Oakland Veterinary Referral Services Blog

In a perfect world, our dogs would live forever. The truest of companions, dogs add so much love, joy, laughter, and acceptance to a person’s life. Whether you are considering getting your first dog or are thinking of adopting a new breed, or making health decisions for an existing dog, knowing an average dog lifespan for various types of dogs can help you choose wisely.

Any pet owner knows how much peace an animal’s presence can provide. Therapy animals provide unmatched support for people going through hard times. For the Paris Olympics, the U.S. women’s gymnastics team found emotional support from with Beacon, a golden retriever who was a key factor in their first place finish. 

Illnesses that last at least three months and might progressively worsen over time are known as chronic diseases. Unfortunately, these long-lasting diseases can reduce the quality of life for our pet friends. If you have a pet with a chronic illness, he or she will need a little bit of extra attention to lessen symptoms and live more comfortably. These tips will help with managing chronic disease in pets:

The reproductive system of a female animal is much different than that of a human woman. Learning about pregnancy in dogs and cats can help you spot when your own pet might be expecting, and how to help them through their pregnancy. 

The team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services is here to guide you through pregnancy in dogs and cats to encourage healthy births.

People who foster pets are true heroes who help animals in need get love and care while waiting for their forever home. Fostering a pet frees up important shelter space and provides a safe and enriching environment for pets who need extra help on their journeys. If you are considering becoming a foster parent, these tips can help you do it successfully:

Cats love treats almost as much as we love cats. You might want to consider making your own if you don’t want to feed your kitty store-bought treats filled with questionable ingredients. Try out these recipes for healthy homemade cat treats to treat your kitty in a nutritious and delicious way:

Summer is perfect for outdoor parties, grilling, and sampling delicious food. However, pets can become seriously ill with pancreatitis after eating many common barbecue foods at summer parties. With some attention and effort, you can prevent pancreatitis this summer. 

The field of veterinary oncology is constantly advancing with new ways to help pets with cancer. These advancements mean that a cancer diagnosis for a pet does not have to be as scary as it once was. At Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, we are committed to staying up-to-date on advancements in veterinary oncology, including the following new treatments and research:

Advancements in veterinary medicine are making it easier than ever to get our pets care that can even help them live longer. Aging pets have different needs than their younger counterparts in order to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Specialty care for aging pets can help you and your favorite senior pet enjoy even more time together. 

Modern veterinary medicine has seen advancements in technology and medicinal practices to offer pets the best care options. Having a Veterinary Anesthesiologist on staff is an invaluable resource that makes surgeries safer for pets.