Why Do Dogs Love Mud? (And How to Handle Clean Up Like a Pro)

Has your dog ever leapt straight into a giant puddle during a walk? Or somehow found the muddiest spot in your yard right after a bath? If so, you’re not alone! Many dogs can’t resist the lure of the muck. But why do dogs love mud—and how can you clean them up after their latest adventure?

Let’s dig into the reasons behind this messy behavior (and how to handle cleanup like a pro).

Sometimes your regular veterinarian may not have the specialized equipment or advanced training needed to diagnose or treat a complex pet health issue. As a pet owner, you know your furry family member best. If you believe your pet may benefit from consulting a specialist, it’s essential to understand how to request a referral with confidence.

This guide explains how to advocate for a veterinary referral—so your pet can receive the specialty veterinary care they need to feel their best.

Cat zoomies. Kitty parkour. Feline acrobatics. If you own a cat, chances are, you’ve witnessed some variation of your cat going from 0-60 in no time. But what’s really going on with cat zoomies? The team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services is here to explain this feline phenomenon.

New advancements in veterinary medicine are revolutionizing the way veterinarians diagnose, treat, and monitor animal health. From artificial intelligence to 3D printing, the future is full of exciting tools that make care faster, more accurate, and more personalized. Let’s explore what’s next when it comes to emerging technologies in veterinary medicine.

The idea of AI and pets is a strange combination. But each day, artificial intelligence (AI) seems to advance in ways that once felt like science fiction. From streamlining human tasks to powering robotics, AI is shaping how we live—and soon, how we care for our pets. The question is no longer if AI will affect veterinary medicine and pet ownership, but how far it will go. Let’s explore the role AI may play in the future of pet care.

What will dogs and cats likely eat in 25 years? Pet owners today are already seeing a shift in what goes into their pets’ bowls, and by 2050, diets could look very different from the kibble-and-cans we know today. So what does the future of pet food look like? 

In short, yes. Cats might start to display certain behaviors when introduced to other cats that we humans can interpret as jealousy. These can include:

• Hissing
• Growling
• Swatting
• Exuding dominance over humans 
• Chewing or shredding items in the home
• Spraying around the house 

While these behaviors can be annoying for people and other pets in the home, they occur when your cat is trying to show that he or she is feeling anxious. When a new cat is introduced to a space that your cat already dominates, it can cause feelings of fear and uncertainty. When they exhibit the above behaviors, it is a way for them to try to re-establish control over their environment. 

The history of pets is a fascinating journey, showing how animals shifted from working roles in the barnyard to cherished family members in our bedrooms. Our ancestors might have interacted closely with animals, but they probably didn’t share a living space with them. And they definitely didn’t snuggle up next to each other for a good night’s sleep. So, when did animals go from the wild to the barnyard to the bedroom? Oakland Veterinary Referral Services brings you a brief history of pets becoming family members:

Each year, millions of pets suffer or die from animal cruelty, neglect, or abuse in the United States. Those who survive are often left with both visible scars and deep emotional wounds.

Removing a pet from an abusive environment is only the first step. The invisible trauma—fear, anxiety, and mistrust—can linger long after the rescue. True healing requires patience, compassion, and professional support. At Oakland Veterinary Referral Services (OVRS), our Behavioral Medicine team provides effective, compassionate care to help abused pets rebuild their sense of safety and trust.

Pets come into our lives in ways both ordinary and extraordinary—through adoption, rescue, as gifts, or chance encounters. However they arrive, they change us. They remind us to play, to rest, to forgive easily, and to love without conditions. As a specialty veterinary hospital, we at OVRS witness these powerful human-animal bonds every day. And we’re continually inspired by the life lessons our furry companions offer. Here are a few of the lessons my pet taught me: