Merrillville Animal Hospital - Dr. Alicia Gustafson DVM

We provide thorough Comprehensive Physical Exams to assess your pet’s overall health, including organ function, weight, and early disease detection. Our exams are tailored to each life stage—from puppies and kittens to senior pets—to ensure proactive care.

Our Puppy & Kitten Wellness Packages include vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, and spay/neuter consultations to set your new pet up for a healthy life. We also provide growth monitoring and behavioral guidance during these critical developmental stages.

We offer specialized Senior Pet Wellness Care with tailored exams, bloodwork, and early detection of age-related conditions like arthritis or organ disease. Senior pets receive personalized nutrition and pain management plans to enhance their golden years.

We administer Core Vaccinations (Rabies, Distemper, Parvo) to protect your pet from life-threatening diseases. These vaccines are essential for all pets and are part of our standard wellness protocols for puppies, kittens, and adults.

We provide annual Heartworm Testing & Prevention to safeguard your pet from this deadly parasite. Our prevention plans include monthly medications and education on reducing mosquito exposure, especially in Northwest Indiana’s climate.

Our clinic offers Flea & Tick Prevention programs with vet-recommended products to protect your pet year-round. We tailor solutions to your pet’s needs, including environmental treatments for severe infestations.

We perform Microchipping & Registration for permanent identification, increasing the chances of reuniting lost pets with their families. Our microchips are registered in national databases and can be implanted during wellness visits.

Our team provides Nutritional Counseling & Weight Management to address obesity or dietary deficiencies. We offer personalized meal plans, prescription diets, and supplements to optimize your pet’s health and longevity.

We perform Parasite Deworming (Intestinal) for puppies, kittens, and adult pets to eliminate worms like roundworms or hookworms. Deworming is often included in our wellness packages and is critical for preventing zoonotic diseases.

Our veterinarians and staff provide Behavioral Counseling for issues like anxiety, aggression, or house training. We offer practical advice, training resources, and referrals to certified behaviorists when needed.

We conduct In-House Bloodwork (CBC & Chemistry Panels) for comprehensive health assessments, including pre-surgical screenings, senior checkups, and disease monitoring. Results are available quickly to guide treatment decisions.

Our clinic offers Urinalysis to detect urinary tract infections, kidney disease, or diabetes in pets. This diagnostic tool is often included in wellness exams or recommended for pets showing symptoms like increased thirst or straining.

We provide Fecal Testing to screen for intestinal parasites, including giardia or coccidia. This test is essential for puppies, kittens, and pets with digestive issues, and we offer same-day or quick-turnaround results.

Our hospital is equipped with Digital X-Rays (Radiography) to diagnose fractures, arthritis, heart conditions, or foreign objects. Digital imaging allows for immediate results and clearer visualization for accurate treatment planning.

Our Dental X-Rays reveal hidden dental issues like root infections or fractured teeth that aren’t visible during a visual exam. These radiographs are performed during dental cleanings or if oral pain or bleeding is suspected.

We perform Tooth Extractions as part of our dental services for pets with severe decay, fractures, or periodontal disease. Extractions are done under anesthesia with pain management to ensure a smooth recovery.

Our clinic offers Oral Surgery for complex dental procedures, including tumor removals or jaw surgeries. These surgeries are performed with advanced equipment and post-operative care to support healing.

We treat Periodontal Disease through professional cleanings, scaling, and root planing to remove plaque below the gumline. Early intervention prevents tooth loss and systemic health issues like heart disease.

We provide At-Home Dental Care Education to help pet owners maintain oral health between professional cleanings. This includes guidance on brushing techniques, dental treats, and signs of dental disease to watch for.

We offer Spay & Neuter Surgery to prevent unwanted litters and reduce the risk of cancers, infections, and behavioral issues. Our surgeries are performed with pain management and a focus on quick recovery for your pet.

We handle Foreign Body Removal through surgery or endoscopy for objects ingested or lodged in the stomach or intestines. Early diagnosis via X-rays or ultrasound improves the chances of successful removal.

Our team repairs Wound & Laceration Repair with sutures, staples, or advanced wound management techniques. We monitor healing closely and provide pain relief to ensure comfort during recovery.

We perform Bladder Stone Removal via cystotomy surgery for pets suffering from urinary obstruction or recurrent infections. This procedure is often combined with dietary management to prevent recurrence.

Our clinic offers Cherry Eye Repair, a surgical procedure to correct prolapsed gland tissue in the eye. This common condition in dogs is treated to prevent infection and improve comfort.

We offer Emergency Stabilization for pets experiencing trauma, poisoning, or sudden illness. Our goal is to quickly assess and treat life-threatening conditions before hospitalization or referral to a specialist.

Our clinic provides Hospitalization & 24-Hour Monitoring for pets requiring intensive care, including post-surgical recovery, chronic illness management, or critical emergencies. We ensure round-the-clock supervision and comfort.

We provide Oxygen Therapy for pets with respiratory distress, post-anesthesia recovery, or chronic lung disease. Oxygen cages or nasal catheters are used to support breathing and improve oxygen saturation.

Our hospital administers IV Fluid Therapy for dehydration, kidney disease, or post-surgical recovery. Fluids are tailored to your pet’s needs and delivered under close veterinary supervision.

We offer Pain Management for pets recovering from surgery, suffering from arthritis, or experiencing chronic pain. Our protocols include medications, physical therapy, and personalized care plans to improve quality of life.

In cases of Poison & Toxin Treatment, we provide immediate care for ingestions of chocolate, lilies, rodenticides, or other hazards. Prompt action increases the chances of a full recovery, and we may induce vomiting or administer IV fluids as needed.

We offer Medical Grooming services, including Sanitary Shave, Nail Trimming & Dremeling, and Anal Gland Expression, for pets with medical or mobility needs. These services are scheduled based on staff availability and vaccine compliance.

We provide Anal Gland Expression for pets experiencing discomfort or scooting due to impacted anal glands. This service is performed by our trained staff and is often recommended during wellness exams or when symptoms arise.

We provide Quality of Life Assessment consultations for senior or chronically ill pets to evaluate pain levels, mobility, and overall well-being. This helps guide decisions about treatment options or end-of-life care.