Nocturnal Activity in Cats
If your cat has ever pounced on your feet at 2 a.m., let out a loud meow right next to your ear, or gone on a full hunting mission through your hallway in the middle of the night — you are not alone. This is one of the most common concerns cat parents bring up, and the good news is there are gentle, natural ways to help. Why Do Cats Do This? Cats are naturally crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. However, indoor cats often shift their energy bursts to nighttime hours. This can happen because of boredom,...
Living Library: Guide to Raising Unweaned and Underage Kittens now available
We’re excited to share that National Kitten College, in collaboration with University at California, Davis, the University of Wisconsin and the University of Florida, has launched a new resource for anyone caring for underaged kittens. This “living library” is designed to be a true game changer-bringing together the latest, evidence-based information in neonatal and young kitten care, with real-time updates as new insights emerge. And, there is a Spanish version! It’s an invaluable tool for both fosters and shelter...
How to Fight Plaque Before It Becomes a Problem for Your Dog
Plaque buildup is one of the most common health issues in dogs, and the good news is that there are steps you can take to slow it down — starting with something as simple as a daily tooth brushing routine. What Is Plaque and Why Does It Matter? Plaque is a sticky, invisible film of bacteria that forms on the surface of your dog’s teeth. Within just 24 hours, minerals from saliva can begin hardening that plaque into tartar — a tough, yellowish buildup that can only be removed by a veterinary professional. Left unchecked,...
Canine Genetic Awareness and Preventative Care
As a dog parent, you want the best for your furry companion. You make sure they eat well, exercise regularly, and visit the veterinarian. But have you thought about what’s written in their DNA? Understanding your dog’s genetic makeup is one of the most powerful tools available for keeping them healthy for years to come. Why Genetics Matter Every dog inherits genes from both parents. These genes don’t just determine coat color or ear shape — they can also reveal the risk for serious health conditions. Some diseases are...
Are They Scratching Too Much? How You Can Help Your Dog
Does it seem like your dog just can’t stop scratching? You’re not alone. Excessive scratching is one of the most common concerns dog owners bring to their veterinarians. While the occasional scratch is totally normal, constant scratching can be a sign that something more is going on. Let’s break it down. What’s Causing All That Scratching? One of the most common reasons dogs scratch excessively is a condition called atopic dermatitis, or “atopy.” This is a skin condition caused by environmental...
Fall Instructor-Led Courses are coming soon!
Looking to implement a new program, learn more about a specific subject and create positive change for pets and people in your community? Be sure to save the date for Maddie’s Fund® Instructor-Led Courses! All courses are free, #ThanksToMaddie. We are excited to share that we have two brand new classes this term, bringing it to a total of 11 different courses in the Fall 2026 session. The fall 2026 application window opens on August 14, 2026 and closes on August 23, 2026. Read on to learn about the two new offerings.Disaster...
Emergency Help Needed: Responding to Devastating Flooding in South Central Texas
Jul 15, 2026 As catastrophic flooding overwhelms communities south of Austin, including Uvalde, Castroville, Sabinal, and Hondo, APA! has mobilized to help. When shelters are overwhelmed and forced to clear space, we step in to prevent the needless euthanasia of displaced animals, acting as the critical safety net for those who have lost everything. We also serve as first responders for shelter pets. We will keep you updated as this crisis unfolds. Thank you for stepping up to help pets in need and the people who love them! We need your help...
Feline Digestive System Problems You Should Watch Out For
As someone who cares for a cat, knowing the signs of digestive problems can make a big difference in your cat’s health. Catching issues early gives your cat the best chance at a fast recovery. Here are some common feline digestive problems to be aware of. Constipation Constipation is one of the most common digestive issues in cats. A constipated cat may strain in the litter box, produce very little stool, or pass hard, dry feces. You might also notice your cat seems uncomfortable, has a bloated belly, or loses interest in food. In some...
Is Your Dog Moving a Little Slower? It Could Be Early Joint Stiffness
Early joint stiffness is a real and often overlooked health concern, especially in senior dogs and large breeds. The good news? There are some supportive steps you can take to help keep your dog comfortable and moving well. What Is Early Joint Stiffness? Before full arthritis develops, many dogs go through a stage where their joints are quietly losing flexibility and comfort. This is sometimes called pre-arthritis, and it can be easy to miss. Your dog may not yelp in pain or show obvious limping. Instead, the signs are subtle — a...
What we learned about access to care at Animal Care Expo 2026
At this year’s Animal Care Expo, Maddie’s Fund partnered with the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation to present an interactive booth centered around access to veterinary and behavior care. As a result, hundreds of attendees shared their experiences, perspectives and ideas of both the challenges and opportunities facing animal well-being organizations across the country. Survey note: These responses were collected from Animal Care Expo 2026 attendees who chose to participate and are intended to provide a snapshot of perspectives...
Heatstroke in Dogs: Approaches to Summer Safety
When summer temperatures rise, one of the biggest threats to your dog’s health is heatstroke. This is a life-threatening emergency that needs your full attention. Let’s explore how you can support your dog’s well-being during hot weather. Here’s what you need to know. Understanding the Risk Dogs don’t sweat the way humans do. They rely mostly on panting to cool down, which makes them much more vulnerable to overheating. Brachycephalic breeds — like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boxers — are especially...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Dr. Lila Miller Shelter Medicine Day, Community Conversations is moving and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. July 10 was Dr. Lila Miller Shelter Medicine Day!July 10 is Dr. Lila Miller Shelter Medicine Day. Dr. Miller is known for her trailblazing leadership and purposeful dedication to the field of veterinary shelter medicine. If you are one of the millions of people that have adopted a dog or cat over the last three decades, you have Dr. Miller to thank.… Learn More Weekly Community ConversationsWe’re taking July off. See you Wednesday, August 5!Register now...
Recurrent Ear Infection in Dogs and the Yeast Connection
If your dog is constantly shaking their head, scratching at their ears, or leaving behind a funky smell, you already know how frustrating ear problems can be. What many dog parents don’t realize is that what’s happening inside your dog’s body may be just as important as what’s going on inside their ears. The Yeast Connection Yeast naturally lives on your dog’s skin and in their ears. Under normal conditions, it stays balanced and causes no harm. But when the body’s internal environment shifts —...
Retinal Degeneration: Is Your Cat’s Diet Stealing Their Vision?
Most cat parents spend a lot of time thinking about what goes into their cat’s food bowl. But did you know that poor nutrition can actually cause your cat to slowly lose their vision? It’s true — and it’s one of the most overlooked connections in feline health. What Is Retinal Degeneration? The retina is the part of the eye that receives light and sends visual signals to the brain. When the retina begins to break down, cats can experience serious vision loss — and eventually go blind. While some forms of retinal...
Is Your Dog Spinning, Licking, or Pacing? It Could Be More Than a Quirk
If you’ve ever watched your dog chase their tail for the fifth time in a row, lick the same spot on their leg until it’s raw, or snap at invisible flies — you may have laughed it off as a funny personality trait. But what if these canine obsessive compulsive behaviors are actually a signal that your dog is struggling? Obsessive Compulsive Behaviors (OCBs) in dogs are more common than most people realize — and they deserve your attention. What Are Canine Obsessive Compulsive Behaviors? OCBs are repetitive behaviors that...
What Is Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)?
If you share your home with a cat, you may have heard the term Feline Infectious Peritonitis, or FIP. It sounds scary — and it can be. Here’s what you need to know about this serious disease. What Is FIP? FIP is a severe and potentially fatal disease in cats. It begins with a very common virus called Feline Enteric Coronavirus (FCoV). This virus is widespread and, on its own, usually causes little to no harm. Many cats carry it without ever getting seriously ill — it may only cause mild stomach upset or no signs at...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Community Conversations is moving, lost pet prevention courses and more!
Happy Tuesday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Community Conversations is moving to Wednesdays!Mark your calendars! We’re excited to share that Maddie’s® Community Conversations will now be held on Wednesdays at 11am PT/ 2pm PT starting August 5! These webcasts will continue to be a collaborative place to connect with peers in the animal well-being industry, share exciting new programs and research on a variety of topics including foster, access… Learn More Lost pet prevention...
Fascia and Connective Tissue Health Is the Hidden Key to Your Dog’s Mobility
When dog parents think about keeping their dog moving well, they think about joints. Joint supplements line the shelves at pet stores, and arthritis is a common topic at the vet’s office. But there’s another important part of your dog’s body that rarely gets talked about — fascia — and it may play a bigger role in how your dog moves than you might think. What Is Fascia? Fascia is a thin layer of connective tissue that wraps around and connects muscles, organs, nerves, and bones throughout the entire body. Think...
Nutritional and Herbal Support Strategies for Hormonal Imbalances in Dogs
If your dog has been diagnosed with a hormonal imbalance, you may feel overwhelmed. While your veterinarian will guide your dog’s medical treatment, there are natural and nutritional strategies that may help support your dog’s overall health alongside conventional care. Understanding Hormonal Imbalances in Dogs Hormonal imbalances in dogs can involve several glands and systems in the body. Common conditions include hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone), Cushing’s disease (too much cortisol), Addison’s disease (too...
5 Considerations That Matter When It Comes to Your Dog’s Diet
If you’ve ever stood in the dog food aisle feeling completely overwhelmed, you’re not alone. With hundreds of options lining the shelves, choosing the right food for your dog can feel like a guessing game. The truth is, what your dog needs depends on several key factors. Let’s break them down. 1. Size and Weight Matter A Great Dane and a Chihuahua are both dogs, but their nutritional needs couldn’t be more different. Larger dogs need more total calories, but they also have different metabolic rates and joint health...
