INDIANAPOLIS — While Hoosiers continue to pay closer attention to their health and the health of the world, we can't forget the furry members of our families.
At this time there is no evidence that your pets are getting ill from COVID-19 but they still need to be seen by your vet. Noah's Animal Hospitals are finding creative ways to see your animals.
"Staff is now coming out to the car letting the client stay in the car," Tom Dock, with Noah's Animal Hospital, said. "We take the pet inside, the examination is done and then via telephone or in some cases video conferencing wecan then share that information with the pet owner. Diagnostics can be run, treatments can be prepared."
The new order of business is popular with some clients.
"I love how they're doing things," Paulette Stamper, a pet owner, said. "I didn't get to go in, which makes me feel good. I'm not sitting in a waiting room next to a lot of people."
"We have some clients that are asking if this is going to continue even when it's over," Dock said.
If you're in a risk group where you don't want to leave your house, they also have another solution. The Airvet app allows pet owners to make an appointment and see the doctors virtually.
"You can set up a video conference and actually show them what your pet is doing whether it's behavior, limping or anything like that," Dock said. "Now there is a fee associated with that so don't think this is going to be free but the veterinarian then can tell you, 'You know what, let's do this, let's stay home' or he can say, 'You know what, let's come in and we will take care of you that way.'"
Dock said your pet can pick up on your anxiety or your change in routine and may show signs of anxiety themselves. He recommends paying a little extra attention to them. Get a cat toy, throw a ball in the yard or just go for a walk.
"Now don't overdo it," Dock said. "Don't walk three miles with your overweight dog and you've never done it before. You've got to build up to it."
Pets can be the comforting distraction many of us need right now so let's make sure we take care of the animals that are helping to take care of us right now.
"Everyone should have a dog, or two, or three," Stamper said.
