Desert Veterinary Clinic

Desert Veterinary Clinic Desert Veterinary Clinic has been proudly serving the Tri Cities community since 1976. Your pets are family to us! 🐾

As a locally owned and operated veterinary clinic, we provide compassionate, high-quality care for your pets with a personal touch. Desert Veterinary Clinic is recognized in the professional community as an innovative leader in veterinary medicine and surgery. We have been selected by the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine as a Guided Preceptorship Practice, which bestows s

tatus as an adjunct teaching facility. Veterinary students are assigned to our practice for part of their fourth year of study to gain experience in clinical veterinary medicine and business management. Veterinary technician students from Yakima Valley Community College may also spend a month with us during their final year of study to gain practical experience. We meet rigid standards in medicine, surgery, record keeping, and facilities and have received four-year accreditation from the American Animal Hospital Association for our efforts. This is the highest possible level awarded and is based on inspection and review of a clinic's medical and surgical equipment, practice methods and business management. We are also proud that we have been chosen to provide veterinary health care for the Hanford Patrol K-9 Division.

MONDAY MYTH BUSTER: Pets Stop Eating When Their Teeth Hurt? False! 🦷🐾Many pet owners believe that if their dog or cat ha...
09/08/2025

MONDAY MYTH BUSTER: Pets Stop Eating When Their Teeth Hurt? False! 🦷🐾

Many pet owners believe that if their dog or cat has dental disease, they’ll stop eating. But the truth is—most pets will continue to eat even with painful mouths, broken teeth, or severe gum infections.

Animals are masters at hiding discomfort. They may chew on one side, swallow food whole, or avoid certain toys, but often, they won’t show obvious signs of dental pain until things are advanced.

At Desert Veterinary Clinic, we frequently find significant dental disease in pets who seem fine at home—but are actually suffering silently.

✨ Regular dental exams are key to catching problems early.
✨ Professional cleanings can prevent long-term pain and organ damage.
✨ Your pet deserves to eat and live pain-free!

If you’ve noticed bad breath, drooling, pawing at the mouth, or even just subtle behavior changes, it might be time to schedule a dental checkup.

📞 Call us today to keep those tails wagging and whiskers happy—pain-free and smiling!

🌱 MONDAY MYTH BUSTER: Eating Grass Means Your Pet Is Sick ❌We hear it all the time:“My dog (or cat!) eats grass—are they...
09/01/2025

🌱 MONDAY MYTH BUSTER: Eating Grass Means Your Pet Is Sick ❌

We hear it all the time:
“My dog (or cat!) eats grass—are they sick?”

Here’s the truth ➡️ Eating grass is common and doesn’t always mean your pet is ill.

Some pets nibble grass because:
🟢 They like the taste or texture
🟢 They’re bored or curious
🟢 It’s part of their natural behavior
🟢 Occasionally to help themselves vomit (but not always!)

🚨 If your pet is eating grass excessively or vomiting frequently, it’s worth checking in with us to rule out GI upset, parasites, or other underlying issues.

But in most cases?
🌿 Grass munching = normal pet quirk.

🐾 Fun Fact Friday: Nose Prints Are One of a Kind! 🐾Just like humans have unique fingerprints, every dog has a unique nos...
08/29/2025

🐾 Fun Fact Friday: Nose Prints Are One of a Kind! 🐾
Just like humans have unique fingerprints, every dog has a unique nose print! 👃

🐕 The bumps and ridges on a dog’s nose form a pattern that’s completely individual — no two dogs have the same one.

📋 In fact, nose prints can be used for identification, just like fingerprints in people. Some organizations even keep them on record for lost pet recovery!

💡 Next time you’re snuggling your pup, take a close look — you’re looking at their paw-sonal signature. 🖋️🐶

📸 Drop your favorite nose boop photo of your dog in the comments!

🦴 MONDAY MYTH BUSTER: Bones Are a Good Natural Treat ❌We hear this one a lot:“Bones are natural—dogs love them and they’...
08/25/2025

🦴 MONDAY MYTH BUSTER: Bones Are a Good Natural Treat ❌

We hear this one a lot:
“Bones are natural—dogs love them and they’re good for their teeth!”

But here’s the truth ➡️ Bones can be dangerous.
Even though dogs may love chewing on them, bones—cooked or hard ones—can:

⚠️ Fracture teeth
⚠️ Cause choking
⚠️ Lead to intestinal blockages or perforations
⚠️ Get stuck in the mouth or throat

We’ve seen too many emergency visits that start with “they were just chewing on a bone.”

💡 Safer options? Vet-approved dental chews, toys designed for tough chewers, and regular dental cleanings. Visit the Veterinary Oral Health Council website (vohc.org) for a list of approved dental chews.

👉 When in doubt, ask us what’s safe for your pup to chew on—we’re happy to help!

🐾 Fun Fact Friday: Cat Whiskers Edition 🐾Did you know your cat’s whiskers are so much more than adorable face decoration...
08/22/2025

🐾 Fun Fact Friday: Cat Whiskers Edition 🐾
Did you know your cat’s whiskers are so much more than adorable face decorations? 😺

✨ Whiskers (or vibrissae) are super-sensitive hairs loaded with nerve endings that help cats:

Measure if they can fit through a space 🚪
Navigate in the dark 🌙
Detect the tiniest air movement 💨
Even express their mood (forward = curious, pulled back = stressed)

They also have whiskers above their eyes, on their chin, and even on the backs of their front legs! 🐾

💡 Pro tip: Never trim whiskers — cats rely on them to explore safely. They’ll naturally shed and regrow on their own.

📸 Share a photo of your cat’s majestic whiskers in the comments!

🐾 MONDAY MYTH BUSTER: Limping = Pain 🐾We often hear pet owners say, “They’re limping, but they’re not in pain.”Here’s th...
08/18/2025

🐾 MONDAY MYTH BUSTER: Limping = Pain 🐾

We often hear pet owners say, “They’re limping, but they’re not in pain.”
Here’s the truth: If your pet is limping, they ARE hurting. 💔

Dogs and cats are experts at hiding pain—it’s a natural instinct. Just because they’re still playing, eating, or not crying doesn’t mean they’re not uncomfortable. Limping is their way of telling us something’s wrong. 🐶🐱

Whether it’s a sprain, joint issue, or something more serious, we’re here to help figure out what’s going on and get your furry friend feeling better. 💙

From Vet Assistants to Future Veterinarians 🩺🐾At Desert Veterinary Clinic, we’ve always believed that strong foundations...
08/17/2025

From Vet Assistants to Future Veterinarians 🩺🐾

At Desert Veterinary Clinic, we’ve always believed that strong foundations build exceptional veterinarians—and we’re proud to be part of that journey for many people entering the field of veterinary medicine.

Meet Brandon and Avery, two bright stars who began their veterinary careers right here as veterinary assistants. Today, Brandon is entering his third year at St. George’s University, and Avery is just beginning her first year at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

We are so incredibly proud to have played a role in their journey and are hopeful to welcome them back one day—as doctors!

Since 1976, Desert Veterinary Clinic has been a part of the Tri-Cities community, and over the decades, we’ve had the honor of mentoring many future veterinarians through hands-on experience and a supportive team.

To all our past and present team members pursuing this noble profession—your dreams inspire us and we are so proud of you. 💙

🐾 August 15 is National Check the Chip Day! 🐾A microchip is a permanent form of identification that can help reunite you...
08/15/2025

🐾 August 15 is National Check the Chip Day! 🐾

A microchip is a permanent form of identification that can help reunite you with your pet if they ever become lost — but it’s only effective if your contact information is current.

✔ Already microchipped? Take a few minutes today to contact your microchip company and make sure your phone number and address are up to date.
✔ Not yet microchipped? Give us a call! It’s a quick, safe, and simple procedure that can provide a lifetime of peace of mind.

At Desert Veterinary Clinic, it’s our standard practice to scan every pet’s microchip at their appointment to make sure it’s still working properly. This quick check adds another layer of reassurance that your pet’s ID is ready if it’s ever needed.
Let’s work together to make sure every pet has the best chance of finding their way home. ❤️

📞 509-946-4138
📍 Desert Veterinary Clinic

⚠️Paw Alert: Hot Sidewalks Can Burn!⚠️Before you head out for a walk with your pup, try the 5-second rule:Place the back...
08/11/2025

⚠️Paw Alert: Hot Sidewalks Can Burn!⚠️

Before you head out for a walk with your pup, try the 5-second rule:
Place the back of your hand on the pavement.
If you can't hold it there for 5 seconds, it's too hot for your pet's paws! 🐾🔥

☀️ During the summer, the safest times for outdoor activity are early morning and late evening, when temps are cooler and pavement isn't scorching.

🐶 Brachycephalic breeds (like Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Frenchies) are especially prone to heat stroke and should be monitored closely in warm weather.

Stay safe, stay cool, and remember—your pet’s comfort comes first! 💛

🐾 Fun Fact Friday – International Cat Day Edition! Did you know your cat’s belly flap has a name? It’s called the primor...
08/08/2025

🐾 Fun Fact Friday – International Cat Day Edition!

Did you know your cat’s belly flap has a name? It’s called the primordial pouch – that adorable, squishy, low-hanging area along their belly. 😺

This pouch isn’t just for looks – it serves a few purposes:
✅ Protection: Offers extra padding over vital organs during cat-to-cat wrestling.
✅ Flexibility: Gives them more stretch when running, twisting, or leaping like the tiny predators they are.
✅ Storage (sort of): A leftover evolutionary trait from wild ancestors who sometimes had to feast on large meals, allowing more room for a full belly.

So, if your cat’s tummy “swings” a little when they walk – no worries! It’s not necessarily a sign of extra weight, just another purr-fectly normal feline feature.

Happy International Cat Day to all the majestic, mysterious, and marvelous cats out there! 🐱💛

📸 Share a photo of your cat’s belly in the comments – primordial pouch and all!

☀️ Summerl Time = Pool Time! 🐶💦Summer is here, and if your dog loves to swim, make sure your pool time is safe and fun f...
08/07/2025

☀️ Summerl Time = Pool Time! 🐶💦
Summer is here, and if your dog loves to swim, make sure your pool time is safe and fun for everyone!

Here are our top pool safety tips for dogs:

🏊‍♂️ Supervise at all times – Not all dogs are natural swimmers. Always keep a close eye.
🚪 Teach them how to exit – Help your pup learn where the steps or ramp are to safely get out of the pool.
💧 Rinse after swimming – Chlorine and pool chemicals can irritate skin and fur.
🐾 Dry and clean the ears – Moisture in the ear canal can lead to infections. Use a dog-safe ear cleaner after swim time to help keep ears healthy!
🐕 Use a dog life jacket – Especially important for small breeds, senior pets, or dogs with short legs.
🚫 No drinking the pool water – Chlorine and chemicals can cause tummy upset. Provide plenty of fresh water nearby.
☀️ Avoid peak heat hours – Morning or evening swims help prevent heat stroke and burned paw pads.

Swimming can be a fun and healthy activity for your dog—as long as it’s done safely!

💙 Have questions about ear care or summer safety? Give us a call — we’re here to help!

Address

42 Goethals Drive
Richland, WA
99352

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 6pm
Tuesday 7am - 6pm
Wednesday 7am - 6pm
Thursday 7am - 6pm
Friday 7am - 6pm

Telephone

+15099464138

Website

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