Oakland Veterinary Referral Services Blog

The latest and greatest cat technology makes it easier than ever to own and love one (or many) cats. These gadgets improve every aspect of life with a cat–and, best of all, they’re fun to use. Check out some of the newest advancements in cat tech to see which items could enhance your kitty’s life with you:

Pet hair has a way of finding its way into all the cracks and crevices of your home. We love our pets as family, but their stray hairs can definitely drive even the most dedicated pet owner a little crazy. 

If you are tired of finding clumps of pet hair in your clean laundry or stuck in hard-to-reach parts of your washing machine, Oakland Veterinary Referral Services (OVRS) is here to help. Pet hair clings to fabric and water just makes soggy clumps. Use these tips to wash the pet hair out of your laundry for good:

Our tips can help you reduce or get rid of dog odors. We love our dogs and there is little that could decrease our love for them. Sometimes, though, unusual dog odors on your pet or in your house can make loving them a little more challenging. If your dog’s scent often makes you crinkle your nose in disgust, these simple tips can help you get rid of these odors. Then you can have your clean dog as well as a fresh-smelling pet and house. 

Hives on dogs can be extremely uncomfortable. If you have ever had hives after eating something you are allergic to, you know just how uncomfortable they can be. 

These raised, often itchy spots can be restricted to a small area or could spread across the whole body. While they are usually short-lived and relatively harmless, they can occasionally be a cause for concern. Keep reading to learn more about hives on dogs and what to do about them:

We love our dogs and want them to feel comfortable and safe in our homes. That does not mean that they should have unrestricted access everywhere though. Retractable dog gates offer function without messing too much with your home’s aesthetic appeal. They are a great option, whether you want to keep your pup from a room that has a lot of chewing temptations or you want to block off an area for safety. Here is a list of some of the best retractable dog gates to meet your needs:

Ah, cats. These independent creatures sure do wrap us humans around their tiny little paws, even when they act aloof or indifferent towards us. Some breeds are known for being friendlier than others though. Think kitties that love to cuddle and won’t shun you when you try to get close. This list of friendliest cat breeds will give you a great place to start when looking for a feline that will visibly love you as much as you love them:

Dogs have plenty of zany behaviors that make them adorable. Some behaviors are a reflection of your dog’s personality, while others are more universal to the canine world. If you have a dog that licks your feet, you might wonder about that behavior. 

Why do dogs lick your feet? Is it a sign that something is wrong or just them showing their affection? Oakland Veterinary Referral Services (OVRS) is here to help you find the answer to this strange behavior:

The cat litter box can present challenges for you, like your kitty tracking cat litter all over your house. If you are tired of scooping poop, litter box smells, or finding little bits of litter everywhere, these new litter box products can help.

Medical needs can mean that our pet has to stay at the hospital overnight. If your pet is undergoing a procedure or is dealing with a serious illness or injury, you might need to leave your pet at the hospital overnight. Here is what you can expect when you have to part with your pet with the caring team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services:

Overnight Team

At Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, we have a critical care team here throughout the night to ensure someone is always here to care for your pet. Whether your dog is healing after surgery or we are monitoring after an emergency, your trusted veterinary team is here to handle any situation that may arise. We are here to watch over your pet for the duration of their stay in our hospital so you can feel completely secure in their safety. They will be given lots of love and TLC.

Looking for the best “cone of shame” alternatives? The infamous cone of shame (that resembles an Elizabethan collar) is a necessary but awkward veterinary tool. It can keep pets from licking, biting, or scratching at an injury or a wound that’s healing post surgery. But these cones are large and cumbersome, which can make it hard for your pet to eat, sleep, and even walk around the house. The team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services has compiled this list of best alternatives to the cone of shame so you can help your pet recover without hindering his daily life: