Search Results for ‘weight’

Ask many dog owners what their biggest fear is regarding canine diseases or illnesses and they may say parvo or rabies. And with good reason as the core vaccines for dogs focus on the big four: canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis, and rabies. But, depending on your dog’s level of exposure to the outdoors, or to crowded kennels and dog parks, it can be equally important to vaccinate against diseases like leptospirosis which are too often ignored.

To truly understand what vaccines are needed for your pet, begin by educating yourself on some of the common diseases, such as leptospirosis. Continue…

Veterinary medicine and nutrition are good for your pet, but pet owners shouldn’t overlook environmental enrichment and stimulation as important components of an animal’s overall health and wellbeing. Even the most dedicated or involved pet owner may start to notice the tell-tale signs of a bored pet; especially if you’re walking by the same ol’ smells, day after day.

Life gets hectic, we all get a bit older everyday, and the old antics from kitten or puppy hood give way to a more sedentary life. Even for pets that have a stretch of backyard to play in, boredom (and maybe even bad behavior) can easily set in. But, with a new approach to your pet’s environmental enrichment, it doesn’t have to be this way. Continue…

When you look at your beloved family pet, the last thing you want to think about is his or her last days with you. While no one wants to think about end of life pet care, chances are that you will outlive your four-legged friend and it something you will need to address.

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As a pet parent, the last thing you want is to discover that your dog or cat has gotten loose and is missing. You may wonder what you would do first? Who would you call? Where would you even begin to locate your missing pet?

First Things First

• As soon as you discover that your pet is missing, contact the Bloomfield Township Animal Welfare department and the Oakland County Animal Control And Adoption Center to file a missing pet report.
• Create a “lost pet” flyer complete with a photo of your pet and your contact info. Enlist family and friends to help post copies of the flyer in as many places as you can, such as lampposts, trees, veterinary offices, pet supply stores, dog parks, grocery stores, and gas stations. Always ask permission before posting a flyer.
• Get on the computer and utilize as many social media sites as possible to aid you in your search.

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What constitutes responsible pet care? Certainly most pet owners love their pets. What should that love in action look like though? Is it daily feeding and petting? Spoiling your pet with treats? What does it mean to be a responsible pet parent?

Our blogs usually focus on how to prevent health care risks, ways to improve pet health and quality of life, or various health conditions. In this blog, we want to describe our view of responsible pet care and celebrate the many responsible pet owners who provide exemplary care and love to their pets each and every day. Continue…

July 19th-25th is Megaesophagus Awareness Week and Oakland Veterinary Referral Services is on a mission to raise understanding about this condition. Keep reading to help us achieve our goal and learn about canine megaesophagus.

Mega What? Understanding Canine Megaesophagus

The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth into the stomach. It is made up of muscle tissue. Normally the muscle of the esophagus helps to ease food and water into the stomach and prevent it from going the wrong way.

In dogs with megaesophagus, the muscle of the esophagus does not do its job. Food and water sit and often never quite make it into the stomach.

Canine megaesophagus can have several underlying causes. The most common of these include: Continue…

Liver problems are usually serious for a pet. As a pet owner, you want to better understand what is happening with your pet, even if they know he or she is in good hands. There are many different pet liver problems that dogs and cats can have. Read on to learn what you should know if your pet is having liver issues.

Pet Liver Problems: The Rundown

The liver is a very important organ, and pets and people alike need it to stay healthy. The liver has several vital functions including helping in digestion, aiding in proper blood clotting, regulating blood sugar, producing essential proteins, and detoxifying the blood. If the liver isn’t working right, serious problems can develop. Continue…

Heart problems are serious business, no matter what your species. And cats are no exception. Unfortunately, heart disease in cats can be very difficult to detect. That’s where your family veterinarian may recommend a consultation with one of the veterinary cardiologists at OVRS to help in diagnosing, treating and managing your cat’s heart condition. Learn what every cat owner should know about their feline friend’s cardiovascular health. Continue…

It seems like from the time we carve the Halloween pumpkins to the time we bid farewell to another year at a festive party (or in our jammies), our attention and time is maxed out with the winter holidays and all the tasks they bring. Because of this, it’s no wonder we sometimes forget a follow-up wellness appointment for our cat or that extra walk to the park we promised our dog.

The holidays have a way of overtaking our attention, but the New Year can bring many opportunities for improving the quality of life for that pet who gives you so much love year-round. Here are a few ideas…. 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…