Olney-Sandy Spring Veterinary Hospital

08/28/2025

August 28: Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day

Today we pause to honor the beloved pets who’ve touched our lives and now wait for us at the Rainbow Bridge. Their paw prints are forever on our hearts. 🐾

If you’d like, share a photo or a favorite memory in the comments below and include your pet’s name. Our team will read every name aloud today in their memory. 💐

For anyone navigating pet loss, please know you’re not alone. If you need support or resources, give us a call—we’re here for you.

Olney-Sandy Spring Veterinary Hospital
Your other family doctor

08/26/2025

Today is National Dog Day! Show us your favorite photo of your current dog.

08/22/2025

August 22 is “National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day”. Is it a stressful day for you and your kitty? We can help!

Tips to Make Vet Visits Easier for Cats
• Get your cat used to the carrier: Leave it out at home with cozy bedding and a cover. Encourage your cat to explore using treats so it feels safe and familiar. Feeding meals inside the carrier can create a positive feeling
• Use calming aids: Spray the carrier with feline pheromone spray (like Feliway) 15 minutes before travel.
• Cover the carrier: A light towel or blanket can reduce visual stress during the trip.
• Keep car rides calm: Drive smoothly, keep the volume low, and avoid strong scents.
• Bring comfort items: A favorite blanket or toy can help your cat feel more secure.
• Schedule wisely: Choose quieter times of day if possible to minimize waiting room stress.
• Ask about out Fear Free options: Neutraceuticals and/or medications can be used to reduce fear, anxiety and stress.

08/18/2025

08/15/2025

Get this! We now offer a new way to protect your dog from fleas and ticks all year long* - BRAVECTO® QUANTUM. 12 months* of protection in just 1 dose.¹

08/04/2025

SUMMER FOREIGN BODY HAZARDS IN DOGS: The Hidden Danger of Corn Cobs

Summer is a season of outdoor gatherings, cookouts, and fun in the sun—but for dogs, it can also be a season of unexpected medical emergencies. One of the most common and dangerous problems veterinarians see during the warmer months is the ingestion of foreign bodies, especially corn cobs. In the past 10 days we have taken three patients to surgery for this issue!
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Corn Cobs: A Summertime Hazard

Corn on the cob is a staple of summer barbecues, but once the kernels are gone, the leftover cob becomes a serious danger—especially to curious dogs. Many pet owners don’t realize that corn cobs are one of the most frequently removed foreign objects from dogs’ intestines in emergency surgeries.

Why Are Corn Cobs So Dangerous?
• Indigestible: Corn cobs don’t break down in the digestive tract. If swallowed, they can remain intact and travel into the intestines, where they can cause a blockage.
• Just the right size: Their cylindrical shape makes them perfect for getting stuck in the stomach or small intestine, particularly in medium- to large-sized dogs.
• Delayed symptoms: A dog may seem fine initially, but symptoms can take 24 to 72 hours to appear—often when the obstruction has become severe.

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Symptoms of a Corn Cob Obstruction

If your dog has eaten a corn cob, you may notice:
• Vomiting (often repeatedly)
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal discomfort or bloating
• Straining to defecate or no bowel movements

These symptoms warrant immediate veterinary attention. Obstructions are painful, can restrict blood flow, and may require emergency surgery to resolve.

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Other Common Summer Foreign Bodies

Corn cobs aren’t the only threat. During summer festivities, dogs may also ingest:
• Skewers and kebab sticks – can puncture internal organs
• Peach and plum pits – potential for choking or intestinal blockage
• Bones (especially cooked) – splinter easily and can cause perforations
• Aluminum foil or food wrappers – may contain food residue and lead to obstruction
• String or twine from meat – can act as a “linear foreign body,” cutting through intestines

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Tips to Prevent Foreign Body Ingestion
• Dispose of food waste securely. Keep trash in covered, dog-proof bins.
• Don’t leave plates unattended. Dogs are opportunists!
• Ask guests not to feed your dog. Well-meaning visitors might hand over dangerous scraps.
• Supervise during cookouts. If your dog likes to scavenge, consider keeping them indoors or crated during meals.

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When in Doubt, Call Your Vet

If you suspect your dog may have eaten something they shouldn’t—especially a corn cob—don’t wait. Prompt treatment is essential to avoid complications like intestinal rupture or infection. Your veterinarian may recommend x-rays or an ultrasound to determine if an object is stuck.

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Final Thoughts

Summer should be a time of joy, not emergency vet visits. By staying vigilant and keeping items like corn cobs out of reach, you can help your dog stay safe while enjoying the season.

If you have questions or concerns, contact Olney-Sandy Spring Veterinary Hospital—your other family doctor.

07/27/2025

Check out our photo tips in the comments!

07/26/2025

07/22/2025

Why Choose an AAHA-Accredited Veterinary Practice for Your Pet’s Care?

As a pet owner, you want the very best for your furry family members—especially when it comes to their health. One way to ensure top-tier veterinary care is by choosing a practice like OSSVH that is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

What does AAHA accreditation mean, and why should it matter to you?

AAHA is the only organization that accredits veterinary hospitals in the United States and Canada. Unlike human hospitals, veterinary hospitals are not required to be accredited. AAHA accreditation is voluntary, meaning a veterinary practice chooses to meet the organization’s rigorous standards, which cover all aspects of patient care.

To achieve and maintain accreditation, practices undergo regular comprehensive evaluations on nearly 900 standards—from cleanliness and surgical protocols to anesthesia safety, dental procedures, pain management, and staff training.

Top Reasons to Choose an AAHA-Accredited Veterinary Practice

1. Higher Standards of Care

AAHA standards are continuously updated to reflect the latest in veterinary medicine. An AAHA-accredited hospital is held to a higher standard in everything from diagnostic testing and surgery to patient monitoring and pain management.

2. Commitment to Ongoing Improvement

Accredited practices are evaluated every 3 years and must continually adapt to new medical advancements. This shows a strong commitment to continuous improvement and excellence.

3. Safe and Sterile Environment

Accredited hospitals follow strict infection control and cleanliness protocols. This helps reduce your pet’s risk of complications during procedures or hospital stays.

4. Trained and Compassionate Staff

From veterinarians to technicians and client service teams, accredited practices ensure their staff is highly trained and compassionate, providing a fear-free and patient-centered experience.

5. Accurate Diagnoses and Effective Treatment

AAHA standards emphasize proper diagnostic tools, up-to-date technology, and thorough medical recordkeeping. This helps ensure your pet receives an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan.

6. An Emphasis on Pain Management and Comfort

Whether it’s during surgery, a dental procedure, or treatment for a chronic condition, AAHA practices follow strict pain management protocols. Your pet’s comfort is a priority.

7. Peace of Mind

Knowing your veterinary practice voluntarily meets high standards can give you peace of mind. It shows the practice values quality care as much as you do.

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Final Thoughts

Choosing an AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital means choosing excellence. It’s a sign that your veterinary team is not only qualified, but dedicated to providing the safest, most effective, and compassionate care possible. If your pet is part of the family—and we know they are—then they deserve nothing less.

To find an AAHA-accredited practice near you, visit www.aaha.org.

07/14/2025

Today is National Fire Prevention Day!

🔥 Fire Safety Tips for Dogs and Cats 🔥

🐾 Before a Fire
• Pet-Proof Your Home
Keep candles, electrical cords, and other fire hazards out of reach. Use stovetop k**b protectors to prevent cats from accidentally turning on the stove.
• Use Flameless Candles
Pets can knock over lit candles. Choose battery-operated options to avoid accidents.
• Don’t Leave Pets Unattended Around Open Flames
Supervise pets near fireplaces, stoves, or candles.
• Secure Crate or Carrier Access
Keep a crate or carrier near the door for quick evacuations.
• Affix a Pet Alert Sticker
Place a rescue alert sticker on windows to let firefighters know how many pets are inside.
• Microchip and ID Your Pets
Collars can slip off—microchipping helps reunite you with your pet if separated.

🔥 During a Fire
• Grab Leash or Carrier
If safe, secure pets quickly to prevent them from running and hiding.
• Know Their Hiding Spots
Scared pets often hide. Check under beds, inside closets, and in favorite corners.
• Don’t Delay Evacuation
If you can’t reach your pets safely, leave doors open and call them from outside.

🚒 After a Fire
• Get Veterinary Care
Smoke inhalation and burns can be subtle—always have pets checked by a vet.
• Watch for Behavioral Changes
Trauma can cause anxiety or aggression. Monitor pets closely and consult your vet or a behaviorist if needed.

07/12/2025

Koryak is a husky, Denali is an Alaskan Klee Kai.