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Cats share our homes and our hearts. In fact, they retain the position of #1 among common household pets in the United States. That is probably why many of us choose to share our homes with two or more cats and have, perhaps, been challenged by passive and overt aggression between our feline companions.

Unfortunately, household cat conflicts are quite common.  Social tension between housemate cats may cause overt aggression or manifest as elimination outside the litter box.  These issues between cats in the home motivate pet owners to seek out help in the form of behavioral consultation (aggression or elimination problems are the most common reasons for behavioral consultation when it comes to cats). When cat conflicts cannot be resolved or seem to present too many disturbances in the home, many of these cats are sadly surrendered to shelters. Continue…

How many pet owners have succumbed to the trendy cuteness of the labradoodle, the exotic curiosity of an iguana, the beauty of a Afghan hound, or the novelty of the “fit-in-your-purse” teacup chihuahua, only to realize the pet isn’t a good match with their overall life and lifestyle? The sheer number of chihuahuas currently in shelters across the US illustrates why choosing a pet is more than a preference in appearance or cute factor.

Choosing a pet should encompass a plethora of factors: your lifestyle, living situation, personality, and schedule AND the specific physical and behavioral needs of the species and breed of animal. Continue…

After the holidays, when we are reminded of all of the wonderful things we have to be grateful for in our lives, we are often compelled to add “helping others” or volunteering to our list of new year’s resolutions.

Maybe this is true for you and your family, and you are currently looking for great missions to assist in the coming year?

For those of us who adore and care for pets, animal charities, shelters, and rescues seem to be the right choice for our philanthropic efforts. Whether you choose to give your time in the form of hands-on work or are gifting a favorite cause with a monthly donation, by donating to animal shelters you help the animal nonprofits that rely on the generosity of friends like you. Continue…

We are downright giddy at all we’ve collectively accomplished during this landmark year and hope you have been well-served by our staff. We like to extend our service to you at home through our blog and value the time you spend reading it. Please feel free to peruse the Top 10 blogs viewed by our valued readers in 2014: Continue…

Shopping for new duds always gains momentum during winter – but these days clothes shopping is not just for people. Pet wear and pet fashion have evolved tremendously, and there’s no shortage of sassy sweaters and cunning coats to choose from. In fact, the variety is so immense, it can be downright overwhelming trying to find the right clothing to best protect your pet from maladies like hypothermia. From patterned microfiber jackets to Welsh knit sweaters; how can you tell what is useful when it comes to pet clothes versus just fun novelty wear? Much less know how to get the right fit?

That’s where we come in…

The Birthday Suit

Assuming that you’re not the proud pet parent of a Husky, Malamute, or Saint Bernard, it’s likely that your pet may be a wee bit chilly in his or her birthday suit this time of year. If you’re unsure whether your pet could benefit from bundling up in some winter weather pet gear, consider these questions: Continue…

Your pet may not need or appreciate a new LED TV, golf clubs, or the newest best-seller, but there are lots of things you can give your pet this holiday season to show your love and affection. Your friends at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services have put together some ideas to get the ball rolling towards the best holiday your pet has ever had.

In The Kitchen

Your pet’s meal time is truly important, so why not ship out the old dishes your pet has been eating out of since infancy? Personalizing a new food and water bowl or upgrading to a new water fountain that filters and circulates drinking water are wonderful ways to show you care. Your pet may value a new platform that raises the level at which he or she eats. Continue…

So, now that Halloween has come and gone and the turkey and gravy have been feasted upon, it’s time to break out those boxes in the garage and decorate! It is a common scene after Thanksgiving: the stringing of lights and the decking of halls… But, like other holidays, if you share your home with a cherished pet, you’d better keep a keen eye on your fur buddy around the bedazzling display of holiday décor.

On the Tree

The ideal way to protect your pet from the perils of the Christmas tree is to simply keep your four-legged friend away from the tree unless you or a family member are present. If that’s impossible, keep lower branches somewhat bare or opt for unbreakable, large ornaments at your pet’s level.

No one likes to deal with a downed tree after a rowdy game of chase (we suggest anchoring it), or a favorite ornament lying broken on the floor (a tempting toy for your feline), there are a few decorations that can create real emergencies for our pets. Continue…

From the clamor of our favorite deli to the all-night-lights of the city, residing in an urban area can be thrilling for humans. Unfortunately, the fast-paced urban life we enjoy can present challenges to maintaining our city pet’s well-being and safety.

Increased traffic puts many pets at greater risk for getting hit by a car. More people living in a concentrated area can also be equated with dangers such as access to potential toxins, open garbage cans, and city-dwelling wildlife. High-rise apartments also present the risk of injuries from falls, and newer homes and apartments often lack suitable enclosed areas for safely exercising our pets.

But, we can take some steps to make life in the city more pet-friendly, while increasing our pet’s safety in such a fast-paced, people-filled environment. Continue…

Unfortunately the diagnosis of a collapsing trachea is one all too many pet owners are familiar with. Small breed dogs, especially Toy Poodles, Pomeranians, Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, Maltese, and Pugs are predisposed to this condition. Many times pet owners learn to live with this problem and manage it medically, however some pets may need more aggressive treatment. We are happy to be able to offer tracheal stenting to these patients.

What Is Tracheal Collapse?

For some pets, breathing isn’t easy. The trachea, also known as the windpipe, connects the airway to the lungs. Normally it is a rigid tube made up of rings of cartilage that extend from the back of the throat, through the neck, and into the thorax. Continue…

Have you or a loved one ever experienced or witnessed a dog bite?

It’s likely you have. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. Unfortunately, many of these incidents could have been prevented through proper training and socialization of the dog, beginning in puppyhood. Also by educating individuals on ways to mitigate a bite-occurrence from happening in the first place.

Of course, the first important step in creating a safe environment for your pet pooch and those around him or her is through basic and ethical obedience training. By providing training to your new puppy, you help reduce the risk of bites or aggressive or otherwise problematic behaviors down the road. And, since the majority of dog bites occur at home with a known canine, bite prevention education should begin at home and include all members of the family. Continue…