Mapleshade Animal Hospital

06/21/2024

Feel good but crazy story. Fishermen rescues 38 dogs a mile out from the shore, they started chasing a deer, then couldn’t figure out where the shore was, luckily these men saved them.

Three men turned a normal day of fishing into a rescue mission after discovering 38 dogs treading water nearly one mile from a bank off Grenada Lake in Mississippi.

06/15/2024

This is a good article. We see people walking their dogs in the hottest part of the day all the time. It’s not worth it. You can easily peel the callous off they have on their paws on hot pavement, especially if they sweat or are in the water and it sticks. Dogs and cats only sweat through their paws. It’s how you can see your cat leave foot prints on a counter due to their sweating. BTW….It is considered a medical emergency if your cat is ever panting over a few seconds, if they continue this, seek emergency medical care immediately. Cats will seek shade if they over heat, but their body temp is higher than ours which is why you will see cats lounging in the sun rays in a window or heating pads. They usually don’t run around in the heat so they usually fare better than dogs.

Cats typically have a base body temperature of 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Dogs may stay anywhere between 100 and 102.5. Therefore, for dogs and cats both, an air temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 Celsius) is considered too hot.

Dogs on the other hand will pant when relaxed, stressed or most obviously when hot. Side note, dogs tend to yawn when they are stressed or confused/unsure like when you ask them to do something and they don’t quite understand. It just shows to not always relate their behavior with ours, we yawn when we need extra oxygen or are sleepy, they do to but it is also a sign of confusion. Just like some little dogs will shake (like shivering), it doesn’t necessarily mean they are cold.

Dogs can really only cool themselves by panting. Animals deal with heat differently than humans do. The main reason for this is that they simply can’t regulate their body temperature in the same way as us. Instead of sweating through their skin to release it and letting it evaporate to cool their body as we do, cats and dogs only sweat through their paws and noses, making it that much harder to regulate their body temperature. To help the process, dogs pant, which enables water to evaporate from their body, while cats groom their fur, with the saliva evaporating from their fur to cool them down. And birds and rabbits don’t sweat at all! Using an outdoor fan will help in keeping them cooler since it will help the moisture evaporate and help cool them down. But honestly when the humidity is as high as the temp nothing will help keep them cool just keep them inside and only take them outside to do their business,

If the outside temp is high and the humidity is as well they cannot exchange the heat and cool themselves. When animals pant, moisture from their lungs and tongue evaporates and helps reduce their body heat. But high humidity conditions hamper that process and their ability to cool themselves, and their body temperature can skyrocket—rapidly—to dangerous, or even lethal, levels. This will cause the blood vessels within their body to start rupturing and cause irreversible damage to their organs, especially their brains.

Taking a dog's temperature will quickly tell you if there is a serious problem. Dogs' temperatures should not reach over 104 degrees. If your dog's temperature does, you need to immediately cool them down to prevent heat stroke. Pour cool water over them but not cold! Your body can have the opposite effect if it thinks it’s dropping the temp to quickly. You can get wet towels with cool water and place ice packs on the outside of the towels but not on the skin.

A wet dog is going to shed the heat off their body quicker then a dry one, don’t hesitate to hose them down before a walk and after, better yet walk in the early morning or late at night. Even then it can be dangerous, so help prevent over heating by wetting them down before hand and stay off the hot pavement. Hose them down again when you return it’s better to help keep them cool than to take a chance they over did it.
We always said if you can’t keep the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds it’s too hot. Others say the palm of your hand for 10 seconds. Either way get used to testing it out prior. Grass is the best place to stick to for walks.

Never leave them in a car without noting the outside temp and future temp as the day goes.
Not even for a minute! Not even with the car running and air conditioner on unless you are in the car. On a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. On an 85-degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. Your pet may suffer irreversible organ damage or die. We have seen it happen, it is heartbreaking and completely preventable. To help a pet left inside a hot car, call the police first. Every state or jurisdiction has different laws on breaking into the car.

Lastly if you have “flat faced” (bull dogs, pugs, Persians, Frenchies, English Bull dogs etc or technically brachiocephalic cat or dog where their noses are shorter or squished they will have much more difficulty cooling off due to shorter airways. Keep the blinds down during the hottest part of the day, only outside to go potty. Take extra care in watching for issues with the heat.

Huskies, malamutes, Keeshunds, Newfoundlands etc (the thick double coated dogs), be sure to brush out the undercoat to help keep them cool. They are not ones that should be running around, get them a baby pool full of ice to lay on for the bigger ones they would be much happier or better yet kept inside.

Just learn to watch for a few of the signs of over heating or heat stroke, do not hesitate to call us if concerned.
Excessive panting,
Gums or tongue that are super red or purple
Disoriented
Seizures
Falling over
Bleeding from their paws is a sign they tore off the callous of their paws, it’s painful underneath and won’t be able to prevent burns of their feet. If it’s small and doesn’t require a vet check you can wrap with gauze and a piece of duct tape to give them a surface to walk on. Not too tight, just as a tread. Leave the gauze on for 24 hours with a non stick pad with no duct tape on for 24 hours then take off. Only put back on for walking with the duct tape for walking. If not healing after a day a few days have it checked out at Mapleshade Animal Hospital 703-670-7668

Is it too hot to walk your dog? Stella & Chewy’s offers tips and tricks to keep your dog safe on hot summer walks.Learn how to tell when the temperature & pavement are too hot for dogs, tips for walking your dog safely in hot weather and alternative activities for hot days.

06/04/2024

Meet Freya, Cairo and Winnie absolutely adorable babies recently in for check up or vaccines. All sporting their Memorial Day bandanas they were given last week.

05/25/2024

🇺🇸🇺🇸This Memorial Day on Monday May 27, we at Mapleshade Animal Hospital wish to honor those that made this day possible.
🇺🇸Let Freedom Ring. God Bless America.🇺🇸
Their courage and sacrifice will always be remembered. May the spirit of Memorial Day remind us of the price of freedom and inspire us to live with gratitude and compassion. Grateful for the brave men, women and animals who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Monday, we remember and honor their selfless service. Here are a few tips to stay safe.

7 Tips for Celebrating Memorial Day with your Dog

It’s generally agreed that Memorial Day is the unofficial beginning of summer. And who better to celebrate the start of the season with than your dog? When bringing your four-legged best friend along for some Memorial Day festivities, be sure to avoid any possible dog emergencies with the following summertime safety tips.

1. Fire, Barbecues, and Grills

One of the most common activities on Memorial Day is barbecuing, and one of the biggest things you need to focus on is keeping your dog away from the barbecue or grill. If your dog has been well-trained, you can teach him to stay away from the grill by using the “No” or “Off” command when he goes near it. But even the best-behaved dog might be drawn in by the delicious smells of food cooking on the grill (who wouldn’t be?) without realizing the potential danger it poses. Another option is to keep cooking areas closed off by using pet gates or baby gates so that your dog doesn’t have any access at all. These safety measures are also recommended for bonfires, fire pits, etc. when your dog is in the vicinity.

#2 Food and Alcohol Safety

Memorial Day is a very casual, laid-back day. People tend to come and go from the table, leaving plates of food and/or alcoholic drinks unattended. To keep your dog from helping himself to unsafe foods or alcohol, always clean up quickly and put all the trash in a suitable container – a trash can with a lid is best because trash bags can easily spill, be knocked over, or get torn open. If you want to share a Memorial Day treat with your pet, make sure it is vet-approved for dogs (just ask us!).

Popular barbecue foods that your dog shouldn’t eat include avocados (guacamole), onions, any sort of alcohol, grapes, peaches, ice cream, chocolate, fat trimmings and bones, and raw meat or fish. (This is only a partial list; you should always check with your vet regarding dog nutrition.)

No matter how careful you are, your dog still might find and swallow something she shouldn't, so always keep the phone numbers of your local vet, (Mapleshade Animal Hospital- 703-670-7668- we will have a list of emergency Hospitals on our message) the closest emergency vet clinic, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center stored in your cell phone.

3. Water Safety

If you’re spending Memorial Day at the lake or beach, don’t just assume your dog will take to the water and be able to stay afloat. Not all dogs swim well or naturally, and they can drown just as fast as a person. Even dogs that swim well can tire very quickly, so when swimming with your dog, don't let them swim too far away from you. If you're out in a boat or raft, your dog should always wear a life preserver. And if your dog doesn't like the water, don't force him to go in!

4. Exposure to Sunscreen, Bug Spray, etc.

Of course, you will want to stay protected from the elements while enjoying your Memorial Day, but keep your dog at bay when applying sunscreen or bug spray. SPF protection for humans often contains chemicals that may be toxic to dogs, including the common ingredient zinc oxide. Many bug sprays contain DEET, which is also harmful to dogs. Look for dog-safe sunscreens and bug repellants (check with us for recommendations!), and make sure to thoroughly rub in any of your own sprays or creams before getting hands-on with your dog.

5. Heat Safety

It’s true that dogs’ fur coats provide built-in protection from the elements, but fur can’t block out the sun. Just 30 minutes of direct exposure can lead to sunburn or heatstroke for some dogs. Delicate, sparsely-coated parts of the body such as the nose, ears, belly, and any bare or shaved patches are more susceptible to sunburn, and white-coated dogs are more likely to burn than darker coated fur. Darker fur though will absorb the heat more.

There are several great dog-specific sunscreens available on the market, but you can also create an area where your dog can take solace from the sun. Set up a cool spot with a towel to lay on, some water to drink, and maybe even a new chew toy, and your dog should be more than happy to sit it out in the shade. Heat stroke is very common in dogs, so be sure to keep an eye out for early signs of overheating such as excessive panting, rapid breathing, and increased heart rate with bounding pulses. Don’t be afraid to hose them down. Especially when it’s hot, dogs can only sweat through the pads of their feet. They pant to exchange heat through the air by evaporating the moisture, but if the air is humid and hot they are unable to properly evaporate and cool themselves. They will need extra water due to all the panting. Dogs can over heat quickly so keep them cool and in the shade. Let them chew on ice cubes.

6. Fireworks

It’s natural for dogs to be afraid of loud noises, especially fireworks. Because running away from loud noises is their natural instinct, it’s important to keep your dog in a safe place if fireworks will be going off. Take them to a friend or relative’s house for the night, or if you can’t take your dog to a place away from fireworks, set up a travel kennel at home for them to feel safe.

7. Loss Prevention

If you’re hosting or attending a party where doors and gates will be opening frequently, consider leaving Rover home for the day. Take your dog for a special walk or hike earlier in the day when it’s not as hot, and then let them stay home in a cool, well-ventilated area while you are out celebrating. Then you know you'll come home to your best friend, rather than searching for a pooch who has escaped through an open door or gate. And no matter what, we recommend current ID tags and an updated microchip!

It’s summertime! Time to start enjoying the sunshine and spending as much time as possible outdoors. Keep your dog safe, and he or she will enjoy summer, too!

05/24/2024

Cats are usually more discerning, but puppies are usually not. Everything goes in the mouth. With cats though if you ever have Easter Lillie’s be sure to cut the pollen parts out, many times in fresh flower arrangements they already are, but in live plants they are not. Lillie’s are poisonous and even if your kitty may never chew on one the pollen is very sticky and can fall where they walk and stick to paws or fur. It also stains, suggest you clip the pollen stems off to prevent any accidents. If you have a pet that will chew on them no matter what you may want to gift them to someone who doesn’t have pets.

“Easter lilies are given as symbols of peace and renewal — their fragrant, pure-white blossoms beloved by everyone,” but in the garden they bloom during the summer. “But those plants — all parts of them — are toxic enough to cause severe gastric distress if nibbled on. In fact, a great many plants with markedly thickened root systems are poisonous to some degree. They include most bulbs, some tubers and a few corms and rhizomes.”

“Returning to lilies, all plants in the lily family are dangerously toxic to people and pets — though, interestingly, most plants that gardeners call ‘’lilies’’ belong to other plant families. Don’t relax, however, because the majority of those lilies-in-name-only are also poisonous. Take crinum lilies, for example. The most common ones in our landscapes are large, mildly fragrant, tropical species such as Queen Emma and Crinum asiaticum — aka poison bulb. Other equally toxic Crinums seen locally are milk-and-wine and the red-flowered Ellen Bosanquet.”

“Additional pseudo-lilies are peace and calla lilies, which typically cause only mild intestinal distress. Daylilies can kill cats but leave humans unaffected; many others don’t, however. Blood lily, Barbados lily and several rain lilies cause severe gastric symptoms in humans, while ingesting any part of the gloriosa lily can result in death. Spider lily and Amazon lily can cause renal failure in dogs and cats.”

“And while we don’t generally refer to garden amaryllis as ‘’lilies,’’ they are — if you were wondering — extremely toxic to people and pets. Symptoms include tremors, drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea — which is why squirrels and other critters leave amaryllis bulbs alone.”

“Some tuberous plants also pose dangers. While tubers such as potatoes and sweet potatoes are staple foods, other common tubers, like caladium and some of the species collectively called ‘’elephant ears,’’ including Colocasia plants, are poisonous. Unusually, the leaves and stems of certain kinds are considered more toxic than the root systems. Typically it’s the underground parts of most plants discussed today that hold the highest concentration of dangerous chemicals. But not all elephant ears grow from tubers: Some, such as Alocasia species like dasheen, are rhizomatous, and those starchy rhizomes are unsafe to eat unless they’re properly cooked.”

“Cormous plants, which grow from a subterranean bulb-like structure, are — except for gladiolus — rarely cultivated here, and even they are fading from the scene. Gladiolus corms, however, are extremely dangerous if chewed, causing bloody vomiting and diarrhea.”

If you have ever trimmed back your Elephant ears to store the bulbs for the winter you learn real quick why you must wear gloves to trim them. They have calcium oxalate crystal in their fluid filled stems. Learned this the hard way. After trimming them your hands will itch burn for approx 20 minutes. It does go away, but you will never make that mistake again. 🫣🤭

Here is a good list of some common plants to keep them safe and you worry free.

05/20/2024

Important notice in recalled food, especially as we travel more this time of year.

Affected bags of pet food are being recalled in four southern states.

05/11/2024

Couple of funny dog videos! One is a judgy dog, and other is possibly wrong dog given back!

TikTok viewers could not believe the transformation at the groomers, which left the dog unrecognizable.

05/03/2024

Meet Hannah, a 2 year old Pomeranian. She came in for a tech appointment for vaccines!! She is absolutely adorable!

05/01/2024

These two beauties one a fluff ball named Oshie, the other a whopping 220 lbs of Great Dane name Kolt. Both have great names that fit them perfectly. It’s that time of year when skin issues become noticeable, due to fungal infections, itchiness, or bald spots to name a few. One of these great boys was a recheck of the skin and the other was a well exam and skin check. We love them no matter how big, small, fluffy or not fluffy they are, we treat them like family because they are. Have to say Kolts ears looks like he is bringing a plane in, and Oshie looks like he is smiling….they both are really adorable. ❤️🐾🐾❤️

04/23/2024

Our pets are cherished family members, and their safety during emergencies is a top priority, whether it’s a natural disaster, power outage, or an unexpected event. An emergency kit ensures they’ll have what they need. Whether you’re building a kit from scratch or fine-tuning an existing one, let this handy checklist be your trusted guide. If you already have a kit, be sure to conduct regular inspections and swap out any expired items.

Here is a great list to print out and check periodically for what you should have on hand in the event of an emergency. Each section can be checked off as an as needed basis.

I would add a leash and Vaseline to the first aid kit. Vaseline as a lubricant for the thermometer or even covering minor scrapes. A muzzle is a great addition as a pet that is injured may lash out or an unknown pet.

04/16/2024

Reminder as the weather warms up it is more important then ever to be sure your pets are on heart worm medication. Here is some great information.

04/07/2024

Some pets may act a little strange but looking at the sun shouldn’t be a problem as they don’t usually do that anyways. ❤️

A Texas A&M vet says the sudden increase in darkness during what should be the middle of the day may be puzzling and disorienting for pets.

03/30/2024

Get your Easter Bonnets on and get ready for Easter! Wishing everyone a Blessed Happy Easter from Mapleshade Animal Hospital staff, doctors and Interns 🐈‍⬛🐈! 🐣🐰🐥🐣🙏🏻👒🩷🐾🐾

03/25/2024

🐾🐾❤️🐾🐾 Our tripods Interns (yes, we are proudly an equal opportunity kitty employer) are starting to greet some clients now!

Here are some random pictures….first is of them playing in the cat cabana play area, where all boarding cats get to come out and get some exercise during the day. Second is them examining the laundry room (hiding conveniently behind a treat jar)….thirdly, onto inspecting the cleanliness and view from a cage in the treatment area. Lastly meeting a clients furbaby….all in a days work for these two busy bees! ❤️

03/17/2024

🍀☘️Happy St. Patrick’s day, the boys (intern bosses) and all the staff at Mapleshade Animal Hospital wish everyone a wonderful day and may the luck of the Irish be with you. 🍀☘️💰🍀 Side note they have been doing well at their intern jobs, learning all the ins and outs of “ruling us”, comforting some patients, and most of all the clients when their fur babies are hospitalized or have procedures etc. Next time you see the boys tell them well done!

03/13/2024

🇺🇸🐾🐾Mapleshade Animal Hospital wishes everyone a Happy National K9 Veterans Day! Celebrating all the canines that have served faithfully for this beautiful country and their human counterparts. God bless America! 🇺🇸

They are more than just man’s best friend; they are loyal partners, fearless protectors, and unsung heroes. K9 Veterans Day pays tribute to the dedicated military and service dogs that have served alongside their human counterparts, safeguarding and serving with unwavering loyalty.

K9 Veterans Day 🐾🐾 is an annual recognition of the incredible contributions of military and service dogs. From the battlefields to search and rescue operations, to assisting law enforcement and being therapy companions, these dogs play an indispensable role. This day honors their sacrifices, dedication, and the invaluable services they play. It’s a day to reflect on their valor, remember those that have passed, and recognize the tireless efforts of active-duty service dogs.

03/08/2024

Ever wonder why we recommend bloodwork prior to surgery? Here is some good information to explain. We want to be sure their body will be able to handle the anesthesia, that the kidneys and liver are functioning normally, how well they will respond and what type of anesthesia we would then use etc.

The well-being of your pet is important when undergoing anesthesia for any procedure. Learn more about the benefits of pre-surgical testing for your dog or cat.

03/01/2024

Remember coyotes can harm your smaller animals especially, ie cats and or dogs. They do sell coyote vests online if particularly worried. Those vests are absolutely adorable and worth every penny, they can protect against birds and other canines as well. Temu also sells some I believe.
have spiked neck collars since most attacks happen at the neck and are Kevlar to protect against punctures from teeth or claws. We also have many foxes around as well. If you live in a neighborhood that has roaming dogs I would consider this as well, many people leave their dogs unattended who see other dogs as challenges or worse, prey.

Here is a great article with the different types of vests for all different reasons. They even name the more affordable brand. The original was a shark tank idea. The spike and plastic long bird spikes are all removable or add ons to each situation.

https://rockykanaka.com/5-best-protective-anti-coyote-vests-for-dogs-of-all-sizes/

02/14/2024

Happy Valentine’s Day from Mapleshade Animal hospital to yours! 🐾❤️🐾❤️🐾❤️and Ash Wednesday! Hope you didn’t give up chocolate! 🤣🧐😭

02/12/2024

Mittens is at it again!

Happy Valentine’s Day, I mean week!

02/03/2024

❤️🐾This is too cute! His gorgeous locks could make anyone jealous! Love her attitude make their shorter lives the best it can be! ❤️🐾

02/01/2024

Obesity is becoming an increasing problem in our pets, with some studies showing that up to 60% of pet dogs are overweight or obese. Obesity can negatively impact the health of our animals and can predispose them to a number of diseases, including arthritis, heart disease and some types of cancer. Helping your animal to lose weight can reduce these risks and help them lead a longer and healthier life.

Recognising that an animal is overweight is the first step along the path to helping them get to a healthy weight, however this doesn’t often happen until it is too late. Body condition scoring is something commonly practiced by vets when examining animals, and is where they are given a score based on how easily their ribs can be felt, the shape of their body and if any deposits of fat can be felt over their body. This is something that can be done at home and can be a good way of monitoring your animal’s weight, in addition to regularly weighing.
Although these resources are mainly aimed at dog owners many of the assessment criteria are applicable to other animals, including cats and rabbits. Just remember cats due to their unique metabolisms must not lose weight quickly it most be done very slowly or they can become quite ill. We would be happy to come up with a daily caloric requirement for your individual cat.

If you are concerned about your animal’s weight or would like more information about weight loss and how to best monitor your animal’s progress then don’t hesitate to bring them in just to be weighed, or make an appointment to discuss weight gain or loss strategies. We can also determine if there is a medical reason behind the weight issues, provide you with nutritional advice and daily caloric needs. Give us a call at Mapleshade Animal Hospital at 703-670-7668 with any questions.

01/24/2024

Watch the video as well, what a wonderful feel good story. Senior dogs still have a lot of love and joy to share. ❤️🐶🐾

The new owner was thankfully there at the right time to save him.

01/18/2024

🐾❤️Remind others to bring in their pets during these cold days and nights. ❤️🐾❤️🐾

01/15/2024

This is such a sweet story had to share. It’s about love, loneliness and finding goosebumps again!

When Blossom lost her mate Bud earlier this year, the staff at the Iowa cemetery pond where the two geese had been living took out a personal ad to find Blos...

01/06/2024

It can still happen to some of the most trained canines out there! Lol 😂 Have to watch to see what happened! Too funny!

When Officer Tim Davis took his K9 Partner Marek to Home Depot, he never expected it to turn into one of the most awkward and hilarious situations of a lifet...

01/04/2024

12/27/2023

Maybe if you have extra toys, or sweaters, food etc. Manassas City Animal Shelter is in need of some key items, great way to give back. 😊🎄🎄

Are you looking for a project to do with the kids during their holiday break?

12/24/2023

🎄🎄🎁Our two new intern supervisors just found out what a Christmas tree is and what it means. Wishing you all a very Blessed Merry Christmas and Happy new year from all of us at Mapleshade Animal Hospital! 🎄❤️🐾🎄🐾
PS. Hope Santa doesn’t scare them! 😊😬 Happy Hanukkah!- Hanukkah sameach🌠🕍