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Dear friends,

Because the numbers of positive COVID cases and hospitalizations in Iowa County are increasing, Dodgeville Veterinary Service is trying to slow the spread of this disease by limiting people to people contact.

We are offering VIP Service In an effort to keep everyone – you, your pet, and our staff – safe and healthy, we are asking you to call (608-935-2306) or text (with the PetDesk App) for pets with appointment. Please call us upon your arrival and we will send a team member to retrieve your pet from your car and bring your pet inside and/or to bring you your items for purchase.

For scheduled while-you-wait appointments, we will call you on your cell phone to discuss your pet’s recent history and the veterinarian’s findings while you wait in the comfort of your car. Please make sure your pet is safely restrained with a leash and/or crate for dogs and a carrier for cats. If you wish to have a virtual visit please let us know and make sure you have downloaded the PetDesk app and signed in.

If you prefer not to wait, you may also leave your pet with us. A doctor will examine your pet and we’ll contact you when your pet is ready to go home. To use this option, please call ahead for availability and remember your pet will need to be picked up by 5:00pm (1:00pm on Saturdays).

Curbside and day-admit services are being offered to limit your public exposure and still maintain your pet’s veterinary care. Think of them as VIP valet service for your pet! 

If you prefer not to opt for either of these options, you may still bring your pet into our practice as you normally do for scheduled appointments.

IMPORTANT: If you’re feeling under the weather yourself or if you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, we ask you to please take very special precautions, for the safety of our staff, our clients, our patients – and for your own health, as well. We ask you to please either:

• Arrange for someone else to bring your pet in, or
• If your pet is scheduled for a wellness visit and isn’t sick, please call us to reschedule your appointment. You won’t be penalized for canceling an appointment due to illness or possible exposure.

We have always maintained extensive daily cleaning protocols to keep our facilities clean and sanitary. In addition to our regular cleaning we have also added additional disinfecting protocols for extra protection, per the CDC’s recommendations.

Thank you very much for working with us as we find ways to continue caring for our patients while keeping everyone healthy and safe. Please call us if you have any questions or concerns; we’re happy to help!

Sincerely,

Your friends at Dodgeville Veterinary Service.

All our lives have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although this is not how we want to take care of your pets we feel obligated to keep you and our staff safe during the “Safer at Home Order”. We are still OPEN although our grooming is not considered an essential business. If your pet medically needs to be groomed please call us and we will see what we can arrange.

Thank you for your help while we have transitioned to curbside check ins and phone communication during your visit.

We are doing our best to stay on schedule, however we request your patience as we adjust to this new process.

Your pet will still be treated with the best care and compassion while practicing fear free techniques during the exam.

If you can tell the staff on the phone your credit card information it would be appreciated. We are trying to limit trips to the car to stay on time. We will charge your card, print your take home information and return your pet with this information. We also can email you your invoice to you for less paperwork, let us know.

If you have a NON-URGENT question email us at dvs@dodgevillevet.net with your questions, pictures, and/or videos . We can do a telemedicine appointment if you wish.

Our online pharmacy is always open if you wish to check that out at https://dodgevillevet.vetsfirstchoice.com/

Our Current Requests:

•  If you have traveled to a high risk area or had any exposure to symptomatic or confirmed positive people, or are symptomatic or positive yourself please stay home and call to see if a telemedicine visit might work.
•  As our other communications have stated we are doing curbside check in appointments to reduce waiting in the lobby and when we come to your car we are abiding with the social distancing.
• We are open to regular hours and making appointments for: sick patients, nail trims, vaccines that are overdue or will be by the end of April, call if unsure.
• We are still performing dental procedures (that are medically necessary), spay and neuter surgeries (may be rescheduled if more urgent cases need to get in), orthopedic and others.  We are sending a link to sign the surgical release and estimate. Please fill this out and submit, this will speed up the process.
• Prescriptions, food, other products are handled the same. Call when you arrive here and someone will bring it out to you.

Medications:   We can mail medications directly to you, or curbside pickup is available for medications, flea and tick preventives, heartworm preventives, shampoos, or other products.

Food:You can order from Hills to Home (we need to send you an email link, just let us know) for Science Diet or Hills Prescription food, VetDirect is Purina’s site for all of their foods, and Covetrus has Royal Canin foods (our online pharmacy partner).

Resources:

•  Idexx Laboratories, Inc. has seen no positive results in pets to date of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus strain responsible for the corona disease 2019 (COVID-19) respiratory outbreak in humans. Idexx evaluates thousands of canine and feline specimens during validation of a new veterinary test system for the COVID-19 virus.
• For more information and health guidance with COVID-19 please visit the CDC or WHO websites. For information about animal health go to the AVMA Website

We will call and discuss everything just like you were in the exam room with your pet. Please call if you have any questions with this process.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during the “Safer at Home Orders” from our governor.

We ARE OPEN

We are following the AVMA, WVMA, CDC and local health departments guidelines on the COVID-19 virus. We are following all recommendations made by local, state and federal health officials. 

What you Need to Know NOW:

• APPOINTMENTS: through April 24, 2020
  • Preventive exams: only for pets that need the month booster vaccines or Rabies. 
  • Examination: we continue to see all other issues including illness, trauma, etc.
• SURGERY: If your pet is scheduled for a surgical or dental procedure please watch for your Estimate in your email. There will be a link in the email to fill out the surgical paperwork online and sign. This form will email directly back to us when you submit. If you do not have a computer, tablet or cell phone, let us know and we will print it off when we come out to get your pet. Please call if you have questions. 
• VIRTUAL APPOINTMENT: using facebook messenger or DUO 
  • The cost of this type of appointment is $45.50
  • We can do medical progress/recheck appointments.
  • You will need to have video capabilities for these types of appointments.
  • You will need to be an existing client that has been examined by one of our Veterinarians in the last year.
• You can EMAIL pictures and/or videos to DVS@dodgevillevet.net and we will have a veterinarian review the case and help the best we can.
• Two ways to Notify us When you Arrive: Please stay in your car, we are doing check-in/out at your car
  • When you arrive in the parking lot call us 608-935-2306
    • Please let us know if you or anyone else you are in contact with are showing any signs of illness or if any known exposure has happened
    • Explain where you are parked, what type and color is your vehicle
  • Download the PetDesk App and text us through the app (the text button is under the loyalty program button)
• RECURRING ISSUES: If your pet has a history of certain types of problems and you have been here in the last year, we may be able to prescribe medication without coming in. Please ask.
• PICKING UP: food or prescriptions 
  • We will fill prescriptions and get anything ready you might need and bring to your car
• We can MAIL anything that you might normally pick up at the clinic, just let us know when you call.
  • As always you can get pet food from Hills to Home (we need to send you an email link, just let us know) for Science Diet or Hills Prescription food, VetDirect is Purina’s site for all of their foods, and Covetrus has Royal Canin foods (our online pharmacy partner).
• We are still requiring staff that are ill to stay home.
• We are continuously disinfecting commonly touched surfaces such as doors, seats, and handles for our staff.
• Antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizers have been distributed throughout the clinic for our staff.
• We are NOT scheduling any house calls to protect our staff members.
• We would also ask that if you are ill to stay home, see if anyone else can bring your pet or what other options might work.

We encourage you to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

Steps to protect yourself:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol when water and soap are unavailable
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and put more space between people, especially those who are at higher risk.

Steps to protect others:

• Stay home if you are sick, except for medical care if needed
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Do not reuse tissues, throw them away.
• Immediately wash your hands
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.

The Dodgeville Veterinary Service will continue to be responsible in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and will keep you informed of any changes that might be made going forward.

We are one of the Essential Businesses

We will not be closing

We are still monitoring the COVID-19 virus closely from the AVMA, WVMA, CDC and local health departments. We are following all recommendations made by local, state and federal health officials. 

We continue to safeguard you, your pets, and our team:

• Surgery: If your pet is scheduled for a surgical or dental procedure please watch for your Estimate that is emailed to you. There will be a link in the email to fill out the surgical paperwork online and sign. This form will email directly back to us when you submit. If you do not have a computer, tablet or cell phone, let us know and we will print it off when we come out to get a signature. Please call if you have questions. 
• Appointments or pick up of prescriptions, food  or products: Please stay in your car, we have implemented a curbside car check-in/out for all appointments and pick up of medication/foods/products.
  • When you arrive in the parking lot call us 608-935-2306
    • Please let us know if you or anyone else you are in contact with are showing any signs of illness or if any known exposure has happened
    • Explain where you are parked, what type and color is your vehicle
    • You will be put on hold and we will pick up the line when we start the appointment
  • A staff member will come out  and bring your pet into the clinic, you will make decisions as if you were in the room.
  • We will fill prescriptions and get anything ready you might need.
  • We will check you out like you were in the clinic, charge your credit card or care credit. If paying by cash or check we can pick it up when we return your pet to your car. 
  • Your take home directions and invoice will be brought when we return your pet to your car.
• VIRTUAL APPOINTMENT using facebook messenger or DUO (ask if your appointment can be):
  • The cost of this type of appointment is $45.50
  • We can do medical progress/recheck appointments.
  • You will need to have video capabilities for these types of appointments.
  • You will need to be an existing client that has been examined by one of our Veterinarians in the last year.
• If your pet has a history of certain types of problems and you have been here in the last year, we may be able to prescribe medication without coming in. Please ask.
• You can EMAIL pictures and/or videos to DVS@dodgevillevet.net and we will have a veterinarian review the case and help the best we can.
• We can MAIL anything that you might normally pick up at the clinic, just let us know when you call.
  • As always you can get pet food from Hills to Home (we need to send you an email link, just let us know) for Science Diet or Hills Prescription food, VetDirect is Purina’s site for all of their foods, and Covetrus has Royal Canin foods (our online pharmacy partner).
• We are still requiring staff that are ill to stay home.
• We are continuously disinfecting commonly touched surfaces such as doors, seats, and handles for our staff.
• Antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizers have been distributed throughout the clinic for our staff.
• We are NOT scheduling any house calls to protect our staff members.
• We would also ask that if you are ill to stay home, see if anyone else can bring your pet or what other options might work.

We encourage you to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

Steps to protect yourself:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol when water and soap are unavailable
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and put more space between people, especially those who are at higher risk.

Steps to protect others:

• Stay home if you are sick, except for medical care if needed
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Do not reuse tissues, throw them away.
• Immediately wash your hands
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.

The Dodgeville Veterinary Service will continue to be responsible in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and will keep you informed of any changes that might be made going forward.

UPDATE on  COVID-19, commonly known as coronavirus. It’s a changing world, so are our plans and actions.

At this time, we are here and have no plans of closing.

We are still monitoring the COVID-19 virus closely from the AVMA, WVMA, CDC and local health departments. We are following all recommendations made by local, state and federal health officials. Because the City of Dodgeville  has declared emergency measures to be followed by all offices, we are implementing car check-ins and limiting risks.

Changes made to safeguard you, your pets, and our team:

Stay in your car: We have implemented a car side check-in/out for all appointments and pick up of medication/foods/anything

• • When you arrive in the parking lot call us 608-935-2306
    • Please let us know if you or anyone else you are in contact with are showing any signs of illness or if any known exposure has happened
    • Explain where you are parked, what type and color is your vehicle
    • You will be put on hold and we will pick up the line when we start the appointment
  • A staff member will come out  and bring your pet into the clinic, you will make decisions as if you were in the room.
  • We will fill prescriptions and get anything ready you might need.
  • We will check you out like you were in the clinic, charge your credit card or care credit. If paying by cash or check we can pick it up when we return your pet to your car. 
  • Your take home directions and invoice will be brought when we return your pet to your car.
• We can MAIL anything that you might normally pick up at the clinic, just let us know when you call.
  • As always you can get pet food from Hills to Home (we need to send you an email link, just let us know) for Science Diet or Hills Prescription food, VetDirect is Purina’s site for all of their foods, and Covetrus has Royal Canin foods (our online pharmacy partner).
• You can EMAIL pictures and/or videos to DVS@dodgevillevet.net and we will have a veterinarian review the case and help the best we can.
• Veterinarians will be monitoring the appointments and if any appointments can be turned into a VIRTUAL APPOINTMENT , we will be in contact with you.
  • The charge for this is type of an appointment is $45.50.
  • You will need to have video capabilities for these types of appointments.
  • You will need to be an existing client that has been examined by one of our Veterinarians in the last year.
• We are still requiring staff that are ill to stay home.
• We are continuously disinfecting commonly touched surfaces such as doors, seats, and handles for our staff.
• Antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizers have been distributed throughout the clinic for our staff.
• We are currently not scheduling any house calls to protect our staff members.
• We would also ask that if you are ill to stay home, see if anyone else can bring your pet or what other options might work.

We encourage you to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

Steps to protect yourself:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol when water and soap are unavailable
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and put more space between people, especially those who are at higher risk.

Steps to protect others:

• Stay home if you are sick, except for medical care if needed
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Do not reuse tissues, throw them away.
• Immediately wash your hands
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.

Dodgeville Veterinary Service will continue to be responsible in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and will keep you informed of any changes that might be made going forward.

We have had some concerns around COVID-19, commonly known as corona virus. We want to share our current plans and actions, so you feel safe and comfortable.

At this time, we are open and have no plans of closing.

We are monitoring it closely from the AVMA, WVMA, CDC and local health departments. We are following all recommendations made by local, state and federal health officials. 

We have taken the following actions to safeguard you, your pets, and our team:

• We are continuously disinfecting commonly touched surfaces such as doors, seats, and handles.
• Antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizers have been distributed throughout the clinic
• We have implemented a car check-in if you do not want to come into the clinic
  • You would let us know prior to your appointment that you wish to do a car check in
  • You would call us when you arrive at Dodgeville Veterinary Service
  • A staff member will come out  and bring your pet into the clinic. They will get a phone number to call you and your payment information.
  • We will call you and talk to you while examining your pet, you would make the same decisions as if you were in the room.
  • We will fill prescriptions and get anything ready you might need.
  • We will check you out like you were in the clinic, charge your credit card or care credit. If paying by cash or check we can pick it up when we return your pet to your car.. 
  • The staff will bring your pet, medications, supplies, take home directions and invoice to your car.
• We will mail anything that you might normally pick up at the clinic, just let us know when you call.
  • As always you can get pet food from Hills to home (we need to send you an email link, just let us know) for science diet or Hills Prescription food, VetDirect is Purina’s site for all of their foods, and Covetrus has Royal Canin foods (our online pharmacy partner).
• We are requiring staff that are ill to stay home.
• We would also ask that if you are ill to stay home.
  • You can email pictures and/or videos to DVS@dodgevillevet.net and we will have a veterinarian review the case and help the best we can.
• We are currently not doing any house calls to protect our staff members.

We encourage you to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

Steps to protect yourself:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol when water and soap are unavailable
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and put more space between people, especially those who are at higher risk.

Steps to protect others:

• Stay home if you are sick, except for medical care if needed
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Do not reuse tissues, throw them away.
• Immediately wash your hands
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.

The Dodgeville Veterinary Service will continue to be responsible in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and will keep you informed of any changes that might be made going forward.

Keeping your pet at a healthy weight is one of the most overlooked keys to a happy, healthy life. It can also be one of the most difficult tasks to undertake without knowing the vital factors that contribute to your pet’s weight. Talking to your veterinarian and creating a plan to reach and maintain a healthy weight is best but can be daunting. With this information and some solid questions to bring to your appointment, you can be confident speaking about your pet’s weight to your veterinarian.     

Obesity is often discussed in veterinary appointments as it can lead to many long-term health issues. Maintained obesity can lead to diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, as well as joint and mobility issues, ruptured cruciate ligaments, or nonallergic skin conditions. Excess weight gain can also be a sign of other health issues as well. For example, hypothyroidism or hyperadrenocorticism (also called Cushing’s Syndrome) can cause excess weight gain. Conversely, rapid wight loss can signal health issues such as diabetes, a tapeworm infection, kidney disease, or cancer. Rapid and/or extreme weight changes should always be checked and discussed with your veterinarian.

So, you were told that your dog or cat is overweight, now what? Based on their conformation (how they are shaped and structured) your veterinarian can determine how overweight your pet is and suggest an ideal weight.  Getting them down to that weight can be a long process and patience is key as a dog should only be losing 3-5% of their starting weight per month. The two main components of pet weight loss are diet and exercise.

The easiest change to your pet’s lifestyle is diet. Portion control can be done by measuring each meal. The feeding recommendations on your pet’s food is a good place to start. However, discuss with your veterinarian what you should be feeding based on your pet’s lifestyle, current weight, and goals. The difficult part of diet is not supplementing the subtracted calories with treats. By replacing high calorie treats with things such as carrots, celery, and green beans you can keep calorie intake low and still reward your pets.

The other side of the weight loss coin is exercise. Depending on schedules, lifestyles, and environment you may have to get creative with this one but by making it a priority every day to get some type of activity in with your pet, it can be done. If you aren’t able to give your dog a big area to run and play in there are plenty of creative indoor activities: try a laser pointer, hide treats around for them to hunt up, throw a ball inside. For cats try giving them things to climb as well as things to chase. Either way, taking an active roll in keeping your pet active will benefit you as much as it does them.