All Creatures Veterinary Clinic, Inc.

24/06/2025

Summer Dog Safety: Outdoor Playtime Tips

Worried about outdoor play in the heat? Here’s what every pet parent should know about summer dog safety before heading outside.

As temperatures rise, summer care for dogs becomes more important than ever. High heat can lead to overheating, burnt paws, and other serious health risks. Whether it’s backyard fetch or a trip to the dog park, a few smart precautions can keep playtime fun and safe.

• Plan playtime smartly. Opt for early morning (6–9 AM) or after 7 PM when the ground and air are cooler.
• Check the ground temperature. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws—stick to shaded, grassy areas or use protective booties.
• Hydrate and rest often. Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water and access to shade between bursts of activity.
• Watch for heat stress. Signs like heavy panting, drooling, or slowing down are red flags, bring playtime to a stop and help your dog cool off.
• Tailor to your pet. Older dogs, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, and those with health conditions are more sensitive to the heat and need lighter activity.

If you’re ever unsure whether your pet is showing signs of heat-related illness, reach out to your primary care vet, or visit our emergency clinic. We're here when you need us.

17/06/2025

Summer Pet Safety Tips: Preventing Heatstroke in Pets

As temps climb, it’s important to stay mindful of pet heatstroke symptoms and take steps toward keeping pets cool in summer. Whether you’ve got a playful pup or a sun-loving cat, here’s how to keep them safe:

• Know the signs. Early dog overheating signs include heavy panting, drooling, glazed eyes, or stumbling. Heatstroke in cats might look like rapid breathing or lethargy.
• Hydration matters. One of the most effective pet hydration tips is offering water regularly — especially during or after play. Keep bowls clean and shaded if they’re outside.
• Make cooling fun. Wondering how to cool down a dog? Try a shallow kiddie pool, sprinkler time, or a quick dip in a pet-safe lake.
• Plan smart play. Avoid mid-day heat by choosing shaded areas and walking during cooler hours, like early morning or evening.

If your pet ever seems off in the heat or you're unsure what to do, don’t wait — call us. We’re here to help.

16/06/2025

All Creatures is proud to host Wild Hoof Professional Ungulate Farriers for a day of small livestock hooftrims! Please refer to the flyer below and website for details: wildhooffarrier.com

13/06/2025

We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Nate VanDenTop to the All Creatures Veterinary Clinic family!

Dr. VanDenTop brings a unique blend of dedication, compassion, and hands-on experience to our team. Raised on a small dairy farm in Coopersville, MI, his roots in animal care run deep. After earning his Bachelor of Science at Grand Valley State University, Dr. VanDenTop served six years in the Marine Corps Reserves—including a deployment to Afghanistan—before pursuing his veterinary degree at Michigan State University, graduating in 2022.

For the past three years, he practiced as a mixed animal veterinarian in Sparta, MI, before making the exciting move to Alaska with his family. His professional passions lie in surgery and orthopedics, and he’s eager to bring those skills to the animals and families in our community.

At home, Dr. VanDenTop enjoys life with his wife Kaylee, their son Reuben, and their two dogs, Trigger and Flint. When he’s not at the clinic, you’ll likely find him outdoors—hunting, fishing, hiking, or homesteading. He also loves staying involved in local agriculture and looks forward to connecting with the community.

Join us in giving Dr. VanDenTop a warm welcome—he’s looking forward to meeting you and your pets!

Our mission is to provide compassionate, advanced care with tailored treatment plans for each pet.

12/06/2025

Annual vaccines aren’t just a routine, they’re essential for protecting your dog or cat from serious, preventable diseases like parvo, distemper, and feline leukemia.

Wondering “Are pet vaccines really necessary?” or how often your pet needs them? This video helps break it all down.

Protect their health. Protect their future. Watch now to learn why annual vaccines matter.

10/06/2025

🐾 Would You Walk Barefoot?

If the pavement’s too hot for your feet, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

Press the back of your hand to the pavement for 7 seconds. If it’s uncomfortable, it’s not safe for them either.

To protect your pup in the heat:
• Walk early or late in the day
• Choose grassy or shaded routes
• Use dog booties
• Keep walks brief

Burned paw pads are no fun, and they can take time to heal.
Need advice or care? Reach out, we’re here to help.

06/06/2025

Happy birthday, Dr. Simon-Vasquez! 🎂

05/06/2025

🐾 Is your pet extra itchy this spring?
Seasonal allergies in dogs and cats are more common than you might think. From licking paws to itchy skin, the signs often go unnoticed until they get worse.

Watch for common pet allergy symptoms like:
- Excessive scratching or licking
- Sneezing and watery eyes
- Red, irritated skin
- Frequent ear infections

📅 Spring is peak allergy season — this is when symptoms tend to flare up the most. Don’t wait to take action!

Worried your pet has allergies? Reach out to your vet for personalized advice and relief options tailored to your pet.

04/06/2025

🚨 Now Open in Port Orchard: PawDoc Urgent Care 🚨

Lakefield Veterinary Group is excited to announce the launch of PawDoc Urgent Care, now serving the Port Orchard community! Created to bridge the gap between general practice and emergency care, PawDoc offers efficient, expert veterinary care for dogs, cats, and pocket pets.

Whether your pet has a torn toenail, an upset stomach, or a sudden skin flare-up, our team is ready to help. With convenient hours Friday through Monday, transparent pricing, and the flexibility to walk in or book online, PawDoc makes it easy to get the care your pet needs, when they need it most.

Because your pet’s health shouldn’t have to wait. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/43W9uDw

03/06/2025

Summer Car Safety for Pets: Know the Risks Before You Ride

Summer pet safety starts with simple choices, especially when it comes to car rides. Even on a mild day, your vehicle can become dangerously hot within minutes, posing a serious risk for pets.

🚗 Quick facts:
• On a 70°F day, a car’s interior can hit 100°F+ in just 30 minutes
• Pet heatstroke signs include heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, lethargy, and collapse

How to keep pets safe during summer travel:
• Never leave pets in hot cars, not even for a quick errand
• Avoid walking dogs in heat by choosing cooler times of day
• Follow key pet hydration tips, bring water and use collapsible bowls
• Use sunshades and ventilation to keep pets cool
• Check pavement temperature to protect dog paws from heat

Understanding overheating in dogs and cats can help you act fast during emergencies. If you notice any symptoms of heatstroke, move your pet to a cooler space, offer water, and contact your vet.

Plan ahead before your next outing, your pet’s comfort and safety depend on it.

02/06/2025

Big news from Bridgetown Veterinary Emergency and Referral! We’re thrilled to share that Bridgetown has been named a Top 5 Finalist for Best Emergency Pet Services in Willamette Week’s 2025 Best of Portland Readers' Poll!

If Bridgetown has helped you and your pets through a tough time, now’s the time to show them some love. Your vote could help shine a spotlight on the incredible care they provide, day and night.
🗳️ Vote here: https://bop.wweek.com/goods-and-services/best-emergency-pet-services
🕐 Voting closes June 20th!

Thank you, Portland, for recognizing Bridgetown's commitment to urgent, expert care when it matters most.

29/05/2025

Student Ambassador Spotlight: Dr. Tylah! 💡

Please join us in congratulating Tylah on graduating from North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine this May! From dreaming of becoming a veterinarian at nine years old to walking across that stage, her dedication to animals and passion for veterinary medicine is inspiring. 🎓

27/05/2025

Fleas in Your Home? Here’s What You Really Need to Know

Most pet parents don’t realize that around 90% of fleas aren’t on your pet — they’re in your home. And once they settle in, they’re tough to evict.

Here’s what you can do to take control:

🧼 Wash all bedding (yours and your pet’s) on the highest heat setting
🧹 Vacuum all surfaces regularly — not just carpets
🧪 Contact a professional pest control specialist for persistent infestations

The best defense? Consistent monthly flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.
Because once fleas move in, it can take months to get them out.

💬 Have questions or need help choosing prevention? We’re just a message away.

27/05/2025

Lakefield is heading to New Orleans for the NABV Conference — June 5–7! Connect with Dr. Lent, hear him speak on Saturday, June 7th

Swing by our booth to learn about exciting opportunities with Lakefield and:
✨ Enter to win an all-expenses-paid trip with World Vets
💙 Scan to donate to Frankie's Friends

21/05/2025

Itchy skin, tummy trouble, even serious illness—
Parasites like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes can cause more than just discomfort.

- Fleas can lead to allergic reactions and spread tapeworms
- Ticks carry diseases like Lyme
- Mosquitoes can transmit heartworm, which affects the heart and lungs

The good news? Prevention is simple, safe, and way easier than dealing with an infection later on. Our team is here to help you choose the right protection for your pet—whether it’s a chew, a topical, or something else that fits their lifestyle.

Have questions? Just give us a call or stop by. We’re happy to help.

15/05/2025

Fleas can be sneaky — but with a quick at-home check, you can spot the signs early and take action before things get out of hand.

Here’s what to look for:

🕵️‍♀️ Part the fur and check around the base of the tail, behind the ears, and under the collar
🔎 Look for tiny black specks (flea dirt) or small, fast-moving fleas
🐾 Is your pet scratching more than usual? That could be a sign, too

If you spot fleas or flea dirt, it’s time to talk prevention and treatment — for your pet and your home. The sooner you act, the easier it is to get things under control.

💬 Have questions? Drop them below — we’re happy to help.

15/05/2025

Proud to Be Among America’s Best 🐾 We’re thrilled to share that TWO Lakefield Veterinary Group hospitals have been named on USA TODAY’s list of America’s Best Veterinary Hospitals!

Freeland Animal Hospital ranked an incredible #9 with a score of 98.43, and Keller Lake Animal Hospital earned a spot at #74 with a score of 92.44—out of 300 hospitals nationwide.

This recognition is especially meaningful because it’s based on feedback from over 11,000 pet owners and veterinary professionals—people who truly understand the value of compassionate, high-quality care.

From the front desk to the surgery suite, our teams are united by one purpose: your pets and their well-being. Thank you to our clients, colleagues, and (most importantly) our patients for your continued trust!

13/05/2025

From CSR to Area Manager: Meet Amy Holland! Amy's journey with Lakefield started in 2013—and she’s grown every step of the way. From answering phones as a CSR to now leading 10 hospitals across three states, Amy is proof that growth happens when trust and opportunity go hand in hand.

“I want to be remembered for how deeply I cared—about pets, their families, and especially my team,” she says.

Her Southern accent may be unforgettable, but it’s her leadership and heart that leave a lasting legacy.

Read more on our blog: https://bit.ly/3ETaiQ6

Amy Holland’s Journey from CSR to Area Manager Amy Holland has been with Lakefield Veterinary Group since the very beginning—before the company was even officially Lakefield. Over the past decade, she’s gone from client service representative to area manager, building her career with a combina...

06/05/2025

The amazing team at Indian Trail Animal Hospital!

05/05/2025

May the 4th be with you 🛸

01/05/2025

Last Saturday, the Minnesota Association of Veterinary Technicians (MAVT) celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special dinner honoring the profession's past, present, and future.

Lakefield Veterinary Group was proud to be part of the celebration as one of MAVT’s platinum sponsors, and team members from across Minnesota attended. The evening was especially meaningful as Minnesota prepares to implement title protection for veterinary technicians next year—a major milestone for the profession.

30/04/2025

We’re proud to introduce a wonderful group of veterinarians who’ve recently joined our hospital teams. Their compassion, dedication, and expertise are already making an impact in the lives of pets and the people who love them.

Please help us give a warm welcome to these incredible doctors!

Alyssa Montes, DVM – Token Creek Veterinary Clinic

Blair Burggen, DVM – Puget Sound Veterinary Specialty & Emergency

Brian Staebler-Siewell, DVM – Pendleton Veterinary Clinic

Courtney Blohm, DVM – East Valley Animal Clinic

Cynthia Liu, DVM – Excelsior Animal Hospital

Elizabeth Black Lance, DVM – Airport Animal Hospital

Jessica McGuigan, DVM – South Metro Animal Emergency Care

Melody Cerra, DVM – Bellevue Veterinary Emergency & Specialty

Roxanne Mahan, DVM – Inver Grove Heights Animal Hospital

Stacy Kim, DVM – Bellevue Veterinary Emergency & Specialty

22/04/2025

Lakefield Goes Global - In April, our amazing team members from across our hospital traveled to Otavalo, Ecuador, for an unforgettable volunteer trip with World Vets, an organization we’re proud to partner with in its mission to improve animal welfare around the globe.

Our team helped provide more than 600 dogs and cats free veterinary care, including 322 spay/neuter surgeries, wellness exams, flea and tick prevention, and deworming.

Thank you to World Vets and their local affiliate, BAI - Fundación Bienestar Animal Imbabura, for welcoming us and creating an opportunity to make a real difference. We’re so grateful to be part of this global effort and can’t wait for the next one!

We’re beyond proud to support global animal welfare efforts and to work alongside such dedicated, compassionate partners. This trip is just one of the many ways Lakefield is committed to making a positive impact in the states and around the world.