Village Vet

03/23/2025

It’s National Puppy Day, and we want to see your pups!

Nothing brightens the day like an adorable puppy picture, so let’s fill the comments with cuteness. Whether your pup is tiny and new or all grown up, we’d love to see them!

Thinking about adding a puppy to your family? Here are a couple of tips:
• Adopt, don’t shop - Shelters are full of loving puppies looking for forever homes. Check out local rescues before buying. Petfinder.com is a great place to start!
• Be prepared - Puppies need time, patience, and training. Make sure you’re ready for the commitment before bringing one home.
• Talk to a vet first - Not all breeds fit every lifestyle. A veterinarian can help you choose a breed that matches your home, activity level, and experience.

Already have a puppy? Keep them happy and healthy with regular checkups! Village Vet in Stevensville is here to help - give us a call at (269) 235 9380

Now, let’s see those puppy pics!

With more adoptable pets than ever, we have an urgent need for pet adopters. Search for dogs, cats, and other available pets for adoption near you.

03/18/2025

Coping with the Loss of a Beloved Pet: Understanding Grief and Healing

Losing a pet can be an incredibly painful experience. Pets are not "just" animals - they are our family, loyal friends, and loving companions. Their absence leaves a void that can feel overwhelming. If you’re grieving the loss of your pet, know that your feelings are valid, and healing takes time.

Why Pet Loss Hurts So Deeply:
Our pets provide unconditional love, comfort, and companionship. They are there for us in our happiest and hardest moments, often becoming an essential part of our daily routines. The bond we form with them is unique, and losing that connection can evoke emotions as strong as losing a human loved one.

The Stages of Grief
Grief is personal, and there’s no "right" way to experience it.
However, many people go through stages such as:

Denial: Struggling to accept that your pet is gone.

Anger: Feeling frustration or guilt about circumstances surrounding their passing.

Bargaining: Dwelling on "what if" scenarios.

Depression: Experiencing deep sadness, loneliness, or hopelessness.

Acceptance: Finding peace and cherishing your pet's memory.

These stages aren’t linear - you may cycle through them or experience them differently.

Ways to Cope with Pet Loss
Allow Yourself to Grieve: Don’t suppress your emotions. It’s okay to cry, feel anger, or simply sit in silence.

Create a Tribute: Honor your pet’s memory by creating a photo album, writing a letter, or planting a tree in their honor.

Talk About It: Sharing your feelings with understanding friends, family, or pet loss support groups can be incredibly healing.

Take Care of Yourself: Grief can be exhausting. Prioritize rest, nutrition, and activities that bring you comfort.

Moving Forward Without Forgetting:
Healing doesn’t mean forgetting. Instead, it’s about finding a way to carry your pet’s memory with you. In time, the pain may soften, and the love you shared will become a cherished part of your life’s story.

Your pet’s life mattered, and so does your grief. Be kind to yourself as you heal.

03/12/2025

Protect Your Feline Friends from HPAI!
Did you know that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) can affect cats too? While the risk is very low, cats can catch HPAI through contact with infected animals or contaminated objects. Watch out for symptoms like reduced energy, appetite loss, and even neurological issues.

Keep your pets safe:
- Limit contact with wildlife
- Wash hands after handling unknown animals
- Avoid giving unpasteurized milk

Stay informed and keep your fur babies safe! Learn more: michigan.gov/birdflu

03/06/2025

When legendary Milo Meets Zero the puppy… the Cameras Quickly Come Out!

Milo was just casually strolling out the door when in came Zero, the 9 week old puppy.
Milo paused. Zero stared. The Village Vet team? We scrambled for our phones. Because some moments are just too cute NOT to capture!
Handsome Miles meets an inquisitive and fearless little bean - and we’re still recovering from the cuteness overload.
Who else has a cuteness overload photo? Drop your cutest pics below!

03/04/2025

Some of the Village Vet Team are having an incredible time at the Western Veterinary Conference (WVC) 2025 in Las Vegas! This annual event is one of the largest gatherings of veterinary professionals, bringing together cutting-edge advancements, expert speakers, and industry leaders from all over the world.

One of the highlights of their trip was stopping by the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets booth, where they got to learn more about their latest innovations in pet nutrition.

As dedicated veterinarians, we know that high-quality nutrition plays a huge role in the health and well-being of our patients, and it's great to connect with the Purina team to discuss how their research is shaping the future of pet food.

Beyond the conference halls, they are also enjoying networking with fellow veterinary professionals, attending insightful lectures, and exploring the latest technology that’s transforming the veterinary field.

A huge thank you to WVC for hosting such an inspiring event, and to Purina for taking the time to share their expertise. We’re excited to see what the team have learned and brings back to better serve our furry patients and their families!

03/03/2025

Quincy isn’t just holding his free frisbee - he’s making a statement. Laying on Penny's feet, staring her down, he knows exactly what he’s doing. That unblinking gaze? A silent negotiation: "We both know you want this… but do you deserve it?"

She could try to take it, but he’d just sn**ch it back, tail wagging in victory. Her only hope? The Ultimate Distraction - the fridge door, the leash jingle, or the magic words: "Wanna go for a ride?"

But let’s be real - Quincy and his precious free frisbee already won, he's going to be protected from heartworm, fleas and ticks for the next 12 months.

Your pet can too! Purchase a year’s supply of prevention and score a smashing Frisbee for your dog or choose a KONG instead for the ultimate chew session. And let’s not forget our feline overlords - cats can get in on the fun too with a free Cat KONG!

Hurry in - supplies are limited! Just stop by the front desk to claim yours while they last. Keep your pets protected and reward them with the ultimate prize - because, let’s face it, they already think they run the place!

02/22/2025

“I am not trying to rob you!”

Gandalf might struggle to take a ball from a determined pup, but a well-trained dog should always know when to drop it!

Teaching your pet to release objects on command isn’t just about saving your favorite pair of shoes—it’s a crucial skill that can prevent them from chewing on something dangerous. Whether it’s toxic food, a sharp object, or something they just really shouldn’t have, obedience training keeps them safe and gives you peace of mind.

Need training tips? Our team at Village Vet is happy to help!

02/20/2025

Happy Love Your Pet Day!
Let's celebrate all the amazing pets that bring joy to our lives! Many of our clients see our dogs hanging out with us at the clinic but did you know we also bring our cats? Check out this photo, this furbaby is so relaxed and hanging out with our veterinarians.
We'd love to see your pets! Share a favorite pet photo or a story in the comments and help spread the love today!

02/14/2025

02/11/2025

Hi everyone, I’m Milo! I’m a 6-year-old German Shepherd Mix who loves nothing more than running, playing, and spending quality time with my awesome mom and dad. I’m also a big fan of giving out kisses - apparently my adorable face, fun personality, and even my mischievous ears make me absolutely irresistible!

I hope today brings you as many smiles as I sport every day. Stay happy and keep spreading the love!

02/07/2025

Tick Alert! Protect Your Dogs!

Blacklegged ticks, which can carry Lyme disease, don’t slow down until temperatures drop below 35°F and so far this year, we’ve had 14 days of tick-friendly weather (36°F or higher). That means these pests have been active and waiting in tall grasses, thick brush, marshes, and wooded areas, ready to latch onto your dog.

A tick only needs 24-48 hours to transmit Lyme disease.

Protect your dog:
Check for ticks after walks
Use preventatives year round
Stick to clear paths when hiking

Stay vigilant and keep your furry friends safe!

01/30/2025

Creating a Stress-Free Space: How We Make Our Cat-Friendly Exam Room Truly Calming

At our clinic, we know that a trip to the vet can be overwhelming for cats. That’s why we’ve designed our Cat-Friendly Exam Room to be as soothing and stress-free as possible. Along with using Feliway Optimum, a feline pheromone diffuser that promotes relaxation, we’ve incorporated additional elements to help ease anxiety and create a more comfortable experience.

Bird Noise Simulator – The gentle sounds of birds chirping provide a natural, calming ambiance. This helps engage a cat’s senses in a positive way, offering a distraction from the unfamiliar environment.

Abstract Wall Art – Since cats can be reactive to images of other felines, we’ve chosen abstract artwork instead. These designs add visual interest to the space without triggering any territorial or stress-related responses.

By combining these elements, we strive to create a welcoming, low-stress environment where your cat can feel at ease. Every detail is designed with feline comfort in mind, ensuring that vet visits are as smooth as possible for both pets and their owners.

Are we making a positive difference in your cat’s vet visits? Let us know - we’d love to hear your feedback!

01/28/2025

Thank You for Your Kind Words!

At Village Vet and Animal Rehab Center, we’re beyond grateful for your trust and support. Your positive reviews inspire us to continue providing the best care for your beloved pets.

If we’ve made a difference for you and your furry family members, we’d love to hear from you! Share your experience with us on Google:
https://g.page/r/CSkB0s-qs7RZEBE/review

Your feedback means the world to us - and helps other pet owners know they’re in safe hands!

Thank you for being part of our Village Vet family. ❤️

01/23/2025

Helping pets move, heal and thrive!

At Village Vet, we believe every pet deserves a chance to thrive. That's why our Animal Rehab Center offers therapies tailored to your furry friend's needs:

Hydrotherapy: Strengthen muscles and ease joint pain with low-impact water exercises. Perfect for pets recovering from injury or surgery!

Acupuncture: Relieve pain and improve mobility with this ancient, gentle technique.

Laser Therapy: Speed up healing, reduce inflammation, and provide pain relief with our advanced laser treatments.

Exercise Therapy: Customized workout plans to build strength and agility, helping your pet regain their zest for life.

Whether your pet is recovering, aging gracefully, or needs a boost, we're here to help them feel their best.

Call us today to learn more or book an appointment! Let's get those tails wagging again!

01/20/2025

Top Poisons for Pets: A Quick Guide

Pets are curious creatures, but some common household items can pose serious risks to their health. Here’s a list of some poisons for pets to help you keep your furry friends safe:

Chocolate
Toxic to dogs and cats due to theobromine and caffeine. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially dangerous.

Grapes and Raisins
Can cause kidney failure in dogs and, potentially, cats. Even small amounts are harmful.

Xylitol (also listed as Birch Sugar)
Found in sugar-free gum, candies, and some peanut butter. Causes a rapid insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia in dogs.

Onions, Garlic, and Chives
These can damage red blood cells in dogs and cats, leading to anemia.

Prescription Medications
Human meds like pain relievers, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications can be deadly to pets.

Carprofen
A common veterinary pain reliever for dogs (e.g., Rimadyl), but overdoses or ingestion by cats can lead to gastrointestinal ulcers, kidney failure, or liver damage.

Rodenticides
Rat and mouse poisons are highly toxic to pets, causing internal bleeding, seizures, or kidney failure.

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)
Found in supplements and some rodenticides. Toxic to pets in high doses, it can cause elevated calcium levels, leading to kidney failure, vomiting, and heart complications.

Household Cleaners
Bleach, ammonia, and other cleaning agents can cause burns or poisoning if ingested or inhaled.

Plants
Common toxic plants include lilies (highly toxic to cats), azaleas, sago palms, and aloe vera.

Ma*****na
Dogs have more cannabinoid receptors in their brains, which means the effects of cannabis are more dramatic and potentially more toxic when compared to humans.

Alcohol and Fermented Foods
Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and seizures in pets.

Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol)
Its sweet taste makes it attractive to pets, but ingestion can lead to kidney failure.

What to Do if Your Pet is Poisoned:
Call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline 1-855-764-7661 immediately.
Note the substance ingested and bring any packaging to the vet if possible.

Preventive Tips
Store toxic items out of reach.
Educate yourself on pet-safe foods and products.
Keep emergency contacts handy.
Your vigilance can save lives!

01/19/2025

A Local Gem for Dog Owners!

Our office manager at Village Vet recently visited Stella & Sawyer Self Serve Dog Wash on Red Arrow Highway in Stevensville to pamper her keeshond and help educate new keeshond parents on bathing a double coated breed – and we want to share her experience.

This self-serve dog wash is perfect for dog owners who prefer to handle grooming themselves but want to avoid the mess at home. It’s incredibly user-friendly, cost-effective at $10 for ten minutes, and designed with comfort in mind. The two elevated wash stations are easy on your lower back, and the best part? Cleanup is a breeze!

Even better, the stations provide shampoo and conditioner for those who don’t want to bring their own products, making it a convenient one-stop spot - just bring your dog and towels.

If you’re looking for a local spot to keep your pup fresh and clean with less hassle, give Stella & Sawyer a try. A big thank you to them for making bath time stress-free for both pets and their humans!

Have you visited yet? Let us know your thoughts!