IT's frightening, we are living in unprecedented times.

None of us have had any time to prepare for this physically or mentally.

Only a few weeks ago, no one would have thought it possible. The streets are like a set from a science movie. The shops are bare. Anxiety is everywhere. We are fighting two invisible enemies. One is Covid 19. The other is panic. We can do without it.

I have felt it myself, as first the practice went to increased hygiene measures, then postponed routine operations and non-essential consultations, and now we are down to solely providing emergency care for life-threatening or painful conditions.

We will continue to supply prescription medicines and maintain the food chain. Farm work continues, as food supplies for the country are crucial. But we are human too, so, as anticipated, staff have gone due to self-isolation and illness.

We are doing what we can now to carry on, but we need your understanding. We need your patience. We need your support. We must keep enough people healthy to continue to provide our vital service.

So that is why we have stopped puppy vaccinations. Yes there is a slight risk to them of disease but the human social distancing we should all be practicing will help protect them too.

Exercise in areas where dogs don’t congregate. Avoid water courses and unsanitary areas. Remember you need to be healthy to look after them.

It is why we won’t be doing boosters for a while either. Immunity does not abruptly run out the day after the vaccination is due. And, don’t forget, we only vaccinate against Parvovirus, Distemper and Hepatitis every third year.

It is also why, in line with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeon’s and British Veterinary Association’s guidelines, we are reducing face to face contact as much as we possibly can. Every transaction poses a risk.

A single cough or unwashed hand can essentially disable a vet for at least two weeks.

We are a large practice but we cannot sustain excessive losses. Smaller practices may need to close and that is not their fault! We are all in this together!

But that doesn’t mean we can’t help.

We will speak to you on the phone, Facetime or Skype whenever possible. We are here to offer advice to the best of our ability. Often, we may be able to allay your fears or sort minor issues. For as long as we can, we will continue to carry out emergency surgical procedures.

We all hope that the current rules will prevent everyone becoming unwell at the same time. Hopefully, affected individuals will start returning to work, as others have to leave.

Please, please be understanding of the situation, no matter how concerned you are about your pet’s well-being.

Don’t use human medication until you have checked with us that it is safe. Dogs and cats do not transmit Covid-19 to humans, so enjoy their company as much as possible at this difficult time. They for one will enjoy your self isolation.

And most of all, stay safe.