Building the Human Animal Support System: Data That Helps Pets Stay Home
In the first blog of this series, Give Pets a Seat at the Social Services Table, Human Animal Support Services (HASS) introduced social services roundtables, a national effort to connect animal welfare and human service organizations to talk about shared challenges and solutions. Those discussions highlighted how deeply human and pet well-being are connected, and how community collaboration is essential to supporting families on both ends of the leash. In this second installment, we move from conversation to investigation. National HASS...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: 2025 wins, marketing long-stay pets and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Giveaway: What’s a win you’re celebrating from this past year?As we wrap up 2025 and look ahead to a new year, it’s a natural moment to pause and reflect on the progress we’ve made, both the milestones we planned for and the unexpected victories that showed up along the way. Back at the beginning of January 2025, many of you shared your goals for… Learn More Tips for marketing long-stay petsMarketing pets with long shelter stays can be...
Light Therapy for Dogs: How Photobiomodulation Can Help Your Furry Friend
As advances in veterinary medicine continue to grow, more dog parents are discovering innovative treatments that can improve their canine companion’s quality of life. One such breakthrough is photobiomodulation therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy or red light therapy. This gentle, non-invasive treatment uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing at the cellular level. What Is Photobiomodulation? Photobiomodulation works by delivering red and near-infrared light to tissues, which helps cells produce more energy...
Holiday Season Dangers That Put Cats at Risk
The holiday season brings joy, warmth, and beautiful decorations to our homes. However, cat parents need to stay alert to potential dangers that come with festive celebrations. Many common holiday items can pose serious health risks to our feline friends. Understanding these hazards can help keep cats safe while still enjoying the season’s magic. Decoration Dangers Holiday decorations create the biggest risks for curious cats. Tinsel and garland may look like fun toys, but they can cause serious problems if swallowed. These shiny...
Giveaway: What’s a win you’re celebrating from this past year?
As we wrap up 2025 and look ahead to a new year, it’s a natural moment to pause and reflect on the progress we’ve made, both the milestones we planned for and the unexpected victories that showed up along the way. Back at the beginning of January 2025, many of you shared your goals for the year in our 2025 Goals Giveaway thread on Maddie’s® Pet Forum. Community members shared goals aimed at growing your foster network, strengthening community partnerships, expanding pet support services, improving shelter medicine...
Common Causes of Gastrointestinal Problems in Dogs
Watching dogs suffer from stomach issues can be really stressful for parents. Gastrointestinal problems are common in dogs, but understanding what causes them can help you protect your pup’s digestive health. Dietary Troubles One of the biggest causes of stomach problems is what your dog eats. Dogs love to explore the world with their mouths, which can get them into trouble. When they eat something they shouldn’t – like garbage, spoiled food, or things that aren’t food at all – it can upset their stomach badly....
Understanding Feline Vestibular Syndrome: Natural and Alternative Approaches for Cat Families
If your feline friend has suddenly started tilting their head, stumbling, or seems dizzy, they might be experiencing vestibular syndrome. This condition can be scary for cat families, but understanding what’s happening can help you provide the best care possible. What is Feline Vestibular Syndrome? The vestibular system helps cats maintain their balance and know where they are in space. When this system isn’t working properly, cats can experience dizziness, loss of coordination, and difficulty walking straight. Think of it like...
Holiday Hazards That Could Harm Dogs
The holiday season brings joy, family gatherings, and festive decorations. However, many common holiday items can be dangerous or even deadly to dogs. As a responsible parent, knowing about holiday dangers for dogs helps keep your four-legged family member safe during the celebration season. Dangerous Holiday Foods Many holiday treats that people enjoy can cause serious health problems for dogs. Chocolate tops the dangerous list – it contains substances called theobromine and caffeine that dogs cannot process properly. Dark chocolate...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Peer support, animal well-being survey and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. How one Missouri animal shelter is having success with their Dog’s Day Out programDoes your animal organization offer a Dog’s Day Out program? Maybe you’re thinking about starting one? These programs are an increasingly popular way to give dogs a break from the shelter while allowing volunteers to learn more about their personalities. Taney County Animal Care and Control in Hollister, MO, recently started a program of their… Learn More...
3 Common Dental Issues in Dogs
Dog parents want the best for our furry family members. But did you know that dental health plays a huge role in your dog’s overall well-being? Just like humans, dogs can develop serious dental problems that cause pain and affect their quality of life. Let’s explore the most common dental diseases in dogs and what you can do to help prevent them. 1. Periodontal Disease Periodontal disease is the most common dental problem affecting our canine companions. If your dog is over 3 years old, there’s an 80-90% chance they already...
