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Dog eyeing turkey leg

We all look forward to the holiday season as a time of family, friends, food, and fun. Unfortunately, though, Thanksgiving is also a time where we see a dramatic increase in the number of pet emergencies.

Be sure to be aware of potential Thanksgiving food risks and keep your pet safe this holiday season.

Pancreatitis in Pets

Just as for people, overindulgence in rich, fatty foods can upset the digestive system, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, or both. Sometimes, though, when pets indulge too much the result is something more serious than just a tummy ache. Continue…

One of the most dramatic changes in veterinary medicine in the past 15 years has been the tremendous advancement in the field of veterinary Emergency & Critical Care (ECC) for pets. With the development of ECC as a veterinary specialty comes great advancements in our ability to help seriously sick and injured pets. We have made great strides in being able to save the lives of critically ill pets, who, just a few decades ago, likely would have died.

At Oakland Veterinary Referral Services we are proud to offer world-class pet Emergency and Critical Care. Pet emergencies are often unexpected, stressful, and upsetting. Our knowledgeable and compassionate expert veterinary team is prepared to help you in your time of need regardless of the seriousness of the emergency.

We are proud of the excellent veterinary emergency and critical care doctors, staff and technology that have been available to our Michigan clients the last 25 years. We hope that you feel more secure knowing that OVRS offers:

Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care When You Need It

Pet emergencies don’t happen on a schedule. They often occur on weekends, late at night, or on holidays. Our ECC services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our staff’s training and experience are centered in emergency, specialty and critical care since that is our hospital’s focus. Continue…

While you may think of the Fourth of July as great holiday full of fun, friends food and fireworks, your pet might not be as fond of it as you are. If your pet shows signs of fear around loud or unexpected noises, then he or she will most likely have issues with the loud bang and pop of fireworks.

Fourth of July fireworks aren’t the only thing that can cause pet anxiety this time of year, though. Spring and early summer mean storm season, too; with booms of thunder and flashes of lightning. Many pets are fearful of these loud sounds that come along with these thunderstorms.

What the Problem Is

It’s not just the noise of fireworks and thunderstorms  that might spook your pet. The lights and smell of fireworks can also cause a panic, just like the flash of lightning can scare your pet. His or her first instinct is going to be to run and hide. If your pet is loose outside, their fear or panic could cause them to bolt. Continue…

The holidays aren’t the only opportunity for your cat or dog to get into trouble at parties. Here are a few reminders for keeping your pet safe at this year’s celebrations, family gatherings, and at-home affairs.

Party Safety Tips

Parties can offer plenty of fun for you and plenty of opportunity for your pet to do something he or she shouldn’t. Here’s how to keep your pet safe:

• Before you head out for the night or your party guests arrive, take your pet out for a walk to get some exercise. Not only will he or she enjoy the one-on-one time with you, but it will help to burn off any excess energy your pet may have for shenanigans later in the evening as well.

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When you weigh your options for worthy causes deserving of your charitable dollars this year, we know that there are many deserving organizations–locally, nationally, and worldwide–that are in need. But it is our hope that, as pet owners and animal lovers, you will also consider including donations to an animal-friendly cause as part of your giving.

Here are a few of our favorites…

TEAR —OVRS’s The Emergency Animal Relief Foundation (TEAR) is dedicated to helping Southeastern Michigan’s pets-in-need. From providing emergency financial assistance to pets in crisis, to helping pet owners afford potentially life-saving cancer treatments for their beloved companions, TEAR is dedicated to serving our community’s pets and their people.

Leader Dogs for the Blind —This outstanding Michigan-based organization helps to train and place free guide dogs with the blind, deaf-blind, and visually impaired individuals, nationwide. The service and outreach Leader Dog provides to the blind community is nothing short of spectacular, and the organization is worthy of your support. Continue…

Adopting a new pet into your home and family is a big decision. Or, it should be. For many of us, the pets we adopt become our best friends and closest companions, so it’s only natural that we want the best pet possible. Likewise, as pet owners we need to know that we can meet our pet’s needs and give them the best possible life, too. Here are a few things to consider when adopting a pet… Continue…

With Thanksgiving just days away, many of us are pausing to reflect on all we have to be thankful for this holiday season. At Oakland Veterinary Referral Service, we hope that your pets are among the blessings you count this year and that you’ll take a moment to consider all the good your four-legged friend has brought to your life this past year. Continue…

Remember that many holiday traditions and practices can be hazardous for our furry friends.  Beware of the following kitty dangers this Halloween:

• Trick-or-treaters

Frequently opening doors can lead to an indoor cat getting outside fairly quickly.  Try to ensure that your cat is in a secure location during trick-or-treating hours.  It is also wise to make sure your pet is wearing identification and is micro-chipped.

• Holiday decorations

Cats are curious by nature, and unfamiliar objects such as candles, glow sticks, and fake spider webs can look like fun toys and tasty treats.  Also, electrical cords from decorations can be tempting chew toys.  Use caution when allowing your cat near such items.

• Costumes

If you choose to dress you cat for the occasion, make sure that the costume does not restrict movement or breathing and does not have any easily chewed-off parts.  Never leave your cat unattended while dressed, either.

• Candy and treats

Don’t forget that many people goodies are no-no’s for our feline friends.  Chocolate in all its forms (especially baking and dark chocolate) is a kitty danger.  Also fun, crinkly candy wrappers can be tempting for curious cats and may lead to ingestion and digestive upset or blockage.

Make sure to pay attention to these tips to prevent your spooky day from being downright scary!

Happy birthday America!  The 4^th of July is an exciting holiday, but it can be riddled with dangers for our furry friends.  Some of them are more obvious than others.  Make sure that you know the big ones to help your pets steer clear of any holiday mishaps.

1.  Fireworks – This one is kind of a no-brainer.  After all, lighting fireworks can be dangerous for people, too.  Did you realize that even unlit fireworks pose a danger to your pet?  Ingestion can be toxic.  Help you pet avoid burns, trauma, and even death by just keeping them indoors.
2. People food – Many favorite picnic and party foods contain ingredients such as chocolate or grapes that can be deadly.  Even overdoing it with treats or fatty foods can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or more serious conditions such as pancreatitis.
3. The heat – Pets should stay indoors when possible and always have access to fresh water and shade.  Never leave your pet unattended in a car.
4. Themselves! – The loud noises and chaos of the holiday can lead to even the most docile pet becoming frantic.  Make sure your pet has a safe haven within your home and keep anything dangerous out of reach.  Some pets may even require a sedative to get them through the holiday.
5. Alcohol – Be sure that any alcohol around during the holiday festivities is kept out of reach.
6. Lighter fluid and matches – Lighter fluid can be irritating to the skin and ingestion of either matches or fluid can lead to serious problems in pets.
7. Bug sprays and insect repellants – Many human-use bug sprays can cause problems for pets such as digestive upset or even neurological problems.  Citronella products and lead to problems if ingested or inhaled.
8. Glow sticks – These fun holiday toys can be harmful if swallowed due to the risk of gastrointestinal obstruction or irritation.
9. Decorations – Red, white, and blue décor can look like a fun chew toy!  Keep decorations out of paws reach.
10. No ID – Pets that run when scared are more likely to become separated from their owners.  Be sure your pet is wearing current identification at all times. If your pet isn’t microchipped you should consider it, and if he is you should be sure that your contact information is up-to-date.

If you have any questions contact us or reach out to your primary veterinarian.