Blog

For new pet owners, boarding is when your pet is taken to a boarding facility to stay with other pets (of the same species). Depending on the location, boarding facilities offer several activities and amenities for your pets to exercise and socialize, and some facilities may even have their own food. But is boarding a right fit for your pet? Here’s some insight on per boarding so you can have a clearer picture.

Is Pet Boarding the Same as Pet Sitting?

While they both include someone other than yourself looking after your pet, boarding is different than pet sitting. Pet sitting services offer the option of having your pet cared for in your home or at the pet sitter’s location. In contrast, boarding is at a commercial location and includes other pets (of the same species) that will interact with your pet during their visit. Pet boarding services provide an excellent opportunity for social pets to see and play with same-species pets instead of being alone with a pet sitter. Here at Germantown Vet, we offer pet boarding for cats and dogs in the Montgomery County area.

What if My Pet Has Medical Needs?

If your pet has specific or special medical needs, pet boarding is a great option for when you need or want to take a short trip away from home. While many boarding facilities may have veterinary professionals on staff, few can compare with the pet resort at Germantown Vet. In addition to offering boarding services, we’re also a pet hospital with a complete list of vet services available to meet all your pet’s needs while you’re away, so you won’t ever have to worry about your fur baby. 

To learn more about the veterinary services we have to offer, call 240-252-7467 to speak with one of our representatives today! 

Will My Pet Get Enough Attention With Other Pets Around?

It’s understandable for pet owners of single pets to worry about whether or not their pet will get the same levels of love and attention they get at home. You can have peace of mind knowing that when your pet stays at our pet resort, they will receive:

• Tons of indoor and outdoor play
• Socialization time with other pets
• Special attention from our dedicated staff members
• A safe, clean, and comfortable environment

Are There Vaccinations My Pet Needs Before Boarding?

Because boarding facilities house multiple pets at any given time, it’s important for both your pet’s safety and the safety of the other pets that you get the vaccines required before bringing your pet to a boarding facility. Before dog boarding at our pet resort, your dog must be up to date on all required vaccines, which include: 

• Rabies
• DHLPP
• Lepto
• Bordetella
• Canine Influenza Bivalent Vaccine (H3N8 & H3N2)

Before cat boarding at our pet resort, your cat will need to be up to date on the following vaccines:

• Rabies
• FVRCP
• FELV/FIV

Most boarding facilities will also require your pet’s most up-to-date information on all flea and tick medications.

Get your pet vaccinated at our facility before scheduling your boarding visit! Contact us online or call 240-252-7467 to schedule an appointment! 

Is Food Provided at Boarding Facilities?

Though some boarding facilities, including our pet resort, can provide food, we highly recommend that you bring your own pet’s food as a change in diet might cause unnecessary added stress. Some pet foods are designed for specific species, and there’s a possibility that your pet may not like the food provided and may refuse to eat it. You’ll want to keep your pet’s diet consistent to ensure they get their much-needed nutrients while you’re away, so it’s best to bring your pet’s food from home.

Schedule Dog & Cat Boarding Services in Germantown Today

If you have a trip coming up, pet boarding is a great option for making sure your pet is well cared for, especially if you’ll be away for a week or more. When you leave your beloved pet in the care of our Germantown Vet’s Pet Resort, not only will you get covered for up to $300 in medical care for dogs 10 years or younger, we also provide complimentary baths, even if they aren’t staying for a week or more. We also offer specialized kitten boarding services for your smallest fur babies!

To learn more about our pet boarding services, give us a call at 240-252-7467 to schedule a boarding visit or contact us online.

The perfect mix between affectionate and independent, cats can make for excellent companions. Though many people often think that cats are not the friendliest of pets, they actually can be quite the opposite. When properly cared for, cats can be affectionate, playful, and loving towards their owners. So, if you’re looking to enjoy the company of a feline companion, or have already decided on adopting one, here are our top 10 tips to help you be the best cat owner you can be!

1. Help Your Cat Feel Safe and Secure

Cats aren’t a big fan of big changes, so it can be a bit of a jarring experience for them. It isn’t uncommon for them to suddenly hide once they’re let loose in your home, at least until they’ve become more acquainted with their new environment. Having comforts such as a nice fluffy bed and some catnip available for them can help your new cat feel snug and safe while they get used to their new home. Also, give your feline friend plenty of room to roam and space to retreat and hide when they need to. They’ll come to you when they’re ready. 

2. Take Routine Trips to the Vet (Make Sure They’re a Good One)

You’ll want to keep your cat to stay in tiptop shape. Finding a trusted veterinarian ensures that your cat will have experienced and knowledgeable care. Schedule routine trips to your cat’s vet to keep them up-to-date on their vaccinations and checkups. Regular vet visits can additionally help prevent future medical issues. You can also look into having your cat microchipped, so they can be easily found if they run away.

3. Find the Right Litter and Litter Box for Your Purring Companion

Arguably one of the best qualities about owning a cat is that they don’t need to be trained to use a litter box. Even as kittens, felines know to use litter boxes to do their business, making them a lower-maintenance pet. With that said, you’ll still want to be sure to get the right litter and litter box, not only for them but for your home. Some cats prefer clumping litter, while others prefer non-clumping litter. As for boxes, some may prefer open boxes while others are more comfortable with enclosed ones. Try out different combinations to see which is right for your furry feline. Additionally, a happy cat has a clean litter box, so be sure to clean it out daily.

4. Use High-Quality Cat Food

To lower the risk of health problems in your cat, it’s important to check the ingredients in the cat food you buy for them. Many big-name brands use a number of filler ingredients that can lead to a variety of health problems for your cat, including:

• Obesity
• Urinary stones
• Allergic reactions
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Feline diabetes
• Immune deficiencies
• Nutritional imbalances

Look for cat food approved by the American Feed Control Officials and talk with your veterinarian about which food is best for your cat to keep them nice and healthy.

5. Invest in a Scratching Post

Cats LOVE to scratch, but it’s not because they want to be destructive in any way. Scratching is an instinctual behavior for cats, which allows them to express emotions, mark their territory, and sharpen their claws. Because cats have no concept of right and wrong, they tend to use whatever objects best fit their scratching needs. Investing in a decent-sized scratching post can help save your furniture, walls, and other valuable items. If you noticed your cat already scratching non-preferred items, consider getting scratching posts that mimic the texture and position of the objects your cat usually opts for.

6. Make Time to Groom Your Cat Regularly

Unless you’ve decided on getting a hairless cat, cat hair will 100% become part of your everyday life. Shedding can vary from breed to breed, but the fact remains that all cats (except hairless cats) do shed. Grooming your furry friend regularly will help minimize the amount of cat hair left around your home. You can use different methods such as investing in grooming gloves, brushes, or appointments with a professional grooming service.

7. Stock Up on Lint Rollers

This ties into the fact that most cats shed. The bulk of their shedding usually happens twice a year – during spring and winter. To keep your home – and your clothes – from being as hairy as your fur baby, stock up on lint rollers and quickly pass over any surfaces where your cat likes to lay, roam, and play around.

8. Keep Your Cat’s Litter Box Clean

We talked about getting the right combination of litter and litter boxes for your cat, but it’s also essential to keep your cat’s litter box clean. When litter boxes become full, your cat may opt to do their business elsewhere – usually somewhere you DON’T want them doing it. So, not only does maintaining a clean litter box mean keeping your home free of dreadful odors, but it also ensures that your cat keeps doing their business in their litter box.

9. Play with Your Cat

Many people believe that all cats prefer to be alone and hate human interaction, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Cats can be wonderful playmates and enjoy having fun with their owners. Playing with your cat is a great way to give them exercise, relieve stress for both you and them, and help strengthen the bond between you and your feline companion. It also helps to have toys in your home, so your cat has something to do when you’re away.

10. Look Into Finding Cat Daycare or Boarding Near You

Having a safe place for your cat to go relieves you of any anxiety and stress when you plan to be away for longer periods of time. Whether it’s for business trips or vacations, it pays to have professional cat daycare or boarding services that you can depend on where they will care for your cat just as much as you do. 

Germantown Veterinary Clinic – Where Your Pets Receive Only the Best

There you have it, our top 10 best tips for being the best cat owner around! As for finding a great vet for your new cat, you found them! We’ve been taking care of pets since 1983 with state-of-the-art technology, complete with an in-house lab allowing us to provide the most comprehensive care around. Our services include:

• Lab work
• X-rays
• Prescriptions
• Surgical services
• Dental care
• Ultrasounds
• Acupuncture

There’s no better place to keep your pet happy and healthy than entrusting them to our highly trained and experienced staff. That’s why pet owners have trusted us with their pets’ care since 1983. Contact us today to schedule service!

You’ve been anticipating this moment for what feels like fur-ever. The day you can finally bring home a 4-legged best friend of your own. But with all the excitement from you and your new canine pal, it can be easy to overlook some of the things you and your dog need for a lasting, loving friendship.

1. Get established with a trusted vet – yes, even if your dog is already “fixed”

As you’re building trust with your dog, you’ll also want to develop a relationship with a vet that both you and your dog can trust. Some clinics, like Germantown Vet, offer services specifically for new pet owners to look for parasites, make sure all vaccines are current, and even help with plans for nutrition and behavior.

2. Learn about typical dog behaviors & want they mean

Do you have that friend who seems to be the “dog-whisperer”? They always seem to know exactly what any animal is thinking. You may not be Dr. Dolittle, but learning about common dog behaviors will help you understand what Rover is trying to tell you, and build a better friendship with your dog.

3. Take time to get to know each other

It’ll take some time for you and your dog to “sniff each other out,” so try to be patient if it takes longer than you expect for your pet to warm up to you – how would you feel if you suddenly found yourself living with new people in a new home where you haven’t smelled every corner yet?

4. Routine, routine, routine

Establish a routine for your furry pal as soon as possible. When are meals? When do you go for walks? How about those potty breaks? The fewer adjustments to your dog’s daily schedule, the better. And if you work long hours away from home, consider signing up for a trusted doggy daycare service early on.

5. Go easy on the dog toys… for now

While you’ll want to equip your home with basics like a bowl and a leash, you won’t know what really makes Fido’s tail wag until you get to know him better. Some dogs couldn’t be happier with more than just a big yard to get the zoomies out. Try introducing just one new toy at a time until you find his favorite way to play.

6. Feed them the right things

Before any dinner-table begging begins, learn everything you can about not only what your dog can eat, but what your dog should eat. Remember that some common human foods are fatal to dogs, and learn what to do if your dog eats something he shouldn’t.

7. Decide whether to microchip

Depending on how old your dog is, he may already be microchipped. Microchipping your dog keeps them safe, bringing you peace of mind. If you’re on the fence, talk to a trusted vet about the right choice for your dog.

8. Don’t believe everything you hear

You’ve probably heard more than a few myths about dogs, and you may even do some research (likely why you’re on this page right now!). But remember that the best way to learn about your new canine friend is to spend time together.

9. Find a trusted pet resort before going out of town

Life happens, from fun travel plans to emergencies. But before any of that comes up, make sure to find a caring and professional pet resort that you don’t have to think twice about booking.

10. Get ready for a rewarding world of fun

Sure, dog-ownership can be a lot of work, but so many people have dogs because the relationship built is so rewarding.

Find a lifetime of friendship with your new dog by scheduling a New Pet Owner visit at Germantown Vet – call our team at 240-252-7467 today!

When the cold temperatures set in, you winterize your home, salt your walkways, and get a flu shot… but what about your pets? Your furry friends also require some special provisions to keep them warm, healthy, and happy through snowy days and cold nights. Read on to discover ways to protect your pets and ensure that the purrs and tail wags last all winter long.

Keep Your Pets Warm

Since they can’t start a fire or put on a sweater, your pets rely on you for comfort. Inside pets and outside pets have very different needs in the winter:

Inside pets: If your cat or dog lives in the house with you 100% of the time, you don’t have to worry much about frostbite and hypothermia. But if your home feels a little too chilly to you during the winter, your pets are probably thinking the same thing. If you want your pal to be cozy, make sure to provide extra blankets. If they frequently sleep or lounge on non-carpeted floors, consider purchasing a bed just for them so they don’t have to lie directly on the floor.

For dogs in particular, think about when you’re walking them. If your routine now has them walking in the dark when temperatures are significantly lower, consider changing it to walk them during daylight hours as much as possible.

Outside pets: Pets that live outside are at risk of frostbite and hypothermia during very low temperatures. The general rule is: If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them. Your pet’s fur keeps him warm, but lying on the cold ground with no shelter will leach the heat out of their body no matter how much fur they have.

Get ready for winter by making sure your outdoor pet has a shelter that is tight, free of drafts, and doesn’t let rain in. Get them off the cold ground with thick wool blankets. You can put the bedding on top of a pallet to lift them even higher off the ground. It’s best to make provisions for keeping your pet inside when temperatures drop significantly. Huskies and other cold-weather breeds might be okay sleeping in a waterproof kennel, but dogs not bred for cold climates will suffer in very cold weather.

Protect their paws

The pads on your dogs’ and cats’ paws are just like your fingers – they’re not protected against the cold and can dry out in the winter. Keep a towel by the door, as well as any treats or toys needed to help keep your pet in one place. When your pets enter from outside, stop them at the door and check their paws. Clean and dry them, making sure to dry between their toes and remove any snow or ice. If your dog is going to be outside a lot during snow and ice, consider investing in some specialized booties to keep their paws clean, warm, and dry. You can also purchase protective wax for your dogs’ paws that forms a barrier against ice, snow, and chemicals.

Watch out for winter hazards

Winter brings extremely cold weather, as well as many fun and festive traditions. Both of these can represent added risks for your pet, so be aware of the following items:

• Holiday lights – They provide a festive flair, but they can electrocute your pet or present a fire risk when chewed on. Keep them out of your pets’ reach!
• Holiday decorations – Even non-electric decorations pose a threat to your pets if ingested. Tinsel, ornaments, wrapping paper, and anything new and shiny could be tempting for your pet to chew on and swallow. Keep them out of your pets’ reach, or don’t leave your pet alone with them.
• Fireplaces & space heaters – Your pet may want to snuggle close to a space heater or fireplace for warmth, which could result in singed fur, burns, or house fires. Never leave your pet unsupervised around an open heat source.
• Winter treats – Winter activities often involve a slew of baking and cooking. Trays of gingerbread cookies, warm apple pies, and Christmas hams sitting on counters can present a tantalizing temptation to your pet. Keep these treats out of reach of your furry friend to prevent hurt tummies and ruined dinners.
• Salt/De-icers – If you live in an area with frequent snowfall, it’s common for cities and homeowners to use salt and de-icing products on sidewalks and walkways. Be mindful of walking your dog over these – they can dry out paws and are often toxic if ingested. Avoid walking in those areas, or protect your pet’s paws with booties or wax paw protectors.
• Antifreeze – This chemical is used to keep cars running in cold weather. It tastes sweet but is highly toxic. Puddles of antifreeze in garages and driveways can be tempting to pets, so clean it up as soon as there is a spill.

Contact Germantown Veterinary Clinic for Any Winter Pet Woes

Winter presents several new challenges for pet owners, but with the right preparations in place, you can rest assured that your furry friends will be safe and happy. However, mishaps can occur in spite of the best-laid plans. If your pet eats your ornaments, gorges on your holiday meal, or shows signs of frostbite, give us a call.

We provide emergency care during regular business hours (call 240-252-7467) and after hours at the Blue Pearl Pet Hospital in Rockville (call 301-637-3228). You can also contact us online with any questions about keeping your pet safe this winter.