Our country is facing one of the greatest challenges to our healthcare system and economy. As the number of cases increases, we all need to be doing our part to reduce the incidence of the coronavirus pandemic.
At Licking Valley Veterinary Services we are following the directives of Governor Andy Beshear and the American Veterinary Medical Association to bring you continued health care for your pets and livestock.
We understand that your pet is a valued member of your family and needs to be seen if they have a health concern. We also will continue to help our farmers with herd care and recognize that keeping America’s food supply flowing rests on the backs of farmers.
Here’s what we are doing to make that all possible during the crisis.
Washing Hands
We wash our hands many many times a day. All of us are constantly touching things. We pick up a pen to make a note, type on the computer, or open the refrigerator door. That is how germs can spread.
The CDC has the following recommendations that we are all following.
Clean your hands often
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for a minimum of twenty seconds
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. I know this is hard and like me, you may be realizing how often you touch your face.
Social Distancing
You are probably familiar with bell curves. Teachers often used bell curves to show grades from a test. What you may not realize is that bell curves will change in response to our actions. That is why there is so much emphasis on “flattening the curve”.
By practicing social distancing we can make the outcomes of this virus less severe. So staying away from each other is a good thing!
We recently saw what happens in Kentucky when people don’t follow social distancing. A young man in his 20’s recently became infected with Covid 19 after attending a “Corona Party”. Before he realized he had the virus he was with many other people who are now at risk.
Curbside Services
Governor Beshear recognizes that veterinarians are health care professionals. He has asked us however to limit our exposure and only do the procedures that are most necessary for our clients.
This means we will be limiting elective surgeries.
Most veterinary clinics including LVVS are practicing curbside pickup and delivery. This means we will get your information over the phone. When you come for your appointment one of us will come to the car and get your pet.
Please have cats in a carrier and dogs on a leash. That way we can safely transfer your pet inside.
This makes it safer for you and our staff as we are exposed to fewer possible germs. One of the hard things about a virus is that it is can be spread by anyone you meet or by touching something after a carrier has handled it.
Why you must act now: Kentucky has a good graph that shows just how important social distancing is and how it can radically improve the impact of the disease.
Clean Surfaces
As well as washing our hands we and hopefully you are working to make the things we touch clean as well.
The first step is to clean surfaces so that they are free of dirt and grim. You can do this with soap and water.
The second step is to disinfect. Both bleach and alcohol can be used to disinfect surfaces. But don’t use up your bottle of Old Forester quite yet, our famous bourbon manufacturers are now making hand sanitizer.
To disinfect your home you can use household bleach. Use one-third of a cup of bleach per gallon of water. You can also use alcohol solutions that are at least 70% alcohol. The EPA has recognized several cleaners that are effective including Hydrogen Peroxide and Quaternary Ammonium found in Chlorox disinfecting wipes.
We always take cleanliness seriously, especially in our surgery area. We have stepped up cleaning procedures and making sure all areas of the clinic are disinfected several times a day.
I’m Bored, Stressed, and Can’t Do My Job!
We understand! However, social distancing is so important because it literally has the potential to save thousands of lives.
Some veterinarian recommended tips to relieve stress:
- Take a walk with your dog.
- Curl up with a good book and your cat.
- Walk the backfield and check on the cows.
- Go horseback riding
- Take the kids down to the creek and look for salamander eggs.
- Start planting seeds for this year’s garden.
Your Pets And Coronavirus
Your pet will not get coronavirus from hanging out with you. Animals have their own types of coronavirus but those are not zoonotic. Zoonotic means that they travel between people and animals.
The American Veterinary Medical Association is closely following the pandemic. They state that at this time there is no evidence to support that pets can spread SARS-CO V- 2 (coronavirus).
Studies have shown the human virus can’t survive on animals long enough to be transmitted. So don’t worry about giving some love to your pets. Remember if you are stressed they are stressed.
Proud To Be A Kentuckian!
I don’t know about you, but right now I am very proud to be a Kentuckian. Our governor has taken this pandemic seriously by listening to health care professionals, taking steps to protect us and lead our state through the crisis. Governor Beshear is getting national recognition around the country from both Democrats and Republicans for his quality leadership.
We are proud to serve you, Pendleton County and the Northern Kentucky area with quality affordable vet care. Call us at 859-472-4141
Author, Ame Vanorio, is the director of Fox Run Environmental Education Center and a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. She teaches onsite and online classes in organic gardening, solar power, and wildlife rehabilitation. She lives on her farm in Falmouth, Kentucky with too many animals to count!