Oakland Veterinary Referral Services Blog

Looking for ideas for gifts for cats? Christmas isn’t the same without our pets involved in the festivities. Buying gifts for our cat companions is a must for cat lovers everywhere. You may be wondering what special presents you should stash under the tree for your kitty. Oakland Veterinary Referral Services has a few suggestions for the cat who has (almost) everything. Check out our top 10 christmas gifts for cats your pet will be sure to love.

‘Tis the season for giving gifts to loved ones. That includes buying gifts for the family dog. If you are searching for something new and fun for your bestie, we have 10 fantastic ideas for the best 2021 Christmas gifts for dogs. Oakland Veterinary Referral Services has compiled some of our faves for the New Year.

Snuffle mats–what are they and why would your dog need one? Most dogs are prone to snarf down anything edible in their path, including their meals. Within seconds, the once full bowl sits empty. This can be a problem for some dogs when it comes to good digestion. Eating too quickly can lead to a serious condition commonly referred to as ‘bloat.’ 

These are reasons why snuffle mats have become popular among dog owners. And they are great for keeping your pet occupied with an enriching game of sniffing out the food. Oakland Veterinary Referral Services has reviewed several dog snuffle mats on the market. Here are some of the best of 2021.

The possibility of a feline injection site sarcoma can make some cat owners hesitate when it comes to annual vaccinations or other injections. They decide to avoid any vaccination risk and rely on the fact that their cats stay indoors. Vaccines are crucial though for most healthy cats to protect them from serious and sometimes easily transmitted fatal diseases. The risk of not vaccinating is much higher than the risk of this rare side effect, and recent research recommends other places on the body for vaccinations to avoid sarcoma risk.

It is important to weigh risks though; So one of the questions we get at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services is about feline injection site sarcoma. Let’s take a deeper look into this, the level of risk, and what you can do to protect your cat.

Holidays full of food and gifts, love and heartwarming memories of time spent together are cherished traditions for most every family. It is natural that we want to celebrate the holidays with pets as well since they play an important role in our family. Think about ways to include them in your holiday traditions and maybe even create new ones with your pets in mind.

Your team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services wants to share our ideas for ways to celebrate the holidays with pets, keeping safety in mind. 

We look at the best way to give your dog a bath at home. Does your dog have a doggie aroma? Do they love to jump into mud puddles or dig up dirt? Most dogs need baths on occasion, especially the ones who spend time outdoors. This can make running to the groomers all of the time pricey. 

You can keep your Rover’s skin and coat in great condition by bathing them at home. Pet owners wonder about the best way of going about this. You don’t want this to be stressful for your dog. This is why Oakland Veterinary Referral Sources is here to give you the basics on how to give your dog a bath at home, for a clean, fresh, happy and great smelling dog.

We enjoy the health benefits of over the counter supplements, herbal remedies, and other natural solutions to health. Are herbal supplements for pets safe and worth the money? We’re sure you’ve seen many more all-natural and herbal supplements for pets on the market. Some of them promise to address certain conditions and diseases, while others just promote better overall health. 

Because of this, Oakland Veterinary Referral Services wants to take the time to cover the use of herbal supplements for pets to steer you in the right direction for your fur friend.

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 based on their life stage. 

If you are like most loving pet owners, you look for ways to treat your pet. Pet subscription boxes have become a popular choice for busy owners. The concept for this service is that a variety of toys and treats, and other fun goodies, come in the mail once a month. It’s a great way to keep your pet interested in their toys to encourage more exercise and mental enrichment. 

Since there are several options in cat and dog subscription boxes, Oakland Veterinary Referral Services has spotlighted some of our favorites.

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.