A new version of Maddie’s Tail Wag is now available!
Maddie’s® Tail Wag is back with a brand-new edition! This fun and educational activity book is for kids ages 7–10, designed to spark empathy, creativity and a love for animals. In this new edition, kids can follow the journey of Wiggle and Waggle, a homeless dog and cat on their journey from the streets to the shelter to a foster home and finally, an adoptive home! Along the way, they will find mazes, word scrambles, a dog treat recipe and more, to keep them engaged. This free, downloadable PDF is perfect for parents, teachers...
Lifetime cost of having a dog or cat
How much does it cost to care for a dog or cat over her lifetime? New data looks at the expenses and why they’re rising. Dogs and cats are living longer than they used to. This is wonderful, of course – the more years we have with our beloved animal companions, the better! But many people don’t consider the lifetime cost of having a dog or cat. Synchrony’s 2025 Pet Lifetime of Care Study shows that nearly 80% of animal parents underestimate the lifetime cost of caring for a dog or cat. The study surveyed nearly...
Why Could Your Dog Be Limping? Understanding the Common Causes
As a dog parent, seeing your furry friend limp can be both concerning and confusing. Limping is one of the most common signs that something isn’t quite right with your dog. Understanding the possible causes can help you know when to seek help and what to expect. What Does Limping Tell Us? When your dog limps, they’re showing you they’re experiencing pain or discomfort. Dogs are naturally tough and often try to hide their pain, so visible limping usually means the problem has been building for a while. Your dog might favor...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: October webcasts, new webcast series and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Mark your calendars for these upcoming webcastsThe last half of October is filled with plenty of learning opportunities for all! And, if any webcast doesn’t work with your schedule, be sure to register anyways as a recording will be sent to you. Integrated Operations for Greater Access to Care October 21, 2025 at 12PM PT/3PM ET In just 30 minutes, you’ll hear… Learn More Beyond the Page: Meet the Authors Shaping DEI in Veterinary...
Why are so many dogs overweight?
A new study finds that half our dogs are overweight. Learn the causes of canine obesity and how to help your dog reach a healthy weight. If your dog is on the chunky side, he has plenty of company. A new study from Texas A&M University and the Dog Aging Project (DAP) shows that 50% of dogs in the U.S. carry extra weight. Why are so many dogs overweight? A variety of factors may be at play, including breed backgrounds, environment, and food motivation. Understanding your dog’s love of food “Our study confirmed that dogs...
How to read pet food labels
Confused by pet food labels? Find out how to interpret product names, nutrition facts and more — and what to expect from upcoming label changes. Pet food labels can be confusing. Ingredient names are unclear, package claims seem misleading, and important information can be hard to find. The good news is that changes are underway to make pet food labels easier to read and understand. However, it will take time for companies and regulators to fully implement them. While we wait, let’s review how to read pet food labels – and...
Keeping Your Dog Safe This Halloween
Halloween brings lots of fun with costumes, decorations, and trick-or-treaters. But this spooky holiday can create some real dangers for our furry friends. As dog parents, it’s important to know about these risks so you can keep your pet safe while still enjoying the festivities. Candy and Food Dangers The biggest Halloween threat to dogs is candy and other treats. Many popular Halloween goodies are toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems. Chocolate is the most dangerous. It contains substances called methylxanthines...
Nutritional Adjustments for Senior Dogs
As our beloved dogs enter their golden years, their nutritional needs change just like ours do. Understanding these changes can help your senior dog stay healthy, active, and comfortable for years to come. Let’s explore the key areas you should focus on when feeding your older companion. Protein Many people think senior dogs need less protein, but that’s actually not true. Older dogs often need more high-quality protein than younger dogs. As dogs age, their bodies don’t make protein as well as they used to. This...
Essential Basics Every Cat Parent Should Know
As a cat parent, understanding your furry companion is key to providing the best care possible. Cats are amazing creatures with unique needs that differ from dogs and other pets. Here’s what you should know to keep your cat healthy and happy. Understanding Normal Cat Behavior Cats are naturally independent animals, but they still need attention and care. Healthy cats typically sleep 12-16 hours per day, which is completely normal. They’re most active during dawn and dusk hours. Your cat should be eating regularly, using the litter...
Prosthetics for amputee dogs
Modern prosthetics give amputee dogs the ability to walk, run, and play again. This guide covers types of artificial limbs, fitting, care tips, and more. In the past, injury or illness sometimes forced dogs to have limbs amputated, condemning them to a lifetime of immobility. People often chose euthanasia instead. Nowadays, major technological and engineering advances make it possible to fit these dogs with prosthetics. The devices allow them to lead full, happy, and active lives. Let’s take a look at today’s prosthetics for...
