Oakland Veterinary Referral Services Blog

Does your company offer fur-ternity leave? Many younger couples are foregoing having human children and instead brighten their lives with fur children. In the past, pet owners have not enjoyed the same workplace perks that parents of human children have, but that seems to be changing. Fur-ternity leave is a topic that’s trending, and with good reason. Providing benefits that meet employees where they are is a great way to inspire loyalty and worker retention. But is it all it’s cracked up to be? OVRS breaks down what fur-ternity leave really entails to help you see if it’s the right option for you.

Our dogs and cats cannot verbally tell us what they need, so they often send subtle signals to clue us in to their current condition and emotional state. Lonely pets might start to behave differently, but pet owners may not initially consider loneliness as the reason for those behavioral changes. OVRS is here with some of the top signs your dog or cat is lonely so that you can find the best way to cure it:

Is there anything better than hitting the open road with the wind in your face and your favorite song on the radio? How about embarking on an epic road trip with your favorite canine companion? If you are looking for a great way to bond with your pup this summer, here are some of the greatest road trips with dogs to enjoy together:

If you are the type of pet owner who loves to stay up-to-date on pet trends, you are in luck. The team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services has perused many of the latest trends relating to our four-legged friends. These trends range from new products to exercise and activities, to pet health. Let’s take a closer look at some of the 2022 pet trends to be in the know about.

When you encounter a kitten, it is hard to focus on anything but their extreme cuteness. The tiny toe beans and big eyes are sometimes so distracting it is hard to think about anything else. Kitten training is an important element of welcoming a baby cat into your home, though. With a little bit of patience and effort, you can train your kitten to grow into a well-adjusted cat.

If you’re considering adopting a dog, be sure to consider a dog breed that matches your energy level. Every human has their own personality and so does man’s best friend. Choosing the right dog breed based on several factors, including energy level, is important to both you and your dog’s happiness. 

If your idea of an active weekend is surfing those TV channels, then a low key dog is probably for you. But if you love to play Frisbee, go for a run, or hike, your preferred dog may be one that has an ample amount of energy and stamina. 

Oakland Veterinary Referral Services wants to explain why choosing a dog breed that matches your energy level is a smart decision.

We are always on the search for new activities to do with pets. We know how important the human-animal bond is for both you and your furry friends. We want to help you enhance it whenever possible. Did you know that you and your pet can collaborate on art projects that you can use to decorate your home? Oakland Veterinary Referral Services provides this list of art projects to do with your pet to help you find new ways to spend even more quality time together.

DIY pet keepsakes are an activity that you can enjoy indoors or out that keep you cool and entertained. Our pets are already one of our favorite photography subjects (we would bet most of the photos on your phone are of your furry friends), but with these ideas, they can enhance our home decor as well. Here are some of our top ideas for DIY pet keepsakes that you can make yourself in the comfort of your own home:

If you have a pool, you know it is important that your pet know how to swim for safety reasons. If you don’t own a pool, you might not ever think about teaching your pet to swim. Whether you take a family vacation, visit a lake, or visit a friend’s house, ensuring your pet can swim is a smart and safe decision. 

With a little bit of effort and these tips from Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, you can give your pet the tools he needs to stay afloat in the water:

You’re an old hand at walking your dog, but are you familiar with dog walking etiquette? As a responsible dog owner, knowing the proper etiquette for walking a dog can make it more enjoyable (and safer) for you and your dog to spend quality time together outside around other dogs and humans you might encounter. 

Follow these etiquette tips from Oakland Veterinary Referral Services to improve your dog-walking experience: