Dr. Katie Malehorn was six years old when she observed a local veterinarian in action at a small family farm in the Midwest. She was instantly hooked.
“I was a kid who loved animals and was surrounded by cows, horses, cats, dogs, and chickens, and I saw that our vet was an important part of the community,” she recalls. “I wanted to pick a profession where I would be proud of my work and help families like he did.”
Today, after 10 years as a vet, three of them at her Veterinary Park Potomac practice, Dr. Malehorn is laser-focused on the health and well-being of her clients’ dogs and other pets, by staying ahead of their issues.
That includes providing pets with an appropriate diet and medication, helping them stay in good physical shape, as well as performing routine lab work. Maintaining a preventative medical approach is helpful in addressing the big picture.
Among the cutting-edge offerings at Veterinary Park Potomac are diagnostics, dental cleanings in the dental suite, advanced laboratory equipment, top of the line digital radiographs, and a well-equipped surgery suite.
“We’re here to help your pets live long, happy, and healthy lives,” explains Dr. Malehorn. “We believe that a key element to a healthy pet is a great relationship with your veterinarian. Everyone on our team is committed to professional, caring, and personalized service.”
Dr. Malehorn and her dedicated staff understand that pets are a treasured part of families. Visiting a vet is similar to bringing a sick child to the doctor, but with pets, there is the added stress of their inability to communicate what’s ailing them. Also adding to the uneasiness is the high cost associated with pet care.
“It means the world to us that clients choose to come into our veterinary hospital and trust us to guide them through all of those steps. There is not a time when I walk into the exam room that I do not feel how meaningful it is to be part of that bond,” she says.
Dr. Malehorn’s more than 15 years of industry experience includes working in shelters and serving as an animal control agent. Since graduating from The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, she has practiced general and emergency veterinary medicine at some of the most well-respected and highly-ranked hospitals in the Northeast.
She believes that Park Potomac is the ideal location for her practice. “It’s wonderful to serve the DMV area because we can practice “gold standard” medicine here,” she says. “It is such a privilege to be part of this community.”
When it comes to keeping our dogs healthy and promoting longevity, Dr. Malehorn and her staff emphasize that the right diet and nutrition, exercise, mental health, and oral health, are all of major importance.
Oral health for dogs, as with people, is correlated to the rest of our health, Dr. Malehorn explains. “A dog with poor paradental health is not comfortable. The biggest change in veterinary medicine during the past 10-20 years is routine check-ups, cleaning, and brushing to make sure there are no lumps, bumps, or masses, which is very common for dogs over five.”
When it comes to diet and nutrition, Dr. Malehorn says that choosing refrigerated, canned, or other food offerings is an extremely personal decision.
“We want our clients to pick food approved by the American Association of Feed Control Officials. Knowing your pet’s diet is approved by them is a good way to assure that they meet a certain standard of safety.”
For those worried about giving their canines table food, there is no hard and fast rule. Again, she stresses that “consistency is important. Dogs need a well-balanced diet and steady meal-to-meal consistency. So, 90 percent of the calories need to be kibble or fresh food, and 10 percent of the day’s calories should come from fresh table foods – like green beans, baby carrots, or blueberries – as well as treats like doggie biscuits for good oral health or training.”
With obesity in dogs being the most common problem Dr. Malehorn treats, she says proper diet and exercise are critical. How much exercise is the right amount for your dog depends on their breed. However, be mindful of not overdoing it and make sure that your dog is well-hydrated.
“A lot of dogs have much more trouble adjusting to the change in weather, so it is going to be about the consistency of exercise. If you take your dog for a three-mile walk and you increase it to 10 miles that would be too much. So, consistent daily exercise is recommended for our most in-shape pups.”
Dr. Malehorn and her team are profoundly committed to their practice. “We take pride in our dedication to the highest standards in veterinary medicine,” she says. “We always provide a full spectrum of medical, behavioral, and surgical services, as well as empower our clients to make the best and most appropriate decisions about their pet’s health and lifestyle.”
For More Information:
Veterinary Park Potomac
12525 Park Potomac Ave,
Building G Suite E
Potomac, MD 20854
Phone: 240-728-2550
Email: hello@veterinaryparkpotomac.com
Website: https://veterinaryparkpotomac.com/
Hours:
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
“It means the world to us that clients choose to come into our veterinary hospital and trust us to guide them through all of those steps. There is not a time when I walk into the exam room that I do not feel how meaningful it is to be part of that bond.” —Dr. Katie Malehorn