Summit Veterinary Care

01/31/2025

At Summit, our strength lies in our people—each one contributing their unique skills, creativity, and passion to help us reach new heights. Over the next few weeks, we’re excited to introduce you to the incredible team behind our success. From innovative thinkers to problem solvers, these are the faces who make it all happen!

As a Northern Virginia native, Rosanna's journey into the world of veterinary medicine began in 2006. Over the years, her passion for animals has only deepened, leading her to become a licensed veterinary technician in 2011. Growing up, she always felt a special connection with pets and other animals, a bond that has guided her career path ever since.

Her approach to veterinary care is rooted in compassion and empathy. She believe in providing a low-stress environment for every pet she encounters, ensuring they feel comfortable and at ease during their visits. In pursuit of this goal, she achieved Elite Fear Free Certified Professional status in 2023, further solidifying her commitment to promoting the well-being of animals under my care. Behavior medicine and patient care hold a special place in her heart.

She is dedicated to understanding the unique needs of each animal and assisting the doctors in developing personalized care plans to address their specific requirements. Outside of her work at Summit, she cherishes her time at home with her beloved companions. Whether it’s spending quality time with her dog, S***k, or cuddling up with her cat Topaz, she finds joy in their company. In my free time, she indulges in her hobbies of reading and crocheting, often creating cozy pet beds that she happily donates to rescues in need.

Additionally, she is actively involved in volunteering at the Prince William Animal Shelter and Deepwood Animal Rescue Fund, where she fosters neonatal puppies and kittens, as well as medically complex cases. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to make a difference in the lives of these vulnerable animals and contribute to their journey to finding loving forever homes.

01/30/2025

Is Your Pet Overdue for a Wellness Visit? Here’s Why It Matters 🏥🐶

Regular wellness exams are key to catching health issues before they become serious. Here’s what to expect during your pet’s next check-up:

• A Nose-to-Tail Exam: We’ll check their ears, eyes, teeth, heart, and more to ensure they’re in tip-top shape.
• Vaccinations & Parasite Control: Staying up to date on vaccines and parasite preventatives keeps your pet protected year-round.
• Blood Work & Diagnostics: For senior pets or those with chronic conditions, regular blood tests help monitor their health.
• Lifestyle Recommendations: From diet advice to exercise tips, we’ll tailor our recommendations to fit your pet’s needs.

Don’t wait until there’s a problem—book your pet’s wellness exam today by calling 571-427-0052. Their health is worth it!

01/29/2025

At Summit, our strength lies in our people—each one contributing their unique skills, creativity, and passion to help us reach new heights. Over the next few weeks, we’re excited to introduce you to the incredible team behind our success. From innovative thinkers to problem solvers, these are the faces who make it all happen!

Growing up by the sea, Dr. Ryle fell in love with nature and the diverse wildlife in the area. This inspired her love of all creatures.Her desire for a life in veterinary medicine led her to Virginia Tech, where she immersed herself in the study of science and biology. Then working at the Naval hospital in Bethesda research toward the understanding of the immune system. The thrill of discovery fueled her passion along with the hope that her work would one day help improve the health and well-being of others.

In 2003, Dr. Ryle continued to follow her dream and attend the Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Combining her education and practical experience to hone her skills as a healer and learning the art of veterinary medicine. Her work in a mixed animal practice introduced her to a diverse cast of characters—furry, feathered, and scaly. From pocket pets (tiny critters with big personalities) to traditional dogs and cats, Dr. Ryle embraced them all. Each wagging tail and meow left a mark on her heart.

Her collaboration with local shelters speaks volumes about her compassion. There she advocated for homeless animals, ensuring they received the care and respect they deserved. Dr. Ryle’s interests spanned beyond routine check-ups. Ultrasound is a particular passion revealing hidden secrets within furry bellies. Preventative care is her mantra, and urgent cases keep her on her toes. When the stethoscope is set aside, Dr. Ryle picks up her crochet hook. Creating cozy blankets or quirky amigurumi animals. And her family—husband, children, Dobermans, cats, snake, bearded dragon, and the opinionated grumpy old parrot—form her sanctuary.

01/29/2025

🚨 Need vet care ASAP? We've got you covered! 🚨
We still have some same-day urgent care appointment slots available today! 🩺✨
Call us at 571-248-1175 to book your pet's appointment. Your pet's health is our priority! 💜🐾

01/28/2025

We are so excited to partner with Wonderdog Training to offer puppy classes at Summit! Stay tuned for more information!

Welcome to puppy parenthood! 🐾

Now that your new bundle of joy is home, you may feel a bit overwhelmed figuring out where to start with training. You are not alone! 🤯

Join a group of committed puppy parents at Summit Veterinary Care each week for an hour of all things puppy. During this six-week class, you’ll get information on common puppy predicaments such as potty training and puppy biting. Plus, your puppy will get the opportunity to learn foundation behaviors and participate in guided socialization activities led by a certified professional dog trainer.

👉 If you haven't already, head to our website and sign up to be the first to know when enrollment is open!

01/28/2025

Pet Dental Health: Why It’s More Than Just Fresh Breath 🦷🐾

Did you know dental disease can impact your pet’s heart, kidneys, and liver? That’s why keeping their teeth clean is about more than minty-fresh kisses! Here’s how to support their dental health:

• Brush Regularly: Even a few times a week makes a difference. Use a pet-safe toothpaste—never human toothpaste!
• Chew Wisely: Dental chews can help reduce plaque buildup, but avoid overly hard bones that can fracture teeth.
• Schedule a Cleaning: Just like us, pets need professional dental cleanings. We use safe anesthesia to ensure a thorough, pain-free clean.
• Watch for Red Flags: Bad breath, drooling, or pawing at the mouth can signal dental issues.

Let’s keep those pearly whites healthy! Call us at 571-427-0052 to schedule a dental checkup today.

01/28/2025

It's ! Check out this great review from Justin & his awesome pups, Pantera & Titan. Thank you for your kind words!

01/27/2025

At Summit, our strength lies in our people—each one contributing their unique skills, creativity, and passion to help us reach new heights. Over the next few weeks, we’re excited to introduce you to the incredible team behind our success. From innovative thinkers to problem solvers, these are the faces who make it all happen!

Dr. Kirk was raised in Northern Virginia and has practiced here since her graduation from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008!

Dr. Kirk enjoys preventative care visits, as well as more complex internal medicine cases. She has a special fondness for senior pets, and nothing makes her smile more than a gray-salted muzzle. She has achieved elite Fear Free® certification and advocates for every patient through gentle, low-stress handling and a focus on pain management. She aims to make the veterinary care experience pleasant for both her patients and their pet parents.

Dr. Kirk holds many core values that show up in her professional life, the deepest of which is compassion. She believes we are all here out of desire to alleviate the suffering of our pets and to guide their families in providing the best care possible. She aims to interact with her patients’ families with honesty, respect, and caring. She knows that veterinary care can be challenging to navigate and believes that each family has individual emotional and financial needs.

She sees it as her job to help educate her clients about different medical approaches in order to find the one that best suits the needs of their pet and family. She believes curiosity and a desire for life-long learning are needed to provide the most modern and highest standard of care possible for her patients—the same that she would practice on her own pets.

01/24/2025

At Summit, our strength lies in our people—each one contributing their unique skills, creativity, and passion to help us reach new heights. Over the next few weeks, we’re excited to introduce you to the incredible team behind our success. From innovative thinkers to problem solvers, these are the faces who make it all happen! Stay tuned to get a behind-the-scenes look at the heart of Summit.

Dr. Tosha Starke, a veterinarian hailing from the picturesque landscapes of southern Virginia, has always had a deep-rooted connection to animals and the land. Growing up on a farm, her childhood was intertwined with the care of animals, instilling in her a profound respect for nature and a keen understanding of the importance of preventative care.

After pursuing her veterinary education and training at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Starke returned to her roots, determined to make a difference in her community. Passionate about fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, she is committed to creating a space where her team members feel valued, respected, and empowered to provide the best care possible.

Community involvement is at the core of Dr. Starke’s values. She actively seeks opportunities to engage with local organizations, schools, and pet owners to educate and promote responsible pet ownership. Her dedication to preventative care medicine is evident in her proactive approach to animal health, always striving to prevent illness and promote well-being.

Driven by determination, a strong sense of community, and a deep-seated desire to improve the lives of animals and their owners, Dr. Starke embodies the essence of a compassionate and dedicated veterinarian.

01/21/2025

It's ! Check out this fabulous review from Alyssa and her sweet pup, Berra. Thank you for your kind words!

01/20/2025

French Bulldogs are adorable, but they do come with some unique health needs. Here are a few tips to keep your Frenchie happy and healthy:

1. Watch Their Weight: Frenchies are prone to obesity, which can exacerbate breathing issues. Keep treats to a minimum and opt for a balanced diet.
2. Regular Cleaning: Those cute wrinkles need regular cleaning to prevent infections. Gently wipe between the folds with a damp cloth.
3. Monitor Breathing: French Bulldogs often have brachycephalic airway syndrome, so be cautious of overheating and overexertion. If you have any concerns about your Frenchie’s health, give us a call to schedule a check-up. We’re here to help keep those snorts and wiggles going strong!

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01/20/2025

Today, let us embark on a journey of reflection and action, standing together against injustice. Dr. King's legacy calls us to break the silence with compassion, understanding, and unity. As we honor his memory, let's take a moment to reflect on how we can speak out against injustice and take action to make a change.

01/20/2025

We are open today for general practice and urgent care appointments! Give us a call at 571-248-1175 to schedule!

01/17/2025

We have appointments available today and tomorrow! Call us at 571-248-1175 to schedule.

01/16/2025

Thinking about a pet-friendly refresh for the new year? Keep these tips in mind:
• Secure Hazards: Medications, cleaning products, and cords should be out of reach.
• Non-Toxic Plants: Avoid lilies, poinsettias, and philodendrons.
• Pet-Safe Zones: Create a cozy spot where your pet can relax undisturbed.

Need more advice on pet-proofing? We’re here to help! Reach out at 571-427-0052.

01/08/2025

🥳 As we embrace 2025, it’s a great time to set health goals for your pet! Here are a few ideas to start the year off right:

• Annual Exams: Regular check-ups catch issues early.
• Weight Management: Healthy diets and exercise can extend your pet’s life.
• Dental Care: Prioritize oral health to prevent systemic diseases.

Ready to take charge of your pet’s wellness? Book an appointment with us today at 571-427-0052.

01/07/2025

Summit Veterinary Care is OPEN today, 1/7, from 9am-8pm. Give us a call at 571-248-1175 for any general practice or urgent care needs!

If you need to bring your pet in today - please stay safe on the roads! ☃

01/06/2025

How to Keep Your Pet Safe in Cold Weather ❄️

Winter in Bristow can be tough on our furry friends! Here are some cold-weather tips to keep your pets warm and safe:

• Paw Protection: Salt and ice can irritate paws. Rinse and dry them after walks, and consider pet-safe booties.
• Limit Outdoor Time: Short-coated pets can feel the chill quickly. Keep outdoor activities brief.
• Warm Sleeping Spots: Ensure your pet has a cozy place indoors, away from drafts.

Is your pet winter-ready? We’re here to help. Give us a call at 571-427-0052 to schedule a wellness check.