Village Vet

08/15/2024

Today’s staff theme: Burgandy!
Apparently, we had a telepathic moment and decided to rock our burgundy scrubs. Who knew we were all so in sync? Here’s to accidental fashion statements and a day full of coordinated vibes! 😂👚

08/08/2024

Happy International Cat Day! Drop a photo of your kitty in the comments 👇🏻🐱

07/27/2024

Meet Chloe, a brave pup who came to us with intervertebral disc disease and rear paralysis. With the unwavering support of her healthcare advocate, Pam, Chloe has been receiving regular acupuncture treatments and supportive rehabilitation. We are thrilled to share this video showcasing her incredible progress.
Let's celebrate Chloe's resilience and the power of dedicated care. Keep cheering her on!

07/23/2024

We are thrilled to announce that our shy and anxious young patient Bond, has successfully completed his rehabilitation journey with us today. Thanks to a tailored plan including underwater treadmill sessions, physiotherapy and laser therapy, Bond has made wonderful progress.
Today he officially graduated from his program. Bond did so well accommodating the whole experience.
Cheers to Bond, his amazing journey to wellness, and his wonderful healthcare advocate Leslie!

07/14/2024

We're sad to announce that Dr. Kelly Flanagan has left our practice. As Dr. Michelle Rivera worked under Dr. Flanagan with a limited license she has also left. As some of you know Dr. Flanagan and Laura started a new venture in Kalamazoo and we wish them all the best.
Rest assured, we're committed to ensuring all patients continue to receive exceptional veterinary care. Stay tuned for exciting news on our new team member!

07/09/2024

We are hosting AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy and Canine Good Citizen classes again in our Rehab Center in Stevensville.
Starting July 23rd (6 Tuesday Sessions)
Time: 6:30-7:30pm
Call 269-235-9380 to sign up today!
Training classes teach you how to best communicate with your puppy. Organized training classes also provide an opportunity for your dog to socialize with other dogs.
In classes aimed at earning the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy distinction or continue with training to earn their Canine Good Citizen®, you’ll be able to get information on all of your puppy-raising questions including housetraining, chewing, and the most effective way to teach practical skills such as coming when called.

07/03/2024

Congratulations Eugene, Bonnie and Melvin for passing the AKC Star Puppy Class! You've shown remarkable dedication and hard work.
A special shoutout to Sawyer for passing the Canine Good Citizen test! Your exemplary behavior and training are truly commendable.
Well done everyone!

07/01/2024

Attention Village Vet Clients!

Please note that Village Vet will be closed on July 4th in observance of Independence Day. We will be open on Friday, July 5th, from 9 AM to 3 PM.

As you enjoy the holiday festivities, here are some tips to ensure your pets have a safe and stress-free fireworks day:

Keep Them Indoors: Loud fireworks can scare pets. Keep them inside in a quiet, comfortable space.
Create a Safe Space: Set up a cozy area with their favorite toys, blankets, and some calming background noise like a TV or radio.
Avoid Fireworks Exposure: Do not bring pets to fireworks displays. The loud noises and bright lights can cause anxiety and fear.
Update ID Tags: Ensure your pets have up-to-date identification tags in case they get scared and run away.
Provide Distractions: Offer toys and treats to keep their minds occupied and distracted from the noise.
Consult Us: If your pet has severe anxiety, speak with us about possible calming medications or strategies.
Have a wonderful and safe Independence Day!

🌟 Village Vet Team 🌟

06/24/2024

Happy Cat World Domination Day!

It's that time of year when our feline friends take over the world, one purr at a time! Whether they’re plotting from their cozy cat trees or ruling the roost from your favorite chair, today is all about celebrating the powerful paws of our beloved cats.

Share a photo of your cat showing off their domination skills with the hashtag and let’s see how our furry overlords are taking over the globe!

Remember, in the eyes of a cat, we’re all just their loyal subjects. Let’s embrace it and celebrate their purr-fection!

06/19/2024

Today at Village Vet we're celebrating National Pets in Film Day by reminiscing about some of our all-time favorite movies that feature beloved animal companions. Pets in films have a special way of stealing our hearts and often become just as iconic as their human counterparts. Our staff had a blast sharing their favorites, and here's the list we came up with:

Tangled - Who can forget Pascal, the loyal and quirky chameleon, and Maximus, the determined horse? These characters add so much charm and humor to Rapunzel's adventure.

Horse in the Grey Flannel Suit - A classic film where a horse named Aspercel plays a pivotal role in a charming story about a father's ingenious advertising campaign.

Where the Red Fern Grows - This heartwarming and tear-jerking story features two beloved hunting dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann, whose loyalty and bravery leave a lasting impression.

Marley & Me - A touching and often hilarious film about a rambunctious Labrador Retriever named Marley, whose antics bring both joy and chaos to his family.

The Fox and the Hound - An animated classic that explores the unlikely friendship between a young fox named Tod and a hound dog named Copper.

A Dog's Purpose - A heartwarming film that follows a dog named Bailey through multiple lives, showcasing the unbreakable bond between dogs and their humans.

The Proposal - This romantic comedy features an adorable puppy named Kevin, whose antics add plenty of laughs to the story.

The Ugly Dachshund - This delightful comedy showcases the hilarious antics of a Great Dane who thinks he's one of the family’s dachshunds, leading to a series of uproarious misunderstandings.

Now, we want to hear from you! What's your favorite movie featuring a pet? Whether it's a loyal dog, a mischievous cat, or any other beloved animal companion, share your favorite pet movies with us in the comments below. Let's celebrate these furry (or scaly, or feathered) stars that have brought so much joy and entertainment into our lives!

Send a message to learn more

06/18/2024

Celebrating our amazing doctors on Veterinary Appreciation Day!
Today, we want to thank our incredible team of veterinarians who make our clinic a place of healing and compassion for all our furry friends. We are so thankful they provide such a comprehensive range of services that ensure our beloved pets stay healthy and happy throughout the year!

06/17/2024

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
Harmful algal blooms 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 harmful algal bloom, call your veterinarian right away.

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.

Following these tips can help keep your animals cool and comfortable through any heat wave. If there are any concerns about your animals' health either now or throughout the summer months, please talk to your veterinarian.

06/13/2024

📢 Health Alert for Pet Owners 📢
Dear Community,
We want to bring to your attention that we have recently seen cases of leptospirosis, parvovirus, and suspected distemper in our area. These diseases can be serious and potentially life-threatening for your pets.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can affect both animals and humans. It is often spread through contaminated water.

Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral illness that affects dogs, particularly puppies and unvaccinated dogs. It causes severe gastrointestinal issues.

Distemper is a viral disease that affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems.

What You Can Do:
Ensure your pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations.
Avoid areas where your pets may come into contact with contaminated water or f***s.
Keep a close eye on your pets for any signs of illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or unusual behavior.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any symptoms.
Your vigilance can help protect not only your pets but also the broader community. Stay safe!

Send a message to learn more

06/10/2024

Share your favorite product in the comments!
Ever bought something for your pet and just want to tell everyone about it? We'd love to hear from you.
This is one from Penny who's puppy kept kicking over the water bowl when she was out on hikes. It comes with a carabiner to attach it to her hiking bag.
lesotc pet water bottle

06/09/2024

Our amazing licensed rehab technician, Laura, will be leaving us to focus on her exciting new venture, "Peaceful Moments Veterinary Care," in Kalamazoo. We are incredibly proud of Laura and excited for the next chapter in her career, but we will certainly miss her dedication, compassion, and expertise here at Village Vet.

As Laura embarks on this new journey, we're pleased to announce that Dr. Tulson will be dedicating more time to our rehab center, ensuring that our patients continue to receive the highest standard of care.

Please join us in wishing Laura the best of luck in her new business! We know she will bring the same love and excellence to "Peaceful Moments Veterinary Care" as she did with us.

05/24/2024

🐾 Attention Pet Owners! 🐾

It's Memorial Day weekend and there's been a noticeable increase in lost pet cases already.

Celebrations can be stressful for our furry friends, and the extra noise and commotion might cause them to wander off or hide.

🔑 Key Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe:
Secure Your Home: Ensure doors and gates are closed.
ID Tags: Make sure your pets have up-to-date ID tags and microchips.
Create a Safe Space: Provide a quiet, comfortable area for your pets.
Stay Vigilant: Keep an eye on them during BBQs and parties.
Let's ensure our pets stay safe and sound this Memorial Day weekend!

If your furbaby does happen to go missing this weekend the Facebook group "Lost & Found Pets Berrien County Michigan" is a local Facebook group that will help you get the word out.

🐶🐱

05/23/2024

We are thrilled to announce that our clinic family has just gotten a whole lot cuter! We have welcomed seven healthy and happy puppies into the world, and they are already capturing our hearts. 💕

05/21/2024

Don't forget! We'll be closed on Memorial Day, Monday May 27th, so make sure to plan ahead for your furry friend's needs.
Give us a 24-hour heads up if you need prescriptions refilled, and check the emergency numbers below if your pet requires immediate care over the weekend.
Have a wonderful holiday!
EVCC: 219-785-7300
VCA: 269-381-5228.

05/16/2024

Jackson's Journey to Health!
In August of 2022, Jackson, a five-year-old Labrador Retriever, came into Village Vet not feeling his usual happy tail wagging self. It was clear to his concerned parents that something was amiss. Jackson had been struggling with relentless itching and an uncharacteristic lethargy. As the doctor examined him, they noted Jackson's excess weight, which may have been contributing to his discomfort.
Weight can be linked to several health issues: including the itching and lethargy.

Common weight-related disorders in dogs are:
Osteoarthritis, cruciate ligament injuries, strains, sprains, decreased mobility, and luxating patella due to cartilage damage. There is also the risk of metabolic and endocrine disorders like diabetes, respiratory disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, chronic inflammation, and even certain cancers.

Jackson's parents were determined to help him lead a healthier, happier life. Inspired by the vet's advice, they committed to a rigorous diet and exercise routine for Jackson. They began measuring his food portions carefully to avoid overfeeding. Treats became an occasional indulgence rather than a daily habit, he even loves lettuce and broccoli! They kept him active with a regular exercise routine.

With his parents' unwavering encouragement and their shared determination, the weight started to come off. To date Jackson has lost an impressive 22 pounds. His transformation is nothing short of remarkable. Their dedication to his diet and exercise routine has really paid off.

Feel free to ask us how you can start on your pets’ weight loss journey to help them lead a happier, healthier life!

05/15/2024

UPDATE: Wynnie has been found! Thank you all for your help in getting the word out.

We need your help in finding Wynnie, a 6 month old foster baby who went missing yesterday near Browntown and Snow Road in Sawyer. She was last seen wearing a pink harness. Wynnie has a faulty heart valve and has a second surgery scheduled with her specialist. Her microchip lists Heartland Small Animal Rescue. She is friendly, knows her name and usually comes when called. Drones will be deployed to assist in the search.
Any help in spreading the word is greatly appreciated!

05/14/2024

Guess How Many Puppies!
Exciting news! One of our staff members’ Labrador is expecting puppies, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to share this journey with you!
We’ve got a radiograph of the proud mom-to-be, and we’d love for you to join in the fun. Take a look at the radiograph below and make your best guess:

How many puppies do you think she’s having?
Share your guesses in the comments! We can’t wait to see who gets it right. Stay tuned for updates and to find out the exact number when the puppies arrive.
Happy guessing, and thank you for being a part of our community!

05/10/2024

Please keep this road closure in mind if you're visiting our Stevensville location next week.

05/08/2024

Preventing ticks on your pets
Dogs are very susceptible to tick bites and tickborne diseases. Vaccines are not available for most of the tickborne diseases that dogs can get, and they don’t keep the dogs from bringing ticks into your home. For these reasons, it’s important to use a tick preventive product on your dog.
Tick bites on dogs may be hard to detect. Signs of tickborne disease may not appear for 7-21 days or longer after a tick bite, so watch your dog closely for changes in behavior or appetite if you suspect that your pet has been bitten by a tick.

Talk to your veterinarian about:
The best tick prevention products for your dog
Tickborne diseases in your area

To further reduce the chances that a tick bite will make your dog sick:
Check your pets for ticks daily, especially after they spend time outdoors.
If you find a tick on your pet, remove it right away.
Reduce tick habitat in your yard.

05/08/2024

No veterinarian wants to receive this call: "Our pet has gone missing!"
Thankfully we have an amazing community ❤️
Strangers actively search for missing furbabies if they know the general area to start looking.
We've had drones join a search with their birdseye view. Single social media posts go viral within hours.

Here are some tips to help in finding missing pets:

• Microchip: A microchip is a tiny electronic device, about the size of a grain of rice, that is implanted under your pet's skin, usually between the shoulder blades. It contains a unique identification number. You then register this microchip with your contact information in a pet recovery database. This includes your name, address, phone number, and other relevant details. Remember to update this information when you move.

• Photographs: Keep a recent photograph ready to readily share so your furbaby is easier to identify.

• Search Nearby: Start searching your neighborhood immediately, focusing on areas your pet is familiar with.

• Use Social Media: Share a post on social media platforms with a photo and description of your pet (Don't forget to set the privacy so that anyone can see/share it) . Ask friends and followers to share the post to reach a wider audience.

• Contact Local Shelters: Reach out to animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and animal control agencies in your area. Provide them with a description of your pet and your contact information.

• Check Online Lost and Found Pet Databases:
Many websites and apps are dedicated to helping reunite lost pets with their owners. Post a listing with your pet's information and regularly check for any found pet listings that match your pet's description. Pawboost.com will send out alerts for new lost/found listings in the area to anyone who signs up for them - including your veterinarian.

• Search at Night: Pets are often more active at night, so consider searching during quieter hours with a flashlight.

• Use Scent Trails: Leave out items with your scent or your pet's favorite treats near your home to attract them back.

• Talk to Neighbors: Ask neighbors if they've seen your pet or if they have any information that could help in the search.

• Stay Positive and Persistent: Don't lose hope and continue searching and spreading the word. Many pets are found days or even weeks after they go missing.

Ask friends, family, and neighbors to help you search the radium within a mile of your home. 80% of lost pets are found within a mile of where they live so your pet probably has not gone far! 

05/02/2024

St. Joe Grooming Announcement
We have some bittersweet news to share with you today. Our wonderful groomers, Candace and Gyllie, have been a vital part of our grooming family here at Village Vet. While it saddens us to announce, they will be embarking on an exciting new journey at Michigan City Animal Hospital.

We couldn't be prouder of Candace and Gyllie as they take this next step in their careers. Their passion, dedication, and expertise have brought so much joy and comfort to your furry friends, and we're confident they'll continue to work wonders at their new location.

However, this means that St Joe Grooming here at Village Vet will be unavailable as we adjust to this transition. We understand this may come as a disappointment, but please know that your pet's well-being and happiness remain our top priority.

05/01/2024

Can cats catch H5N1 bird flu?
While it primarily affects poultry and wild birds, H5N1 bird flu can occasionally be transmitted to mammals, including cats although it’s extremely rare. Cats are not a normal host of H5N1 bird flu.

How do cats catch H5N1 bird flu?
Exposure to infected wild birds or poultry, or associated food products. For example, the cats around the Texas dairy farm that tested positive for bird flu this spring died after drinking raw milk from the infected cows. We are waiting on further studies however to increase our understanding of this question.

We have not had any reported cases in this area of H5N1 bird flu in cats.

04/29/2024

Hey everyone! ☀️ We hope you all enjoyed the beautiful weather this past weekend! We are curious, what did you all get up to with your furry friends? Share your adventures, cute photos, or any fun activities you did with your pets!

04/23/2024

🐾 Let's take a moment to celebrate our amazing veterinary receptionists during Veterinary Receptionist Week! 🐾

To our incredible team at Village Vet: thank you for your unwavering dedication, compassion, and hard work every day. You are the friendly faces that greet our clients and their beloved pets, ensuring they feel welcomed and cared for from the moment they walk through the door. Your professionalism, empathy, and organizational skills keep our clinic running smoothly, and your love for animals shines through in everything you do.

We appreciate you more than words can express! Thank you for all that you do to make a difference in the lives of our patients and their families. Here's to you, our fantastic veterinary receptionists! 🎉👏

04/18/2024

With a South Bend Indiana facility in quarantine for the Canine Parvovirus we have been receiving calls asking how to keep your dogs safe.
Puppies should receive their first vaccines at 6-8 weeks of age; boosters should be administered at 3-4 week intervals until the puppy is 16 weeks of age, and then again at one year of age.
Previously vaccinated adult dogs need regular boosters.
Wait until your dog has had their first two vaccinations, unless you are sure the other dogs are fully vaccinated.
Dog parks, pet stores, play groups, and other public areas should be avoided until your dog or puppy is fully vaccinated.

04/17/2024

We are hosting AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy and Canine Good Citizen classes again in our Rehab Canter in Stevensville.
Starting May 7th. (6 Tuesday Sessions)
Time: 6:30-7:30pm
Call 269-235-9380 to sign up today!
Training classes teach you how to best communicate with your puppy. Organized training classes also provide an opportunity for your dog to socialize with other dogs.
In classes aimed at earning the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy distinction or continue with training to earn their Canine Good Citizen®, you’ll be able to get information on all of your puppy-raising questions including housetraining, chewing, and the most effective way to teach practical skills such as coming when called.