Watching your pet’s muzzle turn grey, their eyes become cloudy, and their activity level decrease is a sad part of pet ownership. However, when you brought home your young kitten or puppy, you made a lifelong commitment to their care, and you must provide your aging furry pal with the support they need to maintain [...]
Evolutionarily, cats and their ancestors didn’t need to drink much, because they got most of their water from eating live prey. Now, housecats subsist on dry food diets and need to drink more, but they often refuse. A constant state of low-level dehydration can eventually take a toll, and most cats would benefit from increasing [...]
Did you know that overweight and obese pets live shorter, lower-quality lives than their lean counterparts? Studies in multiple species—including dogs—show that a reduced food intake keeps your pet lean and extends life expectancy by up to two years. For our pets, who typically live fewer than 15 years, this is too significant to ignore. [...]
Your pet’s behavioral changes—including changes in their eating and drinking habits—can provide crucial insights into their overall health and wellbeing. These changes often can be the first indicators of physical or behavioral issues, which is why understanding your pet's habits and recognizing when they change can help you keep them healthy. Our team at Family [...]
Your pet’s immune system can overreact to many environmental allergens, and signs such as itchy skin, a swollen face, hives, gastrointestinal (GI) issues, and trouble breathing can indicate your pet is having an allergic reaction. Our Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale team knows how upsetting watching your pet have an allergic reaction can be, so [...]
You are responsible for ensuring that your four-legged friend remains safe and healthy. However, some hazards are easier to spot than others. Rodenticides are commonly overlooked dangers that many households use to control indoor and outdoor rodent populations. Rodenticide toxicity is a serious threat to pets and can cause severe health complications, which can be [...]
Hip dysplasia commonly affects canine hip joints, especially those of large-breed dogs, resulting in pain, discomfort, and reduced mobility. Understanding this skeletal condition can help you ensure your dog remains comfortable and active. Read our Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale team’s guide to learn about this disorder’s causes and signs, your pup’s treatment options, and [...]
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often goes undiagnosed and untreated because pets don’t exhibit signs until their condition is advanced. Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) is an important CKD screening test, and our Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale team explains five reasons why this diagnostic tool is so important when evaluating your pet’s health status. #1: Chronic kidney [...]
Parasites are a constant threat to pets, no matter their lifestyle or where they live. Puppies and kittens are common parasite targets, but pets can contract them at any age. Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale shares information about the most common pet parasites and how to keep pets and families safe from parasite-related illnesses. Fleas [...]
Most pet owners wish they could take their pets everywhere, but pets sometimes need to stay behind. The key to a carefree vacation is finding trusted pet care, so you can feel confident your pet is in good hands while you are away. Boarding facilities are great options for many pets, but preparing for their [...]
