In a perfect world, our dogs would live forever. The truest of companions, dogs add so much love, joy, laughter, and acceptance to a person’s life. Whether you are considering getting your first dog or are thinking of adopting a new breed, or making health decisions for an existing dog, knowing an average dog lifespan […] The post Average Dog Lifespan appeared first on Oakland Veterinary Referral Services ..read more

Any pet owner knows how much peace an animal’s presence can provide. Therapy animals provide unmatched support for people going through hard times. For the Paris Olympics, the U.S. women’s gymnastics team found emotional support from with Beacon, a golden retriever who was a key factor in their first place finish.  Emotional Support Beacon joined […] The post Beacon: Olympic Gymnastics Team Emotional Support Dog appeared first on Oakland Veterinary Referral Services ..read more

Illnesses that last at least three months and might progressively worsen over time are known as chronic diseases. Unfortunately, these long-lasting diseases can reduce the quality of life for our pet friends. If you have a pet with a chronic illness, he or she will need a little bit of extra attention to lessen symptoms […] The post Managing Chronic Disease in Pets appeared first on Oakland Veterinary Referral Services ..read more

The reproductive system of a female animal is much different than that of a human woman. Learning about pregnancy in dogs and cats can help you spot when your own pet might be expecting, and how to help them through their pregnancy.  The team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services is here to guide you through […] The post Pregnancy in Dogs and Cats appeared first on Oakland Veterinary Referral Services ..read more

People who foster pets are true heroes who help animals in need get love and care while waiting for their forever home. Fostering a pet frees up important shelter space and provides a safe and enriching environment for pets who need extra help on their journeys. If you are considering becoming a foster parent, these tips can help you do it successfully: Fostering a Pet: Try to Avoid a “Foster Fail” While it is sweet to hear about “foster fails” who fell in love with their animal guests and decided to adopt them, it also leads to fewer available foster families for animals. When you sign up to ..read more

Cats love treats almost as much as we love cats. You might want to consider making your own if you don’t want to feed your kitty store-bought treats filled with questionable ingredients. Try out these recipes for healthy homemade cat treats to treat your kitty in a nutritious and delicious way: Hairball Control Treats What’s better than homemade cat treats? Ones we know your kitty will love? How about treats that will help control hairballs? Thanks to the added fiber and oil in these easy-to-make treats from The Upside, the hair your cat swallows can move more easily through the digestive tra ..read more

Summer is perfect for outdoor parties, grilling, and sampling delicious food. However, pets can become seriously ill with pancreatitis after eating many common barbecue foods at summer parties. With some attention and effort, you can prevent pancreatitis this summer.  Pancreatitis in Pets Before we discuss the foods associated with pancreatitis in pets, we want to briefly describe the condition and its dangers. Pancreatitis occurs when digestive enzymes erroneously activate inside the pancreas. In normal situations, these enzymes only activate once they’ve left the organ and arrived at t ..read more

The field of veterinary oncology is constantly advancing with new ways to help pets with cancer. These advancements mean that a cancer diagnosis for a pet does not have to be as scary as it once was. At Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, we are committed to staying up-to-date on advancements in veterinary oncology, including the following new treatments and research: Rabacfosadine Injection In the past, many pet cancer treatments were borrowed from human medicine. While they were effective in specific ways, they were not explicitly designed for pets’ bodies and immune systems. Rabacfosadin ..read more

Advancements in veterinary medicine are making it easier than ever to get our pets care that can even help them live longer. Aging pets have different needs than their younger counterparts in order to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Specialty care for aging pets can help you and your favorite senior pet enjoy even more time together.  Age Is Not an Illness Many people equate an animal’s golden years with disease, but it is important to remember that age is not an illness. While there are certain age-related conditions you can expect to see, many senior pets simply need one extra wellness ..read more

Modern veterinary medicine has seen advancements in technology and medicinal practices to offer pets the best care options. Having a Veterinary Anesthesiologist on staff is an invaluable resource that makes surgeries safer for pets. The Basics of Veterinary Anesthesia An anesthesiologist is a veterinarian specializing in administering sedation and anesthetizing medications to animals. This allows veterinarians to perform the safest, most effective procedures for animals. Each animal is unique, so a veterinary anesthesiologist must pay detailed attention to each case. Modern anesthesia is cons ..read more