Oakland Veterinary Referral Services Blog
Therapeutic Diets for Pets: Using the Power of Nutrition to Heal
There 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.
Keep the Cheer Without the Fear: Avoiding Pet Emergencies this Holiday
The 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.
Turkey Troubles: Pet Pancreatitis and the Holiday Season
Thanksgiving 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.
Dog Breeds: Where Do They Come From?
From 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.
To Love Again: Adopting After Losing a Pet
The 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.
My Doggo Sipped the Morning Joe! Is Coffee Bad for Pets?
Coffee 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.
Quick, Cheap, and Totally Easy Pet Costumes
October 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.
When the Unexpected Strikes: The True Cost of a Veterinary Emergency
Consider this, you are at the park with your dog and, after throwing the Frisbee another time, he comes back to you limping.
Or your cat has been vomiting since the early part of the day, and now it is close to midnight and she continues to vomit. What if your puppy comes down with diarrhea and a bloated tummy, and you wonder if it is just digestive upset or something more serious, constituting a veterinary emergency?
Cancer in Cats: Recognizing and Reducing the Risk for Your Feline Friend
Cancer…the word itself is unsettling, yet most of us know someone who has been touched by this terrible disease. A cancer diagnosis is equally scary when it concerns a beloved cat. For many cat parents out there, this unfortunate disease can hit too close to home.
A number of symptoms can potentially signal cancer development, so know what to look out for in order to help catch it early. More importantly, learn how to reduce risk before cancer develops. While it is true that cancer cases are not always preventable, there are impactful ways you can reduce your cat’s chances of a cancer diagnosis.
Your team at OVRS is here to help reduce the likelihood of cancer in cats with some essential steps for its prevention.
Pupternity: What Determines Litter Size in Dogs?
Normal puppy litter size tends to vary from one to twelve. The world record according to Guinness is a whopping twenty four puppies, birthed by a Neapolitan Mastiff in the UK in 2004. Why does litter size vary so much and what determines litter size in puppies? OVRS looks at the main factors affecting litter size.
