltering in place" associated with the virus has implications for our pets who may need emergency care for other illnesses and injuries.
Two weeks ago, I addressed an increasingly common question I have been receiving: Can dogs and other pets get the Coronavirus. In my column, I detailed that answer, which is that, no, COVID-19 incidents are exceedingly rare. And that is true. There have been only two reports of canine infections of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The world’s first canine to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 — a 17-year-old Pomeranian that died Monday, three days after going home, according to the South China Post. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association said the dog had “significant unrelated health problems including cardiac and renal issues and is believed to have passed away from these and old age, possibly exacerbated by the stress of quarantine away from familiar surroundings.” The second was just reported last week, also in Hong Kong and likely contracted from its infected owner. Neither dog had shown any clinical signs related to the virus, despite the test results indicating infection.
However, there’s absolutely no evidence to date that pets develop the clinical disease COVID-19 or transmit the virus to people, and experts question the implications of the reported positive tests in dogs.
That said, our daily lives have changed for now. While this information allays pet owners’ concerns about COVID-19 transmission to their pets, the challenge comes when pet owners have emergency care issues for their pets unrelated to Coronavirus, yet impacted by it none-the-less. As with most animal hospitals, The Manchester Animal Hospital will be closed for routine visits for several weeks. We recommend that everyone remain at home as much as possible and we look forward to seeing our patients for routine care in the near future. However, during this time, as I’m sure is the case with most facilities, we will be taking telephone calls to offer advice, may be able to help certain urgent care cases and will be dispensing prescriptions for patients of the hospital. We’re available by phone.
But what if an emergency happens? There are hospitals that can accept emergent care cases. In our case, we recommend Angell Animal Care in Boston and Waltham for emergencies and urgent care, and that system’s protocol is helpful to know. It’s important to know:
This is for urgent and emergent cases only. For instance, Angell is dedicated to remaining open for those most in need, but on March 18, 2020, Angell in Boston and Waltham closed to all patients except for urgent and emergent cases.
Filling prescriptions. Look to fill subscriptions with the hospital system directly, with most being able to process them by phone and online. Most of the time, they can be shipped to you by mail. If they are time-sensitive, clients can pick up their prescriptions at a hospital location, with staff delivering medications curbside.
Typically, clients (pet owners) will not be allowed in the building during this period of social distancing. Be prepared to drop off your pet and communicate by phone. Remaining in cars or outside the building, signage directs clients to call the care team via their mobile phones upon arrival for an emergency or a necessary recheck.
If you have to bring your pet to an emergency hospital, remember:
Dogs must be leashed. If the client does not have a leash, one will be provided. The client is asked to exit their car and hand the pet to the employee and return to their car.
Cats and all other pets must be in a carrier. If the pet is not in a carrier, a temporary box carrier can be provided. The client should place the carrier on the ground and step back 6 feet and then the employee will bring the pet into the building.
Once the pet is examined, the doctor calls the client on their cell phone (if the client does not have a cell phone the employee can meet the client in the parking lot to discuss care while maintaining a 6-foot distance) and report findings and discuss next steps.
Remember, this is a time to be safe. Be well, stay vigilant and enjoy your pets!
Dr. Lamb is the Veterinarian at the Manchester Animal Hospital.
