Village Vet

09/12/2025

Meet Morgan – One of Our Amazing Team Members!

We’re so excited for you to get to know Morgan, one of the compassionate faces here at Village Vet!

✨ Why Veterinary Medicine?
For Morgan, choosing this career was all about heart. “It’s a very emotionally rewarding career, and I enjoy the continuous learning opportunities within this evolving field.”

✨ Favorite Part of the Job
Every day brings something new, but Morgan especially loves making a positive difference in an animal’s quality of life—and of course, seeing all the adorable pets who walk through our doors. Helping pets feel more comfortable during vet visits is a big part of what makes the job so meaningful.

✨ Pets at Home
Morgan’s family isn’t complete without fur-babies! At home, you’ll find Luna, an 8-year-old Pomeranian, and Emerald, a sweet 7-year-old cat.

✨ Tip for Pet Parents
Morgan’s advice? “Our pets are only here for part of our lives, but we are there for all of theirs. Enjoy every moment.”

✨ Fun Fact
Here’s a story you won’t forget—Morgan once brought a tarantula to kindergarten for show-and-tell… and it escaped in the classroom! 🕷️ (Don’t worry, it was caught!)

We’re so grateful to have Morgan on the Village Vet team, bringing compassion, care, and smiles to pets and people alike every day.

09/11/2025

September is Responsible Dog Ownership Month

Responsible ownership goes beyond providing food and shelter — it means taking proactive steps to protect your dog’s health and well-being throughout their life. Key areas of focus include:

🔹 Preventive Care – Annual wellness exams, routine bloodwork, and dental checkups help identify issues early, when they are most treatable.
🔹 Disease Prevention – Core vaccinations and year-round parasite protection are essential in Michigan, where ticks and mosquitoes remain active well into fall.
🔹 Training & Enrichment – Consistent training, socialization, and mental stimulation support behavioral health and strengthen the human–animal bond.
🔹 Identification & Safety – Microchipping and updated ID tags ensure your dog can be safely returned if lost.

A strong preventive care plan provides the foundation for a long, healthy life.
Contact us to schedule your dog’s wellness exam and ensure they’re protected for the season ahead.

09/10/2025

Fall Pet Safety & Wellness in Michigan

As the seasons change, cooler temperatures and colorful leaves make fall a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors with your pets. However, autumn also brings unique health and safety concerns:

🔹 Toxic plants & mushrooms – Many wild mushrooms and certain plants that appear in the fall can be harmful if ingested.
🔹 Antifreeze exposure – Even small amounts of spilled antifreeze can be life-threatening. Be sure to keep it stored securely and clean up any leaks.
🔹 Moldy leaves – Piles of damp leaves can harbor mold and bacteria that may upset your pet’s stomach.
🔹 Joint health – The drop in temperature can make arthritis and mobility issues more noticeable in aging pets.

What you can do:
Supervise your pet outdoors and discourage them from eating unknown plants or mushrooms.
Keep garages and driveways clear of antifreeze and other chemicals.
Schedule a fall wellness exam to address seasonal concerns and evaluate joint health before winter.

Call today to book your pet’s fall wellness visit — let’s keep them healthy, comfortable, and ready for the season ahead.

09/09/2025

Meet Elenore!
This sweet 3-month-old kitten came in for her very first visit to Village Vet, and she stole every heart in the clinic.

First visits are extra special - they’re about more than just vaccines and checkups. These visits help us:
✅ Make sure your little one is growing healthy and strong
✅ Check for common concerns (like parasites, baby teeth, nutrition needs)
✅ Build trust so vet visits feel safe instead of scary

Positive carrier experiences:
Helping your cat associate the carrier with positive experiences will help them to feel comfortable with going to the vet. Put something warm, soft and familiar in the carrier for the cat to cuddle up in, such as a blanket they have been sleeping on. Synthetic feline pheromones, like Feliway or Zenifel, can be sprayed into the carrier 15 minutes before travel. Drape a familiar-smelling towel or blanket over the carrier to help your cat feel safe and secure. If possible, provide a small and tasty food treat or some toys in the carrier. When moving the carrier, do not hold by the handle alone, as this could make the cat feel unsteady. Support the carrier underneath to keep it level and minimize movement.

All too often a carrier is stored away in a garage, basement or shed until needed. However, it is much better to incorporate the carrier into a part of the house the cat likes to spend time in, and sleep in, and encourage them to use it as a resting place. This means the carrier has familiar smells and feels comfortable for your cat. It also means the carrier is immediately available in the event of an emergency. Add a comfortable blanket and offer the cat treats regularly in the carrier so that it feels a pleasant place to be.

We love helping new furbabies like Elenore get started on a lifetime of health and cuddles. If you’ve got a new kitten or puppy at home, give us a call - we’d love to meet your newest family member!

09/03/2025

Help Purdue’s Canine Genetics Lab unlock the secrets of spine health in French Bulldogs, Pugs, English Bulldogs, American Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Basenjis, Shiba Inus, Keeshonds, Chow Chows, and Norwegian Elkhounds! If you have one of these breeds, they're asking you to share any existing chest X-rays and they'll send you a free DNA swab kit to perform and send in. All ages welcome!

PLUS, English Cocker Spaniel owners: Join a genetic study on skeletal morphology with a free DNA kit - super easy, no vet visit needed! Your pup’s DNA could shape a healthier future for the breed.

Email [email protected] to join

Details & flyers: https://vet.purdue.edu/discovery/ekenstedt/research.php

The Canine Genetics Lab investigates the genomes of companion animals using modern veterinary and laboratory techniques together with the latest computing technologies.

08/30/2025

Protecting Your Dog’s Urinary Health: Insights on CTT Uroliths from Village Vet

At Village Vet, an integrative veterinary practice, we are dedicated to providing evidence-based care to optimize your pet’s well-being. Recent online discussions have raised concerns about a very rare type of urinary stone in dogs known as calcium tartrate tetrahydrate (CTT) uroliths. As your trusted partner in pet health, we offer the following insights to keep your dog thriving.
What Are CTT Uroliths?
CTT uroliths are a very rare type of urinary stone identified in dogs, primarily affecting small, male purebreds such as Dachshunds or Shih Tzus. A 2025 veterinary study, conducted over four years (2020–2024) with 63 dogs, including 33 surveyed for diet details, suggests these stones may be associated with choline bitartrate, an ingredient occasionally used in certain dog foods or supplements to support cognitive and liver function. The vast majority of dogs are unaffected, but awareness is prudent for those feeding fresh, raw, or custom diets.

How to Safeguard Your Dog’s Health:

Review Food Ingredients: Examine your dog’s food or supplement labels for choline bitartrate, often found in premium or homemade diets. Uncertain about your pet’s nutrition? Our team can provide a thorough evaluation.

Monitor for Symptoms: Signs of urinary stones include straining during urination, frequent urination, or blood in the urine. Contact Village Vet promptly if these occur.

Promote Hydration: Ensure your dog has ample access to fresh water to maintain optimal urinary health and reduce stone formation risk.

Consult Our Integrative Experts: At Village Vet, we combine conventional diagnostics, such as urinalysis, with nutritional strategies to create personalized plans, particularly for breeds prone to urinary issues.

Why Choose Village Vet?
Urinary stones are uncommon, and CTT uroliths are very rare, but proactive care is essential. With the rise of specialized pet diets, our integrative approach ensures your dog’s nutrition aligns with their unique needs.

Trust Village Vet to provide evidence-based guidance, moving beyond online speculation to deliver tailored solutions for your pet’s long-term health.

Contact Village Vet at 269-235-9380 or visit Villagevetmi.com to schedule a nutritional consultation or urinalysis. Partner with us to keep your dog healthy and vibrant.


https://vetmed.umn.edu/urolith-center/image-of-month/minnesota-urolith-center-discovers-new-urolith-type-dogs

Association of Diet and Calcium Tartrate Tetrahydrate Uroliths in DogsJody Lulich | Lori Koehler | Lisa Ulrich | Eva FurrowABSTRACTBackground: Calcium tartrate tetrahydrate (CTT) uroliths are recently identified in dogs.Objectives: To report on the types and prevalence of diets, supplements, and med...

08/29/2025

Village Vet will be closed on Monday, September 1st, so our team can enjoy a long weekend with our families. For any emergencies, please contact the Emergency Veterinary Care Center (EVCC) in Westville, Indiana at 219-785-7300, for guidance. Thank you for your understanding, and we’ll see you back on Tuesday!

08/28/2025

Meet our furry friends who love our veterinary rehab services!
From supporting elbow dysplasia to conditioning for summer inactivity, we’re here for all their needs - beyond injuries or surgeries like TPLOs and IVDD.

These three enjoy not only top-notch care but also a great social experience.

08/27/2025

At Village Vet, we’re your local partner in your pets’ health, dedicated to providing evidence-based knowledge for you to make informed decisions.

As fall approaches in Berrien County, fleas and ticks remain a significant threat despite cooler weather. Our mild September and October temperatures (averaging 55-70°F) create ideal conditions for these pests, especially in wooded areas like Warren Dunes or along the St. Joseph River.

Recent data shows Michigan reported over 1,000 Lyme disease cases in pets and humans in 2024, emphasizing the need for effective prevention.

Consider:
Vet-prescribed flea and tick preventatives, scientifically proven to protect against diseases like Lyme.

Checking your pet’s fur after walks in local parks like Silver Beach, Grand Mere or Jean Klock, focusing on ears and paws.

Clearing leaf piles from your yard to reduce pest habitats.

We offer these proven preventatives at our clinic at prices competitive with bigger online chain stores. Call to learn about your options, ask about pricing, or schedule an appointment to discuss a tailored prevention plan as we head into September.

08/25/2025

At Village Vet, we’re certified in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) through the esteemed Chi Institute, blending modern veterinary science with ancient healing practices. TCVM addresses the root causes of health issues, promoting balance and wellness in your pet.
As an authorized reseller of Jing Tang Herbals, we offer access to their premium, vet-formulated herbal remedies, designed to support everything from immune health to joint comfort and digestion. Our TCVM-certified veterinarians provide comprehensive exams and consultations to create a personalized integrative care plan for your furry friend.
Curious about how Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine can benefit your pet? Book a consultation today!

08/21/2025

Late summer in Michigan still brings plenty of fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes that can threaten your pet’s health. At Village Vet, we’re committed to keeping your companions safe with these expert tips:

Inspect Daily for Ticks: After outdoor activities, thoroughly check your pet’s coat, particularly around the ears, belly, and paws. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, prevalent in Michigan.

Choose Premium Preventatives: Our veterinarians recommend tailored flea, tick, and heartworm solutions to ensure your pet’s protection.

Maintain a Safe Environment: Reduce mosquito risks by eliminating standing water and keeping your lawn mowed.

Monitor for Symptoms: Persistent itching or lethargy may indicate a bug-related issue. Contact us for a comprehensive evaluation.

Our canine heartworm test includes advanced Lyme disease screenings providing peace of mind.

Call 269-235-9380 to schedule a consultation and explore your care options.

08/15/2025

Your pet’s microchip is like their voice if they ever get lost — but it only works if the info is current!

Changed your phone number?
Moved house?
Got a new email address?

Update their microchip details today to make sure they can always find their way back to you.

It’s quick, it’s easy, and it could make all the difference.
Because nothing’s sweeter than a reunion.

Not sure who your pet's microchip is registered to? You can look it up here:
https://www.aaha.org/for-veterinary-professionals/microchip-search/