Oakland Veterinary Referral Services Blog

Hot spots are a common skin issue affecting dogs, which can leave your pup with unpleasant side effects. The Oakland Veterinary Referral Services (OVRS) team is here to help. This guide teaches you how to treat and prevent hot spots on dogs.

Oakland Veterinary Referral Services has a blood bank and provides blood transfusions to dogs and cats who have a pet emergency. We often ask dogs to be blood donors and have cat owners ask if we also need cat donors, but we always use canine blood. Can a cat receive a blood transfusion from a dog, and if so, in what circumstances? Our guide explains cat transfusions and when it is okay to use canine blood in feline patients.

Spring is on the horizon, which means seasonal allergies, warmer weather, and beautiful blooms are on the way. While spring has many fantastic elements, it can also bring allergies to people and pets. Seasonal allergies in dogs can put a damper on your springtime plans but have no fear. With preparation, you can help prevent seasonal allergies for your pups and enjoy the season’s beauty. If these first steps aren’t sufficient for your pet, consider an allergy specialist at a specialty veterinary hospital like Oakland Veterinary Referral Services. 

As dogs age, they are more susceptible to certain conditions, such as dog dementia (aka canine cognitive dysfunction), affecting their memory and mental functions. Although there is currently no cure for dog dementia, spotting it quickly can help you and your veterinarian manage it and slow its progression. Keep reading for more information on the disorder and how it could affect your pet. 

Cats love boxes. They love boxes so much, in fact, that sometimes they prefer the packaging of a new toy to the toy itself. If you’ve noticed that your cat seems to love boxes more in colder weather, you are not alone in noting this mystery. Keep reading to learn why cats love boxes even more in winter:

We can all learn something about being cozy from our feline friends. Cats are experts at seeking out spots that provide the ultimate comfort and warmth. Make life a little easier for your cat by investing in one of these heated beds for cats. Here are some great options to keep your kitty happy and warm (and maybe off your keyboard) all winter long.

We’re no strangers to snow days here in Michigan. Playing in the snow can create happy memories for your whole family—if you properly plan for it. Introducing your dogs to snow for the first time, it is preferable to give them a little time and space to get used to it.

We are no strangers to cold weather in Michigan. Your own closet is probably full of winter gear to keep you warm from your head to your toes. Many dog owners do not have the same extensive collection for their pets, though. If you are looking to bulk up your pup’s accessories, here are some great warm dog coats and boots for winter weather:

Dog Snowsuits and Boots

If you’re in the thralls of an extra snowy winter, it might behoove you to get a canine snowsuit and boots to make it easier to brave the cold with your pup. Snowsuits like this one with attached booties make it a little easier to get outside. The suit and booties are waterproof and provide ease of movement. Your dog will stay warm and dry without feeling restricted. 

Have you noticed that your dog enjoys a particular TV show or type of music more than others? Many dog owners use music or television to stimulate or comfort their pups when they leave the home. Or their dog is drawn to specific shows, albums, or music channels. Do dogs have favorite music or TV shows? They certainly have strong preferences. Why is that so? Keep reading to learn more about dogs and their viewing/listening preferences. 

If you’ve ever seen a cat jump from an impossibly high surface and somehow land on their feet, you probably know about their ninja-like tendencies. Sometimes these tiny creatures seem to have actual superpowers. After a while, this commonplace behavior might lose some of its excitement for a cat owner because it happens so often, but it is still an amazing stunt. Do cats always land on their feet? The answer is almost always. We look at how they do it and why there are a few exceptions.