West Shore Vet Clinic

West Shore Vet Clinic Est.

Sept. 2018
Owned by Dr. Heidi Heckler, a 1996 graduate of Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Associate Veterinarian, Dr. Kellie Purucker, a 2021 graduate of Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine

While fireworks are exciting for many people, they can be frightening for pets.Pacing, panting, shaking, hiding, vocaliz...
06/17/2026

While fireworks are exciting for many people, they can be frightening for pets.

Pacing, panting, shaking, hiding, vocalizing, clinginess, and attempts to escape are all common signs of fear and anxiety.

Many pets don't simply "get used to" fireworks. Fear is a real response, and for some pets it can become more noticeable over time.

If your pet has struggled during past Fourth of July celebrations, you're not alone.

💙 Fear is real—and there are ways we can help.

06/14/2026

A common question we receive:

"Can you recommend a pet insurance company?"

The truth is, there isn't one perfect answer.

Every pet, every budget, and every family is different. What works well for one pet owner may not be the best fit for another.

Instead of recommending a single company, we often share a resource that allows pet owners to compare providers, read reviews, and explore different coverage
options in one place:

petinsurancereview.com

One thing we do recommend? Looking into pet insurance before an unexpected illness or injury occurs. Having a plan in place ahead of time can make difficult situations a little less stressful.

Do you currently have pet insurance for your pet?

06/13/2026

🐿️ Backyard Squirrel Patrol is officially on duty.

Amos and Bug spend plenty of time keeping an eye on the squirrels outside Dr. Heidi and Ray's window.

While Amos provides calm supervision, Bug takes her role as Chief Squirrel Security Officer very seriously. 😂

It's always the little ones you have to worry about. 🐾

Does your pet have a favorite backyard critter they love to watch?

06/10/2026

📞 One of the most common summer phone calls we receive:

"My dog is terrified of thunderstorms."
"My dog is terrified of fireworks."
"Is there anything that can help?"

Pacing, panting, shaking, hiding, vocalizing, and destructive behavior can all be signs that your pet is struggling with anxiety.

The best time to discuss anxiety management is before the next storm or fireworks event.

If your pet has difficulty during thunderstorms or loud noises, give us a call. We're happy to discuss options that may help keep everyone a little more comfortable this summer. 💙

Have thunderstorms or fireworks affected your pet? 🐾

06/08/2026

☀️ Sunshine, fresh air, and a comfy blanket.

Kyzer and Zeko found the perfect way to spend a warm weekend afternoon.

Makyla sent us this photo and said:

"They expect a blanket now." 😂

Honestly, we can't blame them.

How did your pets spending this beautiful weekend? 🐾💛

06/06/2026

🐾 Summer adventures are here.

Long walks.
Beach days.
Camping trips.
Backyard barbecues.

The best part? Sharing them with our pets. 💛

Ash recently shared this sweet sunset moment with River and Beau (both Australian Shepherds) enjoying the Lakeshore together.

As we head into summer, we'd love to see your favorite adventure buddy.

Share a photo of your pet enjoying the season in the comments. ☀️🐶

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is the start of summer weekends and gatherings — but it is also a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by so many families across generations.

As we spend time with loved ones today, we remember those who never made it home and hold gratitude for the freedoms their sacrifice helped protect.

From all of us at West Shore Veterinary Clinic, we are wishing you a peaceful and meaningful Memorial Day. 🇺🇸

05/17/2026

Yesterday, I found a tick on my own dog after a hike — even after brushing her with a slicker brush. Then she rolled over for a belly rub… and there was a tick. Yikes!

It was a startling reminder that tick season is very real right now in West Michigan. 🐾

Memorial Day weekend is almost here, which means many of us will be spending more time outside with our pets. Don’t forget flea & tick prevention before the holiday weekend begins.

This spring, we’ve already been seeing a lot of tick activity around West Michigan. Even pets who stay mostly close to home can still be exposed during warmer weather.

A few simple things can help:
• Stay current on flea & tick prevention
• Check pets thoroughly after outdoor adventures
• Keep enough prevention on hand before traveling

As always, if you have questions about which prevention is best for your pet’s lifestyle, we’re happy to help 💛

Are your pets big adventurers on holiday weekends — or more backyard loungers? 🐶👇

🐾 So… why does pet DNA testing actually matter?Rocky Mittens’ results were fun to learn —but DNA testing can also give h...
05/13/2026

🐾 So… why does pet DNA testing actually matter?

Rocky Mittens’ results were fun to learn —
but DNA testing can also give helpful insight into:

• Breed-related health risks
• Behavior and energy tendencies
• Size expectations
• Even medication sensitivities in some cases
• And sometimes, a deeper look into your pet’s background and story 💛

While no test tells the whole story, it can be a helpful piece of the puzzle when it comes to your pet’s care.

At the end of the day — every pet is unique 💛
But understanding their background can help us care for them even better.

👉 Have you ever considered DNA testing for your pet?

🐾 Ever wonder what makes your dog… your dog?Meet Rocky Mittens 💛His family recently did a DNA test — and the results wer...
05/11/2026

🐾 Ever wonder what makes your dog… your dog?

Meet Rocky Mittens 💛

His family recently did a DNA test — and the results were a little surprising.

Rocky is:
• 39% Pit Bull Terrier
• 23% Labrador Retriever
• 12.9% Siberian Husky
• Plus a mix of Bulldog, Beagle… and a little “Supermutt”

(Fun fact — “Supermutt” can include breeds like German Shepherd and Chow!)

Even more special — they learned a little piece of his story, including his birth mom’s name: Ellie 💛

Some of you were very close with your guesses 👀
Did anything surprise you?

Address

17681 174th Avenue
Spring Lake, MI
49456

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm

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