NOTE: The Web sites listed are intended as resources only. They are not a substitute for professional veterinary care. 

Products:
Veterinary Diets:

• We carry:
  • Hill's /Science Diet
  • Eukanuba
  • IVD/Royal Canin
• These diets are only available with a doctor's prescription.   
• Please call ahead for availability.
• We only carry prescription diets - not regular pet foods.

Heartworm Preventatives:
All dogs, without exception, should be on heartworm preventative from April through December.  Many people (including our staff), are giving their dogs heartworm preventative year round.  The advantages are: greater intestinal parasite protection, less likelihood of forgetting to start up, and cost is minimal and most companies provide a small rebate for buying a 12 month supply.  All dogs need a blood test EVERY year before starting preventative; even if they are on year-round prevention.  We carry several types of heartworm preventatives, feel free to call our office with any questions.

Flea Treatments:
Our philosophy on flea protection is whatever fits into your lifestyle is the right flea protection for you and your pet.  Some people like to try to prevent their pets from getting fleas, while others just treat the fleas as necessary.  We have both topical and oral flea preventatives and treatments.  It can be confusing, so call with any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• Click here

• Why on-line pet med products are not recommended (pdf) 

Articles:

• Village Animal Clinic Blog

Organizations and Agencies  

• Humane Society Huron Valley Animal Shelter
• Michigan State University - CVM

• Why does my female dog/cat need to spend the night after her spay surgery but my male dog/cat doesn't?

The two surgeries are very different. In a spay surgery, we need to go into the abdomen to remove the ovaries and the uterus, something that doesn't need to be done for males. Since we need to open the abdomen for surgery, we like the girls to stay very quiet after surgery, and we feel that the best thing right after surgery is to keep them here overnight so they can get the proper rest needed.

• Why do I have to test my dog for heartworm disease every year when he's on year round heartworm preventative?

For several reasons: First of all, it's just good, responsible medicine. We need to be sure that your dog is negative for the disease before continuing the medicine; anything else is malpractice. Sometimes dogs, unknown to the owner, spits out the medication, and isn't protected and can get heartworm disease. Lastly, we don't know when the microfilaria (baby heartworms), may become resistant to the preventative. By testing dogs every year, we can let the companies know if we see any changes in the number of dogs that have heartworm, but who were on heartworm preventative.

• Why does my inside cat need a rabies vaccination?

Rabies is a disease that is not only on the rise, but it is a disease that can be spread to humans. All mammals (animals with fur), can carry rabies and give it to other mammals, including humans. It is a fatal disease. Often, cats scratch people, and while rabies can NOT be passed to other animals in this way, unvaccinated cats can be a liability. If your cat scratches somebody and that person decides to sue you under your homeowners policy, and the cat is unvacinated, you may be in trouble. Rabies vaccines are an easy way to keep you, your pet and your home safe.

• How often should I get my pet's nails trimmed?

That varies from pet to pet. Usually every couple of months is a good idea. Dogs, who walk a lot on concrete, can probably go longer between nail trims than other dogs. Older cats need nail trims more often than younger cats, because older cats' nails sometimes get thicker and the cats don't use scratching post as much. With any pet, watch those dewclaws! If left untrimmed, they can become too long and grow into their pads.

• Do you see gerbils or horses or birds?

No, we don’t. We only see dogs and cats. But, If you need an equine (horse) vet, an avian (bird) vet or a vet that sees exotic pets (gerbils, rabbits, reptiles and the like), give the office a call and we can get you the phone numbers of some of these practitioners.