Mill Valley Veterinary Clinic

224 Mill Valley Road

Belchertown, Massachusetts 01007

Phone: 413-323-9201       Fax: 413:323-0290

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We provide care for both small and large animals.

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Welcome to our website!

Mill Valley Veterinary Clinic is a mixed veterinary practice located in the heart of western Massachusetts that has been providing comprehensive care to small and large animals since 1986.   Our mission is to provide quality, compassionate veterinary care using the latest medical principles and state-of-the-art technology.  We are committed to providing a progressive and pleasant environment for our clients, patients, and staff. 

Click here for directions to our clinic

Our hours are:  

M-W-F - 9 am to 5 pm

T-Th - 9 am to 6:30 pm

S - 8 am to noon
We accept MasterCard, Visa, personal checks, and cash.  Payment is expected at the time of services.

Small Animal Services

Our small animal practice is limited to treating dogs and cats.  We do not have the expertise to treat birds and reptiles.  We can refer you to a veterinarian who can treat a species that we do not handle routinely. 

Click here for more information about our services.

 

Click here to see the latest available pets or lost and found pets

Large Animal Services

Our large animal practice is limited to horses, cattle, sheep, and goats.  We do not have the expertise to treat swine, llamas, or alpacas or other exotics, but we can refer you to a veterinarian who can treat these animals.

Click here for more information about our services.

 

Adequate Shelter

If your pet is outside, make sure it has protection for the sun and heat.   Outdoor kennels should be well-ventilated and in a shaded area. There should always be some shade for the pet to get out of the sun.

Fresh Water At All Times!

 

 

Limit Exercise

Exercise is important, but overexertion during hot weather can cause heat stress, so avoid excessive exercise on hot days.  Dogs with flat faces, such as pugs and bull dogs, are especially susceptible to heat stroke.

Keep Your Pet Well Groomed

Long hair and hair mats may need to be clipped to help cool your pet.

Cars Can Be Death Traps

Inside temperatures can quickly climb to over 120 degrees on even a mild day.  Don't leave pets in parked cars for any period of time.  Every summer, animals left in parked cars suffer brain damage and die from heatstroke.  Dogs and cats can't perspire and can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. If you see an animal in a parked car during the summer, alert the management of the shopping mall or grocery store. If the owner does not return promptly, call local animal control or the police.

Using a Pet Sitter

Sometimes  it's necessary to leave your pet with a pet sitter--maybe you're taking a much-needed summer vacation.  Click here for helpful hints on finding the right sitter for your pet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Summer Hints

Pick-Up Trucks

It is very dangerous, and in some states illegal, to drive with a dog in the back of a pick-up truck. Not only can flying debris cause serious injury, but a dog may be unintentionally thrown into traffic if the driver suddenly hits the brakes.

Fertilizers and Gardens

Summer is often a time when people fertilize their lawns and work in their gardens. But beware: Plant food, fertilizer, and insecticides can be fatal if your pet ingests them. In addition, more than 700 plants can produce physiologically active or toxic substances in sufficient amounts to cause harmful effects in animals.

Summer Events 

Don't take your pets to crowded summer events such as concerts or fairs. The loud noises and crowds, combined with the heat, can be stressful and dangerous for pets.  Leave them home.  4th of July fireworks can be expecially stressful to your pet.

Signs of Heat Stroke

  • Rapid panting
  • Bright red tongue
  • Red or pale gums
  • Thick, sticky saliva
  • Depression
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Vomiting - sometimes with blood
  • Diarrhea
  • Shock
  • Coma

What To Do

Get the dog inside where it's cool.

Lower his temperature by wetting him thoroughly with cool--NOT COLD--water.  Cooling your pet too quickly is dangerous.  Use lukewarm water for very small dogs.  Take his temperature rectally every five minutes and stop cooling him once it reaches 103 degrees.

Get him to the doctor as soon as possible EVEN IF HE APPEARS TO BE RECOVERING.
Summer's here!

Be sure you’ve started your pet on a tick prevention program.  Click here for information on ticks and Lyme disease.

We now carry Vectra 3D for dogs.  Vectra repels and kills fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes for at least one month.  It will protect your dog against 4 types of ticks and 3 types of mosquitoes, and it kills 96% of fleas in 6 hours.  It's a good choice for your dog because it will stay effective even after bathing or swimming.  Do not use Vectra on cats!  Frontline is still available for both dogs and cats.    

If you haven't had your dog tested for heartworm and started on prevention, call today for an appointment.  Mosquitoes cause heartworm, and they are especially bad this year.  Our standard test is a simple blood test that now screens for heartworm and for three tick-borne diseases—lyme disease, Ehrlichia and Anaplasma.  The results are available in minutes. 

New Product for Overweight Dogs

We now carry Slentrol to help your dog lose weight.  Your dog will need to have a monthly weight check at the clinic when using Slentrol.  It can NOT be given to cats, and should NEVER be taken by people!  Obesity will shorten your pet's life.  Click here for information on the risks.

Click here for information on Slentrol.

 

 
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