Rewriting the Story for “Behavior” Dogs
Jun 06, 2026 Rewriting the Story for “Behavior” Dogs In 2012, APA! set out to save the last group of pets who weren’t making it out of our city’s shelter alive — big dogs and dogs with behavior modification needs. To do that, we partnered with Dogs Playing for Life, an organization specializing in shelter dog playgroups and enrichment. Playgroup would soon become the foundation of our Dog Behavior program. Too often, dogs are labeled as “behavior” dogs based on what they show in a kennel — a...
Sedation vs anesthesia in dogs and cats
Having your dog or cat undergo sedation or anesthesia can be scary. But it’s often important to her medical care. Veterinarians use both to keep animals calm, pain-free, and safe during procedures ranging from surgery to dental work. The main difference between sedation vs anesthesia in dogs and cats is how deeply they affect consciousness. “Very light sedation may look like a sleepy pet that’s still sitting up and responding to you,” explains Dr. Courtney Baetge. She’s the clinical associate professor at the...
Spay/neuter age by dog breed and size
Timing matters when spaying or neutering your dog. See how age, breed, and hormones can influence cancer risk, joint health, and long-term well-being. Spaying and neutering help prevent dog overpopulation, especially in shelters. However, having these procedures done at the wrong age can impact your dog’s long-term health. Research shows that spay/neuter age by dog breed and size plays a key role in the risk of certain cancers and joint disorders. Study shows link between spay/neuter, cancer and joint disorders As dog population control...
5 Top Supplements for Cognitive Health in Senior Dogs
As your dog gets older, you may start to notice some changes in their behavior. Maybe they seem confused in familiar places, or they’re wandering the house at night. These can be signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) — a condition similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. The good news is that there are steps you can take to help support your senior dog’s brain health, and supplements are one piece of that puzzle. Here are five supplements that veterinary experts suggest may help support cognitive health...
Herbal tinctures for dogs and cats
Find out how herbal tinctures can help your dog or cat with anxiety, pain, and digestion. Expert insights on safety, sourcing, and specific herbs. Tinctures are liquid herbal extracts designed to deliver concentrated doses of bioactive compounds. They’re made using alcohol or glycerin. Herbal tinctures for dogs and cats are gaining in popularity. They offer a natural, gentle, fast-acting remedy for conditions like anxiety, joint pain, and digestive issues. Defining and understanding tinctures Veterinarian Dr. Kathryn...
Heat Stroke in Cats: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment
As summer temperatures climb, it’s important for cat parents to understand one of the season’s most serious health risks: heat stroke. This condition can become life-threatening very quickly, so knowing what to look for — and what to do — could save your cat’s life. What Is Heat Stroke? Heat stroke happens when a cat’s body temperature rises too high and the body can no longer cool itself down. Unlike humans, cats have very limited ways to release heat. They rely mostly on panting and grooming to stay cool,...
How to Help Your Dog or Cat Overcome Grooming Anxiety
Many dogs and cats experience grooming anxiety because of stress, sensitivity, or past experiences. Learn the causes, common mistakes, and calming solutions. For some dogs and cats, grooming is far from a relaxing spa experience. From unfamiliar tools and sensitive skin to past negative experiences, many animals feel stressed or fearful during brushing, bathing, nail trims, and other grooming routines. Understanding what causes grooming anxiety is the first step toward helping your furry friend feel more comfortable. In this article,...
Want to learn how to set up a microchip scanning station in your community?
Do you know how to set up a microchip scanning station in your community? One in three pets go missing in their lifetime, amounting to about 10 million lost animals each year, according to Petco Love. Microchip scanning can help reunite lost pets with their families faster and help keep more pets from needing to enter the shelter system. In fact, research shows that dogs with microchips are more than twice as likely to be returned to their owners, while microchipped cats are more than twenty times as likely to be returned to their owners!...
Understanding your dog’s personality with Five Element theory
Learn more about your dog’s personality through TCM’s Five Element theory. Uncover how Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water archetypes shape behavior, emotional balance, and your bond. Do you sometimes wish you had x-ray vision so you could see into the deep recesses of your dog’s behavior and personality? Understanding your dog’s personality with the Five Element theory is like having x-ray vision. It’s a fun way to learn “why your dog does what they do.” The Five Element theory comes from...
Organ-Specific Care for Your Dog: A Guide to Keeping Every Part of Your Pup Healthy
The Liver The liver is one of the hardest-working organs in your dog’s body. It helps with digestion, filters toxins from the blood, produces important proteins, and stores energy. Because the liver has many jobs, problems with it can affect your dog’s overall health in a big way. Common liver problems in dogs include: Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) Liver shunts (abnormal blood flow around the liver, more common in certain breeds) Fatty liver disease, often linked to obesity Toxic damage from certain...
