Eco-friendly dog and cat care
Check out simple, practical tips for sustainable dog and cat care, from healthier foods and natural flea control to eco-friendly toys, bedding, and household choices. Eco-friendly dog and cat care is about making thoughtful choices that support your animals’ health while reducing environmental impact. From safer food and natural flea control to sustainable toys, bedding, and household products, small changes can benefit your human and animal family — and the planet. Let’s dive into a few practical choices. 1. Avoid plastic...
When Is Vomiting an Emergency in Cats
As a cat parent, you’ve probably seen your feline friend vomit. Sometimes it’s just a hairball or an upset stomach that goes away on its own. But other times, vomiting can be a sign of something much more serious. Knowing the difference could save your cat’s life. Normal vs. Concerning Vomiting Cats do occasionally vomit without it being a major problem. Hairballs, eating too fast, or nibbling on a little grass can cause a one-time vomiting episode. However, there are certain signs that tell you it’s time to stop...
New courses available in Spanish and accessibility options on Maddie’s University
We’re excited to share that Maddie’s® University offers a growing number of self-paced courses in Spanish, on topics ranging from kitten bottle feeding, bringing a new dog home, shelter customer service and more! Below are the courses currently available in Spanish, with more in the works: Eliminando el Miedo a la Alimentación con Biberón y Cuidado Básico de Gatitos (Eliminating the Fear of Bottle Feeding and Basic Kitten Care) Llevando a un Nuevo Perro a Casa (Bringing a New Dog Home) Fundamentos de la...
A Guide to Plant-Based Sprays for Your Dog’s Bad Breath
Does your dog love giving kisses, but their breath makes you turn away? You’re not alone! Bad breath, also called halitosis, is one of the most common concerns for dog parents. While brushing remains the gold standard for dental health, plant-based sprays are a helpful addition to your dog’s oral care routine. Let’s explore what you need to know! Why Does My Dog Have Bad Breath? Bad breath usually starts with plaque — a sticky layer of bacteria that builds up on your dog’s teeth. Within just 24 hours,...
How cat purring heals the body
A cat’s purr may help support bone repair, lower stress, and improve heart health through therapeutic healing frequencies and rhythms. It begins with a rumble. Before the sound reaches your ears, you feel it. A soft, steady vibration presses against your ribcage and slows your breathing. Your cat is snuggled on your chest, purring. Domestic cats sleep nearly 70% of the time. In most mammals, this level of inactivity triggers muscle atrophy and rapid bone loss. Yet cats remain structurally strong. The answer lies in the feline...
Is Your Cat Refusing New Foods?
If you’ve ever tried to introduce your cat to a new food, you already know the struggle. One sniff, a turned-up nose, and they walk away like you’ve personally offended them. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Cats are notoriously picky eaters, and getting them to accept new foods — even healthy ones — can feel like a real challenge. Why Are Cats So Picky? Cats are creatures of habit. They become very comfortable with the foods they know, and anything new can feel like a threat. This behavior is actually rooted in...
Dogs & Data webcast series
Data can be an invaluable tool in animal sheltering, especially for improving outcomes for animals. “Dogs & Data,” is a three-part webcast series from PEDIGREE Foundation, Adopt a Pet, Outcomes for Pets Consulting and Shelter Animals Count. It’s designed to give shelter and rescue partners practical insights and actionable strategies they can put to work in their organizations. Participants will learn how to make data easier for staff and volunteers to understand, identify why some dogs stay in care longer than others...
10 Human Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs
As a dog parent, you want the best for your furry family member. But did you know that some of the foods sitting in your kitchen right now could seriously harm your dog? Here is a breakdown of the most dangerous human foods to keep away from your dog. 1. Chocolate Chocolate contains two toxic compounds — caffeine and theobromine — that dogs cannot break down the way humans can. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, seizures, and heart problems. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. 2. Grapes and Raisins...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Rehoming data, Rural Humane job posting and more!
Happy Monday. Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. 10 questions to ask when developing a marketing strategy plan for your animal organizationDoes your organization have a marketing strategy plan? Marketing is an essential part of any organization, but coming up with a strategy can feel daunting for many. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just want to give your current plan a little lift, we’ve got you covered.… Learn More What the data says about rehoming (and why it might ease some fears)If...
Pharmacoequity Advocacy for Animals: Therapyequity for Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, and Others
Pharmacoequity/Therapyequity is an important term to know for the animals we care for. The idea pharmacoequity advocacy for animals is simple yet powerful: every dog, cat, or companion deserves fair access to essential medications/therapy, regardless of location, income, or social circumstances. What Pharmacoequity Means for Animals Definition: Equal access to veterinary drugs and therapies across all communities and shelters. Core Goal: Prevent situations where advanced treatments are available only to affluent households, while...
