Village Vet

01/15/2025

It's National Dress Up Your Pet Day!

Our staff at Village Vet joined the fun and sent in their adorable pet photos—1 fabulous dog and 2 stylish cats! Now, we’re curious... do cats really get dressed up more than dogs?

Share your pet’s best-dressed look in the comments below and help us settle the debate! Let’s see if cats outshine pups today.

01/07/2025

The Critical Need for Dental Hygiene in Pets

At Village Vet, we emphasize the vital role dental hygiene plays in your pet’s overall health. Dental disease is one of the most common yet preventable health issues in pets, with studies showing that over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of dental disease by the age of three.

Neglected oral hygiene can lead to painful conditions such as gum inflammation, loose teeth, and oral infections. Worse still, bacteria from untreated dental disease can enter the bloodstream, potentially causing serious systemic health problems like heart disease, kidney failure, or liver infections.

That’s why proactive dental care is essential. Regular veterinary dental exams and cleanings are critical to catching and treating issues before they worsen. At Village Vet, we recommend professional cleanings under anesthesia to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar buildup while ensuring your pet’s comfort and safety.

At home, daily brushing with pet-safe toothpaste and using Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)-approved dental products can greatly reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Watch for warning signs like bad breath, excessive drooling, or difficulty eating—these may indicate dental problems needing immediate attention.

Don’t wait - Prioritize your pet’s dental health today and schedule a check-up with Village Vet to give them a healthier, happier life!

12/31/2024

Wishing you all a Happy New Year from Village Vet!

As we reflect on the past year, we’re filled with gratitude for our amazing clients and the wonderful pets we’ve had the privilege to care for. You’ve trusted us with your companions, and we don’t take that lightly.

We’ve shed tears with some of you, celebrated the small (and big!) victories, and put on our detective hats when those lovable furballs just wouldn’t tell us what’s wrong. We’ve cherished every moment of watching puppies and kittens grow into the love bugs they were meant to be.

Thank you for sharing your pets, your stories, and your trust with us. Each one of you is part of our family, and we’re honored to be part of yours.

Here’s to a wonderful New Year filled with health, happiness, and wagging tails. We look forward to helping you with whatever adventures your adorable companions bring through our doors in 2025.

Warm wishes,
The Village Vet Team

12/27/2024

Hey, Village Vet family!
We wanted to share some news about our wonderful friends at Watermark Brewing Company, a dog-friendly and community-focused local business. Recently, their page was hacked and deleted, meaning they’ve lost so many fun and memorable posts that connected us all. 💔

They’ve had to start fresh with a brand-new page, and we’re asking for your help to spread the word! Please show your support by following their new page and sharing this post so others in our community can stay connected.

The Watermark Brewing Company has always been there for our community (and our furry friends!), so let’s come together and help them rebuild their online presence. Thank you for being such an amazing and supportive community!




https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571261189263&mibextid=ZbWKwL

Beer • Cider • Wine • Slushies • Live Music • Food Trucks

12/22/2024

Holiday Update from Village Vet

If you experience an emergency while we’re closed, please contact the Emergency Veterinary Care Center (EVCC) in Westville, Indiana, at (219) 785-7300. They are ready to assist with any urgent needs.

For last-minute medication requests, we will do our best to fulfill them by the end of the day Monday, but we kindly ask you to submit your requests as early as possible to ensure we can accommodate you.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season from all of us at Village Vet! Thank you for trusting us with your pet’s care!

New Years

12/20/2024

Hi, friends!
Some of you might know my mom, Bri who works here, but let me introduce myself — I’m Dixie Mae! I’m a 1.5-year-old Australian shepherd with endless energy and a love for life. My favorite activities? Oh, where do I start? Swimming (I hear I’m basically a fish), playing ball, coming to work with Mom, and striking a pose for the camera.

If you see me at Village Vet, don’t be shy—say hi! And if you don’t, well, I’ll probably come say hi to you anyway because, as my mom likes to say, I’m a bit nosey. But she loves me for it! 💕

Mom and I just wanted to wish you all a very Happy Holiday! Stay warm and enjoy the season! ❄️🎄

12/13/2024

Meet Ceasar, the 2-month-old Dalmatian puppy with a big heart and an even bigger bark! This sweet little guy made sure everyone heard him today, and his love is just as loud.
Take a look at his adorable heart-shaped nose — it says it all!
We can't wait to watch Ceasar grow into his bark and bring even more joy to the world. 💕

12/12/2024

🌨️❄️ Brrr! It’s 16°F, the skies are grey, and the snow is icy, but let’s brighten things up together!

Post the last photo you took of your pet and share a little warmth and cheer with us all. Whether they’re snuggled up, causing mischief, or just being their adorable selves, we need their energy to get through this winter chill!

Let’s flood the feed with furry happiness. Drop your pics below! ⬇️ 🐶🐱

12/11/2024

Meet Church!
Church was found as a stray at the beginning of August and has been absolutely adored by his mom ever since! He is a very playful and curious boy who Loves to explore and get snuggles with his mom. He asked us to show off his jingle bell and red bow tie for the Holiday Season!

12/07/2024

A Paws-itively Festive Event!
Did you get any pictures? Post them in the comments below 😀

The Annual Reindog Parade in St. Joseph brought holiday magic to life once again! This beloved event featured pets and their owners dressed in incredible holiday costumes, the creativity and festive spirit were unmatched!

The parade also marked the arrival of Santa, spreading joy to kids and families alike. After the parade, children eagerly shared their wish lists with Santa at Santa’s House, adding even more magic to the day.

With well-behaved pups and plenty of holiday cheer, it was a fun-filled event that brought people together and created unforgettable memories. Here’s to another fantastic year of this cherished tradition!

12/03/2024

A Shout Out To Our Incredible Team!

Today’s snow may have brought worries, but our amazing team at Village Vet didn’t let it stop them from doing what they do best—caring for the patients who needed us most.

Their dedication and willingness to put the needs of our patients first, even in challenging conditions, is truly inspiring.

We’re so lucky to have such a compassionate and resilient team.

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Village Vet!
We are so grateful for the trust you place in us and the joy your pets bring to our lives. Thank you for sharing your furry family members with us. Wishing you a warm and wonderful holiday filled with love, laughter, and paws!

11/26/2024

Holiday Hours Announcement

Village Vet will close at 6:00 PM tomorrow, November 27th for Thanksgiving and will reopen on Monday, December 2nd.

If your pet experiences a medical issue during the holiday weekend, please contact the Emergency Veterinary Care Center (EVCC) in Westville, Indiana (219) 785-7300. Their veterinary staff will be available to advise you.

From our families to yours, we wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

11/20/2024

Pet Diabetes Awareness Month: What Every Pet Owner Should Know
Did you know that diabetes is a growing concern for both dogs and cats? Just like in humans, diabetes occurs when the body has trouble regulating blood sugar levels. The good news is, with early detection and proper care, pets can live healthy, happy lives!
Prevalence:
Dogs: Diabetes is more common in middle-aged to older dogs, especially those who are overweight or have a family history of the disease.
Cats: Diabetes is also on the rise in cats, especially in older, overweight cats. Neutered male cats are more prone as well.
Signs to Watch For:
Increased thirst and urination
Weight loss despite increased appetite
Lethargy or reduced activity
Treatment Options: The good news is that diabetes in pets can be managed! Treatment typically involves:
Insulin Therapy: Regular insulin injections to help regulate blood sugar levels.
Diet Changes: Special diets that help manage blood sugar levels.
Regular Exercise: Keeping your pet active helps maintain healthy weight and glucose levels.
Regular Monitoring: Frequent vet checkups to ensure treatment is working.
If you notice any signs of diabetes in your pet, don’t wait! Schedule a visit to get them checked out.

Early detection and treatment are key to managing diabetes and giving your pet a happy, healthy life!

11/15/2024

Happy Weekend from Village Vet!
Wishing all our furry patients and their families a happy, healthy, and cozy weekend!
We’re feeling festive and excited to share that we’ve set up a Christmas backdrop in our rehab center. It’s perfect for capturing those holiday memories with your pets!

Stop by and snap a photo or two—we’d love to see your pets strike a pose. Share your pics with us here or tag us on social media.

Check out a few adorable shots we’ve captured already. Who’s next?

11/12/2024

Meet Penny, our monthly visitor and sassy side-eye queen!
This nearly 8-year-old never fails to bring a little extra joy and attitude when she’s around. Penny’s perfected that classic dachshund look—a little suspicious, a little curious, and always adorable.

Check out this photo of her giving us *the look.* We’re pretty sure she's judging our snack selection, but we love her anyway! Can't wait for next month’s visit, Penny! 🥰

11/08/2024

Happy Friday from all of us at Village Vet! We’re sending our clients and patients warm wishes for a wonderful weekend!

Here’s Marty, our last *official* appointment of the week! Marty is a beautiful Great Pyrenees who comes to see us for rehab—and thanks to our veterinary assistant Bri, he gave us the biggest smile just in time for his medical record photo! We couldn't resist sharing it with you all.

Hope your weekend is as bright as Marty’s grin!

11/07/2024

November is Senior Pet Health Month!

Did you know that our pets’ health needs change as they age? Caring for a senior dog or cat means staying informed about the unique needs they have in their later years. Test your knowledge on senior pet health—can you answer these 10 questions? Let’s see how well you all know the facts!

1. How often should senior pets have a vet checkup? (Once a year, every 6 months, or only when ill?)

2. What percentage of pets over the age of 7 show signs of arthritis? (10%, 30%, or 80%?)

3. How much sleep do senior pets usually need compared to younger pets? (Less, the same, or more?)

4. True or False: Vision and hearing loss are common as pets get older.

5. At what age are pets generally considered "senior"? (5 years, 7 years, or 10 years?)

6. How likely are senior pets to develop dental disease? (20%, 50%, or 85%?

7. True or False: Older pets need less protein in their diets.

8. What’s the average life expectancy increase for pets with regular senior checkups and early illness detection? (1 year, 3 years, or 5 years?)

9. True or False: Sudden changes in weight are a common indicator of health issues in senior pets.

10. How much daily exercise is recommended for most senior pets? (15 mins, 30 mins, or 1 hour?)

Let’s help our pets enjoy their golden years! If you’re unsure about any answers, it’s a perfect time to learn more about senior pet care. Post your guesses in the comments, and let’s see who’s a senior pet care pro!