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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]