East Valley Animal Clinic

06/20/2025

Happy first day of summer!! 🌞
Minnesota’s summers offer ample opportunities for outdoor activities with our canine companions but it is important that we are keeping them safe!

☀️ Heat-Related Risks
Heatstroke: Dogs are susceptible to overheating, especially during hot and humid days. Signs include excessive panting, lethargy, vomiting, and collapse. To prevent heatstroke, exercise dogs during cooler parts of the day, ensure they have access to shade, and provide plenty of fresh water. Never leave your dog unattended in a parked car.
Hot Surfaces: Pavements and sand can become extremely hot, leading to burns on your dog’s paw pads. Before walks, test surfaces with your hand; if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.

🌊 Water Safety
Swimming: Not all dogs are natural swimmers. Breeds with heavy chests or short snouts, like Bulldogs and Pugs, may struggle in water. Always supervise your dog around water and consider a canine life jacket for added safety.
Blue-Green Algae: Some Minnesota lakes can harbor harmful algae blooms, which are toxic to dogs. Prevent your pet from drinking or swimming in water with visible algae and stay updated on local advisories.
Drinking Lake Water: Lakes and rivers can contain bacteria and parasites harmful to dogs. Always bring fresh water for your pet and discourage them from drinking directly from natural water sources.

We hope everyone has a safe and fun summer! 🐶

06/17/2025

Worried About Overheating? Call Us If You See These Signs

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.

06/16/2025

How cute is Petunia?! 😻

06/12/2025

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

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.

06/11/2025

Happy 19th Birthday to our beloved clinic cat, Smokey! 🎂

He celebrated with a cake made of his favorite cat food and yogurt and now he's lounging on his brand new window perch. 😺💤

Here’s to nearly two decades of purrs, chin scratches, and keeping a close eye on all the clinic happenings. We love you, Smokey! 💙

06/10/2025

🐾 Need to protect your pup's paws? Start with the pavement test.

Press the back of your hand to the ground for 7 seconds. If it feels uncomfortable, skip the walk or change your route.

Tips to keep paws safe in the heat:
• Walk early in the morning or later in the evening
• Stick to shaded paths or grass
• Try protective booties
• Keep walks short on high-temp days

If you notice limping, paw licking, or discomfort, give us a call. We’re here to help.

06/09/2025

We had a wonderful time reminiscing and celebrating with old and new faces at our annual dog party/Pam's going away party. Best wishes on your next journey!❤️

06/06/2025

Happy birthday, Dr. Simon-Vasquez! 🎂

06/05/2025

Last day! Thank you Dr. Pam 💕

06/05/2025

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

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!

06/04/2025

This is Dozer! 🐶

This lovable guy was adopted last year from Mississippi, a region where heartworm disease is unfortunately very common. This year during his annual 4DX test, he showed a positive result for heartworm.

💡 Here’s why that happens:
Heartworm disease doesn’t show up right after a dog is infected. It can take 6–7 months after exposure before it will show on a test. That’s why even if a dog tests negative early on, they could still be carrying the disease and it won’t be detected until later.

🦟 This is a powerful reminder of why annual testing and consistent prevention are so important. Heartworm treatment includes a series of injections to kill the adult heartworms. It can be hard on dogs (and it’s not cheap) which is why preventing heartworm is always safer and easier than treating it.

Dozer is now on his final day of treatment with Dr. Dudley and has done such a great job throughout the process! ☺️

06/04/2025

🚨 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

06/03/2025

Keep Your Pet Safe This Summer: Plan Ahead Before You Drive

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.

06/02/2025

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.

06/02/2025

That’s a wrap on Dr. Pam’s last surgery day at EVAC! 🩺🦷

05/29/2025

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. 🎓

05/27/2025

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

05/15/2025

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!

05/13/2025

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...

05/06/2025

The amazing team at Indian Trail Animal Hospital!

05/05/2025

May the 4th be with you 🛸

05/01/2025

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.

04/30/2025

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

04/22/2025

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.