Oakland Veterinary Referral Services Blog

Can you spot the Xylitol in this photo?
…Neither can your pet.

What do the fruitcake you made for your diabetic great-aunt Betty, the pack of gum in your stocking, and the plate of holiday cookies that your neighbor dropped off have in common? All of them may contain the artificial sweetener Xylitol, a dangerous and deadly substance for dogs. Xylitol is becoming more and more commonly utilized, which makes it important for pet owners to be on the defense.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is found in items such as sugar-free gum, baked goods, and oral hygiene products. In people it is absorbed very slowly so there are no ill effects. In dogs, however, the substance is absorbed within 30 minutes, causing the body to release a large rush of insulin. This results in a life-threatening drop in blood sugar. Besides this, Xylitol can also have severe effects on the liver. Continue…

Adopting a new pet into your home and family is a big decision. Or, it should be. For many of us, the pets we adopt become our best friends and closest companions, so it’s only natural that we want the best pet possible. Likewise, as pet owners we need to know that we can meet our pet’s needs and give them the best possible life, too. Here are a few things to consider when adopting a pet… Continue…

Many cats suffer from Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, or FLUTD. This condition results in a myriad of symptoms including frequent and/or painful urination, blood in the urine, and straining to urinate. Continue…

With Thanksgiving just days away, many of us are pausing to reflect on all we have to be thankful for this holiday season. At Oakland Veterinary Referral Service, we hope that your pets are among the blessings you count this year and that you’ll take a moment to consider all the good your four-legged friend has brought to your life this past year. Continue…

Experiencing a pet seizure can be scary. This is particularly true if the seizures keep coming or last longer than 5 minutes, indicating a pet emergency is underway. Knowing how to move your seizing pet into the car to bring him or her in for emergency care is important, and it may save your pet’s life. Continue…

No one wants rats or mice in their home, and people go to great lengths to achieve a rodent-free residence. But did you realize that rat and mouse poison is also toxic to your pets, and children too?  Continue…

Considering the amputation of a pet’s limb is a big deal. Imagining your beloved pet short one appendage can be overwhelming. Most people don’t realize, however, how happy many pets are after their leg amputation. Continue…

With Halloween right around the corner, it’s important to remember that the festivities we enjoy can cause a stressful, and possibly dangerous, night for your pet. From the constant parade of trick-or-treaters knocking on your door to unattended bowls of chocolate candy ripe for the taking, October 31 can be a serious problem for your cat or dog. Here are a few tips for making your pet’s Halloween as happy as possible. Continue…

It is National Veterinary Technician Appreciation Week this week, and we thought it would be a great opportunity for you to get to know a little more about these people who are so vital to Oakland Veterinary Referral Services.  Continue…

It can be extremely intimidating when your veterinarian refers your pet to a different veterinary hospital for a problem. After all, you have come to trust him or her, and they know your pet. Why would you want to leave? Continue…