Pendleton Veterinary Clinic

07/11/2025

Heat stroke is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can affect our beloved pets, especially during hot summer months. Dogs and cats are more susceptible to heat stroke due to their limited ability to regulate body temperature compared to humans. When exposed to high temperatures or confined in areas with poor ventilation, pets can quickly become overwhelmed by the heat.

Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, rapid heartbeat, weakness, vomiting, and even collapse. It is crucial for pet owners to be vigilant and take preventive measures to ensure their furry companions are protected from the scorching heat, such as providing ample shade, and fresh water, and never leaving them unattended in parked vehicles. Regular exercise should also be scheduled during cooler times of the day to avoid the risk of heat exhaustion. Stay safe this summer!

07/10/2025

Summer Dog Safety: Outdoor Playtime Tips

Worried about outdoor play in the heat? Here’s what every pet parent should know about summer dog safety before heading outside.

As temperatures rise, summer care for dogs becomes more important than ever. High heat can lead to overheating, burnt paws, and other serious health risks. Whether it’s backyard fetch or a trip to the dog park, a few smart precautions can keep playtime fun and safe.

• Plan playtime smartly. Opt for early morning (6–9 AM) or after 7 PM when the ground and air are cooler.
• Check the ground temperature. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws—stick to shaded, grassy areas or use protective booties.
• Hydrate and rest often. Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water and access to shade between bursts of activity.
• Watch for heat stress. Signs like heavy panting, drooling, or slowing down are red flags, bring playtime to a stop and help your dog cool off.
• Tailor to your pet. Older dogs, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, and those with health conditions are more sensitive to the heat and need lighter activity.

If you’re ever unsure whether your pet is showing signs of heat-related illness, reach out to your primary care vet, or visit our emergency clinic. We're here when you need us.

07/09/2025

Puppy class is back! Wednesdays at 6pm for all Pendleton Vet Clinic puppies current on their vaccine schedule and between the ages of 8-16 weeks!! Call 541-276-3141 to get your puppy on the list!!!

07/08/2025

Summer travel safety tips for pets

📌 Here are three quick tips to help keep them safe and comfortable.

• Buckle up – Use a carrier or pet seatbelt in the car to protect against sudden stops.
• Never leave pets in the car – Even for a few minutes, heat can build up fast and cause heatstroke.
• Flying soon? – Avoid extreme temps and make sure your pet is prepped for the flight.

💬 Travel should be fun for the whole family, including your pet. If you need health certificates or travel advice, we’re here to help.

📞 Call us or book online before you hit the road.

07/07/2025

Summer Car Safety for Pets: Know the Risks Before You Ride

Summer pet safety starts with simple choices, especially when it comes to car rides. Even on a mild day, your vehicle can become dangerously hot within minutes, posing a serious risk for pets.

🚗 Quick facts:
• On a 70°F day, a car’s interior can hit 100°F+ in just 30 minutes
• Pet heatstroke signs include heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, lethargy, and collapse

How to keep pets safe during summer travel:
• Never leave pets in hot cars, not even for a quick errand
• Avoid walking dogs in heat by choosing cooler times of day
• Follow key pet hydration tips, bring water and use collapsible bowls
• Use sunshades and ventilation to keep pets cool
• Check pavement temperature to protect dog paws from heat

Understanding overheating in dogs and cats can help you act fast during emergencies. If you notice any symptoms of heatstroke, move your pet to a cooler space, offer water, and contact your vet.

Plan ahead before your next outing, your pet’s comfort and safety depend on it.

07/03/2025

Firework safety tips for pets

📌 Here are five tips to help keep them safe and calm.

• Make sure ID tags are up to date
• Go for a long walk during the day
• Secure your yard and fence
• Turn on the TV or radio to drown out the noise
• Stay home and provide comfort

Fireworks can be scary for pets, but a few simple steps can make a big difference. The sooner you have a plan, the better off your pet will be.

💬 Have questions about noise anxiety or calming medication options? We're here for you.

📞 Call us or book online to chat with a vet.

07/02/2025

🎆🇺🇸 4th of July Pet Safety Tips! 🇺🇸🎆

The 4th of July is a time for celebration, but the fireworks can be stressful for our furry friends. Here are some tips to keep your pets calm and safe:

🐶 Create a Safe Space: Set up a quiet, cozy area for your pet to retreat to during fireworks.

🐱 Close Windows and Curtains: This helps muffle the noise and block out the bright flashes.

🐶 Provide Distractions: Give your pet their favorite toys or a treat to keep them occupied.

🐱 Use Calming Aids: Consider pet-safe calming products like anxiety wraps or pheromone diffusers.

🐶 Stay Calm: Your pet can pick up on your emotions, so try to remain calm and relaxed.

🐱 Update ID Tags and Microchips: Ensure your pet's identification is up to date in case they get scared and run off.

Reach out to us if you need any guidance or a prescription for calming aids. We are here to help. Let's make this 4th of July enjoyable for everyone, including our beloved pets! ❤️

06/30/2025

Summer heat can be extremely dangerous for pets, potentially leading to heatstroke. To protect your furry friends, ensure they have plenty of water and shade, and avoid vigorous exercise during peak heat hours. Never leave pets in cars, and if you suspect heatstroke, contact your vet immediately.

Each year, thousands of pets suffer from heatstroke, with an estimated 50% not surviving the condition. Between 1,800 and 2,000 dogs die annually from car-related heatstroke. A study from San Francisco State University found that when it's 80 degrees outside, the temperature inside a car can reach 99 degrees in just 10 minutes and 109 degrees in 20 minutes. Since dogs don't have efficient ways to cool themselves, they can succumb to heatstroke in less than 15 minutes.

Stay vigilant during the hot summer months to keep your pets safe.

06/25/2025

💡Student Ambassador Spotlight! 💡

Meet Sydney, a proud Minnesotan and DVM candidate at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, Class of 2026! 🎓 She’s passionate about community and preventative care for both small animals and horses. When she’s not studying, you’ll find her camping, biking, snowboarding, or chilling with her orange cat, Gouda. Thanks for being one of our student ambassadors!

06/25/2025

Bring us the puppies! Puppy Class is back! Call (541) 276-3141 for info and get your puppy on the list!

06/19/2025

Meet Dr. Max Rinaldi, Medical Director and partner at Emergency Veterinary Hospital in Springfield, OR.

Max’s journey with Lakefield started unexpectedly—during paternity leave—but quickly turned into a story of leadership, mentorship, and meaningful growth. From his first ER shift to becoming a partner in the hospital, Max has built a career rooted in compassion and connection.

He’s proudest not just of the pets he’s helped, but of the team he’s helped grow. “Watching people rise into new roles and thrive—that’s what sticks with me.”

👀 Read his full story here: http://bit.ly/45nvHf3

A Surprising Introduction to Lakefield When Lakefield acquired Emergency Veterinary Hospital (EVH) in Springfield, OR, in 2019, Dr. Max Rinaldi was on paternity leave. “I had no idea who Lakefield was,” he said. “I came back for a meeting and suddenly found myself in the middle of an acquisiti...

06/16/2025

Louisville, here we come! Our recruiting crew is heading to ACVIM and we’re bringing the energy.

👋 Come say hey at Booth #612

✨ Enter to win an all-expenses-paid trip to the Galápagos with our amazing partners at World Vets
💙 Donate to Frankie's Friends and double your impact
🖊️ Grab one of our legendary Lakefield pens

And find out why Lakefield might be your next great adventure!

06/13/2025

Wow, what a unique patient! One of the rarest breeds in the world.

06/06/2025

Happy birthday, Dr. Simon-Vasquez! 🎂

06/04/2025

🚨 Now Open in Port Orchard: PawDoc Urgent Care 🚨

Lakefield Veterinary Group is excited to announce the launch of PawDoc Urgent Care, now serving the Port Orchard community! Created to bridge the gap between general practice and emergency care, PawDoc offers efficient, expert veterinary care for dogs, cats, and pocket pets.

Whether your pet has a torn toenail, an upset stomach, or a sudden skin flare-up, our team is ready to help. With convenient hours Friday through Monday, transparent pricing, and the flexibility to walk in or book online, PawDoc makes it easy to get the care your pet needs, when they need it most.

Because your pet’s health shouldn’t have to wait. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/43W9uDw

06/02/2025

Big news from Bridgetown Veterinary Emergency and Referral! We’re thrilled to share that Bridgetown has been named a Top 5 Finalist for Best Emergency Pet Services in Willamette Week’s 2025 Best of Portland Readers' Poll!

If Bridgetown has helped you and your pets through a tough time, now’s the time to show them some love. Your vote could help shine a spotlight on the incredible care they provide, day and night.
🗳️ Vote here: https://bop.wweek.com/goods-and-services/best-emergency-pet-services
🕐 Voting closes June 20th!

Thank you, Portland, for recognizing Bridgetown's commitment to urgent, expert care when it matters most.

05/29/2025

Student Ambassador Spotlight: Dr. Tylah! 💡

Please join us in congratulating Tylah on graduating from North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine this May! From dreaming of becoming a veterinarian at nine years old to walking across that stage, her dedication to animals and passion for veterinary medicine is inspiring. 🎓

05/27/2025

Lakefield is heading to New Orleans for the NABV Conference — June 5–7! Connect with Dr. Lent, hear him speak on Saturday, June 7th

Swing by our booth to learn about exciting opportunities with Lakefield and:
✨ Enter to win an all-expenses-paid trip with World Vets
💙 Scan to donate to Frankie's Friends

05/15/2025

Proud to Be Among America’s Best 🐾 We’re thrilled to share that TWO Lakefield Veterinary Group hospitals have been named on USA TODAY’s list of America’s Best Veterinary Hospitals!

Freeland Animal Hospital ranked an incredible #9 with a score of 98.43, and Keller Lake Animal Hospital earned a spot at #74 with a score of 92.44—out of 300 hospitals nationwide.

This recognition is especially meaningful because it’s based on feedback from over 11,000 pet owners and veterinary professionals—people who truly understand the value of compassionate, high-quality care.

From the front desk to the surgery suite, our teams are united by one purpose: your pets and their well-being. Thank you to our clients, colleagues, and (most importantly) our patients for your continued trust!

05/13/2025

From CSR to Area Manager: Meet Amy Holland! Amy's journey with Lakefield started in 2013—and she’s grown every step of the way. From answering phones as a CSR to now leading 10 hospitals across three states, Amy is proof that growth happens when trust and opportunity go hand in hand.

“I want to be remembered for how deeply I cared—about pets, their families, and especially my team,” she says.

Her Southern accent may be unforgettable, but it’s her leadership and heart that leave a lasting legacy.

Read more on our blog: https://bit.ly/3ETaiQ6

Amy Holland’s Journey from CSR to Area Manager Amy Holland has been with Lakefield Veterinary Group since the very beginning—before the company was even officially Lakefield. Over the past decade, she’s gone from client service representative to area manager, building her career with a combina...

05/06/2025

The amazing team at Indian Trail Animal Hospital!