Town and Country Veterinary Clinic

10/04/2024

Good morning everyone!
This is just a reminder that we will be closed next week April 15-21st for continuing education. If you need anything such as medication approvals or pick up medication, please get ahold of us no later than Saturday the 14th. Otherwise we will not be available at all next week.

If you have any emergencies, give our sister clinic TLC Pet Hospital a call or give the Emergency Clinic of Rapid City a call. Any large animal emergencies, please reach out to Driftwood Veterinary Clinic.

Thank you! We cannot wait to see everyone when we’re back.

Sincerely, the Staff of Town and Country Vet Clinic.

13/03/2024

Good afternoon everyone!
We have an important announcement. We will be closed April 15-21st for some continuing education and updates with our mobile practice to better help us serve you in the future. We would like to remind everyone if you are needing appointments and/or medication before then to please let us know by no later than Saturday the 13th.

If you have an emergency, please call either our sister clinic TLC Pet Hospital who would be happy to help you and your pets. Or the Emergency Clinic of Rapid city for any after hours/weekend emergencies.

For Equine and Cattle emergencies please reach out to the facilities in Edgemont or Hot Springs. For strictly Equine emergencies feel free to reach out to Dr. Shutter with Driftwood Vet as well.

We will not be available via phone, text or email while we are closed. All calls and messages will be responded to once we are back on April 22nd.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may be. As always, thank you for your continued support!

- Town and Country Veterinary Team.

19/02/2024

Thank you everyone! She is back home with her family!!!!!
Please keep an eye out for this lady. Her family misses her very much.

04/09/2023

Hello everyone!
Due to recent event, we are making some changes regarding our phone hours and emergency hours. We will be available by phone Monday through Friday 7am-7pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am -2pm for any inquires and scheduling of non-emergent appointments. We will have a phone service that routes calls not during those hours. Established clients SHOULD be routed through for us to answer, we ask that you do this only in times that you feel are emergent. All other calls will be sent to the voicemail. At that time, please leave a voicemail and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
We want to continue to help our clients in times of emergency and understand non-established clients may also have emergencies and if possible, we want to help those non-established client, however we do feel we need to put our clients first.

Thanks,
Town and Country Veterinary Team

19/05/2023

We are having another Barn/Feral/Wandering Cat Spay/Neuter day on June 4th. Please call, text, email, message to reserve a spot.
Phone = 605-430-7513
Email = [email protected]

Some reasons to consider getting your barn/feral/wandering cats spayed or neutered include...
We vaccinate the cats against rabies.
It can help cats live longer, healthier lives by preventing diseases from fighting and ranging.
Your population stabilizes—no new kittens!
The cats become better neighbors, they have less yowling and/or fighting.

16/05/2023

We have got a lot of calls about baby birds. Here is a flow chart to help you assess the situation and if the little one needs help and what best you can do.

Oh no! You’ve found a baby bird on the ground, apparently alone and in distress. Its tiny chirps may pull at your heartstrings, but stopping and assessing the situation is essential. Here’s our guide on how and when to assist baby birds: https://bit.ly/3HdXnX0

01/03/2023

We will be having another barn/feral/wandering cat day on April 16th. Please reach out to reserve a spot!!! 🐈🐈‍⬛🐈

14/02/2023

We want to give a HUGE shout out to Jill Edson, RVT and Dave and Chandra Finn from Resting Pawz that came and helped us pull off our first BIG barn/feral/wandering cat day. It was success and we can't wait to have another April.

For those of you that are looking for high volume in distance locations, we are still working on those options for you and thanks to the people mentioned above we have a much better idea of how we can help you.

31/01/2023

📣📣📣Good evening everyone! We will be having a barn/feral/free-roaming cat sterilization day (spays and neuters) on February 12th. This is involves sterilization, rabies vaccination, and ear tipping.

Why is sterilization of cats important?
First off, this is how you avoid going from a few barn/feral/free-roaming cats to a few dozen (or more). A few cats are manageable, a few dozen start getting expensive very quickly. Secondly, spaying or neutering your cats reduces their tendency to wander, get in fights, or pick up diseases to share with the family. Basically it helps keep them happy, healthy, and around the barn/yard/house, doing their job and providing companionship.

Please contact us to sign up for one of the slots for this upcoming barn cat day!

30/11/2022

We want to reach out and thank all our clients tonight for putting up with our Facebook quietness over the last few months. We have some HUGE changes coming to our business/clinic over the next several months so keep an eye out for updates! We absolutely CANNOT wait to provide even more options for all our clients and patients. 🐶🐱🐭🐮🐷🐸🐴🎊🎉‼️📣📢

02/11/2022

Hey Everyone! Super exciting, we are expecting to get all the components for equine dental care by early next week!!!! Please reach out to schedule! 🐴🐎🪥

01/11/2022

Happy Halloween!!!! We hope you all have a fun and safe night!!! Please feel free to share any of your animal family members costumes below!!!

27/10/2022

Hello everyone!!! We just wanted to drop a reminder that can provide dental cleaning services for your cat and dog family members. Dental health is important part of your furry family members overall health! Please contact us with any questions or if you wanted to schedule your family member for a comprehensive oral health exam and treatment!

31/08/2022

ATTENTION, ATTENTION, BREED ALL ABOUT IT!!!

We apologize the reports have been slow coming. But this week, we are going to talk about the Spinone Italiano. They are a densely coated hunting dog. They are considered to be sociable, docile and patient but at times stubborn. They are of ancient Italian lineage, one of the oldest hunting breeds. They are squarely and solidly built all around endurance hunters. Their coat is natural, unclipped that comes in limited colors and patterns, with soft and expressive eyes and shaggy eyebrows and a tufted beard. They do require grooming, but special grooming. They should be hand-stripped, not scissored. They need their ears cleaned at least once a week and nail trimmed once a week. As hunting breeds go, they are not considered “high energy”. They do still need good walks or hikes, but it may not be needed every day, if you have a large secure fence with lots of playtime daily.
Spinoni want to be a part of the family! They will need to be and want to be a large house dog. If you like a very clean house this is probably not the breed for you or your family…..the slobber and big hairy feet are real.
They are very trainable but need a barter situation. They will not respond ‘how high’ if asked to jump but ‘why?’

Quick Facts:
1. They are among the world’s oldest hunting dogs. Dating back to 200 A.D.!!!!
2. They have called the best Italian hunting dog.
3. They are extremely versatile. (Pointing and retrieving)
4. They appear in Italian Renaissance Art. (Andrea Mantegna)
5. They almost became extinct during WWII.
6. Their name means prickly, from the word spino which is a thorny bush common in Italy, due to their wiry coat, we think.

Photos of Norton, Riker, and Vizzini posted with owners’ permission.

22/06/2022

BREED ALL ABOUT IT!!!!
This week we are going to be talking about the Border Collie!

A remarkably bright workaholic, the Border Collie is an amazing dog! However, they can maybe be a bit too amazing for owners without the time, energy, or means to keep them occupied. These energetic dogs will settle down for cuddle time when the workday is done.
They are athletic, medium-sized herders standing 18 to 22 inches at the shoulder. The overall look is that of a muscular but nimble worker. Both the rough coat and the smooth coat come in a variety of colors and patterns. The almond eyes are the focus of an intelligent expression and intense gaze. The Border Collie has a famous 'herding eye’, that is a breed hallmark.
On the move, they are among the canine kingdom's most agile, balanced, and durable citizens. The intelligence, athleticism, and trainability of this breed have a perfect outlet in agility training. Having a job to perform is key to a Border Collie’s happiness. Amiable among friends, they may be reserved with strangers.

What is probably the most important thing to consider with this breed is that they have high-drive and are extremely energetic and require daily exercise. They need more then but a walk around the block or quick play in the year. They do best with a job to do and/or space to run. This is a great breed for an active owner.

Quick Facts
- The Border Collie was first classified at the “Scotch Sheep Dog”
- They were featured in the hit movie Babe.
- Border Collies were originally bred to herd sheep. They excel at the task because of their strength, stamina, intelligence, and work ethic. Border Collies are famous for using “the eye”— staring intensely at members of the flock to intimidate them. When the earliest recorded sheepdog trial took place at Bala, Wales, in 1873, the crowd was astonished that the Border Collies were able to herd sheep into a small pen, guided only by hand signals and whistles from their owners.
- Queen Victoria loved them.

18/06/2022

We were so happy to be able to partner with the West River Spay and Neuter Coalition and neuter some cats today in our neuter tent 😂. Along with the help of the awesome vet tech, Carrie!!!

This cause is so important to help with overpopulation. Did you know that millions of healthy cats are euthanized in the U.S. each year because there aren't enough homes available? Spaying and neutering can help control the pet overpopulation crisis and reduces the number of strays, which end up in shelters instead of loving homes.

If you have any questions about sterilization surgeries for any pets please don’t hesitate to reach out!

15/06/2022

What was the little Scottish dog’s reaction when he first saw the Loch Ness Monster?
He was Terrier-fied.

13/06/2022

ATTENTION!!! ATTENTION!!! Breed all about it!!!

This week we are going to talk about the American Guinea Pig.

When you mention guinea pig pets in the United States, most people are probably going to picture the American guinea pig breed. This is the smooth-coated, shorthaired breed that’s one of the most popular, and one of the oldest recognized by the American Cavy Breeders Association. Guinea pigs originated in South America. Several theories try to explain the emergence of the name guinea pig, but the true origin seems to be lost in the mists of time.

The guinea pig has a lifespan of 5-7 years on average and weights between 2-3 pounds.
The American Cavy Breeders Association, recognizes more than 20 colors of American guinea pigs

Easygoing is one word to describe the American guinea pig. All guinea pigs are individuals, but the American is likely to be laid-back, which is one reason it’s so popular. Can guinea pigs be demanding? Of course. Can guinea pigs be sweet? Definitely. Outgoing, timid, energetic, curious, clingy — all of these and more can describe facets or overriding personality traits of a guinea pig. It all depends on the individual. How well a guinea pig was socialized when young greatly affects personality.
One thing to keep in mind is that guinea pigs as a species are herd animals, so most guinea pigs do best when they live in pairs or groups. Some guinea pigs might be loners, however, and if you keep only one, he or she might be fine if you give them plenty of daily interaction with you.

They do however require a good footprint for enclosure and can benefit from regular veterinary care and grooming.

If you are now considering or were considering adding an American Guinea Pig to your family, please do not hesitate to reach out with questions!

10/06/2022

June is National Pet Preparedness Month! What does this mean exactly you might ask? It is to think about including your pets (and livestock) in your disaster planes.
Your pets are important member of your family! This is why they should be included in your family’s emergency plan.
To prepare for the unexpected, keep your pets in mind as you follow these tips:

1. Make a plan.
• Know what to do with your pet during an evacuation. Many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets inside. Know a safe place where you can take your pets before disasters and emergencies happen.
• Develop a buddy system. Plan with neighbors, friends, or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.
• Have copies of your pet’s vaccination record, and make sure your pet is microchipped. Keep your address and phone number up-to-date and include an emergency contact outside of your immediate area.
• Keep contact information for your local emergency management office or animal control office and shelters on hand in case you become separated from your pet.

2. Build an emergency kit.
• Food and Water. Keep several days’ supply of both. Keep food in an airtight, waterproof container, and have a water bowl to use.
• Medicine. Keep an extra supply of the medicine your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container.
• First aid kit. Include items appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs.
• Backup collar with ID tag and a harness or leash. Have copies of your pet’s registration information in a waterproof container and available electronically.
• Traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier for each pet.
• Grooming items. Pet shampoo and other items, in case your pet needs some cleaning up.
• A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated from your pet, a picture will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet.
• Sanitation needs. Include pet litter and litter box, trash bags and other items to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs.
• Familiar items. Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit to reduce stress for your pets

3. Stay informed.
• Stay informed of current conditions and know how you will receive emergency alerts and warnings.
• Download the FEMA app to get weather alerts for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.
• Always bring your pets indoors at the first sign or waring of a storm.

For more information about how to prepare your pets, visit Ready.gov/pets.

07/06/2022

What do chickens order for dessert?

🐓🐥🐔🐣🍨🍰🍫🍪🧁🥧
Coop-cakes of course!

06/06/2022

Hey everyone! We are starting a new weekly post called Breed All About It!!!! This will give some facts on different breeds of different animals and help you decide if it is a good fit for your family/life or just learn some fun facts. The first breed is the Great Dane! (Please let us know if you have certain breeds you would like to see covered!)

The easygoing Great Dane, the mighty "Apollo of Dogs," is a total joy to live with, but owning a dog of such imposing size, weight, and strength is a commitment not to be entered into lightly.
• Great Danes were first bred as boar-hunting dogs in the 1800s in Europe.
• They are known as the “Apollo of dogs” due to their stately grace.
• Like other large breeds, they can be susceptible to health issues.
They’re certainly great, but did you know they’re not Danish? Dogs resembling Great Danes appear as far back as ancient Egyptian carvings, but the modern Great Dane was actually bred in Germany in the 1800s as a boar-hunting beast. Today, these gentle giants make beloved family pets and are often described as “the Apollo of dogs”, thanks to their grace, courage, stature, and beauty. Here’s everything else you need to know about these colossal canines:
1. Great Danes are the tallest dogs in the world.
A male Great Dane can reach up to 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh a massive 175 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, at up to 30 inches and 140 pounds — and both males and females can tower over many humans when they stand on their hind legs. Despite their size, Great Danes are elegant, and even regal in their gait and disposition.
2. Despite their daunting size, Danes are highly affectionate and social.
These pups love love. They need lots of affection and socialization with people and other animals, making them great family pets. Thanks to their sweet, gentle, patient dispositions, Danes are even great with kids — though like all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children, and they’ll need to be taught not to play as rough as they would with a puppy.
3. Daily exercise is a must for this big breed.
You won’t need to run a daily marathon with your Great Dane, but they will need activity. Two brisk walks of decent length should do it, though remember that puppies have more energy and should be exercised accordingly. As adults, Great Danes are happy jogging companions, but it’s important to wait until they’re at least two years old, as running before then can damage their bones.
4. Great Danes tend to follow their noses.
These dogs were bred to hunt boar, and if they get a scent, they’ll want to follow it. Walks should be on-leash, and at home, and any yard will need to be securely fenced.
5. Proper training is essential with Great Danes.
With dogs this big and powerful, it’s important that they obey commands and are properly socialized. Luckily, Danes are mostly friendly and eager to please, making training a pleasure (though beware the odd stubborn streak). Buying from a reputable breeder also ensures good socialization in the crucial early months of the dog’s life.
6. These outsize athletes love dog sports.
As strong, intelligent working dogs, Great Danes are wonderful competitors in a variety of dog sports, including Agility, Obedience, Tracking, weight pulls, and Flyball.
7. Big breeds have big needs.
A Great Dane can cost a lot more to feed than a small dog, in addition to incurring higher-than-average medical fees and wear-and-tear to your home and car. If you’re bringing a Great Dane into your life, be aware that owning one will not come cheap.
8. Great Danes have a relatively low life expectancy.
These gentle giants sadly tend to live just seven to ten years — though they will certainly fill those years with several lifetimes’ worth of love.

Source: AKC

01/06/2022

It is that season! What season you may ask? Flea and tick and heartworm season! We carry can get you access to a variety of products to control these external parasites. Why is this important you might ask? Well, fleas and ticks cause two specific problems. One, they cause discomfort and skin irritation through their bites and in some cases severe allergic reactions. Two, they both can carry diseases that can cause illness both in pets and people. Some of these diseases can be deadly and others can cause severe, chronic, and lifelong illness. Heartworms also cause severe disease. Prevention is key to avoid these problems. If you have questions about testing or prevention, please feel free to reach out!

28/05/2022

Best Friend [best frend] noun: an animal who is close and dear, and always there when you need them.

25/05/2022

We have had a lot of people asking if we can provide dental care. Watson want to let you know that.......Yes, we can!
Dental health is a very important part of your pet’s overall health. You pet’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year. This enables us to see early signs of a problem and help to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.
If we see a problem what might happen? Veterinary dentistry includes the cleaning, extraction, or repair of your pets' teeth and all other aspects of oral health care. This starts with an oral exam of your pet’s mouth. We may need to perform radiographs (x-rays) to evaluate the health of the teeth under the gums. Lastly, dental cleaning includes scaling (to remove dental plaque and tartar) and polishing, similar to the process used on your own teeth during your regular dental cleanings. This is done under anesthesia to provide the safest and most thorough cleaning.
Signs of dental disease or cause for having an oral exam include:
• Bad breath
• Broken or loose teeth
• Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
• Teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
• Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
• Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
• Pain in or around the mouth
• Bleeding from the mouth
• Swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth

Dental care is important not only for dogs but cats, small mammals, and horses as well!

Contact us at any time with questions or to schedule an appointment!

22/05/2022

She has been found and is back home thanks for everyone who shared and kept an eye out!

Please keep an eye out for Chelsea. Missing from St. Cloud street in rapid city. Her family is very worried and want to get her back home. Thanks!!!

16/05/2022

Busy during the week days? No problem! We have evening and weekend appointments available for preventative care as well as emergencies for all the animals great and small, so you can relax at home and still get your animal family members taken care of. Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns!

18/04/2022

Happy Easter!!!! We hope everyone had a great day!

15/04/2022

We wanted to give a huge thank you to Resting Pawz (https://www.facebook.com/Resting-Pawz-Pet-Cremation-LLC-103328288780162) It is never an easy time saying goodbye to a beloved family member and the service and care they provide for help with memorials and cremation as well as just allowing you to share memories is beyond words. SO thank you Chandra and Dave! We are so grateful you can help us with this service and make it an easier experience for all involved.

Our mission is to bring comfort to our clients and help them during a difficult time. We want to bri

28/03/2022

We are so excited to announce that we can expand our at home services to provide ultrasound and radiographs (x-rays)!!! Not only can this help with preventative care but also gives us more options to help during emergency situations.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions about services that we can bring to you! Great for all sized animals!