Just like humans, autoimmune skin diseases in pets can display various symptoms. Pets can develop skin diseases like rashes, scabs, redness, and bumps. They can be accompanied by pain, fever, lethargy or even loss of appetite. The best way to combat autoimmune skin diseases in pets is to learn what they are and how to spot them so you can get the proper treatment. What Are Autoimmune Diseases? The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and proteins in the body. It protects the body from foreign invaders like viruses and bacteria. The immune system cannot always distinguish betw ..read more

Bladder stones in dogs are fairly common and can make urination difficult or painful. Don’t take bladder stones lightly, though. If left untreated, they can create significant discomfort and lead to serious complications. Keep reading to learn more about how to spot this condition and what you can do to lower your dog’s risk of developing bladder stones.  What Are Bladder Stones? Sometimes excess minerals in the body crystallize and clump together, creating solid masses. These masses can occur in various body areas, but bladder stones only develop in and affect the bladder. There are dif ..read more

Did you know that your cat generates the same carbon emissions each year as a twelve-hour car ride? If you are the lucky owner of more than one cat, this number increases even more. Cat ownership doesn’t have to add to your carbon footprint, however. With a little effort and some knowledge about eco-friendly practices for pet parents, you can have a loving cat and still do your part for the environment. Here’s what to know about the environmental impact of owning a cat: Check Your Portion Sizes Overfeeding our cats puts a bit of extra strain on the environment. Dogs and cats around the world ..read more

With so many animals needing homes, it can sometimes feel like owning an animal is a right and not a privilege. But, those who take pets into their homes do so with the promise that they will adequately care for the animal. Additionally, there are laws for dog owners, and it is essential to be aware of them. If you are (or are planning to become) a dog owner, be aware of the following safety considerations and laws for dog owners: Oakland County Dog License Oakland County dog owners are required to license their dogs each year. Dogs four months and older must be licensed. The license has a fe ..read more

Spring is in the air. As the ground begins to thaw and your thoughts turn to Easter preparation, don’t forget to include your pets in the fun. Animals enjoy a nice Easter basket as much as people do. Here are some festive ideas that you can use to create the perfect cat and dog Easter baskets. Dog Easter Baskets Our canine companions love to be included in whatever we do, even if they’re just along for the ride. Creating an Easter basket for your dog is a great way to make him feel included in your celebration. Some great dog Easter basket ideas are: A Cookie Basket Treat your dog to a little ..read more

Cat coat colors and patterns tell the story of their genetic history. Each spot or stripe is a memory of a cat that lived before. Many biological factors determine how a cat will look, which is why one litter can have such a wide variety of appearances. Keep reading to learn more about cat genetics and how they affect a cat’s coat colors and patterns: The Many Coats of Cats Cat coats can differ in length and texture. They are broken down into the following categories: Length: Cats will either be hairless, have short coats, or long coats Texture: Some cats have curly coats, some have wirehair ..read more

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

Most of us have at least good intentions of being more active in our daily lives. The execution, though, is not always as simple as the desire. Luckily for dog owners everywhere, pups can serve as surprisingly effective personal trainers. Keep reading to see how you can stay active with your dog and enjoy your very own pup-sonal training sessions. A Healthy Lifestyle…Naturally A study in the UK found that dog owners are about four times more likely to log the recommended minutes of exercise in a week than people who don’t have dogs. From afternoon walks around the neighborhood to an innocent ..read more

Have you ever spent a lot of money on a toy or bed for your cat just to have them opt for a rubber band or an empty box instead? If you don’t want to break the bank on items for your cat, there are plenty of DIY cat projects you can do. Since cats can be a little…fickle, making something at home can help you save money. With the right supplies and a little bit of creativity, you can create an abundance of feline accessories for any occasion.  Build a Custom Cat Tree You know your cat’s play habits better than anyone. Instead of buying a cat tree that may or may not give them what they ne ..read more

Some dogs are up for anything…until it’s time to get in the car. Dog car anxiety can make it difficult to go to the vet, plan a vacation, or even visit the pet store. Some dogs feel mild discomfort that keeps them from settling down during a car ride (whether it’s long or short).  Other dogs whine, pant, pace, or cry for the duration of the trip. If your dog is suffering from car anxiety, your friends at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services are here with helpful tips to mitigate this fear: Getting to the Root of Dog Car Anxiety While it can be hard to determine exactly what is causing yo ..read more