Oakland Veterinary Referral Services Blog

The older you get, the wiser you get if you learn from life. These white hairs in my doggy whiskers tell stories of the many lessons I’ve learned in my short years here. While I may walk on four legs, I think the dog wisdom I carry can be shared with anyone. 

In the dog days of summer, it is easy to find ways to bond with your dog. From long walks along the beach to hours playing with pals at the park, each day brings a new opportunity for bonding. While bonding activities might not come as easily during the winter, they are still plentiful. Here are four simple ways to increase your bond with your dog this winter:

Animals are truly remarkable creatures that enhance our lives in ways we don’t even realize. The human-animal bond has been known to lower stress, provide socialization, and give a sense of community and belonging. While dogs may often get the glory when it comes to heart-warming stories, cats deserve their turn in the spotlight. The healing power of cats is truly impressive, and here are five stories to prove it:

Winter brings a host of changes to your daily routine. Something you might not realize, however, is that it can also change your pet’s needs. Colder weather means different nutritional and spatial requirements for your pup. Figuring out what your dog really needs helps ensure optimal health and wellness throughout the year. Keep reading for some tips on winterizing your dog’s diet and living space.

People are not the only ones who can benefit from a New Year’s resolution that centers around health. With winter weather that’s less-than-desirable, and daylight that tends to end far too early, your typical healthy habits might not cut it. The team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services is here to help you find some healthy habits for pets in the New Year:

If you want to help an animal feel welcome in your home, you have to create a space for them. This space should make them feel comfortable and safe and like they belong in your house. Creating these areas in your home means that you are truly opening your house for the love and affection of an animal. Here’s some tips on building a pet-friendly space in your home:

Animals are incredibly emotionally intelligent creatures who can offer anyone some much-needed reprieve from the real world. They can also learn tasks and skills that can help people in need. If you are in search of a little bit of extra help, there are dogs and other animals that are specifically trained in various therapy techniques. This guide walks you through the various kinds of animal therapies and how they could potentially help improve your life:

The holidays and sweet treats tend to go hand-in-hand. Unfortunately, we can’t just give our pups any sweet treats. Luckily, there are plenty of healthy and safe treat options for dogs. This year, help your favorite canine feel a part of the fun with some local dog-friendly bakeries. With these treats, it will be easier than ever to include your dog in your holiday fun and to find some new local favorite destinations.

Pets bring joy to our lives all year long, so why should the holiday season be any different? If you are trying to think of the perfect gift for the pet lovers in your life, OVRS has some tips for you. Our list of (more) gifts for pet lovers will have you finishing up your shopping list before you know it:

Christmas will be here before you know it, so now is the time to figure out your gift list. Including your pets in your gift-giving efforts helps you show them how much you appreciate them. If you are struggling to come up with the perfect gift for your furry friend, this guide can help you find pet-approved Christmas gifts for dogs and cats that will be a huge hit in your house: