Select Area:
All Areas
Baltimore Metro
Frederick Area
Northern Virginia
Suburban Maryland
Washington, D.C.
Back Care For Your Dog
In: Dog Behavior, Dog Health, Home Page
Our dogs both active and sedentary are susceptible to back injury just as we are. It can occur at anytime and may seem to have come out of nowhere. The symptoms can be subtle like just not walking as long on walks or reluctant to go up stairs. Or it could be dramatic with full blown paralysis and inability to rise. Here are a few preventative tips to help your dog avoid back pain. 1. Use a harness instead of a ...
Planned Pet Parents
In: Dog Behavior, Dog Health, Home Page
The Olney-Sandy Spring Veterinary Hospital (OSSVH) has developed a progressive reproductive management program called “The Breeder’s Edge.” Breeding stock selection, by reputable breeders, is based on such factors as conformation, temperament, and lack of hereditary defects. The American Kennel Club allows registration of litters bred by artificial insemination using fresh, fresh-chilled, or frozen semen. This allows the breeding of dogs that are geographically separated, but without the cost and risk involved in shipping them. It also provides more information on ...
It’s Flu Season Again
In: Dog Health, Home Page
But For Our Dogs, It Is Always Flu Season Ever have a fever, runny nose, persistent cough, lose your appetite and feel achy; in other words the kind of sickness that you wouldn’t wish on a dog? Actually, your dog can feel that bad, but now, just as for humans, help can be just a vaccination away. Canine Influenza outbreak was first recognized in thousands of Greyhounds at 20 different race tracks in eight different states from 2003 to 2005. In ...
Finding Quality Pet Care at Affordable Prices…
In: Dog Health
With the current economic environment on the decline many pet owners are feeling the rconomic pinch when it comes to pet health care and medical expenses. Advances in veterinary medicine over the past thirty years have allowed veterinarians access to sophisticated diagnostic tools, and to perform sophisticated surgical procedures. “In today’s economic environment, it is important not only to recognize the medical needs of the pet, but also to recognize the financial feasibility of the pet owner,” says Dr. Goldstein ...
Wellness Exams and Preventive Treatments Good Medicine Or Marketing?
In: Daycare, Dog Health, Home Page
Twice yearly wellness exams can help your veterinarian detect problems in your pet earlier. Since your dog cannot tell you how they are feeling, you must rely on regular physical examinations by a veterinarian to assess your pet’s health. Exam protocols vary from veterinarian to veterinarian. You can typically expect your pet’s wellness exams to include a body temperature check, mouth, eye and ear check, listening to heart and lungs, gently feeling lymph glands, throat and abdominal organs for abnormalities, ...
Human Foods Safe for Dogs
In: Dog Health, Home Page
Sometimes it’s hard to resist your dog’s sweet stare as he begs you to share some of your meals. Here are some foods that are OK to share with your dogs. Check with your veterinarian first if your dog has any food allergies or specific dietary requirements before feeding anything out of ordinary for your dogs. Popcorn - an easy treat you can share with your dog in front of the television or out on the go. Popcorn that has been ...
What’s Causing My Dog’s Lameness??
In: Dog Health, Home Page
It’s all too common, a dog suddenly comes back from the park limping, or even holding up the hind leg after chasing a Frisbee, stepping into holes, or from strenuous exercise following a long winter of inactivity. More often than not you will end up seeing your veterinarian. Injuries to the CCL of the stifle (knee) are common in dogs. These injuries may be sudden or may develop slowly over months with gradual breakdown of the ligament or may be brought on by ...
REDUCE Youe Pets Chance Of Cancer By 50%
In: Dog & Cat Health, Dog Health
Cancer is a word you never want to hear in the same sentence with your pets name. Unfortunately, cancer rates are rising in both the human and animal populations. What causes cancer and what can you do to prevent it? I am seeing more cases in younger animals, and even more frightening, the same cancers in pets and humans of the sam family. (Especially thyroid cancer.) There is a strong genetic predisposition, but how much is uncertain. Probably around 50%. So, ...
Canine Incontinence
In: Dog Health
Involuntary passing of urine in dogs is called 'incontinence in dogs'. Urinary incontinence occurs when a housetrained dog loses control of his bladder. This problem causes your dog to have little accidents. The animal is not deliberately urinating but as a result of the condition, urine will dribble out without the pet being able to control it. It’s very important to realize that urinary incontinence is something completely different from the act of scenting or marking territory. When a dog ...
Cent Glands -Hey Doc! What
In: Dog Health
Have you ever noticed your dog scooting along the ground on her rear or your cat having a funny scent after being startled? If you have, you may have noticed a unique characteristic of certain animals called anal sacs or scent glands. These sacs are located just under the skin on either side of the anus at the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions. The sacs store a foul smelling, dark colored material similar to the material that is sprayed ...
Information about Canine Influenza and the vaccine
In: Dog Health
A great deal of information has circulated recently regarding Canine Infl uenza and its health risks. This is due to a recent outbreak in Fairfax County this summer, with positive cases identifi ed in Loudoun County. We would like to provide you with some background information so that you can make an informed decision as to whether or not to vaccinate your dog. Canine influenza is a relatively new virus that has emerged just in the past three or so years. ...
Physical Rehabilitation
In: Dog Health
As time goes by I have seen many changes in veterinary medicine and how we take care of our pets. My own experience with the relationship I have with my own four legged friends has not changed much over time but I have noticed that these days the love and appreciation in those relationships is more publicly accepted and the ways in which we can celebrate and show those relationships has blossomed! How we approach veterinary medicine is one of ...
My dog has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia… What do I do?
In: Dog Health
Well, first, don’t panic. Having hip dysplasia does not necessarily condemn your dog to a life of crippling debility. The fact is, most dogs with hip dysplasia are minimally affected and can lead active lives with little or no treatment. For those dogs with significant lameness, a good quality of life can often be achieved with medical or surgical therapy. Hip dysplasia is an inherited disease. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred because they will pass the genes onto ...
The Breeder’s Edge
In: Dog Health
The Olney-Sandy Spring Veterinary Hospital (OSSVH) has developed a progressive reproductive management program called “The Breeder’s Edge.” Breeding stock selection, by reputable breeders, is based on such factors as conformation, temperament, and lack of hereditary defects. The American Kennel Club allows registration of litters bred by artificial insemination using fresh, fresh-chilled, or frozen semen. This allows the breeding of dogs that are geographically separated, but without the cost and risk involved in shipping them. It also provides more information on ...
What’s going on with my Dog?
In: Dog Health
She has really slowed down, her coat has really thinned out, she has a pot belly, she looks boney and she drinks all the time. I am getting tired of cleaning up after those accidents! But she can’t be too sick, because she still loves to eat!” If this sounds like your house, your pet may have Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism), one of the more common maladies of older dogs. It is the result of improper function of the adrenal glands and/ ...
Knee Injury in Dogs – TTA Surgery:
In: Dog Health
Possibly the BEST Surgery for your dog The most common knee injury in the dog is rupture of the Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL), also frequently called the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). This injury can occur at any age and in any breed, but most frequently occurs in middle aged, overweight, medium to large breed dogs. Rupture of this ligament leads to instability of the knee which leads to the development of painful arthritis. An injured Cruciate Ligament can only be corrected by ...
Cushing’s disease
In: Dog Health
Cushing’s disease is an overproduction of steroids by the adrenal glands. The most common breeds to develop Cushing’s disease are poodles, dachshunds, beagles, boxers, and terrier breeds. Steriods are produced by the adrenal glands which are small glands that are located near the kidneys. The adrenal glands are told to produce steroids by a small gland at the base of the brain called the pituitary gland. The signaling hormone is called ACTH (See figure). The majority of dogs (80%) have ...
My dog constantly chews on his feet and hind legs. What can I do?
In: Dog Behavior, Dog Health
The problem may not be with his feet but with his nose! That is because the most common reason for dogs to chew their feet is due to allergy to things they inhale. The same pollens, dusts, and molds that give us “hay fever” symptoms will give dogs itchy skin – typically chewing or biting of the feet, rubbing of the face and ears, and scratching in the armpits. Ear infections are ...
Diet Allergies May Cause Skin Problems
In: Dog Health
It is estimated that of 100 dogs with skin problems, one dog has a true food allergy causing signs of skin disease, most commonly, pruritus (itching). Food trials with a hypoallergenic diet are currently the method or test for diagnosing food allergies by identifying which ingredient(s) is the cause. Many steps must be followed to ensure accurate results. Therefore, food trials should be done under your veterinarian’s guidance. Hypoallergenic simply means the ...
Canine Glaucoma
In: Dog Health
Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in middle-aged dogs and occurs in approximately 8% of dogs in the U.S. Normal healthy eyes contain and have a continuous flow of liquid substance called aqueous. In glaucoma, there is an obstruction to this flow and a consequent build-up of pressure inside the eye. Some cases of glaucoma are congenital while others develop secondary to infections, cataracts, tumors, etc. Certain breeds of dogs are more predisposed to this disease including the Cocker ...
Dental Hygiene – Bad breath is a big problem!
In: Dog Health
80% of dogs over 3 years of age have bad breath due to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the most common infectious disease in the world for dogs. We all understand the importance of good dental hygiene for ourselves. Let's consider our 'other' family member's dental health and well being. As a puppy, start good dental health with a quality diet and tooth friendly toys. Begin brushing and playing with the teeth at an early age to make the pet accustomed to ...
Weakness in Pets – Exercise Intolerance
In: Dog Health
Pets can experience changes in their strength and stamina from a number of causes. The generic term for it is “exercise intolerance”. Sometimes, animals are referred to specialists for declining ability to walk as far as they used to, for weakness on stairs or inability to jump into the auto, for changes in muscle mass, stiff muscles, for generalized weakness and lethargy, or specific weakness in one or more limbs. Some dogs and cats have nervous system disease, musculoskeletal disease, cardiovascular ...
Canine Osteoarthritis
In: Dog Health
Canine osteoarthritis is a common, potentially debilitating joint disease in dogs. Approximately 20% of all adult dogs in the United States have some degree of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is characterized by lameness, decreased exercise tolerance and joint pain. The degree of these clinical signs can vary from mild to severe, depending on the stage of the disease process. Unlike humans who can develop osteoarthritis with age, dogs almost always develop osteoarthritis secondary to a ...
Dogs Thrive on Raw Food Diets
In: Dog Health, Responisble Pet Ownership
BARF may not sound very appetizing to the human ear, but to dogs it sounds like heaven on earth. That’s because BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food, and it’s what canines have craved for millennia. Just what is considered biologically appropriate? Think about what dogs in the wild naturally lived on. Wild canines will eat any type of food available to them, but they prefer meat and are more nutritionally sound when provided a meaty diet. Unfortunately, most dog foods ...
Muscle and joint therapy for Pets – Has Lassie Lost his Step?
In: Dog Health
Dogs suffer the same muscle and joint problems as humans. If you love to be physically active on the weekends and then end up suffering for it on Monday, you will understand how your dog feels after he has “done too much”. His muscles are sore and uncomfortable. Muscle and joint therapy (MJT) help to get rid of soreness and strengthen muscle tolerance of activity. MJT also offers many other benefits. ...
The Truth about the New Dog Flu Virus
In: Dog Health
With all the media attention lately on how the bird flu is putting the human race in danger it is no wonder that the new canine flu would be subject to the same media frenzy. The truth is that the dog flu is a real danger for your dog to contact but it is not nearly as severe as the reports you may have heard. Influenza (flu) virus is commonly seen in people and animals. Until now it has been very ...
Arthritis – Facts on Torn Cranial Cruciate Ligaments
In: Dog Health
The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is a major component in the stability of the stifle (knee) joint and rear limb function, and helps to keep the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shin bone) from rubbing together at the joint and causing arthritis. The most common cause for a CCL rupture is an acute trauma or injury, such as landing wrong when playing Frisbee or getting a foot caught in a hole. Other causes would be degenerative changes caused by obesity, kneecaps ...
Swimming Is Good Exercise for Dogs and Horses
In: Dog Health, Holistic Medicine, Rehabilitation
Just as swimming is an excellent way to get fit for humans, it is also good for dogs and horses. Swimming provides an aerobic workout that strengthens the heart and lungs, cuts weight, tones and builds up muscles, and provides an enjoyable break from the normal exercise routine. For animals that have leg, foot, muscular or skeletal problems that make exercise painful, or are rehabilitating following surgery or injury, swimming provides a weight free form of exercise that promotes healing. All ...
Heartworm- Death by Lethal Injection
In: Dog Health
Mosquitoes are more than annoying to your dog -their bite can be deadly. This is because the potentially lethal, Heartworm Disease, is transmitted through mosquito bites. When a mosquito feeds on a heart- worm-infected dog, it takes in the immature form of the heartworm along with its blood meal. Then, it injects this immature form into the next dog it bites. Heartworms are spaghetti-like parasites that live inside the heart of an infected dog. The worms can cause damage to your ...
Grooming- Want Your Dog To Shed Less?
In: Dog Health, Grooming
Shed Less is a new treatment that reduces pet hair shedding problems in between regular groomings. This unique process is offered by a Pleasant Groom ‘N Inn. According to the Salon, Shed Less reduces unwanted shedding problems by 60% to 80% in only 1 to 2 treatments. The Salon claims that after initial treatment, your pet may noticeably shed for up to 24 hours due to hair follicle disturbance and/or stress shedding. However, your pet’s coat will settle down after ...
Blindness in Dogs – Glaucoma
In: Dog Health
Did you know that dogs get glaucoma? Not only do they get glaucoma, it is a leading cause of blindness in dogs. Glaucoma is a disease of the eye in which fluid builds up within the eye causing pressure inside the eye. The pressure damages the structures of the eye causing pain and ultimately blindness. There are two forms, primary and secondary. The primary type is hereditary, breed specific, and is not caused by other diseases. There are many breeds that ...
Pet Treats – Treat-ing Your Dog Right
In: Dog Health
Everyone enjoys a tasty morsel, so why shouldn't your best friend get a yummy treat too? It may even feel cruel to deny those adoring brown eyes begging you for just a bite of whatever you are snacking on. Good news! You can give your dog treats. A treat, by definition, is an especially unexpected source of joy, delight or amusement. Unexpected is the key word. If you are giving so many treats that they are no longer special, they ...
What is Aquatic Therapy? Exercise and Water
In: Dog Health, Rehabilitation
Aquatic exercise offers many benefi ts to our pets, whether they are service pets, sporting pets, competition pets, or good old couch potato pets. One type of pool that is used is the specially designed Endless Lap Pool. It offers the smoothing effects of warm water during exercise. This allows the pet’s muscles to relax and stretch. Some other added features are water jets that help stimulate circulation and increase relaxation. Your pet with arthritic joints will have the ability to walk, ...
Fitness Goes To The Dogs
In: Dog Health
Two years ago, Shadow, a six-year old Labrador Retriever mix owned by Maurice Chaput developed problems with her right knee. Shadow required surgery to repair her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Her veterinarian recommended aquatic therapy twice a week to strengthen her knees. The Chaputs searched for a pool where Shadow could swim. The closest pool was an equestrian facility 60 miles from their home. After one trip, they decided to look into the possibility of building an aquatic therapy center. Canine ...
Doggy Breath
In: Dog Health
Bad breath is a big problem! 80% of dogs over 3 years of age have bad breath due to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the most common infectious disease in the world for dogs. We all understand the importance of good dental hygiene for ourselves. Let's consider our 'other' family member's dental health and well being. As a puppy, start good dental health with a quality diet and tooth friendly toys. Begin brushing and playing with the teeth at an early age ...
