Common Cat Parasites and How to Prevent Them

Kittens and cats are prone to a variety of parasites, both internal and external. Cat parasites are not pleasant dinner conversation, but they are something you should be aware of and discuss with your veterinarian. These invasive foes can lurk in your pet’s body without you even knowing it until your cat’s symptoms worsen.

To help protect your precious feline from exposure, the OVRS team is here to provide more information about cat parasites.

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Can a Cat Receive a Blood Transfusion from a Dog?

Oakland Veterinary Referral Services has a blood bank and provides blood transfusions to dogs and cats who have a pet emergency. We often ask dogs to be blood donors and have cat owners ask if we also need cat donors, but we always use canine blood. Can a cat receive a blood transfusion from a dog, and if so, in what circumstances? Our guide explains cat transfusions and when it is okay to use canine blood in feline patients.

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Why Is My Dog Losing Hair? Understanding Alopecia in Dogs

Have you heard of alopecia in dogs? Probably not. If you have a dog, chances are you’ve seen hair in multiple places around the house. Shedding is a natural process for dogs—especially for certain breeds. In fact, most dogs will shed their seasonal coats twice during the year. 

But, sometimes changes in things like temperature, environment, or even nutrition can lead to a little bit more shedding. Wondering why your dog is losing hair is not something that should take up a lot of your time. If you’re concerned, it might be another issue—like alopecia—at play.

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Pregnancy in Dogs and Cats

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 pregnancy in dogs and cats to encourage healthy births.

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Heart Disease in Dogs

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.  

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Common Pet Myths Debunked

Anyone who adores our animal friends is also aware of a number of pet myths. How do you get the facts straight when it comes to important aspects of your pet’s health and wellness? While some pet myths seem pretty harmless, there are others that can seriously delay a pet from getting treatment or the care they need.

To shine a light on fact vs. fiction, your friends at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services are here to give you some insight. 

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10 Tips for Dog-Friendly Hikes

Want to hike with your dog? Dog-friendly hikes are all around us with our state’s beautiful trails, lakes, and natural areas. Hiking with a dog is one of the top recreational activities enjoyed by many Michanganders. Adding your Fido friend to the mix is a wonderful way to give your dog exercise and fresh air while enjoying some serious bonding time. 

There are dangers along the trail that every dog loving hiker should know about, though, and ways to make your hike better for your dog. Here are Oakland Veterinary Referral Services’ top 10 tips on how to have safe, dog-friendly hikes

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Road Tripping Rover: Tips for Traveling with a Dog

If you are planning on traveling with a dog, Oakland Veterinary Referral Services has travel tips and suggestions to make the journey safe for Fido.

Since the pandemic started, there’s been a trend to take to the road to work remotely from campgrounds, RV parks, and adventure destinations. Sales of RVs, conversion vans, and other recreational vehicles have gone through the roof. No wonder so many pets are learning to adapt to life on the road! Along with this trend comes summer vacations and holidays that call for fun road trips. 

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