News

Benefits of fish oils in our pets

Recent studies published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) show that adding fish oils to our pet’s diet may have more health benefits than originally thought. It has long been known that fish oils can improve our pet’s skin, hair coat, and joint health. Now there is evidence that they may reduce inflammation and can improve many chronic conditions that affect the body, especially in our canine companions. It is now believed that fish oils are essential for the maintenance of many organ and tissue functions. In studies done, the following effects were seen:

• Kidneys:  reduced protein in the urine, reduced inflammation, decreased blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disorders:  benefits to dogs with heart failure and early chronic valvular diseases, reduced inflammation, reduced vulnerability to atrial fibrillation, improved appetite, reduced muscle wasting, reduced high blood pressure
• Osteoarthritis and joint health:  reduced inflammation, improved ability to walk and rise from a resting position, improved lameness and stiffness
• Skin disorders: decreased itchiness and self-trauma to skin, improved coat quality, improved hair loss, reduced inflammation
• Neurologic health and brain function: improvements in agility, recognition of family members, reduction of epileptic seizures, improvements in excessive licking and pacing
• Cancer: increased survival time, and longer disease-free intervals

There are also exciting new studies being done to show that fish oils may aid in the treatment of: aggression, diabetes, IBD, and many more diseases that affect our pets.

 

Ask your doctor how fish oils can help improve your pet’s health!

 

The last visit to the Dominican Republic, Dr. Franklin brought some ball caps along that had been given to him by two young boys right here is Hagerstown. The kids there were overjoyed to be given a hat!  He witnessed them play “ball” on the streets barefooted and with baseballs made of dirt-filled socks.  You can imagine how grateful they were to be given such a special treat- something that, to us is trivial.  This time around he has planned to take along more ball caps to distribute. 

 

 

We would like to THANK all who have contributed, especially COPYQUIK, who have donated a big box of red hats that read, “Jesus is the Rock!” in Spanish. (Thanks, Dr. Turfle!) We also want to thank Jeff Martin Specialty Advertising for their generous contribution!

visit our FB page for more cute pictures

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mid-Atlantic-Veterinary-Hospital/118557458253?ref=nf#!/pages/Mid-Atlantic-Veterinary-Hospital/118557458253?sk=wall

Harley gives Dr. Sollenberger an exuberant “two paws up” for her diligent management of his customized Chemotherapy Plan!

Read more about this important care  available @MAVH by reviewing our “Chemotherapy Overview for Petparents“.

By Emma Franklin, DFD*

I don’t know about your house but my petparents are always busy. In the hustle of our everyday lives it seems that “walking the dog” has often been relegated to the chores list right along with taking out the trash.

I am a recognized trash thief—being particularly proficient in making confetti out of almost anything. So while both are important tasks in their own ways I want to personally encourage you to consider “dog walking” in a different light, especially this time of year.

My family looks forward to the seasons changing and autumn offers exhilarating weather and unique reasons to set out on adventures!

Even though I’ve heard that catparents often take leash-in-hand and go for walkabouts with their favorite felines I’m really thinking more in terms of brisk, strong-stepping treks at this moment.

I’ve had the most fun on such treks when they weren’t planned—we just set off on them spontaneously to take advantage of a great day, afternoon or evening.

The chance to be “walked” is always exciting for me because I love to explore and I somehow feel better afterwards thanks to all of that walking and occasional trotting.

Likewise my two-legged companion slowly but surely mellows out with each step and that brings me to my point. Let’s look at this supposed chore from a different perspective.

I believe that we canines have a very important job to do when walking our petparents!

One way or another we must “force” them to slow down a little and catch up with the natural world around them. It’s inevitable that their thoughts will wander back to their current challenges and/or worries so if their pace slows down you should speed up just enough to change the subject.

Remember this time of year provides a perfect backdrop for what could seem to be an impossible mission—getting your beloved petparent to relax.

Paying particular attention to details can be most helpful. The following sights, sounds and smells are some I’ve experienced firstpaw and some that have been shared with me by friends of the canine persuasion. One or all should do the trick for your petmom or petdad!

A beautiful full moon that can be seen during the evening and into the night is still quite evident early the next morning before sunlight. No need for a cold, impersonal flashlight, just walk in the bright of the moon! It casts interesting shadows and allows even the little dogs to run with the big dogs.

Early morning is really a neat time to walk because homes and their families are just awakening to the new day. Some are already heading off to work, other dogs are out walking their petparents and even the hint of an aroma from a clothes dryer sheet wafts through the air.

Obviously more interesting things can be seen in the light of day. For instance—gaggles of geese gleaning fallen grains from a recently combined field. Squirrels scurrying about gathering food for the upcoming winter, rabbits beginning to look fuzzier (me too!). Leaves of varying shades lazily falling to the ground. Big colorful mums blooming in abundance. Walnuts, buckeyes, pine cones and the like dropping out of trees to hopefully continue their kind in spite of the above-mentioned squirrels.

Not only is the channel always changing as our walk continues but also we can experience nature’s surroundsound in the midst of the refreshingly crisp air. Once in a while we even catch that special smell of wood burning to take the chill off of some homes. Ahhhh, autumn.

Yes I’m a bit partial to fall but any season offers plenty of reasons to just get out and walk your petparent! Don’t consider it to be a chore fellow canines—consider it to be your honorable duty as human’s best friend!

After all those beloved two-leggeds work hard to keep us healthy and fed with a comfortable roof over our furry heads and the least we can do is walk them on a regular basis.

It’s that simple. Exercise is good whether you have two legs or four and walking your petparent has benefits galore!

(*DVD=Dr.Franklin’sDog)

Food, water, a cozy home, and lots of love is not enough.

Consistent, well-timed veterinary care is important, too.

The first series of vaccinations your new pet will receive stimulates his/her immune system and will eventually take over for any maternal antibodies….which will help your pet to fight-off serious contagious diseases—like PARVOVIRUS, Rabies, etc!

Since the Humane Society of Washington County, Maryland is currently (Oct. 2011) dealing with an outbreak of deadly Canine Parvovirus*, please make sure your pup has been vaccinated properly, and do not expose him/her to multi-dog settings (pet stores, dog parks, etc.) until s/he is fully vaccinated.

BTW-keep your older dog’s vaccinations updated as well—especially if s/he boards, goes to a groomer, dog park, doggie daycare, pet store, etc.

*FYI—Canine Parvovirus is a very contagious viral disease that attacks the intestinal tract. The primary signs are decreased appetite, severe vomiting, lethargy and profuse(!), bloody diarrhea. Affected dogs can become dehydrated and weak very quickly due to rapid fluid loss…

Canine Parvovirus can be fatal in as little as three days.

Love your Pet — Vet your Pet!

We are here to help: 301.797.1800

Thank you!