Oakland Veterinary Referral Services Blog

A litter box that worked perfectly for years may become difficult for a senior cat to use.

Arthritis, muscle loss, weakness, reduced vision, cognitive changes, kidney disease, diabetes, digestive problems, and other age-related conditions can affect how easily a cat reaches, enters, and uses the box.

A few thoughtful adjustments can make the litter box safer and more comfortable—and may help you notice health or mobility changes sooner. Also check out our ABC’s of Litter Boxes.

When your veterinarian asks you to bring a stool sample, you may have questions right away: How much do they need? How fresh should it be? Can it contain litter? And—perhaps most importantly—what should you put it in?

Collecting a useful sample is simple once you know what to do.

Picking up poop may not be anyone’s favorite part of pet ownership, but it provides a valuable opportunity to monitor your dog’s or cat’s health.

Changes in stool color, consistency, frequency, size, or contents can be linked to something as simple as a dietary change—or to digestive issues like parasites, inflammation, bleeding, organ disease, or another condition requiring veterinary care.

Poop cannot diagnose a health problem on its own. It can, however, provide useful clues about when something has changed.

Picking up dog poop is not glamorous, but the right tool can make the job faster, cleaner, and considerably easier on your back.

The “best” pooper scooper is not necessarily one particular brand. A tool that works beautifully on concrete may struggle in long grass, while the perfect backyard system may be far too bulky for a walk.

The best choice depends on where you clean, how much waste you manage, and how much bending or hand strength is comfortable for you.

When a senior dog or cat is limping, struggling to rise, avoiding stairs, or living with chronic joint pain, pet parents often face a difficult question: Is my senior pet too old for orthopedic surgery?

It is an understandable concern. Surgery and anesthesia can feel intimidating, especially for an older pet. Many pet parents worry about whether their pet can handle the procedure, whether recovery will be too hard, or whether surgery is fair at their age.

A dog who suddenly skips on a back leg, holds the leg up for a few steps, then goes back to walking normally may be showing signs of a luxating patella. This condition happens when the kneecap, or patella, slips out of its normal position.

Patellar luxation in dogs is a common orthopedic problem, especially in small breeds, although larger dogs can be affected too. Some dogs have mild signs that come and go. Others develop pain, lameness, arthritis, or difficulty using the leg normally.

Cats are graceful, athletic, and often very good at hiding discomfort. That can make it difficult for cat parents to know when something is wrong. A cat who stops jumping onto the bed, hesitates before climbing stairs, avoids a favorite perch, or moves more slowly may not just be “getting older.” These changes can signal pain, stiffness, injury, arthritis, or another mobility problem.

When a dog or cat starts limping, favoring a leg, slowing down, or showing signs of pain, pet parents naturally want answers quickly. Is it a sprain? Arthritis? A torn ligament? A fracture? A joint problem? Something neurologic?

Pet care can be expensive, and many pet owners look for ways to save money. That is understandable. Between food, toys, treats, grooming supplies, preventatives, beds, leashes, crates, and veterinary care, the costs can add up quickly.

Most pet owners want to do everything possible for their dogs and cats. But veterinary care, food, medications, preventatives, grooming, supplies, and unexpected emergencies can all add up. When money is tight, deciding what to do first can feel overwhelming.

If you are worried about the cost of pet care, you are not alone. Many families have to make careful decisions about how to use their resources while still protecting their pet’s health and comfort.