Vet Spotlight: Dr. Meg Puchlerz

In the uplands or in the veterinary clinic, Dr. Meg loves spending time with canine athletes

Dr. Meg Puchlerz: “I always wanted to make the lives of animals better while strengthening people’s fascination and love for them at the same time. That includes the animals I’m blessed to hunt.”

Welcome to Vet Spotlight, a profile series where we highlight members in the Hunt.Vet directory.

If you live and breathe hunting birds over pointing dogs out West, Dr. Meg of On Point Veterinary Services in Hamilton, Montana is a kindred spirit. Her dog-only practice in the heart of the Bitterroot Valley offers canine centric services with an emphasis on the strong human-animal bond hunters share with their four-legged companions.

Dr. Meg is certified in canine rehabilitation, and her clinic also offers a full suite of rehab services, including a treadmill. Everything about her practice focuses around the canine patient, from the large windows in the exam rooms and extended appointment time slots, to the “bribery buffet” of treats to win over apprehensive patients. We caught up with Meg mid-season in the Montana uplands with her setters:

HV: What inspired you to become a veterinarian?

MP: I have worked with animals at some level since I was in middle school. I always wanted to make the lives of animals better while strengthening people’s fascination and love for them at the same time. That includes the animals I’m blessed to hunt. 

HV: How did you get into working with sporting dogs specifically?

MP: My hunting dogs have always been my closest companions. As a veterinarian I wanted to empower pet owners to not only be able to cultivate a true athlete, but to also develop a deeper bond with their dogs by appreciating the value of preventative care.

HV: What kinds of sporting dog cases do you see most often in your practice?

MP: We’re in Montana so we have a lot of cheat grass and a lot of barbwire on the landscape, so unfortunately we treat a lot of kiddos for run ins with both of those.

HV: What’s one simple thing owners can do at home to keep their dogs healthier in the field

MP: Keeping dogs within their ideal weight range is probably the simplest thing owners can do to maintain their dogs’ health and extend their lifespan. 

HV: Do you have a go-to product or piece of gear you recommend to your sporting dog clients?

MP: VESTS!!! All sporting dogs should sport a vest. Dogs do not cool themselves the way we do so vests do not contribute to them overheating, which is a common misconception I hear. All of the vests out on the market are cheaper than an emergency visit.

HV: What’s the one sporting dog trait you admire most?

MP: I have to pick just one? I think the amazing thing about sporting dogs is that each and everyone of them has the potential for greatness if we just give them the opportunity.

HV: Why did you join Hunt.Vet?

MP: The one thing I can guarantee all hunting dog owners is that their dog will, at some point, have an injury in the field. We all hope those injuries will be minor, but having an educated person to talk you through a field incident is always helpful.