Mitten Animal Clinic

11/04/2025

Building trust with our patients is one of the most important parts of veterinary care. A calm, positive experience helps reduce fear and makes each visit smoother — for pets and people alike. That’s why you’ll often see us offering gentle handling, soft voices, and plenty of treats. It’s not just kindness — it’s good medicine. 🐾💛

10/31/2025

Mavis would like to inform everyone that we will be closing at 3:30pm today to celebrate the holiday with our family and friends. Happy Halloween everyone!

09/09/2025

🚨 We’re seeing a rise in kennel cough cases in our area! 🚨

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads quickly anywhere dogs gather—like boarding facilities, dog parks, and groomers.

✅ Make sure your pet is up to date on their Bordetella vaccination to help protect them.
📞 If your dog develops a cough after being around other pets, please give us a call—we’re here to help!

🐾 Keeping your pets safe and healthy is always our priority.

09/05/2025

Our next Pet Food Bank day will be held on September 27th from 12:30 - 2:00 PM at the Grand Rapids Pit Bull Alliance Pet Support Center in Kentwood.

If you need pet food / supply assistance or need to talk with us about other resources for your pets please join us for our September Pet Food Bank.

Location: Grand Rapids Pit Bull Alliance Pet Support Center

📍1676 Viewpond Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508. Please park near Entrance A remain in your car and follow volunteers instructions.

Please bring a reusable grocery bag to put other pet supplies in.

Families may only attend one GRPBA pet food distribution per month.

• Distribution Information:
Families who attend will receive pet food while supplies last. For continued pet assistance and to attend the GRPBA Pet Food Bank monthly, an application will be provided to be completed and brought back the following month (October), which will also include providing proof of pets' spay and neuter and financial hardship (this can also be a discussion if this is a short-term need).

If pets are not currently spayed and neutered, not a problem - we can get them signed up for one of our upcoming BISSELL Pet Foundation Fix the Future Spay and Neuter clinic dates! 🐾

• Pet Assistance Eligibility:
Pet assistance is for families with companion pets. This is not for individuals fostering for other rescue organizations or individuals doing independent rescue, breeders, or for those who intend to breed or stud out their pets.
Our pet food bank is specifically intended for families with pets who are facing hardships.

• Distribution Protocol:
Please remain in your car and follow instructions from volunteers in the parking lot.

• Donations:
Pet supply donations can also be dropped off during this event, Adult Cat Kibble is our greatest need 🐈

07/01/2025

06/26/2025

Stop by with your pet for a quick visit—no appointments needed! They’ll be showered with treats, love, and plenty of pets.

Because the vet shouldn’t be scary—it should be a tail-wagging good time! 🦴💕

05/09/2025

We have some exciting changes happening at the clinic! Please help us welcome Rebecca as our new receptionist! (Don’t worry, Lilly isn’t leaving. She is moving to a veterinary assistant position!)

Rebecca has many years of experience in vet med, working multiple roles. After taking a couple of years with human patients, she is excited to once again be with dogs and cats everyday. When not providing extra cuddles to your pets, Rebecca can be found spending time with her own dog, a bernedoodle named Tula, whom she shares with her husband and two children. Being Tula’s favorite human takes up a lot of her time, but Rebecca also enjoys reading, movie nights with her family, and spending time with friends.

05/08/2025

Important Medication Refill Policy Update

To better serve all of our patients and manage the increasing number of same-day medication requests, we are updating our medication refill policy.
* Effective May 1, 2025, we will require 24 hour notice for all prescription and medication pick-ups.
* A $10 fee will apply to any same-day or last-minute refill requests.

This policy allows our team to prepare medications accurately and efficiently, ensuring your pet continues to receive the best care possible. To expedite this process, you can request your refills online by clicking the “Prescription Refill” button on our homepage at MittenAnimalClinic.com. 
We appreciate your understanding and support as we implement this change.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to speak with a member of our team.
Thank you for being a valued part of our veterinary family.

Sincerely, 
Mitten Animal Clinic

05/02/2025

We heart our patients! 🫀

Here is our long term patient Mr. Duncan getting a cardiac ultrasound.

Heart disease is more common in dogs than many pet owners realize. Whether inherited or developed over time, heart issues can impact your dog’s energy, breathing, and overall quality of life. The good news? With early detection and proper care, many cardiac conditions can be managed effectively.

When to See a Vet
Cardiac issues often develop silently, so early signs shouldn’t be ignored. Contact your vet if your dog shows:

❤️Persistent coughing

❤️Fatigue or low energy

❤️Difficulty breathing

❤️Fainting or collapsing

❤️A swollen belly

❤️Loss of appetite or weight

Routine checkups are key—especially for breeds prone to heart problems. When in doubt, a vet visit can make all the difference.

05/01/2025

Can we get a woo woo for Timber?

As our pets age, their needs change—and so should our approach to their healthcare. One of the most important tools we have to ensure their well-being is diagnostic testing. For senior pets, early detection can mean the difference between manageable care and a medical emergency.

Many age-related conditions—such as kidney disease, arthritis, diabetes, and even certain cancers—can develop silently, without obvious symptoms in the early stages. By the time outward signs appear, these illnesses may have already progressed, making treatment more difficult and costly.

Routine diagnostic tests like blood panels, urinalysis, and imaging (such as X-rays or ultrasounds) can uncover hidden problems before they become critical. These tests help veterinarians detect subtle changes in organ function, identify infections, and monitor chronic conditions more effectively.

Early intervention not only extends a pet’s life but improves the quality of that life. When we catch diseases early, we can tailor treatment plans, adjust diets, and manage pain—all of which contribute to a happier, healthier senior pet.

Don’t wait for symptoms to show. If your pet is over 7 years old, talk to your veterinarian about scheduling regular wellness exams and diagnostic testing. It’s one of the best ways to give back the love and loyalty they’ve given you all these years.