Baer Bechtel, DVM  |  Carmen Lastine, DVM  |  Paul Grych, DVM | Heidi Patterson, DVM | Carol McDaneld, DVM

456 Kokopelli Blvd., Unit E  |  Fruita, CO  |  970.858.4299

Summer, Summer, Summer!

It turns me upside down.

"Summer, summer, summer! It turns me upside down!", goes my favorite Car's single, and as the Grand Valley trades in its tan and grey hues for shades of green, I'd like talk about some unwanted creatures who can cause harm to Fido and Fluffy.

Clancy 2916Recent seasonal shifts have proven favorable to the proliferation of blood sucking fleas and ticks and we want to protect our pets from these parasites.  Flea and tick bites can cause illness along with making their victim's skin "crawl."    Many of you have already heard on our local news about "rabbit fever" and the warnings being issued by the health department.  Tularemia is the scientific name for "rabbit fever", but not only rabbits carry the disease. It is important to know of its zoonotic classification which means we can catch it from the animals we love!  Your dogs and cats are susceptible to Tularemia from infected wildlife through flea and tick bites or by gnawing on remains of an infected rabbit, mouse, squirrel, deer, and so on. In April our first reported Kittens rescued smTularemia case of 2016 was found in the Redlands, so be sure to ask our friendly staff, myself, or Dr. Bechtel about ways to combat fleas and ticks from infesting your pet! We strive to provide options that will best suit your pet's risks and lifestyle. 

Now to finish the tune swirling through my head, "summer, summer, summer, it's like a merry go round!"  Enjoy the magic!

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Contact us

Baer Bechtel, DVM
Carmen Lastine, DVM
Paul Grych, DVM

Heidi Patterson, DVM
Carol McDaneld, DVM

456 Kokopelli Blvd., Unit E
Fruita, CO 81521
(970) 858-4299
(970) 858-3357 Fax

Office Hours:

Mon: 8am-5:30p

Tue: 8am-5:30p

Wed: 8am-5:30p

Thur: 8am-6pm

Fri: 8am-5:30p

Closed Sat & Sun

Scratchpay Friendly Payment Plans

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In case of emergency contact the
Animal ER of the Western Slope
970-525-0911
1160 North Ave
Grand Junction, CO 81501
OR
Grand Valley Veterinary Emergency Center
970-255-1911
573 32 Rd Suite 11
Clifton, CO 81520
OR
Monument View Veterinary Hospital
970-644-5552
1673 HWY 50
Grand Junction, CO 81503