Oakland Veterinary Referral Services Blog

Dogs seem to have almost as much clutter as we do. Let us help you organize your dog supplies. Toys across the kitchen floor, dental chews hidden under the sofa, last year’s Christmas gift for Fido buried somewhere in the closet…Yes, it is time for some decluttering! With all the food and treats, toys, beds, and grooming supplies, you probably wonder if you need a separate room just for your dog. 

This is where the team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services comes in. We are here to give you simple tips and organization hacks to help you organize your dog supplies for less clutter and greater efficiency. 

Dogs with dry skin can be suffering for a number of reasons, including parasites and allergies. Itchy skin is not only unpleasant for your dog but can result in skin problems over time. If your dog is scratching more than normal, they may have dry skin and a possible health condition that contributes to it. 

The team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services will scratch the surface of why dogs have dry skin so that you can help give your best fur friend some relief.

Laryngeal paralysis in dogs is a serious medical condition that affects the upper airway and obstructs breathing. This condition occurs mostly in dogs and is progressive, sometimes leading to death if not treated. 

If your pet is diagnosed with the condition, it can be understandably concerning, but we are here to help. The team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services is here to give you an overview of what laryngeal paralysis in dogs is, what to expect, and its treatment. 

Who doesn’t like to get things for free or on the cheap? Not us! And what fun-loving cat doesn’t love to play in an empty cardboard box–the ultimate cheap cat toy? Not many. The cardboard box is the quintessential kitty playhouse that doesn’t require money or extra toys that clutter up the house. Once your cat finishes with them, you just place the box in recycling.

Recently, Oakland Veterinary Referral Services came across a very cool idea. Amazon (the king of all cardboard box pile-ups) decided to put their necessary needs to good use for our cat companions. They created a box that can be converted into a cat condo. If you are one who has far too many Amazon boxes stuck in storage, then this creative way to make a kitty condo from a cardboard box will pique your interest.

After you get the news that your pet requires surgery, it is understandable to be worried. What is the risk and how long will it take for your dog to recover from surgery? Recovery time varies, depending on the type of surgery and your dog’s needs during rehabilitation. 

Your friends at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services want to explore with you ways in which you can help your dog successfully recover. We also explain the process and typical dog surgery recovery times for healing. 

When your dog is diagnosed with cancer, it is understandable to feel helpless and devastated. You may wonder what to do next and how you can best support your pet. 

There are several types of cancers that affect dogs, and some of them are very similar to forms of human cancer. The team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services is here to explain cancer in dogs and what you can do to see the signs.

Majinbou is a shelter cat that suffered greatly from abnormal eyelids. His remarkable story includes a special eyelid reconstructive surgery that would greatly improve his quality of life. 

When 1.5-year-old Majinbou arrived at the Wisconsin shelter this year, it was clear that his eyelids were causing him multiple medical problems. He was going to need special help to correct the issue–the kind of help not normally available to a shelter cat or one in his location. 

Majinbou’s case came to the attention of Dr. Jen Zimmer, an Ophthalmologist at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services. His eyelid agenesis, a congenital problem that occurs in cats (rare in dogs), would require a specialist like Dr. Zimmer to perform eyelid reconstructive surgery in order to correct the issue. Learn more about Majinbou’s journey with Dr. Zimmer to better vision and health.

Working at home with your cat can be one of the biggest challenges for pet owners. Working remotely or from home is becoming the new normal after the wake of COVID-19. It can be a struggle with so many distractions nearby, from the full refrigerator to laundry, and yes, to the family cat. This is especially true if your pet wants your attention 24/7.

This is why the team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services is here to provide suggestions for how to get work done while in the presence of your kitty.

Is there such a thing as a dog heart attack? Yes, heart attacks in dogs happen, although they are rare. When they do occur, they are dangerous. Dog heart attacks occur in all breeds and sizes. Despite their rarity, dog heart attacks are on the rise in the United States. 

A heart attack, also called myocardial infarction, is when the blood flow to the heart is blocked. Without adequate blood flow, tissues lose needed oxygen and nutrients and die. The team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services can advise our readers what to look for when a dog is having a heart attack and the conditions that lead to it.

A CCL injury in dogs is the most common reason for canine orthopedic surgeries. Dogs tear or rupture their CCL (cranial cruciate ligament), also called ACL, through running, jumping, and heavy impact. A CCL injury can also be due to a congenital knee condition called patellar luxation, which is more common in small dogs.

No matter the cause, a torn CCL is painful and can lead to permanent lameness when not treated. The team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services wants to give our readers a better understanding of CCL injuries and how we treat them.