Oakland Veterinary Referral Services Blog

To most pet owners, there is no greater crime than animal cruelty. Unfortunately, it is something that is still far too prevalent in our society. Instead of feeling like a hopeless bystander, here are 5 simple ways that you can combat animal cruelty.

If you’ve ever spent time with your dog at the park or even gone for a stroll around the neighborhood, you’ve probably seen how easy it is for your pup to make friends. While it might be pretty easy to socialize on the playground, as we reach our adult years, it becomes much harder for us humans. What lessons can our dogs teach us about getting better at socializing?

With their cute little faces and irresistible toe beans, cats really would make the perfect spies. Who would suspect that a cat is plotting world domination? They can slink in and out of practically any location. People either stop to give them all the attention or completely ignore them. They can jump to great heights, and some can even open doors on their own. But how can you tell if your cat and his cute little whiskers are secretly planning to take over the world? We’ve got some tips on how to spot his plans:

Humans stress too much. Dogs know how to live. I think we can all collectively agree that the world is full of stress at the moment, so I asked my favorite pup how to enjoy a low-stress life. Here’s what he had to say:

All the Plays

Playtime is the best time. I know this. Feeling sad it’s not time for dinner yet? Play. Unsure why your second favorite human left so long ago and isn’t home yet? Play. Humans using angry voices? Play. Playtime cures all my sads. That’s why I do it so much. 

Do you have a hyperactive cat? Meowing at all hours. Incessant scratching. Zoomies. All the zoomies. Doesn’t it always seem like your cat goes into hyperactive mode when you’re trying to wind down for the night? This hyperactivity, or “midnight crazies,” can be difficult to deal with—especially when it starts to mess with your sleep. How can you quash this boisterous nighttime behavior and encourage your cat to rest in the evening? Keep reading to find out.

Your veterinary team may need your help in collecting a urine sample from your dog. Urine samples can be helpful for annual wellness exams or figuring out how to treat a specific health issue. If your vet needs you to collect a urine sample from your dog, use these tips to simplify the process:

It is important to recognize urinary blockages in male cats to give you the best chance of getting your cat help when they need it. Because cats are so independent, it can be hard to tell when they need help. As solitary hunters in the wild, cats have evolved to minimize signs of weakness. Even a cat who has enjoyed a comfortable and pampered life in a warm home will still have these instincts. Here are some of the most common urine troubles in males including blockages and what to do about them:

Cats have very strong personalities. When they don’t like something, you’ll know it. Most cats have very specific feelings about going to the vet, and those feelings are often unhappy ones. 

Some nervous cats might scratch you while going into the carrier or cry the whole way to the vet. There are ways you can help calm your cat before a veterinary visit though. Oakland Veterinary Referral Services is here to help you reduce your kitty’s fears in time for your next vet visit:

Annual wellness checks and necessary veterinary care can add years to your dog’s life. Unfortunately, we do not always enjoy the things that are good for us—which is also true for our furry friends. If your dog would rather get a bath and play with the cat than visit the vet, we have a few tips for you. Use our tips to calm your dog for a visit to the vet:

Is your cat throwing up but seems fine? Cats are instinctively inclined to hide any weaknesses. This can make it difficult for us as pet owners to determine when there is a health issue at play. Sometimes cats throw up but don’t seem to have any other symptoms of illness. Does this mean they are fine? Your friends at OVRS have created this guide to help you determine when a cat throwing up is nothing to worry about.