Tails and Scales Veterinary Center

Tails and Scales Veterinary Center Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Tails and Scales Veterinary Center, Pet service, 6522 Sligo Parkway, Hyattsville, MD.

Pumpkin-flavored treats are everywhere this time of year, but some seasonal ingredients aren't safe for pets.Nutmeg cont...
08/04/2026

Pumpkin-flavored treats are everywhere this time of year, but some seasonal ingredients aren't safe for pets.

Nutmeg contains myristicin, which can be toxic when ingested in larger amounts and may cause disorientation, increased heart rate, tremors, or even seizures.

If you think your pet has eaten a large amount of nutmeg or another potentially toxic ingredient, contact us immediately at (301) 235-3990.

This is false. Providing fresh water and shade is important, but it doesn't guarantee your pet won't develop heatstroke....
08/03/2026

This is false. Providing fresh water and shade is important, but it doesn't guarantee your pet won't develop heatstroke.

Pets can still overheat on hot, humid days, especially if they've been active or have difficulty cooling themselves. Flat-faced breeds, overweight pets, seniors, and those with heart or respiratory disease are at an even greater risk. If your pet is panting excessively, drooling, vomiting, seems weak, or collapses, seek veterinary care immediately. Heatstroke is a medical emergency, and early treatment can save lives.

If you have questions about keeping your pet safe this summer, call us at (301) 235-3990.

Have you ever wondered why your cat "makes biscuits" on your lap?Kneading is a behavior that starts in kittenhood while ...
07/31/2026

Have you ever wondered why your cat "makes biscuits" on your lap?

Kneading is a behavior that starts in kittenhood while nursing. As adults, many cats continue to knead when they feel relaxed, safe, and content. Cats also have scent glands in their paw pads, so kneading may help mark familiar people and places as part of their territory.

While not every cat kneads, those that do are usually showing that they're comfortable and trust you.

Does your cat love making biscuits? We'd love to hear about it in the comments!

Not always. For many double-coated breeds, including Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds, the coat actually...
07/30/2026

Not always. For many double-coated breeds, including Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds, the coat actually helps insulate against heat and protects the skin from harmful UV rays.

Shaving these breeds can increase their risk of:
☀️ Sunburn
🌡️ Overheating
🐕 Coat damage as it grows back

Instead:
✔️ Brush out loose undercoat regularly.
✔️ Keep plenty of fresh water available.
✔️ Avoid the hottest part of the day.
✔️ Provide shade and air conditioning whenever possible.

Not every breed is the same, so if you're considering a summer haircut, ask your veterinarian or groomer first. Questions? Call (301) 235-3990.

Cats are masters at hiding pain. In the wild, showing weakness could make them vulnerable to predators, so they instinct...
07/28/2026

Cats are masters at hiding pain. In the wild, showing weakness could make them vulnerable to predators, so they instinctively mask signs of illness or injury.

Subtle changes like hiding more often, decreased appetite, sleeping more, avoiding jumps, or changes in grooming may be the only clues that something is wrong.

Routine wellness exams help us detect problems before they become more serious. If your cat's behavior has changed, call us at (301) 235-3990.

Yes. Biting is a normal part of kitten development. Kittens use play to learn about their environment and develop bite i...
07/27/2026

Yes. Biting is a normal part of kitten development. Kittens use play to learn about their environment and develop bite inhibition. While it may not feel very gentle, this is an important part of growing up.

The best approach is to redirect biting toward appropriate toys and avoid encouraging play with your hands or fingers.

With consistency and patience, most kittens outgrow this stage and learn to play more gently. If you have questions about your kitten's behavior, we're happy to help. Call us at (301) 235-3990.

Severe weather can happen with little warning, so having a pet emergency kit ready before you need it can make all the d...
07/24/2026

Severe weather can happen with little warning, so having a pet emergency kit ready before you need it can make all the difference.

Keep essentials like food, medications, fresh water, veterinary records, ID tags, waste bags, a leash, and a comfortable carrier or bed in one easy-to-access location. Planning ahead helps ensure your pet stays safe if you ever need to leave home quickly.

Do you already have a pet emergency kit? Let us know what's in yours!

If your dog suddenly refuses their regular food but happily accepts treats, don't assume they're just being picky.Dental...
07/23/2026

If your dog suddenly refuses their regular food but happily accepts treats, don't assume they're just being picky.

Dental disease, mouth pain, an upset stomach, or other underlying medical conditions can all affect a dog's appetite. Some dogs will continue eating treats because they're softer or more appealing.

If your dog refuses regular meals for more than a day, develops vomiting or diarrhea, becomes lethargic, or stops eating altogether, they should be examined by a veterinarian. If you're concerned about your dog's appetite, call us at (301) 235-3990.

"Feed me.""Move your hand.""You are sitting in my spot."That's probably about as close as we'd get. 😸 If your cat could ...
07/21/2026

"Feed me."

"Move your hand."

"You are sitting in my spot."

That's probably about as close as we'd get. 😸 If your cat could text you, what do you think their very first message would be? Share your funniest answer in the comments!

After a summer storm, the ground may look clean, but it can actually harbor increased levels of bacteria and contaminant...
07/20/2026

After a summer storm, the ground may look clean, but it can actually harbor increased levels of bacteria and contaminants. Standing water, damp soil, and debris can create an environment where harmful bacteria thrive, which your dog can pick up on their paws or ingest while sniffing and licking.

In addition, temperatures and humidity often remain high after rain, making it harder for dogs to cool themselves. Pavement can also stay hot enough to burn sensitive paw pads long after the rain has stopped.

Choosing cooler, drier times of the day for walks is one of the best ways to help keep your dog safe. Have questions about summer pet safety? Call us at (301) 235-3990.

Address

6522 Sligo Parkway
Hyattsville, MD
20782

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 2pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Tails and Scales Veterinary Center posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Tails and Scales Veterinary Center:

Shortcuts

Share

Category