Odd Behaviors in Dogs and Cats Demand Urgent Attention
Every dog or cat sometimes surprises us with odd behaviors — sudden restlessness, repetitive movements, or unexplained aggression. These behaviors often carry hidden messages signaling physical discomfort or emotional distress. Ignoring these signals risks worsening their condition or weakening your bond. Understanding the root causes behind unusual actions serves as the first step toward compassionate care and healing. Behavioral Alarm Bells When a normally calm companion suddenly becomes withdrawn or irritable or shows other odd...
Learn the fundamentals of canine communication and safe dog handling
There’s a new self-paced course on Maddie’s® University and it’s all about dog behavior and communication! “Fundamentals of Canine Communication and Safe Dog Handling” is authored by Devan Amundsen, CPDT-KA, a certified dog trainer with over 15 years of experience working with not just dog owners, but dogs in shelters, assistance dogs and other working dogs. Reading dog body language and communicating effectively with our own behavior are practiced skills that we need to mindfully develop over time. In this...
Natural detox for dogs and cats
Check out safe, natural ways to detox your dog or cat from everyday toxins. Read up on antioxidant-rich foods, herbs, and supplements that support his health and reduce toxin overload. We live in a toxic world. Our food, water, soil and air are contaminated with a range of harmful substances, from pesticides to PFAs. It’s impossible to avoid all toxins. But we can take steps to detoxify our bodies, and those of our animal companions. Read on for details about natural detox for dogs and cats. What toxins are we and our animals...
Helping Your Cat Shed Pounds Safely
Is your feline friend carrying a few extra pounds? Addressing weight issues in cats is crucial for their health and happiness. Rapid weight loss can lead to severe conditions, including hepatic lipidosis. This dangerous syndrome occurs when cats stop eating and their bodies break down fat too quickly. Prioritizing a safe weight loss journey ensures a healthier, happier life for your beloved companion. Start with a Veterinary Check-Up Before initiating any weight loss plan, schedule a veterinary exam. This step assesses your cat’s...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Foster-friendly website, 30th anniversary giveaway and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Is your animal website foster-friendly? Here’s why it should beIf you’re trying to grow your foster program, one of the most important places to start isn’t on social media or with a flyer—it’s your website. Your website is your organization’s virtual front door. When potential foster caregivers stop by, you want them to feel welcome, encouraged, and excited to get involved. But too often,… Learn More August and...
Frailty assessment tool for aging dogs
Like humans, dogs become frailer as they age. Loss of strength and weight, along with reduced activity, are signs of frailty. Dogs may slow down and tire more easily. There are ways to assess frailty in older people, but not in dogs – at least until now. Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a frailty assessment tool for aging dogs that can help animal parents and their veterinarians assess an elderly dog’s frailty. When vets perform simple assessments of body and muscle condition alongside this...
Palliative care for senior dogs and cats
Here’s how palliative care for senior dogs and cats can improve quality of life, manage pain, and offer compassionate support for aging animals and their families. When our beloved dogs and cats age and develop serious health problems, we want to do everything we can. Our goal is to keep them with us as long as possible. Sometimes this involves invasive and expensive tests and treatments — but surely that’s better than euthanasia? In fact, the human healthcare field offers another option — palliative care....
Pet tech trends: Survey reveals how dog and cat parents embrace smart devices
More than ever before, animal parents treat their dogs and cats as cherished family members. As a result, pet parents are spending more on food, toys, healthcare, and services. They’re also embracing high-tech gadgets like pet cams, smart collars, and health trackers. A new survey from HostingAdvice.com revealed the following statistics: 80% of dog and cat lovers say they’d spend $100 or more on pet tech. 87% say tech helps them care for their animals better. 79% say they would use tech to track their dog...
Why and When to Consult a Board-Certified Veterinary Specialist
Veterinarians play a vital role in maintaining the health of beloved companions. They provide essential care, but some health issues require specialized knowledge. Board-certified veterinary specialists offer advanced expertise that general practitioners may not possess. These specialists work closely with primary care veterinarians, ensuring each animal receives tailored diagnostics and treatment options. What is Board Certification All practicing veterinarians start by earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and passing a...
Lessons from the Master of Animal Communication: Learn to Talk With Your Animal Companion!
Joan Ranquet is the leading voice in the field of animal communication. Learn how she helps pet parents build stronger bonds with their dogs and cats. All pet parents want to understand their dog’s or cat’s needs and wants. And thanks to animal communication, you can indeed “talk” to your dog or cat! Animal communication is the conscious, two-way exchange of thoughts, feelings, images, and physical sensations between humans and animals. It involves body language, vocal cues, focused intention, and telepathic...
