Crystalluria in Cats
Have you ever heard your veterinarian mention the word crystalluria? Don’t worry — you’re not alone! Crystalluria simply means that crystals have been found in your cat’s urine. While this might sound alarming, understanding what it means can help you take better care of your feline friend. What Is Crystalluria? Crystals can form in urine when certain minerals or other substances build up in higher-than-normal amounts. These crystals are usually spotted during a routine test called a urinalysis, where a small...
Journey of Lifesaving
Sep 03, 2026 Donate Now In 2009, Austin charted a bold new course. The City Council passed a resolution directing staff and the Animal Advisory Commission to construct a No Kill plan — a blueprint that Council unanimously adopted just months later. This plan became the North Star guiding every step forward. Austin Pets Alive!’s safety net programs, combined with a close partnership with the municipal shelter and a compassionate community, built the roadmap that made transformational lifesaving possible. By 2011, Austin reached a...
How reflexology helps dogs
Find out how reflexology may help reduce stress, improve circulation, and support your dog’s overall health naturally. Our dogs play a closer role in our lives than at any other time in human history. Many people now view their dogs as family members. They also want access to safe health solutions for their dogs that address root causes and not just symptoms. Reflexology is one of those solutions. Here’s how reflexology helps dogs. Understanding reflexology Reflexology involves the theory that the feet, hands and ears of a...
The Hardest Goodbye: When Love Meant Letting Murphy Go
Trigger Warning: This article discusses pet loss, behavioral euthanasia, and the aftermath of a fatal dog attack. While difficult, the author shares her experience in the hope that others facing similar circumstances feel less alone. Dogster is sharing her story to encourage understanding, compassion, and open conversation around a topic that is often faced in silence. Reader discretion is advised. “I think I just lost both of my dogs today.” I covered my mouth to muffle my uncontrollable sobbing. The sobs shattered the silence in...
Common Allergens in Cats: What Every Cat Parent Should Know
If your cat has been scratching more than usual, losing fur, or developing skin issues, allergies might be to blame. Just like humans, cats can develop allergic reactions to things in their everyday environment. Understanding common allergens can help you take better care of your feline companion and know when it’s time to visit your veterinarian. Environmental Allergens One of the most common allergy conditions in cats is called Feline Atopic Skin Syndrome (FASS). This condition is triggered by allergens found in the environment...
4 Natural Ways to Support Gut Microbiome Health in Dogs
If you’ve been hearing a lot about the “microbiome” lately, you’re not alone. Scientists and veterinarians are learning more every day about how the trillions of tiny bacteria living in your dog’s gut affect their overall health. From digestion to mood, a healthy and diverse microbiome can make a big difference in your dog’s life. The good news? There are some simple, natural things you can add to your dog’s diet to help support it. What Is the Microbiome? The microbiome is the community of bacteria...
Do Dogs Really Need Anesthesia For a Teeth Cleaning?
If your dog needs a professional teeth cleaning, the word “anesthesia” can be enough to make any pet owner hesitate. After all, putting your dog to sleep for a dental procedure sounds much more serious than a routine cleaning at home. The good news is that, for most dogs, anesthesia is considered a safe and important part of proper dental care. Before the procedure, veterinarians assess a dog’s overall health, and during the cleaning, the veterinary team closely monitors vital signs. The goal is to make the procedure as safe...
Wildfire Hero: How This German Shepherd Saved Lives
There are moments when our dogs do something that makes us stop and pay attention. Maybe it is the way they suddenly stare toward a window. The way they become restless for no obvious reason. The way they keep returning to the same place in the house, refusing to settle. As veterinarians, we learn to take changes in behavior seriously. Not because every unusual behavior means something is wrong, but because behavior is one of the ways animals communicate with us. Donna Carberry knows that now, in a way she will never forget. As the Old Trails...
Professional Grooming Secrets Every Dog Owner Should Know
:first-child]:mt-0! [&>:last-child]:mb-0! [&_p]:my-2! [&_p]:text-[0.938rem]! md:[&_p]:text-base! [&_ol]:mt-1! [&_ol]:mb-0! [&_ol]:pl-[1.2rem]! [&_ul]:mt-1! [&_ul]:mb-0! [&_ul]:list-disc! [&_ul]:pl-[1.2rem]! [&_li]:my-[0.35rem]! [&_li]:pl-[0.15rem]! [&_li]:text-[0.938rem]! md:[&_li]:text-base! [&_li]:marker:text-[var(–tiptap-info-box-color)]” readability=”31.610526315789″> This article was created in sponsorship with Wahl, which helps make content...
Why Living with Animal Companions Is Good for You (and How to Strengthen Your Bond)
If you share your home with a dog or cat, you already know how good it feels to come home to a wagging tail or a purring companion curled up beside you. But did you know that science backs up what you already feel in your heart? The bond between humans and their animal companions is genuinely good for your health — and there are simple ways to make that connection even stronger. The Science Behind the Smile Research from the University of Michigan found that 75% of people say their animal companions help reduce stress and give them...
The 5 most popular Community Conversations of the last 2 years
In its earliest form, Community Conversations launched in 2020 as a place for well-being professionals to collaborate and connect during the Covid pandemic, an unprecedented time in history. In 2022, it officially became “Community Conversations.” These 50-minute calls are a collaborative place to connect with peers in the industry, share exciting new programs and research on a variety of topics including foster, access to veterinary and behavior care, community partnerships and more. Plus, each month we award up to...
Holistic arthritis relief for cats
Help your arthritic cat feel more comfortable with holistic care options, including nutrition, supplements, acupuncture, herbal remedies, and supportive home changes. Recognizing pain in cats can be challenging, especially when arthritis causes chronic discomfort. Even veterinarians often overlook signs of pain in cats. This is partly because some kitties won’t show discomfort in stressful situations, like being at the vet’s office. Many cat parents don’t realize their felines are in pain until arthritis noticeably...
Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: Couch Potato (August 31, 2026)
Welcome to our Dogster Weekly Photo Contest, where every other Monday we pick the best three photos from our readers, based on that week’s topic. This week’s topic was “Couch Potato”, and we received some amazing photos from you. And although every dog is wonderful, we had to pick our winners. Congratulations, and thanks to everyone who submitted their dogs to our photo contest! Next topic is: “Selfie Time!” Do you want to have a chance to get your pup featured on Dogster, our Facebook, and Instagram?...
Common “Hypos” and “Hypers” in Canine Health
As a dog parent, understanding your furry family member’s health can feel overwhelming. One helpful way to know common canine health conditions is by grouping them. For example, “hypos” (meaning too little of something) and “hypers” (meaning too much of something). Here’s a breakdown of some of the most important hypos and hypers to know about. Common “Hypos” in Dogs Hypothyroidism is actually the most common thyroid disorder in dogs — the opposite of hyperthyroidism. The thyroid...
A Holistic Approach to Managing IBD in Dogs
If your dog has been diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), you know how hard it can be to watch them struggle with vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss. IBD is a chronic condition where the digestive tract becomes inflamed, making it difficult for your dog to absorb nutrients properly. The good news is that a holistic approach — one that looks at the whole dog, not just the symptoms — can make a real difference in quality of life. What Is IBD? IBD occurs when the gastrointestinal (GI) tract stays inflamed for more than...
Eco-friendly dog and cat care
Check out simple, practical tips for sustainable dog and cat care, from healthier foods and natural flea control to eco-friendly toys, bedding, and household choices. Eco-friendly dog and cat care is about making thoughtful choices that support your animals’ health while reducing environmental impact. From safer food and natural flea control to sustainable toys, bedding, and household products, small changes can benefit your human and animal family — and the planet. Let’s dive into a few practical choices. 1. Avoid plastic...
No One Should Have to Surrender Their Dog to Serve Their Country: How Foster Families Help Veterans Heal
Written on behalf of Operation Foster (Formerly PACT) The story that started it all begins outside a Philadelphia animal shelter, with a man crying on the sidewalk. He wasn’t hurt or lost; he was a service member about to deploy overseas, and was surrendering his dog to the shelter. No family member could take her. The clock was running out on his orders, and the shelter was the only option he could find in time. Buzz Miller was volunteering at the shelter that day, and as he watched the scene unfold, he asked himself: Why does it have...
When Is Vomiting an Emergency in Cats
As a cat parent, you’ve probably seen your feline friend vomit. Sometimes it’s just a hairball or an upset stomach that goes away on its own. But other times, vomiting can be a sign of something much more serious. Knowing the difference could save your cat’s life. Normal vs. Concerning Vomiting Cats do occasionally vomit without it being a major problem. Hairballs, eating too fast, or nibbling on a little grass can cause a one-time vomiting episode. However, there are certain signs that tell you it’s time to stop...
New courses available in Spanish and accessibility options on Maddie’s University
We’re excited to share that Maddie’s® University offers a growing number of self-paced courses in Spanish, on topics ranging from kitten bottle feeding, bringing a new dog home, shelter customer service and more! Below are the courses currently available in Spanish, with more in the works: Eliminando el Miedo a la Alimentación con Biberón y Cuidado Básico de Gatitos (Eliminating the Fear of Bottle Feeding and Basic Kitten Care) Llevando a un Nuevo Perro a Casa (Bringing a New Dog Home) Fundamentos de la...
A Guide to Plant-Based Sprays for Your Dog’s Bad Breath
Does your dog love giving kisses, but their breath makes you turn away? You’re not alone! Bad breath, also called halitosis, is one of the most common concerns for dog parents. While brushing remains the gold standard for dental health, plant-based sprays are a helpful addition to your dog’s oral care routine. Let’s explore what you need to know! Why Does My Dog Have Bad Breath? Bad breath usually starts with plaque — a sticky layer of bacteria that builds up on your dog’s teeth. Within just 24 hours,...
