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Nose smart – how [your dog’s] nose knows
Your dog’s sense of smell is nothing short of a superpower. The following book excerpt offers fascinating details on how canine olfaction works and why our dogs’ odor-detecting abilities are so amazingly sharp. If you pay close attention to your dog’s nose when he’s intent on a scent, you’ll see it do that cute little wiggle and hear the staccato beats of its work. As a tool, a dog’s nose is a triumph of natural selection: a complex set of cogs and wheels we rarely think about. When a dog inhales, the...
Cat Breed Health Guide: Common Conditions by Breed
Understanding which health conditions your feline friend might be prone to can help you provide better care. While any cat can develop health issues, certain breeds have higher risks for specific conditions due to their genetics and physical traits. Persian and Flat-Faced Breeds Persian cats and other flat-faced breeds like Himalayans often struggle with breathing problems. Their shortened airways can make breathing difficult, especially during hot weather or exercise. These cats also commonly develop eye problems due to their facial...
What Is Animal Chiropractic—and How Does It Work?
For many dog owners, the idea of chiropractic care for animals sounds either surprising or downright strange. Isn’t chiropractic something for people with bad backs? What does it have to do with dogs? As it turns out, a lot. Animal chiropractic is a growing field that focuses on one critical principle: the connection between the spine and the nervous system. When that connection is free and functional, your dog’s body works better. When it’s restricted, the result can be pain, stiffness, behavioral changes, and even organ...
Upbringing influences dog parenting styles
The way you raise your dog often mirrors the care you received in childhood. Have you ever wondered why you treat your dog the way you do? The way you nurture, control, train, or spoil your four-legged friend often reflects your childhood experiences. It mirrors the way your parents raised you. Recent research involving nearly 400 dog caregivers reveals a fascinating truth: upbringing influences dog parenting styles. The cycle of permissive parenting The study found a strong pattern. Those raised with a permissive style often raise...
Common Cat Issues That May Benefit from Music
Cat parents are always looking for ways to help their furry companions feel their best. Music therapy is becoming a popular tool that many pet owners are discovering can help with various cat health and behavior issues. Let’s explore how different types of music might benefit your cat. What is Music Therapy for Cats? Music therapy uses specially designed sounds and melodies to create a calming environment for cats. Unlike human music, cat-specific music often includes frequencies and tempos that match how cats naturally communicate and...
How to prevent lost cats
After learning how to keep dogs safe with our “Lost Dog Prevention” course, now you can do the same for cats! Bringing a new cat home is an exciting moment—but it can also be overwhelming for your new feline friend. New sights, sounds and smells can cause even the calmest cat to panic or try to escape. Preparation is key to helping them feel safe and preventing a “lost cat” situation. In “Lost Cat Prevention,” a new, free self-paced course on Maddie’s® University, expert Kimberley...
What Does It Mean When a Cat Licks You?
If you’re a cat owner, you’ve probably experienced it: your feline friend gently licking your hand, your hair, or even your face. It’s cute — and maybe a little surprising. But what does it actually mean when a cat licks you? Cats use licking as one of their primary ways to communicate. While dogs lick mostly out of affection, cats do it for several complex reasons — from social bonding to grooming instincts and emotional reassurance. Understanding the meaning behind this behavior helps strengthen your bond...
Stress-reducing foods for dogs and cats
Help ease stress in your dog or cat with nutrient-rich foods like turkey, sweet potatoes, fatty fish, and pumpkin seeds — plus easy homemade recipes to support calm and well-being. Dogs and cats suffer from stress much as we do. Stress and anxiety in our animal companions can arise from a range of sources. These include changes in household routines, a loss or move, loud noises, and more. Certain foods can help alleviate stress in our dogs and cats. Turkey contains tryptophan while fatty fish is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Sweet...
Can dogs and cats understand human language?
See how dogs and cats interpret spoken words, tones, and body cues — plus what science is revealing about their communication skills. As dog and cat parents, we communicate with our animals through words and nicknames, kisses, pats and cuddles. The bond we share with our dogs and cats is unique and deep. Sometimes it even feels they can read our minds. You may have found yourself wondering if your animal knows what you’re saying, especially when your dog tilts her head or your kitty starts purring at just the right moment. Can...
Keeping Your Furry Family Safe: The Importance of Checking for Pet Food Recalls
Pet parents want to provide their dogs and cats with the best nutrition possible. However, even the most trusted pet food brands can sometimes encounter safety issues that lead to recalls. Understanding how food recalls work and why it’s important to check for them regularly can help protect your beloved companions from serious health risks. Why Pet Food Recalls Happen Pet food recalls occur when products may be unsafe for animals to eat. Common reasons include contamination with harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, the presence...
