Oakland Veterinary Referral Services Blog

For many, team sports are exceedingly fun to watch – but we’re hard pressed to find a sport that surpasses the chaos and fanfare of college basketball. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is known for hosting sizable tournaments in a variety of sports. However, they’ve achieved unmatched distinction through the promotion and organization of exciting (dare we say frenzied?) basketball games.

This time of year gives way to explosive competitions. The term March Madness describes the heightened enthusiasm surrounding men’s and women’s college basketball, and all of us at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services are eager to thoroughly enjoy this basketball phenomenon. We invite you to join us/compete with us to help determine the next champions of college basketball with our OVRS March Madness Pool! Continue…

Although cancer is not a word that any pet owner wants to hear, the fact remains that some of our pets will wind up with this diagnosis. Cancer is a reality for roughly 12 million dogs and cats in the United States, and is the leading cause of death in pets over 10 years of age.

While cancer in pets is a scary thought, the prognosis is good for many dogs and cats. More and more pets are receiving treatment, thanks to continuing advances in veterinary medicine. At Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, we are proud to offer a state-of-the-art veterinary oncology department, including diagnostics, treatment services, pet oncologic surgery, and other services designed to meet the varied needs of our precious patients.
Continue…

Spring hasn’t quite arrived here in Michigan, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to start planning for warm weather travel. Spring and summer are the ideal times to hit the road (or the skies), especially if you’re planning on bringing a four-legged companion along.

Today there are more options than ever for pet friendly travel, and getting your furry guy or gal to and from your destination is easier than ever. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a more extended vacation, the team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services can help.
Continue…

A pet’s love affair with treats is as old and deep as the sea itself. Well, maybe we’re being a bit dramatic, but all pet owners know how much their pets enjoy treats. From the humble Milk-Bone to the gourmet, handmade pet treats that are so prevalent these days, it can be tough to figure out what’s safe and healthy for our pets.

We are big fans of treats here at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, and we want to help you make informed choices when it comes to selecting the treat that’s right for your pet.

The Big “No-Nos”

There are a surprising number of dangers among certain treats. Balancing the risks and benefits is key when selecting a treat for your pet. Especially hearing about so many recalls in the news. Some of the problems that may result from treats include:
Continue…

No one wants to have to have a sweet pet go through surgery, but it is advisable for most of our four-legged family members to have surgery at least once in their lifetimes.

It is typically recommended for pets to be spayed or neutered, and for several good reasons. Oakland Veterinary Referral Services wants to remind you of those important reasons to spay and neuter your pets.

Your Pet’s Health

There are certainly some dramatic health benefits associated with having your dog or cat “fixed”. This is perhaps the most compelling reason to go ahead with the procedure. Some of the ways spay/neuter can benefit your pet include:
Continue…

Does the idea of spending Valentine’s Day at home with your pet sound more fun than going out on the town? Would you rather enjoy a Netflix binge next to your sleeping kitty than worry about what to wear on a date? Do you cringe at the thought of sitting across from someone in a Valentine’s crowded restaurant, battling awkward silences?

If the above statements sound like you, rest assured you’re not alone. According to a survey by pet-sitting service DogVacay, more than 75 percent of people would rather be with their pet on Valentine’s Day than with a significant other!

A Rover.com survey found that 25% of devoted dog people spend more money on things for their dog than for their significant other. 47% cuddle with their dog more often than their partner. That same number say they plan a Valentine’s Day celebration for their dog.

So, go ahead and make your fur friend your Valentine! Here at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, we couldn’t agree more that pets make great Valentine’s Day dates. Here’s why…
Continue…

We depend on our senses to help us navigate and understand the world around us, and our animal friends are no different. While our pets use their eyes in a similar fashion as we do, there are some fascinating differences in animal vision versus human vision.

Oakland Veterinary Referral Services invites you take a look at the world through the eyes of your pet.

How Vision Works

The basics of visualizing something are the same among all mammals. People, dogs, and cats all rely on the same visual processes in order to see something.
Continue…

Michiganders are no strangers to winter, and neither are their pets. While you’re busy lacing up your snow boots before you head outdoors, your pet waits, bare-pawed. Indeed, our pets rely on their bare paws to transport them everywhere they need to go, regardless of the weather.

Winter weather can wreak havoc on paws, however. Dry, cracked paws and other injuries are common in the coldest months. Learn how to take care of your pet’s precious paws with these pro tips, offered by your friends at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services.

All About Those Pads

The pads on the bottoms of paws are certainly adorable, but they serve a much bigger purpose for our pets. Paw pads provide traction and serve as shock absorbers, protecting the bones, tendons, and ligaments of the legs from the impact of all that walking, running, and climbing.
Continue…

If your pet has been diagnosed with diabetes, you may feel a little overwhelmed and words like pathophysiology, insulin, and glucose curves may have your head reeling.

Obviously, diabetes is a diagnosis that requires a close relationship with a veterinarian. There are things that you will need to do at home as well. Home care for the diabetic pet is just as important as the care required at the vet’s office. Here’s what you need to know.
Continue…

More pet owners want the best for their pet so they are choosing advanced options for their care. One example is in the treatment of animals diagnosed with cancer–a scary concept when you’re a pet owner.

You want your fur friend to feel better and be with you as long as possible, but you don’t want to make a decision that causes your pet pain and suffering. Oakland Veterinary Referral Services wants to help you make the right decision by better understanding how chemotherapy for pets can affect your furry family member.

Human Chemotherapy vs Treating Pets

One of the primary anti-cancer therapies is chemotherapy for pets, which can be a very effective option for cancer treatment. Most people know someone who has undergone chemotherapy and you know the human side effects all too well: nausea, weight loss, fatigue, and hair loss.

Thankfully, chemotherapy in pets is very different!
Continue…