Party Animal: Tips for Keeping Your Pet Safe During Parties

pet safe during parties

What crowd-loving canine (or curious cat) doesn’t love to be the center of attention during any festivity? Some pets are highly socialized and enjoy all of the pats and treats, while others are curious or want to take advantage of food opportunities. Other pets may feel anxious or overwhelmed by the noise and the crowd.

This holiday, ask yourself whether your pet should be part of the reveling, or whether you should make other arrangements. Think ahead about your pet and plan how to keep pet safe during parties while you focus on your guests. Here are pet-safe party tips from the team at OVRS.

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This Season’s Most Amazing Pet Gifts

pet giftsIs your pet the pet who has everything? Does he have more toys in his toybox than your kid does? If so, you are in luck. Each year, manufacturers up the ante on pet games, accessories, treats, and so many more items.

Even if you are a more discerning and frugal pet owner, there are several new items that may pique you and your four-legged’s interests. From boredom busting to snuggly, we’ve sourced some of the most amazing pet gifts, just in time for the holidays.

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Frugal Four-Legged: Money Saving Tips for Pet Owners

money saving tips for pet ownersAfter the spending spree of the holidays, most of us wouldn’t mind cutting costs in the New Year. DIY projects and homemade things never looked better than after a full month of gift buying. There are many ways a cost-conscious pet owner can save cash any time of year with help from your friends at OVRS.

Here are are our 10 best money saving tips for pets owners that will be a benefit to you, as well as your favorite fur friend.

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Therapeutic Diets for Pets: Using the Power of Nutrition to Heal

therapeutic diets for petsThere is no denying that the food we eat has an impact on our health, energy, and overall wellbeing. It is, therefore, no surprise that we have found the same to be true for our animal companions. Where once the family Fido was given leftover scraps, or inexpensive commercial kibble, we now find that quality nutrition is important in determining quality of life and longevity.

Prescription diets, or now more often referred to as therapeutic diets, for pets have come a long way since their introduction a few decades ago. But, what does a therapeutic diet offer, versus a commercial diet, and how can it actually benefit your pet?

Oakland Veterinary Referral Services is here to give you some food for thought.

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Keep the Cheer Without the Fear: Avoiding Pet Emergencies this Holiday

pet emergenciesThe holidays are a time of joy and merriment, where loved ones gather to exchange gifts and make memories. There’s food, family, decorations, and stress. No wonder the holiday season sees a spike in the number of pet emergencies we see.

During the midst of the celebrations and festivities, your curious pet may be up to, or more appropriately, in to something they shouldn’t. Let’s look at how you can avoid a pet emergency this holiday and keep the happy in Happy Holidays.

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Turkey Troubles: Pet Pancreatitis and the Holiday Season

pet pancreatitisThanksgiving is just around the corner, and most of us are anxiously awaiting all of the delicious foods. The turkey and gravy, the stuffing, the fluffy rolls fresh from the oven, and – oh boy – the pumpkin pie! Thanksgiving is truly a time for giving thanks for all of our bounties, including the delectable dishes.

Unfortunately, the holiday season is also rife with pet emergency cases relating to pancreatitis and other gastrointestinal problems. Your friends at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services want to explain why pet pancreatitis is a serious emergency that should give you pause before letting Fido partake in the holiday feast.

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Dog Breeds: Where Do They Come From?

Four dogs of various breedsFrom short to tall, furry to bald, wrinkled to smooth, and everything in between, there are a lot of dog breeds out there. Are they from the same line, or multiple species? And how did all of these adorable pups come into being?

Just walking to the park these days, you are likely to encounter a number of unique breeds, and it would seem there are new kinds of dogs every few years. If you have ever wondered why there are so many dog breeds, the team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services is here to explain the nature of our wide world of unique dogs.

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To Love Again: Adopting After Losing a Pet

loss of a petThe loss of a precious pet is one of the hardest things a pet owner can imagine, and the process of grieving and coming to acceptance takes time. This period of time is different for everyone, and the extent of the grieving process is unique to the individual. However, for most pet lovers, a house is just not a home without a loving purr or a wagging tail.

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My Doggo Sipped the Morning Joe! Is Coffee Bad for Pets?

is coffee bad for petsCoffee is the life blood of most humans, and that morning pick-me-up is a must before heading out to face the day. Coffee is something that is easily accessible, and that means that it may also be within easy reach for a curious canine or other family pet. Add cream and sugar, and what’s more of an allure to our whiskered and tailed friends?

But is coffee bad for pets? And what should you do if you catch your pet licking up the java? Your friends at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services are here to clarify why this common substance can turn into a trip to the vet.

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Quick, Cheap, and Totally Easy Pet Costumes

easy pet costumesOctober is an exciting time for kids and kids at heart. Trick-or-treaters, jack-’o-lanterns, and lots of goodies are but a few of the things that we treasure. Costumes are one of the best parts of Halloween, and who doesn’t love to see all of the ghoulish and adorable outfits?!

For pet lovers, the costume frenzy also applies. But for very busy, very frugal, last-minute or just lazy pet lovers out there, here are ideas for putting together a simple, fun costume from things lying around the house or easy to gather. No need to be crafty or spend a fortune. OVRS has scoured the Internet to help you scare up the easiest, simplest, last-minute pet costumes for the big night of BOO.

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