Puppy Training Program

Vet Care During COVID

Use our tips and fillable/printable form to get your do the best care during the pandemic.

By Dr. Gayle Watkins, PhD

Good Dog is on a mission to educate the public and make it simple for people to get dogs from good sources and for reputable breeders, shelters and rescues to put their dogs in good homes.

Good Dog is on a mission to educate the public and make it simple for people to get dogs from good sources and for reputable breeders, shelters and rescues to put their dogs in good homes.

Good Dog is on a mission to educate the public and make it simple for people to get dogs from good sources and for reputable breeders, shelters and rescues to put their dogs in good homes.

When You Should and Shouldn’t Go to the Vet

As more and more of society shuts down due to coronavirus, you may be wondering whether you should take your puppy, dog or litters to the veterinarian right now. As you make that decision, you must balance your animal’s health with that of you and your vet team. Here are our recommendations for taking your dog, pup or litter of pups to the vet during a shutdown or outbreak.

When You Shouldn't Go to the Vet

1. DO NOT TAKE YOUR DOG OR PUP TO THE VET IF YOU ARE FEELING ILL, HAVE A FEVER OR COUGH, HAVE ENCOUNTERED SOMEONE WITH COVID-19, OR HAVE TRAVELED TO A HIGH-RISK AREA! The health and safety of our veterinary teams are essential to us and our dogs. Please communicate clearly with your clinic if any of these things are true and find someone else to take your dog in. If you are sick and your dog must see a vet, have someone else take him in.

2. When you can provide good care at home Talk to your vet about what you can do at home. For example, you can likely treat bug bites and bee stings with over-the-counter medications available at your local pharmacy. if you are a breeder, consider giving your pups’ distemper-parvo shots yourself, if legal in your country. This is allowable in the US but many other countries may not allow breeders this option. Check your laws and always buy from reputable sources, like Revival Animal Health. You can also handle your own deworming with products from online suppliers.

3. If your vet is offering telemedicine and it is appropriate for your dog’s situation. Telemedicine allows you to connect with your vet online and avoid a trip to the clinic.

4. All you need are commonly available medications, supplies and food. If you normally get products from your vet, see if they are using an online pharmacy or other store. There are also online suppliers like Revival Animal Health where you can get dog food, heartworm treatments, flea and tick preventatives, and even medications. Ask your vet for a prescription, if required for the medication.

When You Should Go to the Vet NOW

1. Don’t delay necessary vet care. Schedule early since it may take a while to get an appointment. In particular, keep your dog’s rabies vaccination, yearly exams, and specialty treatments up to date.

2. Your dog is having an emergency. The pandemic should not stop us from responding to emergencies with our dogs. Even c-sections are possible, although you may have to wait outside while the surgery is done.

3. For needed surgeries and diagnostics. In most places, it is now possible to have surgeries and diagnostics done on our dogs. Protective equipment is available again so vets are able to safely do these treatments.

Tips for Making a Vet Trip Better

This new protocol is safer for all of the people involved BUT it may result in worried or frightened dogs. It also means that you won’t be there to talk to your vet or support your dog if it becomes frightened. Here are some tips for having the best experience for you and your dog.

1. Get details before you go. Many clinics are changing their procedures and hours so your first step must be to call the clinic before getting in the car.

2. Know and prepare for the new appointment protocol. Many clinics are now requesting that you stay in your cars in the clinic parking lot. Some have numbered parking places that you will wait in. Look for those spots and get your number.

Instead of going in, call or text when you arrive. A staff member will come out to get your dog or pup when they are ready to exam it. The vet team does the exam, calls you to discuss and get your approval of the treatment plan, and treats your dog. A staff member brings your dog back out to you and gets payment.

3. Complete the form below at home to remind your vet of why your dog is there. Communication is more challenging these days so putting your dog’s needs in writing will help. Give the form to the staff member when they take your dog and repeat why your dog is there.

4. Send treats in with your dog and ask the staff member to try to have some fun with your dog or pups during the appointment. Even if they are busy, most vets and techs will take a little time to make a dog comfortable and ensure pups have a good time.

5. Take your cell phone with you so you will be able to let the clinic know when you have arrived and speak to the vet afterwards. Some vets are even Facetiming during appointments so you can understand what is happening.

6. Hit the bathroom before you go. This may seem silly but before you head out, go to the bathroom at home so you are comfortable waiting in the car. That said, most clinics will let you in, if needed, so take your mask.

7. Pack for the trip. Take a minute to gather a few things for the visit, since you may wait longer than normal.

  • your cell phone
  • your dog’s leash and collar, crate or stroller. Your big dogs should wear a familiar collar and leash and pups should be in familiar carriers that they’ve played in at home. Hospital leads work but may upset dogs unfamiliar with them and are completely ineffective for pups that aren’t leash trained. If your vet will allow it, transport your pup, dog or litter of pups in a crate on a dolly or in a doggy stroller. Wipe these down with disinfectant before and after sending it into the clinic for everyone’s safety. Rescue disinfectant is still available on US Amazon at the time of this writing.
  • bag with a variety of delicious treats (see our recipes in Lesson 2). Prepare and take a bag with a variety of delicious treats for your dog. Pass this to the vet staff with your dog and ask them to offer them generously. These treats might include cubed cheese and meat, commercial treats, and even some of your dog’s kibble. Our puppies favorites include Fresh Pet Vital Essentials, if you can get it.
  • water and a bowl for your dog
  • hand sanitizer
  • reading material, music, etc for while you wait
  • water for you

8. Be patient while waiting. Read, listen to music or talk on the phone but know it may be a while since your vet team is working under more challenging circumstances. Go for a walk but be sure to take your phone with you so your vet can get in touch during the appointment.

9. Bathe your dog or pups when you get home, if you are at high risk or if there is an outbreak in your area.

NEVER PUT HAND SANITIZER ON YOUR DOG OR PUPS.

Download and Print our Vet Care Form For Your Visit

Since few of us are seeing our vets face to face these days, we need to clearly communicate why our dogs are there. Download, complete, and print our fillable PDF Vet Visit form. Give it to the staff member who takes your dog at the visit.

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Dr. Gayle Watkins, PhD is the Founder of Avidog, the leading educational platform for dog breeders and puppy owners, and Gaylan's Golden Retrievers, her 40-year breeding program. Today, Gayle is the only golden retriever AKC Gold Breeder of Merit, and is a three-time AKC “Breeder of the Year.”