Meridian Veterinary Services

10/30/2025

Halloween is a time for fun, costumes, and candy… for humans! But for our pets, the night can be full of surprises that are scary rather than sweet. From ringing doorbells and strangers in costumes to fireworks and loud noises, it’s easy for them to feel stressed or unsafe. To help your furry friends enjoy (or at least survive) the spooky season, here are some tips to keep them calm, safe, and happy this Halloween.

Limit escape opportunities: Keep pets safely in a quiet room away from the front door with food, water, and familiar comforts. If possible, have a family member sit with them. If your pet tends to dart out the door, keep them behind a sturdy baby gate or on a leash when answering trick-or-treaters. Remember — even a moment of distraction can lead to an escape! Provide their favorite bed and toys, play calming music or white noise, use a cozy, secure enclosed space.

Ease Anxiety Around Strangers: Some pets get anxious around costumes or unfamiliar faces. Consider keeping them in a safe space, with a trusted sitter, or even at a pet resort they enjoy for the night.

Reduce Noise Stress: Halloween can bring lots of sudden sounds — doorbells, knocks, fireworks, and laughter. Consider turning off your doorbell, sitting outside to hand out candy instead of opening and closing the door repeatedly, playing soothing background music indoors.

Candy is a big “no” for pets! Chocolate (especially baker’s chocolate), xylitol, raisins, and certain nuts can be toxic — even deadly — for dogs and cats. Pet-proof candy stashes: Store treats in sealed containers on high shelves.

Decorations: Avoid open flames, small parts, and dangling cords. Use LED candles in pumpkins — not real ones.

Costume Caution: Dressing up pets can be adorable — but only if they’re comfortable! Make sure your pet can move and breathe freely; avoid tight, restrictive, or glittery accessories. Try a festive bandana or collar instead if your pet isn’t a costume fan.

Exercise Before the Excitement: A tired pet is a calm pet! Take your dog for a long walk, play fetch, or use puzzle toys before trick-or-treaters arrive. This helps release energy and reduces anxiety later in the evening.

Even with precautions, accidents can happen. Ensure ID tags are secure and up-to-date, double-check microchip info is accurate.
These simple steps make it much easier to reunite if your pet slips out.

Thank you, Dr. Marlene Siegel, for providing these recommendations.

10/14/2025

Despite the disruption of the government shutdown, we are here to serve you. To support our community during this time, we are offering a 10% discount on all veterinary care for furloughed and laid off federal workers. Call to schedule an appointment 301-593-3749.

10/06/2025

This should be a wonderful event and helping pets in need. Do not forget to bring pet food to help stock their pantry.

🎃🍺 BOOs & Brews is almost here! 🎃🐾

Join us on Sunday, Oct. 19, from 4–7 PM at Elder Pine Brewing & Blending Co for the ultimate fall outing with your pup. 🍂✨

Here’s what’s brewing:
🍁 Spooky costumes (yes, dogs too!)
📸 Fall photo booth with pro photographer Michael Luton
🍺 Crisp craft beer + patio vibes in the pine forest
🎟️ One beer ticket + two door prize tickets with online registration

💙 Help animals in need! Please bring unopened, unexpired dog and cat food to stock our pantry.

✨ Special thanks to our sponsors for the compassionate care you provide to our pets and for your continued support of Montgomery County Humane Society. We couldn’t do it without you! Woofie’s of Gaithersburg, Veterinary Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Group, Veterinary Referral Associates, VCA North Rockville Animal Hospital, and Vlpbooths.

10/04/2025

So true!

09/20/2025

Only one week left until Bark Ball 2025! 🎉🐾

This isn’t just another night out. It’s THE night where animal lovers and their pups come together to celebrate, connect and make a difference. This year’s event also marks the Humane Rescue Alliance’s 155th anniversary, making it an even more special evening to reflect on all we’ve accomplished together.

🎟️ Every ticket sold helps power our lifesaving rescue work and gives you a chance to see the impact we’ve made over the past year.

🌱 Guests will enjoy gourmet vegan dining, signature cocktails, live entertainment, an incredible auction and the chance to meet fellow animal advocates… plus your dog bestie is invited to join the fun too! 🐶

We’re also offering special Young Professional pricing for guests 35 and under so you can experience the biggest night of the year for animals at a lower rate while supporting a cause you believe in.

📅 Saturday, September 27 at 5:30 pm
📍 Washington Hilton - 1919 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009

🎟️ Tickets are going fast. Grab yours today at www.BarkBall.org and be part of a night you won’t forget!!

09/17/2025

For a nervous dog like Nuraya to be this relaxed, it really says a lot about the environment Dr. Lipton creates and the approach she uses. Holistic care can be incredibly soothing when done right—clearly Nuraya felt safe and comfortable. Falling asleep is about the best review a dog can give!

09/11/2025

Phoebe is one of the only cats we know that seems to enjoy her ear cleanings!

09/09/2025

Leona after her holistic treatment that is helping with her comfort. We are preparing to begin her Phovia treatment to aid in the healing of a hotspot.

09/02/2025

One of our clients wrote this remarkable review, we were very touched with her honesty, descriptions and explanations about our services. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

We became patients of Meridian Veterinary Services in 2023 when we decided to add integrative/alternative care alongside traditional veterinary medicine for our senior boy. While he ultimately lost his cancer battle in Fall 2024, his quality of life and especially his end-of-life care were exceptional. We have zero regrets about the investment we made in his health and in the ongoing care of our other six dogs (seven total).

Dr. Lipton is in a league of her own. She is stoic and pragmatic, and she will tell you exactly what you need to hear—kindly, directly, and with your animal’s best interests at the center. She cares deeply about educating clients so they can make well-informed decisions. There is no upselling; recommendations come only after she lays out the logic, rationale, and expected outcomes.

Plan to spend real time with her—every single appointment. Our visits routinely run an hour, and several specialized-care appointments have spanned 90 minutes to 2+ hours. She takes a complete history, examines the whole dog, and asks detailed questions to be sure the diagnosis or treatment plan truly fits your pet. After seeing her, the quick “pat, stethoscope, vaccine” routine elsewhere is hard to accept; you’ll realize how much more a veterinary exam can be.

Her follow-through is just as impressive. The staff reliably follows up after every appointment, and Dr. Lipton herself follows up directly in addition to her team—whether the visit was routine, for an illness, or for specialized care. When circumstances warrant, she’ll call in the evening after the office has closed and take the time to talk through next steps without rushing, answering every question until you feel informed and supported.

On cost: she is not cheap—and that’s by design. The fees reflect the depth of expertise, the time invested, and the comprehensive nature of the care. Pricing is transparent, and her team will walk you through estimates before you schedule. Think of it as an investment in your pet’s health; and if the costs don’t match your current budget, they’ll offer alternatives or referrals.

If you ever disagree with a recommendation or have a concern, say so. Tell Dr. Lipton directly where you stand, including any cost constraints. In our experience, she listens, explains the “why,” and will work with you—outlining alternatives, prioritizing must-do vs. nice-to-have, phasing care over time, or offering referrals when that’s best. And a note to future reviewers: posting negativity instead of speaking up just diverts a veterinarian’s time from patients to public rebuttals. Tell Dr. Lipton your concern and you’ll get solutions; post it first and you’ll get a comment thread longer than a Great Dane’s leash. A one-star drive-by isn’t triage—it’s traffic. Choose the path that actually helps your pet.

To those who’ve called her “rude”: that has not been our experience. Direct, yes. Efficient, absolutely. But not rude. What some interpret as brusque is, in our view, a no-nonsense focus on facts, outcomes, and patient welfare. Her lengthy exams and thoughtful follow-ups speak for themselves.

Our family entrusts the care of our seven dogs to Meridian Veterinary Services because we consistently receive thoughtful, evidence-based guidance and gold-standard, individualized care. Dr. Lipton is the rare kind of doctor you come to trust—the kind of person you consider a friend, or at least hope you can stay in touch with even after she retires someday. If you value thoroughness, transparency, and a veterinarian who partners with you to do what’s best for your animal, you won’t find better than Dr. Lipton. Five stars without hesitation.

09/01/2025

We hope everyone has a safe Labor Day.

08/28/2025

This is such a sad story. If anyone knows anything, please contact the authorities.

08/01/2025

What a wonderful story...

On his 88th birthday, Morgan Freeman didn’t just blow out candles—he lit up hope for thousands of forgotten souls. The legendary actor donated a staggering $11 million to create a sanctuary for stray and abandoned dogs. In a world that too often turns a blind eye to their suffering, Freeman’s act is a powerful reminder that compassion still leads the way.
This safe haven won’t just be a shelter—it will be a place of healing, love, and second chances. From wagging tails to grateful eyes, the lives changed by his kindness will be countless.
At 88, Freeman continues to use his voice not just for storytelling, but for advocacy. And now, thanks to him, so many dogs who once had no one will finally have a forever place to call home.
Because true greatness isn’t just in talent—it’s in heart. 🐶💛