Sedation and Anesthesia in Dogs and Cats
When your pet needs medical care, the words sedation or anesthesia can sound intimidating. Yet, these approaches are the very tools that allow veterinarians to perform procedures safely and with compassion. Let’s understand how doctors decide between calming sedation or full anesthesia. This guidance can transform what feels like a frightening prospect into a thoughtful plan—one designed to keep animals comfortable, protected, and on the path to recovery. Sedation vs. Anesthesia: What’s the Difference? Sedation: Creates a...
Why pet insurance is becoming more popular
Pet insurance is on the rise, with Millennials and Generation Z leading the charge. Find out what’s fueling this growing trend. Why pet insurance is becoming more popular comes down to how much people love their animals. Today’s dog and cat parents see their four-legged friends as family, and they want to make sure they get the best care when they need it. With vet costs climbing and more flexible insurance options available, pet insurance is catching on fast. It’s especially popular with younger generations such as...
Copper Levels in Dogs
If you’re caring for a canine companion, you might not realize that copper—a mineral we often associate with pennies and wiring—plays a vital role in your dog’s health. However, too much or too little copper can cause serious health problems. Let’s explore why monitoring copper levels matters and where this mineral might be lurking in your dog’s environment. Why Copper Levels Matter Copper is an essential trace mineral that dogs need for many body functions. It helps create red blood cells, maintains...
Veterinary dental cleaning for dogs and cats
Regular veterinary dental cleanings keep your dog or cat’s mouth healthy, prevent periodontal disease, and support long-term overall well-being. When you consider your dog or cat’s health, you likely think about a wholesome diet, plenty of exercise, and wellness appointments with your veterinarian. But what about his teeth? Many animal parents overlook dental care, thinking a few chews are enough — but the reality is far more complex. “Daily brushing and dental chews are great, but they’re only cleaning the...
Limber Tail in Dogs: What Every Dog Parent Should Know
If your dog’s tail suddenly goes limp and droopy, you might be witnessing a condition called limber tail syndrome. This surprising condition can be alarming for dog parents, but understanding what it is and how to help can put your mind at ease. What Is Limber Tail? Limber tail syndrome, also called caudal myopathy, is a condition where a dog’s tail becomes suddenly weak and floppy. The tail might hang completely limp from the base, or it might stick out horizontally for a few inches before drooping down. Many dogs also experience...
Can You Build Emotional Resilience in Your Dog
Just like humans, dogs experience stress, fear, and anxiety throughout their lives. The good news is that we can help our canine companions develop emotional resilience—the ability to bounce back from challenging situations and approach the world with confidence. Here’s how you can support your dog in building this important skill. Create Structure and Predictability Dogs thrive when they know what to expect. Establishing a consistent daily routine is one of the best ways to build emotional strength. Feed your dog at the same...
Transparency and Science-Based Functional Ingredients: Separating Facts from Claims
Functional ingredients are all the rage in today’s pet supplements. Learn how to identify ones that have true value and real benefits! Pet parents are surrounded by products claiming to support gut health, immunity, mobility, skin and coat, and more. From food to treats to supplements, the word “functional” appears everywhere. But not all functional ingredient claims are created equal. So how can pet parents confidently evaluate which ingredients truly deliver benefits and which are simply marketing buzzwords? Let’s...
Four dog behavior courses by Ferdie Yau are on Maddie’s University
We’re excited to share that Maddie’s® University now offers four dog behavior courses from Ferdie Yau (MA, CPDT-KA), an animal trainer and ecologist dedicated to improving the lives of animals and their caregivers. His business, Sits & Wiggles Dog Training specializes in treating complex canine behavior problems for both private clients and shelters. The four free courses available are: Each course should take no longer than 30 minutes to complete and focuses on one behavior topic, with lots of video examples. Dr. Sheila...
Living with a deaf dog: 5 tips to keep in mind
Here’s how to live and communicate effectively with a deaf dog. Check out five essential tips for training, safety, and interaction that help build a loving, confident bond. Living with a deaf dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience that deepens the bond between you and your canine companion. While deafness may change how your dog communicates and responds, it doesn’t limit her ability to live a full, joyful life. With a few adjustments to your training methods and daily interactions, you can ensure she feels secure,...
How Shockwave Therapy Can Help Your Dog
If your dog is dealing with pain or movement problems, you may have heard your veterinarian mention shockwave therapy. This treatment is becoming more popular in veterinary medicine, and it’s helping many dogs feel better and move more comfortably. Let’s explore what this therapy is and how it might help your canine companion. What is Shockwave Therapy? Shockwave therapy uses special sound waves that travel through your dog’s body to reach injured or painful areas. These waves are different from the sound we hear –...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: 2025 annual data report, kitten tips and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Create your own professional developmental portals on Maddie’s® UniversityWe’re re-sharing as Maddie’s Fund® has been creating portals for animal welfare organizations in New York State in response to the educational requirements in the Companion Animal Care Standards Act Article 26-C. Does your organization need training for new staff members and volunteers? Would you like to be… Learn More Webcast: Early life stressors and the...
Laser dental treatment for dogs and cats
A safe, drug-free way to relieve oral pain and swelling, laser therapy speeds healing for dogs and cats after dental cleanings, extractions, or surgery. Just like us, dogs and cats can get sore gums, tooth infections, and other dental problems causing pain and inflammation. Modern veterinary medicine offers a gentle, drug-free way to help with these issues — laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM). Read on to learn more about laser dental treatment for dogs and cats. What is laser (PBM) therapy? Laser therapy uses...
Essential Health Checks for Your New Four-Legged Family Member
Bringing home a new furry family member is an exciting time! Whether you’re welcoming a puppy, kitten, adult dog, or adult cat into your home, scheduling a veterinary visit should be at the top of your to-do list. Here’s what you need to know about the important health tests your new companion should receive. The First Veterinary Visit Within the first few days of bringing your new dog or cat home, schedule a complete wellness examination. This visit establishes a health baseline and helps catch any problems early. Your...
New pet support program for families in poverty
Helping low-income dog and cat parents access free vet care, food, and support to keep animals and families together. Approximately 20 million dogs and cats in the US are experiencing poverty with their human families. Millions more are hovering just above the poverty line. A shocking 70% of these animals have never seen a veterinarian, as their families struggle to afford basic necessities. In early November, Humane World for Animals (formerly the Humane Society of the United States) launched Pets for Life (PFL), a new pet support...
How to Do a Weekly Home Check-Up of Your Dog
You play an important role in monitoring your canine companion’s health. Performing a simple weekly dog health check-up at home can help you spot potential problems early, before they become serious. This routine only takes about 10-15 minutes and can make a real difference in your dog’s wellbeing. Start with the Eyes and Ears Begin by looking at your dog’s eyes. They should be bright, clear, and free of discharge. Check for redness, cloudiness, or excessive tearing. Next, examine the ears by gently lifting each ear flap....
Nine Austin-Area Animal Shelters and Rescues Announce Adoption Event
Feb 25, 2026 AUSTIN, TX — Nine animal shelters and rescues in the Austin area ask the public for help making room for stray and surrendered animals with an adoption initiative called Keep Austin Adopting. Austin-area animal shelters today joined together to deliver an important lifesaving message to the Central Texas community. Representatives from TRAPRS, Love-A-Bull, Rescue ATX Dogs, Classic Canines, Austin Pets Alive!, Austin Animal Services, Austin Humane Society, Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter and Pflugerville Animal...
Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Affect Everybody — Canines, Felines, Homines
Antibiotic resistance is right among the top as one of the most pressing contemporary issues in health sciences. The UN and its agencies emphasize antimicrobial and antibiotic resistance as a cross-sectoral crisis affecting human health, veterinary medicine, agriculture, and the environment. The way we use antibiotics in humans and our animal companions has consequences that extend far beyond the household. What Is Antibiotic Resistance? Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria change and become stronger, making medications that once...
How Your Dog’s or Cat’s Tissues and Organs Deteriorate with Age
As our furry companions grow older, their bodies go through natural changes. Understanding how aging affects dogs and cats can help you provide better care during their senior years. How Aging Affects Tissues and Organs Just like in people, aging causes gradual wear and tear on your animal’s body. Over time, several important changes happen: Joint cartilage breaks down. The cushioning material between bones becomes thinner and less effective. Joint fluid also decreases, which means less shock absorption during movement. This leads to...
Webcast: Early life stressors and the behavior and physiology of rescue kittens
Maddie’s® Insights is our ongoing webcast series with practical tips based on current research to help pets and people. Join us on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 12PM PT/3PM ET for “Early life stressors and the behavior and physiology of rescue kittens.” Dr. Jennifer Vernick veterinary behavioral medicine resident at Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) in Canada will present. Across species, early-life stressors, such as inadequate nutrition, maternal separation, unreliable access to...
Understanding Canine Ancestors for Better Digestive Health in the Modern Dog
If you’ve noticed your furry companion struggling with loose stools, excessive gas, or vomiting undigested food, you’re not alone. Many dogs today face digestive challenges that can affect their overall health and happiness. Is there something we can improve to make the digestive health of our dogs better? Understanding Canine Ancestors Dogs are descendants of wolves. Wolves primarily ate raw meat, bones, and occasional vegetation. Modern dogs have adapted over thousands of years of living alongside humans. This means your canine...
