Beyond our Safety Net: Navigating Returns, Risk and Humane Outcomes in Dog Adoptions
Join us on March 26th for the next Maddie’s Monthly Behavior Connection call: Beyond our Safety Net: Navigating Returns, Risk and Humane Outcomes in Dog Adoptions. This session will explore the complex realities of accepting adoption returns for dogs exhibiting challenging or dangerous behavior. While our goal is always to keep adopted animals in homes, there are times when a return is requested and the shelter environment may not be in the dog’s best interest—or safe for staff and volunteers....
Indoor obstacle course for dogs
Keep your dog active indoors with a fun DIY obstacle course. Try these easy ideas to challenge his mind and body when winter weather keeps you inside. For many active and high energy dogs, spending the day inside can be boring. Typical indoor activities might not be engaging enough to keep your pup happy. Get creative this winter and use objects in your home to build a fun new game – an indoor obstacle course for dogs! 5 crafty indoor obstacles for dogs Building an indoor obstacle course for your dog doesn’t have to be...
Healing with light: laser therapy for dogs and cats
Low level laser therapy uses violet, green, red, and infrared wavelengths to reduce pain, support healing, and enhance cellular function in dogs and cats. Veterinarians use low level laser therapy (LLLT) in dogs and cats to reduce pain, inflammation, and edema. LLLT also promotes wound and nerve healing and prevents cell death and tissue damage. Over 40 years of research prove laser therapy’s efficacy. Yet LLLT remains underutilized in mainstream veterinary medicine. This is likely due to the wide variety of lasers on the...
Is Your Dog Vomiting?
If your dog throws up once a week, it’s a warning sign that something is wrong with your dog’s health. Digestive system is something that is continuously being exposed to foreign introductions. Anomalies are bound to happen. Animals however can make it look like everything is fine. Why Regular Vomiting Matters Dogs sometimes vomit after eating too fast or getting into something they shouldn’t have. However, when vomiting happens regularly—even just once a week—it often points to an underlying health problem...
8 Things Cats Hate in 9 Lives
According to folklore, cats have nine lives. And throughout each of those lives, there are certain things they will always dislike. Living with a feline companion comes with responsibilities, and while we all strive to do things the right way, we sometimes unknowingly cause them stress. Cat feelings are hard to decipher, so you might not realize these common behaviors are bothering your furry friend. 1. Forced Affection While you might love cuddling your cat, forcing physical contact when they’re not interested can create stress. Cats...
Science-Backed Adaptogens Are Driving the Next Wave of Pet Calming Products
Fear and stress are no longer just niche concerns in companion animal health. In fact, the global pet calming products market is projected to reach $1.7 billion by 2032, up from $952.4 million in 2024. Demand is accelerating as pet parents look for science-backed solutions to everyday stressors like travel, separation, noise sensitivity, and environmental change. At the same time, they want natural solutions, such as KSM-66 Ashwagandha. After all, it’s the safest and only clinically proven ashwagandha for pets, and now you can find it...
Why is my cat biting me?
Understand the top five causes of biting in cats — including pain, stress, and overstimulation — and effective ways to calm the behavior. “Why is my cat biting me?” If you’re asking yourself this question, you’re not alone. Whether your feline friend is a kitten, adult or senior, biting is confusing and concerning behavior. You can usually manage it once you understand the cause. From overstimulation to pain or anxiety, several factors can trigger biting. With the right approach, you can help your cat...
Helping Your Dog Feel Comfortable at the Veterinary Clinic
Veterinary visits can be stressful for many dogs, but the good news is that you can take steps to make these trips less frightening. Understanding why your dog feels anxious and learning ways to help them can make vet visits easier for everyone involved. Why Do Dogs Fear the Vet? Dogs may develop fear of veterinary visits for several reasons. Sometimes a previous negative experience creates lasting anxiety. Other times, lack of early socialization as a puppy can make unfamiliar places scary. The clinic environment itself—with strange...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Dog behavior courses, kitten resources and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Kitten season is coming! Camp Maddie: Kitten Edition recordings are here to helpThe kittens are coming! And so is help. Back in March 2025, Maddie’s Fund® hosted Camp Maddie: Kitten Edition, a half-day learning event with four of the premier experts in the field. Now, all four sessions and one question and answer session, is available on Maddie’s® University to peruse… Learn More Four dog behavior courses by Ferdie Yau are on...
Mental stimulation for dogs – 10 ways to boost his brain power
Keep your dog’s mind sharp and behavior balanced with ten easy ways to boost mental stimulation. From puzzle toys to training games, these fun enrichment ideas promote calmness, focus, and well-being. Giving your dog regular mental stimulation is crucial to their happiness and well-being. It helps promote good behaviors like calmness, obedience, attention, and relaxation. Providing mental stimulation can also help overcome unwanted behaviors brought on by boredom. Read on to learn more about mental stimulation for dogs — and ten...
