Parkside Vets adapts to care for Dundee’s pets

Like many other businesses during this difficult period, Parkside Veterinary Group has had to adapt its working methods in recent days. “As vets our role has always been one of protecting animal health and welfare, however during the current crisis we have a duty to also protect human health and so have stopped our pet routine appointments to focus on urgent and emergency care” says Alan Hill, one of the directors at Parkside Veterinary Group To explain more about these changes and answer your questions, Parkside Vets have put together this handy Q&A.

1. I’ve been diagnosed with Covid-19 or advised to selfisolate, how should I care for my pets?

Where possible, ask another member of your household to care for your pet. Ideally, you should reduce all contact with your pet; if this is not possible then you should wash your hands before and after any interaction with them. We would stress that while there is no evidence that pets can be infected or spread the virus, sensible hygiene precautions are recommended. This will help to reduce the risk of you contaminating the pet with the virus.

2. Are vets open during the lockdown?

Following the prime minister’s address on Monday 23rd, all vets have been advised to switch to providing emergency care, fulfilling urgent prescriptions and aiding in maintaining the food chain. To help reduce face-to-face contact with pet owners, we have put steps in place at Parkside Vet Group to start using remote technology to allow us to perform video consultations, which have been a great success. These allow us to assess the patient and where possible prescribe suitable medications. Our Barnhill and Arbroath surgeries are temporarily closed however in the event of an emergency we have a dedicated team on hand at our Kings Cross Road surgery to deal with emergency cases who can be reached on the normal number 01382 810777. During this period, routine health checks and booster vaccinations are being delayed.

3. My pet needs veterinary treatment and I have suspected Covid-19 – what should I do?

In this situation then non-urgent issues should be delayed at least 14 days before seeing your vet. In an emergency situation, then please contact your vet. You would need to arrange another person to bring your animal to the vet to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to other people. Vets have steps in place to deal with these situations and clear communication of your condition with the practice is essential to ensure that safe procedures can be followed by all members of the veterinary team.

4. Can I still get my pet vaccinated?

The current lockdown period is for 3 weeks and the vast majority of pet vaccinations would not be deemed to be urgent so adult boosters must be postponed during this period. Primary vaccination in puppies and kittens should also currently be delayed in order to minimise travel and help restrict the spread of Covid-19. In the event of the lockdown continuing beyond the 3 week period we will have to review this decision, but ultimately the more people who stay at home the better chance we have of beating Covid-19 and protecting human health. In the meantime, unvaccinated puppies should be exercised only in the garden and not be taken outside. We understand this is frustrating and will look to reinstate primary courses as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.

Keep an eye on the Courier website, where Parkside Vets will be answering more questions. You can also phone them directly on 01382 810777 for advice.