Desert Veterinary Clinic

Administering first aid to a pet can be a stressful situation, especially if you don't have the right supplies. Here are ten items to include in a pet first aid kit — it just may save your dog or cat's life.

Now while your dog may not catch on that her regular veterinary care is an act of appreciation rather than an act of torture, you’ll at least know you’re doing it because you love and cherish her.

Get on Her Level

If an eight-foot tall person towered over you, it might be kind of intimidating, right? Well, that’s kind of how your dog feels looking up at you. Next time you want to show her some appreciation, get down on her level. Squat down next to her so you can look her in the eyes while petting her.

Bring on the Treats

Invest in a big box of treats, that way, whenever your dog listens really well or does something else you appreciate, you can show her just how much you appreciate it with a treat. Of course you don’t want to overdo it with treats – they can be high in calories. Other low calorie items dogs tend to still view as “treats” include raw baby carrots and ice cubes.

Feed Her the Good Stuff

Prepare an extra special meal for your dog in order to show your appreciation. There are many different specialty sauces you can use on dog food to add flavoring, or you can prepare a home cooked meal. Table scraps aren’t recommended for dogs, but preparing her a nutritionally-sound meal of lean protein and vegetables will be a treat for her, and still healthy.

Bribe Her With Toys

This is an obvious one – gifts are always a great way to show appreciation. You can go big, like a comfy new dog bed (you know, so she’ll quit trying to steal your spot!), or you can get her weekly or daily reminders of your appreciation, like toys, ropes, or bones.

Bond Over Good Behavior

This may seem like an odd one, but there is nothing your dog loves more than to please you. Help her to learn how, so you can always show her how much you appreciate her good behavior, but engaging in some obedience training. This can be a special bonding activity, and every time she does something right, she gets a little appreciation thrown her way.

Schedule in Cuddle Time

You know the routine: you’re settling in to get your reality TV fix and your 80-pound pooch decides she’s a lap dog and climbs right up. Or you’re about to get into bed only to discover you have to remove a certain someone who has tried to steal your side of the bed … again. Instead of letting these minor inconveniences annoy you, schedule in some snuggle time with your canine pal. This way when she gets kicked out of the bed yet again, she’ll still know she’s appreciated … just not in the bed.

Make Doggy Day Trips to the Park

Sure romps in the backyard or walks around the block are fun, but nothing shows you appreciate your dog more than a day trip to the dog park. Not only will she get an exciting car ride, but it’s a day with you and new territory to explore and friends to be made.

Don’t Skimp on the Games

Playing with your dog is an easy way to create some bonding time. Tug-of-war, fetch, you name it, your dog will love it. Your dog knows you’d rather be watching television, sitting in front of your computer, or doing whatever it is you like to do in your downtime – so taking some time to do an activity she loves will really show your appreciation.

Always Greet Her with Energy

Does your dog always run to the door to greet you when you get home? Show her some love back! Make sure she gets lots of petting and ear scratches when you walk in so she knows you missed her too.

Show Your Dog Some Love!

Do you feel appreciated by your dog when she runs to greet you at the door, or wags her tail excitedly before you take her for a walk? It’s nice to feel appreciated, isn’t it? Well now it’s time to share some of that appreciation with your dog. Everyone (dogs included) could use a little appreciating from time to time, so here are ways that you can show your dog exactly what she means to you.

Insects

While fleas are the common culprit when it comes to allergies involving insects, some pets also develop allergic reactions to other insects, including mosquitoes, ants, and cockroaches. And just like people, it is the proteins contained in the saliva or venom of the biting insects that causes the allergic reaction. A reaction may display itself as inflamed skin, vomiting, and breathing difficulties.

Fleas

Flea bite hypersensitivity and flea allergic dermatitis is the most common skin disease in pets. Flea allergies usually develop when the dog or cat is young (less than one and up to five years of age), but it can begin at any age. Frequent and severe itching and scratching, hair loss, and scabs are telltale signs of flea allergies in pets.

Molds

Molds are somewhat regional, but if they are in your area, watch out! Some molds cause just mild allergic reactions in dogs and cats, while others like Stachybotros and Blastomyces dermatitidis can be deadly for your pet. Mold grows wherever and whenever there is moisture, so keep the humidity in your home low, fix any leaks, and pay attention if your pet frequents dark and/or damp areas — either indoors or outdoors.

Pollens

Dogs and cats can be allergic to all types of pollens — pollens from trees, weeds, plants, or grasses. You can limit your pets' exposure to the pollens in your area by keeping them indoors during peak seasons, especially when there are reports of a high pollen count, which tends to be during the fall and spring.

House Dust Mites

It should come as no surprise that the #1 cause of allergy and asthma in people affects our pets, too. Feeding off the shed skin of humans and dander of pets, dust mites are very small in size (250 to 300 microns in length). Despite their size, house dust mites can wreak havoc on your dog or cat's immune system, causing an allergic reaction that often displays as atopic dermatitis.

What are Dogs and Cats Allergic To?

No one enjoys allergies; least of all the person who is suffering from them. But did you know that your pets suffer from allergies too? In fact, according to Dr. Joel Griffies, a board certified veterinary dermatologist in Marietta, Georgia, dogs and cats are affected by many of the same allergens that affect people. Often dogs and cats with allergies succumb to the allergens found in their region, but there are some common ones that are found almost anywhere in the country. Here are five common allergens that may be affecting your dog or cat.

Juvenile Basic Group Obedience Class:

This series of weekly 1-hour classes is for dogs under one year of age. It is a great socialization opportunity for your young dog. Addresses basic obedience commands such as sit, down, come, and loose leash walking. All are taught utilizing positive clicker methods. Come learn along with your dog. All family members are encouraged to attend.

CANINE BEHAVIOR SERVICES

Did you know that there are a wide variety of services available through our clinic to help you with your dog training and behavior problems?

BEHAVIOR CONSULTATION
In Home: Our Behavior Counselor comes to your home to observe your dog in its daily environment, obtain a history, and perform an assessment. You receive a written report with recommendations to help you deal with your dog's behavior challenges (such as housetraining, chewing, barking, jumping on people, separation anxiety, aggression). Initial 1-hour visit, with follow-ups as needed.
In Clinic: You bring your dog to the clinic for an assessment by our Behavior Counselor and receive assistance and advice to help you deal with your dog's issues.

TRAINING CLASSES Puppy Parties:

A special offering to our clients with puppies from 8 to 16 weeks. This is the ideal time to socialize your new puppy in a safe environment while he is willing and eager to learn. Come and get information on dealing with puppy behaviors. Puppy Parties are a great experience for the entire family that will help you start out on the right track towards a mutually rewarding long-term relationship with your puppy.

ASPCA

Adult Basic Group Obedience Class:

It is never too late. This class is similar to Juvenile, but for dogs over one year of age. Start your dog with basic obedience or help him advance from his current stage to the next level. We deal with behavior issues as needed.

WATCH FOR 2 NEW CLASSES COMING SOON: AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN & THERAPY DOG CLASSES

American Animal Hospital Association

From our clinic's humble beginnings just down the street, to a new clinic at our present location, to our expanded state of the art clinic of today, we look forward to serving you.

Desert Veterinary Clinic invites you to apply for CareCredit, a payment plan that you can use for your pet's health care and product needs. Applying for CareCredit is quick and easy. The short application takes only a few minutes to complete and you will receive a decision quickly. CareCredit offers no-interest plans and extended payment plans.

With CareCredit you can:
o Get the care your pet needs immediately, including preventative, emergency, and surgical treatment
o Benefit from low monthly payments
o Finance up to 100% of the treatment cost
o Save your credit cards for household and unplanned expenses
o Choose between several payment plans
o Pay no money up front or annual fees

Care Credit

How To Train A Puppy - The Positive Non Violent Way

It's important with all dog training but especially with young puppies to use lots of encouragement, praise and rewards (positive reinforcement) in your training. Start your puppy training sessions as soon as your little puppy arrives at your home - it's never too early. Set your puppy up to succeed, concentrate on developing desirable habits in your puppy and preventing undesirable behavior. It's much a better alternative to put your puppy on the right path from the start, rather than trying to correct established problem behaviors later on.
Keep your training sessions short, consistent and always have fun. The key to shaping your puppy's behavior is to start out with very easy commands, continue to build on these successes and apply heaps of repetition. Base your puppy training sessions around trust and mutual respect rather than old school methods based on punishment, avoidance and harsh corrections. In this environment you will find that your puppy loves his training sessions and his confidence will grow with each and every session.

Always remember that you are dealing with a very immature young animal. Be realistic, flexible, patient and always fair during puppy training sessions. Your puppy doesn't just automatically know this stuff! It's all new to him and he is bound to have the odd slip up and mistake along the way. Don't worry about these mistakes, just move on and do your best to prevent them in the future.
Enjoy this fantastic time in your dog's life. His puppyhood is the time where you will lay the foundation for your puppy's life. It's also where you will develop, build and strengthen the special bond you will share with your dog for life.

After Hours Emergency Care

Desert Veterinary Clinic is able to serve you and your furry family members anytime day or night. We understand how stressful it is to see your beloved friend suffer so we have a doctor on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, weekends and holidays.
We have reserved urgent appointments in our daily appointment schedule. These appointments are limited to pets that have a urgent need to see a doctor as soon as possible. There is an additional fee for these appointments.

Our experienced veterinarians are available to evaluate and treat your pet for after hours emergency situations. A call to our clinic phone number will connect you with our 24 hour answering service. Our answering service will contact our doctor on call and the doctor will return your call as soon as possible. Our emergency staff also includes the service of our qualified technicians and veterinary assistants. Established clients appreciate that the emergency service and the general practice is united as Desert Veterinary Clinic. Should your pet require emergency care it is comforting to know that your pets medical history is available to our emergency veterinarian. We are able to provide a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan to our established patients along with the dedication that you will find among all of the veterinarians at Desert Veterinary Clinic.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide billing services but we do accept cash, credit cards or a personal check after proper identification is provided.

Humane Society of Yuma

Lobby/ Reception Area

Solveig - security/blood donation

Management

Dr. Kira MacKinnon

Dr. Kira MacKinnon was raised in Las Vegas, NV and received her Bachelors degree at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She attended veterinary school at Ross University in St Kitts, West Indies and graduated in 2006. She worked here at DVC for 2 years after graduating vet school. After leaving Yuma, she worked at an emergency clinic and doing relief work in Phoenix. She returned to Yuma and rejoined the DVC family April 2011. Her furry family consists of 4 dogs (3 boxers and a cocker spaniel) and 2 cats. Dr. MacKinnon enjoys spending her time working out and outdoor activities.

Dr. Cheryl Haugo

Dr. Cheryl Haugo Owner - Veterinarian Licensed in Washington and Arizona since 1986, Dr. Haugo founded Desert Vet Clinic in 1989. Dr. Haugo has special interests in exotics and birds while maintaining her love for cats and dogs - especially Great Danes. Dr. Haugo and husband Mark are owned by a Great Dane and clinic mascot, Solveig, 5 cats, 5 goats, 10 ducks, 2 geese and who knows what else will pop up at Haugo Farms!

After Hour Emergencies

Obedience Class

Adult Basic Group Obedience Class: It is never too late. This class is similar to Juvenile, but for dogs over one year of age. Start your dog with basic obedience or help him advance from his current stage to the next level. We deal with behavior issues as needed.

WATCH FOR 2 NEW CLASSES COMING SOON: AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN & THERAPY DOG CLASSES

We offer wellness care, full service medical and general surgical and dental care for your pets. We are Yuma's first and only AAHA accredited clinic. Our doctors are on call for emergencies 24 hours, 7 days a week. Please call and our answering service will take your information for the doctor to return your call. Our clinic is NOT open 24 hours. You must call and have a doctor plan to meet you at our hospital.

CANINE BEHAVIOR SERVICES MENU

Did you know that there are a wide variety of services available through our clinic to help you with your dog training and behavior problems?

BEHAVIOR CONSULTATION

In Home: Our Behavior Counselor comes to your home to observe your dog in its daily environment, obtain a history, and perform an assessment. You receive a written report with recommendations to help you deal with your dog's behavior challenges (such as housetraining, chewing, barking, jumping on people, separation anxiety, aggression). Initial 1-hour visit, with follow-ups as needed. In Clinic: You bring your dog to the clinic for an assessment by our Behavior Counselor and receive assistance and advice to help you deal with your dog's issues.

Small Dog Ward

Nutrition

Please call our clinic for a convenient appointment time. 8:00-8:00 Monday-Sunday (928) 783-5010 Fax : (928) 783-7971

Exam Room

Comfort Room

Surgical Room

Our History

Established in 1989, our clinic provides full service, high quality care to your pets while maintaining personalized attention and a home-like atmosphere. We offer wellness care, full service medical and general surgical and dental care for your pets. We are Yuma's first and only AAHA accredited clinic. Our doctors are on call for emergencies 24 hours, 7 days a week. Please call and our answering service will take your information for the doctor to return your call. Our clinic is NOT open 24 hours. You must call and have a doctor plan to meet you at our hospital.

Voted "Yuma's Best" three times

Dr. Shawna Sawtelle

Dr. Shawna Sawtelle was born and raised in Orange County, California. She received her Bachelor's degree in Animal Science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and then went on to veterinary school at St. George's University in Grenada, West Indies and received her D.V.M in 2009. After graduation, she headed east to Pennsylvania to work at a mixed animal practice for 2 years. Dr. Sawtelle decided to head back to the West to be closer to family and enjoy the milder weather. Her favorite activity is riding her horse Pearl and recently began competing in Barrel Racing with her. She shares her home with an Italian Greyhound, Mookie, 2 cats that she rescued while in Pennsylvania, and a ferret, the most recent addition.

Playtime!

Cats may display a mellow temperament — until you bring home a laser pointer or catnip toy, that is. Dr. Wasson also has some suggestions on that:

"Does your cat hide and pounce? Try placing a cardboard box or paper bag (no plastic bags) in the middle of the floor and throw a catnip mouse inside. Then, just sit back and watch the show. Is he/she under the coffee table? Try teasing with a peacock feather."

From our clinic's humble beginnings just down the street, to a new clinic at our present location, to our expanded state of the art clinic of today, we look forward to serving you.

Services

Wellness and ill pet exams for cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, rodents
Vaccines
Glaucoma screening
Full pharmacy
Written prescriptions are available
Routine general surgery
Some orthopedic and many non-routine soft tissue surgery
Full service dental capabilities
Extensive laboratory - In house as well as specialty testing sent out.
Isolation ward for contagious hospitalized animals
Digital radiographs
Wildlife care in conjunction with Fish and Game Behavior consultations - at clinic or in-home
Obedience classes
Puppy party for young dog socialization
Microchipping
Emergency services for clients -
Doctor on call 24 hours every day
Extended clinic hours - 8 to 8 every day of the week
We also offer referral services to specialists in San Diego, Phoenix and Tucson Health certificates are available
We see birds and other exotic pets
DNA testing
Nutrition counseling
Prescription diets
Blood pressure monitoring
Medical grooming under sedation
Multi Phase Therapy Laser

Dr. Shawna Sawtelle

Dr. Shawna Sawtelle was born and raised in Orange County, California. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and then went on to veterinary school at St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies and received her D.V.M in 2009. After graduation, she headed east to Pennsylvania to work at a mixed animal practice for 2 years. Dr. Sawtelle decided to head back to the West to be closer to family and enjoy the milder weather. Her favorite activity is riding her horse Pearl and recently began competing in Barrel Racing with her. She shares her home with an Italian Greyhound, Mookie, 2 cats that she rescued while in Pennsylvania, and a ferret, the most recent addition.

Dr. Kira MacKinnon

Dr. Kira MacKinnon was raised in Las Vegas, NV and received her Bachelors degree at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She attended veterinary school at Ross University in St Kitts, West Indies and graduated in 2006. She worked here at DVC for 2 years after graduating vet school. After leaving Yuma, she worked at an emergency clinic and doing relief work in Phoenix. She returned to Yuma and rejoined the DVC family April 2011. Her furry family consists of 4 dogs (3 boxers and a cocker spaniel) and 2 cats. Dr. MacKinnon enjoys spending her time working out and outdoor activities.

Dr. Alison Waples

Dr. Alison Waples was born and raised in Nebraska (Go Big Red!). She received her Bachelor of Science from Nebraska Wesleyan University and then attended Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. After receiving her DVM in 2009, Dr. Waples did a 1 year small animal/exotic pet internship in Tucson, where she was also allowed to work with the collection at Reid Park Zoo. She adores the four-legged family members, and has a passion for exotic pets and surgery. Dr. Waples enjoys outdoor activities with her handsome Great Pyrenees mix, Archimedes, whom she rescued while finishing her DVM.

Get To Know Your Cat

Agile and acrobatic, cats are naturally curious creatures. While it’s true that cats love to sleep, many people mistake their dozing for laziness. Cats are just more active at night.

"Cats are naturally playful and active (in between naps of course). You really need to watch your cat closely to get to know what he/she already enjoys doing," says Dr. Wasson.

Dr. Haugo

Licensed in Washington and Arizona since 1986, Dr. Haugo founded Desert Vet Clinic in 1989. Dr. Haugo has special interests in exotics and birds while maintaining her love for cats and dogs - especially Great Danes. Dr. Haugo and husband Mark are owned by a Great Dane and clinic mascot, Solveig, 5 cats,

After Hours Emergency Care

We have reserved urgent appointments in our daily appointment schedule. These appointments are limited to pets that have a urgent need to see a doctor as soon as possible. There is an additional fee for these appointments.

Our experienced veterinarians are available to evaluate and treat your pet for after hours emergency situations. A call to our clinic phone number will connect you with our 24 hour answering service. Our answering service will contact our doctor on call and the doctor will return your call as soon as possible. Our emergency staff also includes the service of our qualified technicians and veterinary assistants. Established clients appreciate that the emergency service and the general practice is united as Desert Veterinary Clinic. Should your pet require emergency care it is comforting to know that your pets medical history is available to our emergency veterinarian. We are able to provide a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan to our established patients along with the dedication that you will find among all of the veterinarians at Desert Veterinary Clinic.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide billing services but we do accept cash, credit cards or a personal check after proper identification is provided.

Animal Poison Control Center

We are your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call (888) 426-4435. A $65 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/?gclid=CLKh0b6mhpwCFR0SagodEw7g_Q

Care Credit

Desert Veterinary Clinic invites you to apply for CareCredit, a payment plan that you can use for your pet’s health care and product needs. Applying for CareCredit is quick and easy. The short application takes only a few minutes to complete and you will receive a decision quickly. CareCredit offers no-interest plans and extended payment plans.

With CareCredit you can:

o Get the care your pet needs immediately, including preventative, emergency, and surgical treatment

o Benefit from low monthly payments

o Finance up to 100% of the treatment cost

o Save your credit cards for household and unplanned expenses

o Choose between several payment plans

o Pay no money up front or annual fees

You may apply for CareCredit online at www.carecredit.comor via an automated phone application, 24 hours a day 7 days a week. at 800-839-9078.

Wonderful Doctor

"I absolutely love this clinic. I took my animals here for 3 years until I moved to San Diego and have not found any clinic close to there standards. The Doctors and staff truly care about you and your pets. I know they are a bit pricier than the other clinics in town, but you truly pay for what you get. There service is exemplary and they practice state of the art medicine in rural AZ. Dr. Haugo is a wonderful Doctor and a great human being and she TRULY cares for my animals and really seems to connect. I would recommend this clinic to ANYONE and can only hope that I find a clinic here in SD with half the honesty, education and caring staff as DVC. "

Services

appointment hours available

Canine and Feline medicine

Avian medicine

Reptile medicine

Small mammal and Exotic medicine

Wildlife medicine

Geriatric medicine

General surgeries

Orthopedic and soft tissue surgery

Dentistry

Ultrasonography

Digital radiology

Advanced in-house and reference laboratory diagnostics

Hospitalization and intensive care

Urgent care and Emergency service

Canine Behavior counseling and training

Puppy Kindergarten

Kind Staff

"Desert Vet is a great place to go if you care for your pet. They literally saved the life of our dog. They take the time to explain your options, and do not push a lot of unnecessary procedures. The staff are kind, and their love of animals truly shows."

Wont go anywhere else

"I was new in town and my 4 year old Chihuahua was going into labor. She was in labor for the longest time until she stopped pushing. I called around and NO ONE wanted to see us. Being new I hadn't made an appointment anywhere yet. Desert Vet's staff and Doctors took me in without hesitation. Although tests took forever. Ollie had two healthy babies after a c-section. Although costly the standard of care was amazing and I wouldn't go anywhere else but here. "