Search Results for ‘weight’

Leptospirosis may not be the topic that great conversations are made of, but it is one every pet owner should understand. This illness not only affects our animal companions but it is also zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted to humans. 

9% of dogs are estimated to be shedding leptospires, the bacteria responsible for the disease, even if they are asymptomatic. Leptospirosis continues to be on the rise, especially in canines, so it’s essential to understand what it is and how to prevent it.

Your friends at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services want to update you on this potentially fatal illness in order to keep your dog and whole family safe.

The great news is that the average lifespan of a cat has increased over the years. At one time, the family mouser lived in the barn or yard. They had to scruff around for their meals and avoid the usual scrapes that come with living outside. From encounters with wildlife to poisonous plants, they may have lived for 3 or 4 years if lucky. Now with advanced veterinary medicine, better nutrition and a safer lifestyle for our whiskered pals, the lifespan of a cat has increased considerably.

There are still many variables in determining how long a cat will live. This is why the team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services wants to explain the lifespan of cats and what you can do to improve your cat’s health and well-being.

Is your dog itching? While the occasional scratch or nibble at the skin is normal for most dogs, a dog chronically scratching indicates something more serious. Intense itching is an indicator that your pet may have skin allergies or other medical conditions that affect the skin. Skin conditions can also become inflamed or infected. 

Oakland Veterinary Referral Services sees many chronic and complex cases of skin disorders. We can explain reasons behind them and help you get to the bottom of this uncomfortable problem.

Isn’t a begging dog almost synonymous with every dog? Dogs just beg for food, right? Actually, there are things we do to encourage this bad behavior in our canine companions and there are things we can do to get your dog to stop begging for food. 

A begging dog can spell trouble in the weight department if you give in to them. Giving your pet table scraps also increases the risks of toxicity and behavior problems. Plus, it is just plain bad manners for your dog to beg. This is why the team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services wants to give you pointers on how to teach a dog not to beg. Read on to learn more!

Kidney disease in cats is a common diagnosis. We estimate that some form of kidney disease affects 20-25% of our feline companions and an even higher percentage of seniors and geriatric cats. 

Kidney function is vital in filtering toxins from the body and keeping electrolytes and water in balance. If the kidneys are compromised, this can result in acute kidney disease or chronic kidney failure (the kidneys getting worse over time). 

The team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services wants cat owners to be aware of this disease and what we can to treat and manage it for a better quality of life.

Awaiting the birth of new pups is an exciting time. When your dog is pregnant or nursing, their diet is key to the puppies’ gestation and development. You may be asking, “What should I feed my pregnant dog”? Good, balanced nutrition is the foundation for health. Building on that, there are specific needs at each stage of your dog’s pregnancy. What you feed your pet can go a long way in delivering healthy puppies. 

Your friends at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services congratulate you on your upcoming bundles of joy. We are here to provide insight and recommendations on what you should feed your pregnant dog. 

Cardiopulmonary disease in dogs affects the heart and lungs. An integrative approach pairs the disease treatment expertise of Western veterinary medicine with early prevention and holistic health support of Eastern medicine.

Your friends at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services want to explain more about cardiopulmonary disease in dogs, its prevention, and an integrative approach to its treatment.

Pets explore the world with their mouths. They will try a bite of almost anything in their paths, and it is no surprise that their favorite pastime is eating. When a pet overindulges or has stomach upset, it can be uncomfortable for them and sometimes trigger an emergency. 

Pet stomach problems are a common concern and a frequent reason for visits to our emergency room. The team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services is here to explain reasons for tummy troubles and their prevention. Read on to learn more.

Small dog breeds are popular with many pet owners due to their small stature and big personalities. Top breeds like Pugs, Chihuahuas, Terriers, Pomeranians, and other tiny dogs are trendy with those with limited space and a passion for their convenient and adorable size. Small dogs, though, are at greater risk for specific health conditions that primarily affect the minuscule breeds.

The team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services is here to explain some of the conditions that affect small dogs. Understanding the challenges of small dog breeds can hopefully help you better care for your best friend.

Treats are an important part of rewarding your dog or cat. In moderation, cat and dog treats are great. They offer motivation during house training and basic commands, offer appeasement during times of stress, let you to bond with your pet, and are just generally tasty. But food-based rewards can also lead to obesity and health problems. 

Your team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services understands the importance of pet treats. This blog is to give you insights into pet treats and suggest forms of reward that are healthy alternatives to treats.