It's Probably Not Contagious

One coughing dog. One sick puppy. One patient moved through the hospital before anyone mentions infectious disease. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to create unnecessary risk for patients and the veterinary team. In this episode, Ken talks with Dr. Erin Godinez, Medical Director, and Sarah Baumgart, LVT, Clinical Training and Development Manager at Southview Animal Hospital in Minnesota, about recognizing infectious disease risks early and responding before they become bigger problems. They discuss the warning signs every team member should recognize, when to isolate a patient, why communication between doctors and technicians is critical, and how simple practices like visual cues and keeping sick patients contained can make a big difference. They also explore how good training and clear processes help teams stay prepared without creating unnecessary fear. Because when it comes to infectious disease, “it’s probably not contagious” isn’t a chance worth taking.