We are all watching events unfold, and seeing the news change hourly. One common concern is whether your pets are at risk, or if they can infect you.

Can my dogs or cats get COVID-19? Perhaps, but not likely. If you are healthy, and your pets are not around infected people, there is no concern. Your pets most likely would need to get it from an infectious person. If someone in your household has symptoms, minimize their contact with your pets.

I have symptoms; can my pets spread this from me to my family? Maybe. Their fur is a surface, and their nasal passages are warm, moist environments... perfect for many viruses. If you have symptoms, minimize your contact with your pets.

So far, there is no evidence that dogs and cats can transmit the disease to other animals or to people.

What is Dogwood doing? As clean as we keep the clinic, we are cleaning a lot more than usual. We are constantly disinfecting our door handles, counters, seating, credit card terminals, etc. We have a lot of clients wanting care for their pets, and our team members all want to help our patients, so we continue to stay open. We are asking clients to pay with bank cards if at all possible - you never know about the cleanliness of cash, and our bank branch is currently closed, making it difficult to get change.

We are not yet keeping clients out of our building, but we are primarily using our larger exam room for more interpersonal space, and it has an open window for fresh air. If you would like curbside service, just call us from your car when you arrive. We are happy to come out and get your pet, or bring out your prescription refills and diets. If you or anyone in your household has respiratory symptoms, please let us know before we handle your pet. We will want extra precautions, and we definitely want you to stay in your car.

The situation is evolving rapidly. If you have an appointment, we are planning to see you. If that changes, we will notify you. You are welcome to call us, but bear in mind that for most medical situations, an examination is necessary.