Oakland Veterinary Referral Services Blog
We’re Growing Again! Our New Oncology Wing Expansion
Here at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, there is nothing that we would be more thrilled about than a cure for cancer. Unfortunately, just as in the human population, cancer in our pet patients continues to be one of the most frequent diagnoses that we deliver.
Our expert team at OVRS has been helping pets diagnosed with cancer for a long time, but, as you may know, we are always striving to be better. That is why we have expanded our hospital, adding on a new oncology wing, dedicated to helping our pet patients with cancer.
Puppy Dog Eyes: Do You Have A Sneaky Dog?
There’s no question that dogs are pretty amazing creatures; their amazing noses can sniff out cancer, drugs, bombs, and illegally imported food, service dogs restore our independence by being our hands, legs, ears, or eyes, hero dogs serve in the military, police force, and FBI. Even the “average” dog is far from average, and as a companion goes there is nothing better than the unconditional love and the deep bond we have with our dogs.
Of course there’s a flipside to all of this wonderfulness, and for many of us that involves making sure our beloved pup isn’t left unattended with our half-eaten turkey sandwich. If you are the proud owner of a “sneaky dog”, you aren’t alone!
DIY Natural Pet Pill Pockets that Help the Medicine Go Down
Nobody enjoys taking medication, and our pets are no different. Many pets are accomplished pill-avoiders (the dog who eats the entire hotdog you hid the pill in, yet somehow manages to spit the pill out, or the cat who magically disappears for hours right around medication time). It can be frustrating, to say the least, and may even be dangerous for a pet who relies on daily medication.
Pet owners struggling with getting pets to take medication often turn to pill pockets for help. Pet pill pockets are an ingenious (and tasty) way to trick even the most astute pet into swallowing his or her medication, and the team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services has the inside scoop on how to make your own!
Laika the Great Space Dog: The True Story of a Hero Pup
For millennia, humankind has employed dogs in our endeavors. We have taken advantage of their loyal companionship, steadfast endurance, and courageous natures in various ways. From homesteading, hunting, protection, and more, dogs have been our closest allies as we move through time.
Laika, a pioneer in the dawning age of space exploration, is one of the notable canines we owe a great debt to. We couldn’t have made certain aeronautical advances without her help, but little is known about this amazing space dog.
A Lifetime Ago
Before she was a space dog, Laika was a stray mixed breed (Siberian Husky and terrier) living on the streets of Moscow. She was chosen along with other dogs to train for a special mission, but she was ultimately singled out for her calm demeanor and even temperament.
Something Smells Off: Incredible Cancer Sniffing Dogs
You probably knew that your dog is good for your health, but you probably didn’t know that dogs are advancing human medicine in ways you never dreamed about. Modern medical science is learning more and more about how our canine companions can be the key to disease detection. Cancer sniffing dogs may sound like science fiction, but this really is an incredible discovery in the health field.
Prostate Cancer and Cancer Sniffing Dogs
It has long been thought that animals have some sort of sixth sense when it comes to illness and death. Now we have some actual evidence to prove it.
Fourth of July: Now That It’s Over, What Did You Learn About Your Pet?
Whew! Independence Day was one amazing holiday. From its signature display of fireworks to its call for the ultimate all American burger (you still won’t share your recipe, right?), we think most people agree that the Fourth of July is pretty darn great.
However, now that the fun is over, what did you learn about your pet? Did your pet spend part of the holiday trembling in fear? For most animals, this holiday isn’t on their list of favorite things. It’s noisy, scary and filled with tempting people-food. Let’s take a moment to review some of the things you may have noticed and can learn about your pet this Fourth of July that you may want to think about for upcoming holidays.
We Got the Beat…On Caring for Pet Heart Patients at Home
Pets with cardiac issues need a little extra TLC. If you are the caretaker of one of these special animals, you may be wondering what you need to do at home to help your pet stay as healthy as possible. Oakland Veterinary Referral Services knows that you want to do everything you can to achieve this. With a little extra effort at home, pet heart patients often do quite well.
Home Strategies for Pet Heart Patients
Depending on your pet’s diagnosis, our team may have individualized recommendations for your patient at home. There are some generalized things, though, that most pet heart patients can benefit from.
Pet Tech: All About the Smart Dog Collar
Picture this: You’re sitting at your desk at work when you hear the familiar ping of a notification on your smartphone. The message has been sent by your dog’s collar, letting you know that she has gotten out again. Time to track her down using the collar’s built-in GPS, which is accessible on your phone.
By the time you reach the area where she is located, evening is setting in, so you remotely switch on the collar’s LED light to help you in your search. There she is, investigating the contents of a gopher hole in some bushes five blocks from home!
Before returning home, you have the collar take and post pictures of your dog’s escapades to your social media accounts, just for fun.
Pets in the Pre-Nup? The New World of Pet Custody Battles
Couples who adopt pets together are most likely not thinking about what will happen to these pets in the event of a breakup, but maybe they should. With over 70% of U.S. households containing a pet, combined with a 50% divorce rate, it makes sense that pet custody battles are on the rise.
The Law of the Land
In most states, pets are considered part of a couple’s joint assets, except in cases where one party brings the pet into the relationship. In that case, the pet is considered that person’s nonmarital property.
Bow WOW! Ways to Add Excitement to Your Daily Dog Walk
Is your dog bored with the standard “walk to the park?” Are you reluctant to tread the same old path each and every day? It’s easy to get stuck in an exercise rut with your dog – and chances are that your dog is tired of the same old walk routine as well.
Daily exercise plays a key role in the lifelong health and happiness of all pets, and the daily walk is one of the best ways to keep your dog moving (it also offers important opportunities for socialization). Just because daily walks are routine, the OVRS staff doesn’t believe that your walks need to be dull! Here are ways to add a little pizazz to your dog walk to keep both you and your paw pal enthusiastic.
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