Oakland Veterinary Referral Services Blog

There are so very many things to enjoy about the holidays; sweater weather, time with family and friends, and delicious treats, to name a few. One of our absolute favorite aspects of the holiday season is all the extra time we get with our pets. Including your pets in your holiday photos helps you all get into the festive spirit together (and share it with others). Consider using the following ideas to get the best paw-liday card photo with your pets:

Dogs love to play. A wide variety of dog toys gives them stimulation and keeps them active, which can improve their physical and mental health. They can also provide hours of bonding fun for you and your pup. If you are thinking of investing in some toys for your dog, be sure you choose ones that will provide the most benefits and safety. Use this guide to pick the best dog toys:

When you’re a dog owner, making certain adjustments to your daily life can help everyone feel more comfortable. If you plan to travel often with your dogs in the car, or take your dog with you wherever you go, you might want to invest in a vehicle that is spacious and safe enough for all passengers—both human and animal. This list of the most dog-friendly cars will help you choose the right vehicle for your needs:

The bond between dogs and their humans is well documented throughout history. For many generations, dogs and humans have coexisted and enhanced each other’s lives. It’s hard to imagine a time when the two species didn’t interact at all, isn’t it? 

So how exactly did canines get the moniker of (wo)man’s best friend? Let’s dive into the history of canine-human relations to find out how they went from wild animals to some of our dearest companions: 

Overrated Pet Trends: Over-the-Top Grooming

You’ve probably had at least one video on your feed of a dog who visited the groomer and left looking like a zebra or other animal. It is very trendy to request hair dye for a pooch or a fancy, silly cut. While most dye is safe for pets, this trend requires a lot of maintenance. Once you start, it’s pretty hard to stop cold turkey. Many people also believe there’s an ethical dilemma with these unique grooming trends because you can’t ask the animal if they want it. Regular grooming and bathing has many benefits for pets, but you might want to consider keeping it routine instead of asking the groomer for a fun and crazy hairstyle for your furry friend.

If you or someone in your household is one of the unfortunate souls to suffer with pet allergies, it can be hard to share your home with a furry friend. With our tips on reducing your pet allergy symptoms, you can hopefully find some relief without the need to rehome your pet:

People are not the only ones who suffer from seasonal allergies. Our pets can also experience discomfort as the weather changes. If you have an unlucky dog who suffers from seasonal allergies, don’t worry. Your friends at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services are here to help you understand and alleviate fall allergies in dogs.

At Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, we are privileged to offer services that provide help to people who live locally and those who have to travel a bit to see us. We know it’s hard to be away from home, especially for medical reasons, and we want you to be as comfortable as possible. If you have scheduled an appointment with us from another town, here are some of the nearby hotels that allow dogs:

The first touches of fall are finally here, and there’s a feeling of peace and new beginnings in the air. Autumn is a special season for so many—and it can be for your pets as well! Consider booking one or more fall pet-friendly vacations this year so you and your furry friend can enjoy the season together. 

While our pets provide plenty of love and affection, they do not entirely fill the void of social interaction. Connecting with other pet owners is a great way to meet people with whom you have something fundamental in common. If you are looking for ways to connect with other pet owners in this area, be sure to try these tactics: