While their own life experiences and temperament can affect a pet’s personality, certain personality traits are inherited based on his or her breed. Biological factors can have a big impact on your pet’s day-to-day behavior. So, how much do these biological traits affect your pet’s overall personality? Keep reading to learn what your dog or cat’s breed says about their pet personality traits. If your cat is a mix, which traits do you see coming through?

Have you heard of alopecia in dogs? Probably not. If you have a dog, chances are you’ve seen hair in multiple places around the house. Shedding is a natural process for dogs—especially for certain breeds. In fact, most dogs will shed their seasonal coats twice during the year. 

But, sometimes changes in things like temperature, environment, or even nutrition can lead to a little bit more shedding. Wondering why your dog is losing hair is not something that should take up a lot of your time. If you’re concerned, it might be another issue—like alopecia—at play.

Canines are often considered the most loyal of companions. They are quick to offer unconditional love to their humans and don’t like to let their favorite people out of their sight. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why does my dog follow me everywhere,” you’re not alone. This guide will walk you through your dog’s need to be in your personal space at all times:

In a perfect world, our dogs would live forever. The truest of companions, dogs add so much love, joy, laughter, and acceptance to a person’s life. Whether you are considering getting your first dog or are thinking of adopting a new breed, or making health decisions for an existing dog, knowing an average dog lifespan for various types of dogs can help you choose wisely.

Any pet owner knows how much peace an animal’s presence can provide. Therapy animals provide unmatched support for people going through hard times. For the Paris Olympics, the U.S. women’s gymnastics team found emotional support from with Beacon, a golden retriever who was a key factor in their first place finish. 

The reproductive system of a female animal is much different than that of a human woman. Learning about pregnancy in dogs and cats can help you spot when your own pet might be expecting, and how to help them through their pregnancy. 

The team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services is here to guide you through pregnancy in dogs and cats to encourage healthy births.

Training a dog requires time, patience, and effort. Some dogs take to training easily, while others need a little more attention. Some dogs have no problem obeying commands in the quiet of their homes but immediately get distracted on walks. Keeping your dog’s attention for your walk takes extra training, but is possible. Use these tips on how to keep your dog focused on walks:

There’s nothing better than enjoying some beautiful summer weather with your furry best friend. You can make some core memories of playing fetch at the park, swimming in your favorite watering hole, or just exploring your favorite pet-friendly local spots. It’s important to remember, however, that our pets are vulnerable to hot weather, too. Protecting dog paws in the summer heat is an important consideration as you and your furry friend enjoy some seasonal fun.

Dogs can exhibit behavior changes such as aggression stemming from a secondary emotion such as fear, genetic predispositions, or even undiagnosed health issues. While it is common for a dog to have the occasional aggressive episode, repeated aggressive behavior can make dog ownership difficult and dangerous. 

Understanding what is causing this undesirable behavior is the cornerstone of figuring out how to correct it. This guide walks you through some of the most common causes of aggression in dogs.

Bladder stones in dogs are fairly common and can make urination difficult or painful. Don’t take bladder stones lightly, though. If left untreated, they can create significant discomfort and lead to serious complications. Keep reading to learn more about how to spot this condition and what you can do to lower your dog’s risk of developing bladder stones.