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
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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...
