As a Veterinary Cardiologist, I hear this over and over when kitties come to see me for a heart check-up. The problem with cats is that they are sooooo smart that they can hide even the most severe forms of heart disease…until they find themselves in the emergency room.  What does it mean that my cat has a heart murmur??  A murmur is a blowing sound that we hear when we listen to the heart. It may be from a birth defect, or it could be associated with a heart muscle disease that some cats develop. Sometimes, the murmur is described as being  “innocent,” meaning that there is ac ..read more

When your dog is diagnosed with cancer, it is understandable to feel helpless and devastated. You may wonder what to do next and how you can best support your pet.  There are several types of cancers that affect dogs, and some of them are very similar to forms of human cancer. The team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services is here to explain cancer in dogs and what you can do to see the signs. The More Common Types of Cancer in Dogs Cancer occurs in more than 6 million dogs annually and is the leading cause of death in dogs over 6 years of age. Some cancers cannot be prevented. But the ..read more

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 Vet ..read more

At Oakland Veterinary Referral Services (OVRS), we are happy anytime we hear about a successful pet adoption. Senior pets are just as in need of loving homes as their younger counterparts, but are often overlooked in the shelters. Bringing an older animal into your house can be hugely rewarding for your family. Just as with any adoption scenario, though, it is important to understand what to expect before you bring a senior pet home. Senior Pets: Full of Love But Not Energy Senior pets seem to appreciate being adopted more than younger pets, and they show their thanks with deep love for their ..read more

Our tips can help you reduce or get rid of dog odors. We love our dogs and there is little that could decrease our love for them. Sometimes, though, unusual dog odors on your pet or in your house can make loving them a little more challenging. If your dog’s scent often makes you crinkle your nose in disgust, these simple tips can help you get rid of these odors. Then you can have your clean dog as well as a fresh-smelling pet and house.  First, Try Some Deep Cleaning Regularly cleaning your house can help you remove dog odors at the source. Be sure to vacuum often to get rid of dander an ..read more

Heart disease in dogs is more common than you might realize. Dogs are susceptible to many different forms of cardiovascular issues that range in severity. Your veterinarian will base the treatment on the type of heart disease. Oakland Veterinary Referral Services (OVRS) wants to help you learn about heart disease in dogs so you can spot any signs of trouble early.   Types of Heart Disease in Dogs Dogs, like people, are at risk for different kinds of heart disease. Some heart disease is due to genetic predisposition in certain breeds, while other heart issues are due to lifestyle. He ..read more

When it comes to selecting the best puppy food, or best senior dog food, the choices seem endless. It can feel overwhelming, especially now that we have additional offerings in grain-free, raw, organic, and homemade. Where do you begin? One factor that should always guide you to the best food for your dog is their age.  Your dog’s nutritional needs change with age and your choices will impact the quality of their development, health, and well-being. This is why Oakland Veterinary Referral Services wants to explain what goes into determining the dietary needs of your puppy or senior dog b ..read more

When a pet owner hears that their dog has arthritis, they tend to assume that their pet is just “old” and that’s what comes with aging. That’s not always the case. Old age can bring with it a number of pet ailments, from diabetes to cancer. But aging is not a disease and with the right preventive care, most pets can age gracefully.  When we see arthritis in dogs, we often see a different reason for joint conditions like arthritis…and it isn’t their age. Read on to learn more about Oakland Veterinary Referral Services’ overview of arthritis in dogs. What Is Osteoarthritis? The condition o ..read more

Labored breathing in dogs and cats is triggered by multiple issues that impact a complex and vital system of the body–the respiratory system. It delivers oxygen throughout the body and removes carbon dioxide. This specialized system keeps your furry friend moving and cool, as it is essential for many aspects of health. So, when your pet is struggling to catch their breath or is breathing heavily, it is unsettling. If your pet is having trouble breathing or has labored breathing, it’s important to get them diagnosed and treated. The team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services provides some ke ..read more

Orthopedic beds for dogs are a great choice when your pet is achy, stiff, or experiencing pain that makes it hard for them to rest on standard beds. If your pet is in their golden years or has had an injury, surgery, or chronic condition, there are good reasons for swapping out their old bed. This is because orthopedic beds are designed with additional thickness and comfort due to the materials used to make them. It can be hard to find the right bed for your bestie when there are several brands of dog beds that promise to be the best. This is where we come in! Here are the top-rated and best ..read more