Blog

The Christmas season has a unique way of slowing us down and reminding us of what matters
most. It is a time marked by warmth, generosity, reflection, and gratitude—values that resonate
deeply with us at Palouse Animal Wellness and Surgery. As we move through this special
season, our hearts are full as we reflect on the incredible patients we care for and the families
who entrust us with their beloved pets.

When people imagine veterinary medicine, the first picture that often comes to mind is a veterinarian in a white coat examining a dog or cat. While veterinarians certainly play an essential role in animal care, the truth is this: no veterinary clinic can function—let alone thrive—without a dedicated team of professionals working behind the scenes every single day.

October is National Pet Wellness Month, a perfect time to pause and reflect on how we can keep our pets living their happiest, healthiest lives. As a veterinarian, I often remind pet owners that wellness isn’t just about treating illness — it’s about preventing it.

As a veterinarian, one of my greatest responsibilities is uncovering what our pets cannot tell us. When an animal isn’t feeling well, we often rely on a combination of a physical exam, laboratory tests, and advanced imaging to reach a diagnosis. One of the most valuable tools we use at Palouse Animal Wellness & Surgery is ultrasound.

As pets age, their nutritional needs change just like ours do. At Palouse Animal Wellness and Surgery, we often hear the same question from pet owners:
“What should I feed my senior dog or cat to help them stay healthy?”
It’s a great question—and the right diet can make a significant difference in your pet’s quality of life during their golden years.

As temperatures rise and outdoor adventures become more frequent, so does the risk of rattlesnake encounters—especially here in the Inland Northwest. At Palouse Animal Wellness and Surgery Center, we’ve already started seeing the first signs of rattlesnake activity, and that means it’s time to talk about a critical tool in keeping your dog safe: the rattlesnake vaccine.

As a veterinarian, one of the most important pieces of advice I give pet owners is simple but critical: Vaccinate your pets against rabies. While it might seem like a routine box to check at your pet’s annual wellness exam, the rabies vaccine is far more than just a formality — it’s a powerful shield that protects not just your furry family member, but you and your entire community.