Oakland Veterinary Referral Services Blog

Ask many dog owners what their biggest fear is regarding canine diseases or illnesses and they may say parvo or rabies. And with good reason as the core vaccines for dogs focus on the big four: canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis, and rabies. But, depending on your dog’s level of exposure to the outdoors, or to crowded kennels and dog parks, it can be equally important to vaccinate against diseases like leptospirosis which are too often ignored.

To truly understand what vaccines are needed for your pet, begin by educating yourself on some of the common diseases, such as leptospirosis. Continue…

Veterinary medicine and nutrition are good for your pet, but pet owners shouldn’t overlook environmental enrichment and stimulation as important components of an animal’s overall health and wellbeing. Even the most dedicated or involved pet owner may start to notice the tell-tale signs of a bored pet; especially if you’re walking by the same ol’ smells, day after day.

Life gets hectic, we all get a bit older everyday, and the old antics from kitten or puppy hood give way to a more sedentary life. Even for pets that have a stretch of backyard to play in, boredom (and maybe even bad behavior) can easily set in. But, with a new approach to your pet’s environmental enrichment, it doesn’t have to be this way. Continue…

When you look at your beloved family pet, the last thing you want to think about is his or her last days with you. While no one wants to think about end of life pet care, chances are that you will outlive your four-legged friend and it something you will need to address.

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What constitutes responsible pet care? Certainly most pet owners love their pets. What should that love in action look like though? Is it daily feeding and petting? Spoiling your pet with treats? What does it mean to be a responsible pet parent?

Our blogs usually focus on how to prevent health care risks, ways to improve pet health and quality of life, or various health conditions. In this blog, we want to describe our view of responsible pet care and celebrate the many responsible pet owners who provide exemplary care and love to their pets each and every day. Continue…

You can just envision it: the tiny party hats, the decorated dog biscuits, and a clown bending balloons into the shapes of little humans. OK, maybe not the clown… but, it is a fact that pet birthday parties are becoming quite the trend among pet parents.

And, why not? Our pet companions are oftentimes very much like our kids and hold an important place in our hearts and homes.

Throwing the Perfect Dog Birthday Party

So, what does a birthday party for fur friends entail?

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We are now deep into summer and we hope that you and your pets have been enjoying the great outdoors. If you have been outside much, though, you know how much of a damper the sun and bugs can put on your good time. Our four-legged family members are no different in this regard. Learn what you need to know about sunscreen and bug spray for your pets this summer season.

Sun Dangers for Pets

The sunshine holds lots of fun for people and pets alike, but we must always remember that its rays can be dangerous. Continue…

July 19th-25th is Megaesophagus Awareness Week and Oakland Veterinary Referral Services is on a mission to raise understanding about this condition. Keep reading to help us achieve our goal and learn about canine megaesophagus.

Mega What? Understanding Canine Megaesophagus

The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth into the stomach. It is made up of muscle tissue. Normally the muscle of the esophagus helps to ease food and water into the stomach and prevent it from going the wrong way.

In dogs with megaesophagus, the muscle of the esophagus does not do its job. Food and water sit and often never quite make it into the stomach.

Canine megaesophagus can have several underlying causes. The most common of these include: Continue…

Ticks have been an increasing problem for people and their pets over the past few years. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, reported cases of Lyme disease have almost doubled in two years, with the western region of the state seeing the highest number of incidents. And, while the tick boom has created a worrisome outdoor environment for people, pet owners are also concerned about keeping their pets safe from ticks and the diseases they carry.
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Liver problems are usually serious for a pet. As a pet owner, you want to better understand what is happening with your pet, even if they know he or she is in good hands. There are many different pet liver problems that dogs and cats can have. Read on to learn what you should know if your pet is having liver issues.

Pet Liver Problems: The Rundown

The liver is a very important organ, and pets and people alike need it to stay healthy. The liver has several vital functions including helping in digestion, aiding in proper blood clotting, regulating blood sugar, producing essential proteins, and detoxifying the blood. If the liver isn’t working right, serious problems can develop. Continue…

Surf’s up in Michigan! (Ok, well, what we consider surf.) And, many of us, human or animal alike, can appreciate the cool lakeshore on a steamy summer day. Have fun at the beach and avoid these doggie dangers with a little beach safety awareness. High water levels, heat, and pet escape are among some of the possible pet perils.

To make yours and your pet’s summer extra cool, practice some of the following surf-n-turf precautions. Continue…