Grand Rapids Vet Clinic

10/29/2024

MDARD Encourages Owners to Help Keep Animals Safe this Halloween
Have a fab-boo-lous holiday without causing more scares or stress for animals

LANSING, Mich. – As Michiganders put the final touches on costumes, decorative displays, and plans for trick-or-treating, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) would like to remind owners of some of the best ways to keep their animals healthy and safe this Halloween.

"Considering the needs of our animals is important when making plans for Halloween to ensure they won’t have any unpleasant scares or additional stress,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “From keeping them away from the candy bowl to ensuring they have up-to-date identification, there are many precautions owners can take to keep their animals safe this Halloween.”

Keep animals safe this holiday by following these five easy tips:

Unsafe Eats: Give Halloween candy to trick-or-treaters—not your animals.
Unfortunately, animals cannot enjoy all of the same treats and food we do. Be sure to keep candy or other sweets containing chocolate, raisins, and/or xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many candies and gum) away from animals as these ingredients can be hazardous.

Search No More: Make sure animals have proper identification.
With opening the door for all the trick-or-treaters, it can be easy for animals to sneak out and get lost. Make sure animals have identification tags and/or up to date microchips with current contact information to improve the chances they are returned home.

Destress and Decompress: Have a quiet space for your animals.
Having a constant stream of visitors can be overly stimulating for animals. It is important to have a quiet space set aside for them to go if they are getting too stressed. Also, have the room stocked with their food, water, litter pan, etc. in case they would like to maintain their distance for an extended period of time.

Avoid Temptations: Keep Halloween decorations and wires out of reach.
Spooky decorations and lights not only make for a frightful display but also catch the eye of our animals. As these items can cause injury, be sure they are kept out of an animal’s reach, along with candles with an open flame, glow sticks, and potpourri.

Cautious Costumes: Be thoughtful when selecting a costume.
Our animals might not share the same enthusiasm for costumes we do. It is possible your animals cannot recognize you or others they may know because of your costumes, causing unexpected reactions and additional stress. Consider wearing pieces of your costume around your animal before Halloween to better acclimate them to the sight.

If your animals are the ones wearing the costumes, make sure they are comfortable in their outfit. The costume should not restrict their movement or breathing, block their sight, cause them to get overheated, or have small pieces that can be chewed off and become a choking hazard. Also, don’t leave a costumed pet unsupervised.

10/25/2024

What happens during your pet’s wellness visit? A typical visit
might include a physical exam, diagnostic screening tests, and
a subsequent review of results to track your pet’s overall health
and identify early warning signs of health problems.

10/21/2024

Don’t forget regular tick checks! If you find any, remove them
immediately and give us a call. It’s important to protect your pet
year-round and to test annually for evidence of tick-borne
diseases!

08/29/2024

MDARD Encourages Owners to Help Keep Their Animals Safe this Labor Day Holiday.
Keep animals happy and healthy as they enjoy the last days of summer fun.

LANSING, MI—As Michiganders prepare to celebrate the last days of summer, this Labor Day holiday, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) would like to remind owners of some of the best ways to keep their animals healthy and safe.

“When making any holiday plans, it is important not to overlook the needs of our animals,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “From ensuring they are fully vaccinated to making sure they are cool and comfortable, there are many precautions owners can take to keep their animals safe this Labor Day.”

Protect animals this holiday by following these seven easy tips:

Vax & Relax: Keep animals up to date on routine vaccinations
Vaccinations are central to animals’ preventative care as the vaccines can protect them against common diseases, such as rabies and distemper. Contact your veterinarian to ensure your animals’ vaccinations are complete and/or to schedule an appointment.

Let it Flow: Provide unlimited cool, clean, fresh water
Just like people, animals can quickly get parched in hot temperatures. No matter the species, animals should have access to unlimited cool, clean, fresh water to prevent dehydration.

Happy Tummies: Avoid feeding animals people foods
While it may be tempting to toss your animals a few crispy nuggets from the grill, they cannot enjoy all the same foods and treats as we do. Salty, fatty, and/or highly seasoned foods (like chips, nuts, and meat fat) can cause digestive upset. Also, chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions, and xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many candies and gum) can be poisonous to animals; and bones can cause injury and illness as well.

Know Their Limits: An animal’s ability to tolerate heat varies
An animal’s age, breed, type of coat, and health history can all play a role in their ability to tolerate the heat. Keep an eye on them for signs of heat stress—like increased panting or drooling and being more lethargic. If they are showing these signs, it is time to immediately move them to a cooler area.

Also, consider talking to your veterinarian. They will have a greater knowledge of your animal(s) and be able to give more specific guidance on how to best handle them in hot weather.

Look Before They Splash: Avoid harmful algal blooms (HABs) in bodies of water
HABs form due to a rapid growth of cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae, which are naturally found in lakes, rivers, and ponds. To prevent illness in animals, keep them out of areas with scums or discolored water, rinse them off after contact with any lake water, and bring clean, fresh water for them to drink. If an animal becomes sick after contact with a suspected HAB, call your veterinarian right away.

Also, animal illness due to HABs is reportable to MDARD. To report cases, submit a Reportable Disease Form or call 800-292-3939.

Search No More: Make sure animals have proper identification
With all the summer fun and outdoor activities, it can be easy for animals to sneak away and become lost. Make sure they have identification tags and/or microchips that are up to date with your current contact information, ensuring a better chance they can be returned home.

Bug Off!: Take steps to prevent mosquito bites
Mosquitoes transmit a number of diseases that can make animals sick, such as West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis. Both of these diseases were detected in horses from Michigan this year.

As these viruses continue to circulate, it is important to protect animals from mosquitoes by keeping animals indoors from dusk to dawn, using insect repellants on animals approved for the species, eliminating standing water, and for horses, talking to your veterinarian about vaccinating them against these diseases.

07/11/2024

Active cases of Leptospirosis have been reported in Kent county. Please take action immediately to make sure your pet is protected. Feel free to call us if you aren't sure if your pet is up to date on their Leptospirosis vaccine. We also have an app called Pet Health Network where you can link right to your account and check your pets' vaccine due dates. Find the app here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.idexx.communicator.mobile&hl=en_US&pli=1

Leptospirosis is a serious disease transmitted from pet to pet and can also pass from pets to people. Pet owners, please be certain your pet is vaccinated.

Symptoms of Leptospirosis include:

Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Lethargy
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes)
Dehydration
Drinking or urinating more than usual

07/01/2024

MDARD Reminds Michiganders to Help Keep Animals Safe While Celebrating Independence Day
From keeping cool to staying calm, there are a number of ways to ensure animals are protected throughout any celebration

LANSING, MI— The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding Michiganders to keep their animals safe during the upcoming July 4th holiday. Beyond the summer heat, loud noises from fireworks and festivities can make animals scared and anxious – so, it is essential to take extra precautions during the holiday celebrations to keep them safe.

“When celebrating Independence Day, we need to be mindful of the health and safety of our animals,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “The intense heat, unexpected sounds, flashing lights, and unfamiliar environments can all be a source of stress. Taking steps to ensure animals are cool, hydrated, and calm is essential to their overall health.”

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), more animals go missing around July 4th than any other time of the year. Fireworks can cause animals to become frightened and run away, making the days following Independence Day some of the busiest at local animal shelters.

Following these simple tips can help your animals stay safe and comfortable:

Make sure animals have access to unlimited cool, clean, fresh water and a place to cool down (shade, fans, cooling mats, etc.).

Keep your animals away from others that appear ill or have an unknown health status. Also, if your animals are showing any signs of illness, keep them away from other animals and people.

Ensure animals have ID tags or registered microchips with your current contact information.

Avoid shared bowls and toys.

Know your animal’s limits—how animals will tolerate stress and heat differ.

Keep animals indoors when people are likely to set off fireworks.
Open doors to the outside carefully, so an animal does not escape.
If an animal ever does escape or you find an animal without an owner, please contact local animal control or law enforcement.

Provide a separate space away from the noise to reduce stress – turning on a radio or TV may help to drown out loud noises.

Consider offering a special pet-friendly treat or new toy to help distract them from fireworks.

If dogs are taken outside, make sure they are kept on a leash, even if they are in a fenced area, as they could run due to an unexpected noise.

Keep horses and other livestock safely fenced in or in their barns.

Never set off fireworks near animals.

Check in on animals periodically, especially when sounds are the loudest, to see how they are doing.

Before letting animals back outside, check your yard, pasture, etc. for firework debris.

06/21/2024

06/17/2024

MDARD Reminds Owners to Help Keep Their Animals Cool and Safe as Temperatures Rise
Feeling hot? Chances are your animals are too

LANSING, MI—As temperatures rise into the 90s in many parts of the state, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding owners on some of the best ways to keep animals cool and safe.

"When temperatures rise, keeping animals cool and hydrated is essential to their overall health," said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. "While it is important to recognize the signs of heat stress in animals, it is even more critical to prevent this stress from occurring. Michiganders can follow six easy steps to help keep animals cool and safe."

Keep animals safe from the heat by following these tips:

Let it Flow: Provide unlimited cool, clean, fresh water
Just like people, animals can quickly get parched in hot temperatures. No matter the species, animals should have access to unlimited cool, clean, fresh water to prevent dehydration. Also, if out in public, bring along some hydration options for your animal and avoid using shared/communal water bowls.

Know Their Limits: An animal’s ability to tolerate heat varies
An animal’s age, breed, type of coat, and health history can all play a role in their ability to tolerate the heat. Keep an eye on them for signs of heat stress—like increased panting or drooling and being more lethargic. If they are showing these signs, it is time to immediately move them to a cooler area.

Also, consider talking to your veterinarian. They will have a greater knowledge of your animal(s) and be able to give more specific guidance on how to best handle them in hot weather.

Happy Paws: Test surfaces to make sure they won’t burn paws
Surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and sand can really heat up in the sun, which can burn paws—or at least make a walk very uncomfortable. To test if a surface is too hot, touch it with the palm of your hand. If it is too hot for you, consider taking a different route that is mostly grass or waiting until the evening when everything has had a chance to cool.

Look Before They Splash: Avoid harmful algal blooms (HABs) in bodies of water
HABs form due to a rapid growth of cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae, which are naturally found in lakes, rivers, and ponds. To prevent illness in animals, keep them out of areas with scums or discolored water, rinse them off after contact with any lake water, and bring clean, fresh water for them to drink. If an animal becomes sick after contact with a suspected HAB, call your veterinarian right away.

Also, animal illness due to HABs is reportable to MDARD. To report cases, submit a Reportable Disease Form or call 800-292-3939. In addition, to report any suspicious looking algae, please email [email protected].

Get in Gear: Parked vehicles are not places to park pets
Even when temperatures feel more moderate, vehicles can heat up very quickly, creating dangerous conditions for the animals left inside. Leaving windows cracked open and/or parking in the shade do little to improve the situation. In these conditions, it is best to leave pets at home when you need to go out and about.

A Place to Chill: Make sure animals have a place to cool down
Animals know when they are too hot and will usually try to find a place where they can cool down. Make sure they have access to shade, fans, misters, pools, cooling mats, and/or air-conditioned spaces to help them stay comfortable.

10/23/2023

Just a friendly reminder that it is very important to have your pets vaccinated for rabies -- yes, this means cats too!

While Michigan law requires that all dogs and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies, it is very strongly recommended that you vaccinate your cats for rabies as well.

We have had a surprising number of cases in the last few months where bats have gotten into our clients' houses. Their cats welcomed the challenge of catching the bat for their parents, but there is a very good chance that the bat could sink its teeth into your pet during a skirmish. There is also a chance said bat could carry rabies.

For more information on bats carrying rabies, visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/exposure/animals/bats.html

10/13/2023

Have you been noticing your dog slowing down on walks, or perhaps losing the pep in their step? It could be that your furry friend is showing signs of a common type of arthritis called osteoarthritis. No matter how minor the signs may seem, they’re too important to ignore.

Zoetis has just released a new monthly injection for dogs called Librela to help alleviate pain from osteoarthritis.

Check out the following links for more information, and watch the video to see the effects of Librela.

https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/your-dog-is-in-pain
https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/does-your-dog-have-osteoarthritis
https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/dog-arthritis-what-now

For more insight, fill out the Zoetis checklist to see if your dog might be suffering from OA.

https://www.zoetispetcare.com/checklist/osteoarthritis-checklist

Please call us at 616-363-3831 if you would like to schedule a visit to see if your dog could benefit from Librela!

10/05/2023

This just in! Dr. Innis is selling Pioneer White Field Corn stalks straight from the Innis Farm! These are a must-have for fall decorations.

( Plus he said he'll buy dinner for all us employees if he sells enough😉)

$1 per stalk or $10 for a roll of 12.

Happy fall!

09/25/2023

We're proud to announce that we're taking part in the Fall Food Drive for Meals on Wheels! The food drive is taking place from October 2nd until December 15th.

Here is a list of their most needed items:

Non-perishable food items:
Canned protein (tuna, salmon, beans, peanut butter)
Low-sodium soups & cream soups
Canned fruits
Pasta products
Bottled 100% juice
Low-sugar cereal
Seasonings & spices

Personal care items:
Shampoo & conditioner
Bar soap & body wash
Toothpaste & toothbrushes
Toilet paper
Laundry detergent & dish soap
Reusable grocery bags

08/25/2023

Our power is out!

Due to the unexpectedly strong storms last night, we are currently without power! Consumers energy has given us an estimated restoration time of 2:30 p.m. today.

If you have a vaccine or non-urgent appointment scheduled for today, we encourage you to call back Monday to reschedule.

Additionally, if you are calling to schedule an appointment for a later date or to discuss a non-urgent matter, please call back Monday.

For those that have a scheduled urgent appointment or a scheduled medical appointment that requires immediate attention, we are actively working on connecting our generator up and running.

We will do our best to take care of as many of our clients as possible! Due to the circumstances, we urge any of our clients calling with urgent matters to seek assistance from an emergency veterinary facility like Animal Emergency Hospital (616-361-9911) or Blue Pearl (616-284-5300).

06/28/2023

Statement from the State Veterinarian’s Office on Air Quality and Animal Health
Animals can also be affected by poor air quality; take steps to protect them (and yourselves)

LANSING, MI – Today, the State Veterinarian’s Office released the following statement due to the recent air quality alert ( https://www.airnow.gov/?city=Grand%20Rapids&state=MI&country=USA ) issued for Michigan. The alert was issued because of elevated levels of fine particulate matter due to wildfire smoke from Canada.

“Similar to humans, animals are also affected when there are issues with air quality, especially birds, animals with underlying respiratory and heart conditions, and other sensitive populations—such as young or senior animals,” said Assistant State Veterinarian, Jennifer Calogero, DVM, PhD. “If animals are being negatively affected by breathing poor quality air, they could exhibit various signs of illness, including coughing, wheezing, having difficulties breathing, eye drainage, lethargy, changing the sound of their vocalization, decreased appetite, and thirst. For any concerns related to the health of your animals, please contact your veterinarian.”

To best protect animals from poor quality air, follow these three easy tips:

Keeping animals indoors with doors and windows closed and limiting the amount of time they spend outdoors.
Avoiding strenuous activities/exercise.
Ensuring clean air flow when indoors by using fans, air conditioners, air purifiers, etc.
If you have additional questions related to the health of your animals, always be sure to contact your veterinarian.

For more information on air quality in your local area, please visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s interactive air quality map here: https://www.airnow.gov/?city=Grand%20Rapids&state=MI&country=USA and sign up for alerts through the EnviroFlash system here: https://www.enviroflash.info/signup.cfm .

06/26/2023

With 4th of July around the corner, we wanted to share some tips to help keep your pets safe during the fireworks.

You may already know that your dog or cat is scared of fireworks from previous years, or you may have a new pet, and this could be their first experience of fireworks.

If you have a pet that you already know becomes extremely stressed around fireworks, or a new pet that shows signs of being unable to deal with loud noises – please give us a call. There are a wide variety of medications which can be prescribed, and while some are now fast acting, it is worth talking to your vet in advance of so that we can figure out the best option for your pet.

There are some other simple things that you can do to ease your pet’s stress around fireworks. Here are some useful tips to try and make them more comfortable.

1. Invest in a pheromone diffuser

Pheromone sprays and diffusers can help ease pet stress and anxiety. Try placing a couple around the house - these can be a good way to keep nervous pets calm. You’ll need to do this at least a couple of weeks ahead of fireworks night for it to take effect.

2. Walk dogs early

If you usually go for an evening or late-night walk, try to change the routine and head out early to avoid being outside when the fireworks start. Even if they don’t normally show fear around fireworks, dogs can be easily startled by loud, unexpected bangs while outside.

Gradually alter your normal walking routine about a week before fireworks occasions to get your dog used to the change. Be sure to keep them on a lead at all times during fireworks season, as startled dogs can often run off without warning.

3. Keep cats in

If your cat is an outdoor cat that likes to wander, it’s worth trying to keep them in when they come home earlier in the day. Otherwise, there’s a chance they will still be out when the fireworks start.

4. Create a safe space for your pet

Creating a safe space in your house gives your pet somewhere calm and familiar to retreat to when they get scared. Fill a room or corner with food and water bowls, their favorite toys, and bedding to create a pet-friendly haven.

It’s important not to confine them to this area as this can make them feel even more stressed. You should just let them go wherever they feel safest.

5. Provide plenty of hiding spaces

Most homes are full of great hiding spots for dogs and cats, under the bed or behind the sofa, for example. Make sure you provide plenty of places they can safely hide away from the noise. This is particularly important for cats.

If they do decide to take refuge around the house, keep an eye on where they are to avoid shutting them in and cutting them off from other areas of the house.

6. Close windows, curtains, and blinds

Keeping your windows closed can help muffle loud noises and prevents your pet from escaping if they decide to flee. You may also want to close any curtains or blinds to further soundproof your home and shut out bright flashes and sparks that can scare pets. Don’t forget to lock the cat flap to prevent your cat from getting outside.

7. Turn up the radio or TV

Turning on the radio or TV not only helps mask the loud bangs and crackles of fireworks, but also provides a familiar noise to help distract your dog or cat. Play calming music or turn on a program you watch regularly to help reassure your pet that everything’s alright.

8. Consider bringing rabbit hutches indoors

Due to their sensitive nature, outdoor rabbits suffer the most when it comes to fireworks. An option is to bring their hutch inside during fireworks season, this could be in the house, garage, or shed. This provides a solid barrier from the noise outside and helps reduce their stress levels. Not only that, but it also protects them from any falling sparks or firework shrapnel.

If you’re unable to bring them inside, lay a few thick blankets over their hutch to help muffle the bangs and keep them calm. Don’t forget to leave a suitable gap for ventilation.

9. Give rabbits extra bedding

Rabbits tend to burrow when they get scared, so popping some extra bedding into their hutch gives them plenty to hide in and helps them feel protected against the noise.

You may also want to give them some extra hideaways, such as a ventilated cardboard box filled with hay, to ensure they have lots of opportunities to take refuge from the noise.

10. Stay at home

If at all possible, try to ensure that somebody is at home, this will help soothe your pet’s fears. Left to their own devices, your pet could become very stressed and destructive in your absence.

Remember to keep talking to your pet and give them plenty of love and attention during the fireworks. Knowing you’re there to protect them will reassure them and keep them calm.

11. Give them a treat

A tasty treat can make a world of difference to your pet’s stress levels and it’ll also reward their good behavior and bravery. A stuffed chew toy can keep dogs occupied for hours, while a treat puzzle ball can have the same effect on cats and rabbits. These stimulating toys help take their mind off what’s going on around them and can even help them forget their fears.

12. Make sure they’re microchipped

Spooked pets can run away - especially cats - so make sure they’re properly microchipped to make them easily identifiable if they do. If your pet’s already microchipped, make sure your contact details are up to date so you can be contacted straight away.

12/22/2022

Due to the incoming storm, and out of concern for staff and client safety, we will have limited hours tomorrow.

We have reached out to all of our currently scheduled appointments to account for this change. We are planning to open our doors at 10:00 AM and close sometime between 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM, depending on need.

Stay safe, and Happy Holidays!

08/22/2022

Even though this virus does not seem to discriminate between vaccinated and unvaccinated pets, it is still important to protect your pet from illnesses just as detrimental.

Edit to include the most recent update:

Want to know how to contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development? On this page you will find phone numbers, email addresses, snail mail addresses, and online contact forms for everything we do here at MDARD. We even have a complaint form for those of you with complaints.

06/07/2022

Our parking lot is being repaved on Monday, June 13th, through Wednesday, June 15th. It is expected to be completed and completely open as of Thursday, June 16th.

On Monday, June 13th, the main parking lot with the 3 mile entrance will be open. The Fuller entrance will be closed this day.

On Tuesday the 14th and Wednesday the 15th, the main parking lot and 3 Mile entrance will be closed. The only available will be the entrance from Fuller Avenue. Parking will be limited these days, so we ask that you put please park conscientiously. We have adjusted our schedule to accommodate the inconvenience to the best of our abilities.

Again, we are hopeful that our parking lot will be completed by Thursday, June 16th. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this process. Please let us know if you have any questions.