Helping dogs recover from natural disaster trauma
When natural disasters strike, dogs can suffer a lot of emotional trauma. Get expert advice on recognizing the signs and helping your dog recover. From floods to wildfires, natural disasters are becoming more frequent. They claim lives – human and animal — and cause untold damage. Even after the emergency ends and cleanup begins, the trauma of living through a disaster lingers — for our dogs as well as for us. Humans have access to resources that help them through the emotional stress of a natural disaster. But what...
Why do cats like to climb?
Cats are hard-wired to climb. Explore the reasons behind your cat’s love for high places and how to keep him safe while satisfying this natural urge. We’ve heard of cats being stuck up trees or poles and needing rescue. They may have been scared by predators, but also, cats just love to climb. Even a kitten will try to scale your curtains or furniture. Why do cats like to climb? Let’s find out, and how you can satisfy this instinct while keeping your kitty safe. Climbing is in your cat’s DNA Firstly, your cat...
Are Your Dog’s Gums Pale? It’s a Health Warning
Your dog’s gums should appear a healthy salmon pink. Pale gums in dogs signal potential health issues. Regular checks can identify problems early. Familiarize yourself with your dog’s normal gum color. This simple habit empowers you to act swiftly if something seems off. If your furry companion resists, don’t force the issue. Instead, consult a veterinarian for guidance. Checking for Hydration and Circulation Assess hydration by feeling the gums. They should feel moist and slightly damp. Dry or sticky gums indicate...
Thinking of buying a pet cam?
A pet cam is a great way to keep tabs on your dog or cat when you’re away from home. Here are some tips to keep in mind when buying a pet cam. If you’re like most dog and cat parents, you don’t like leaving your animal companion home alone when you have to go out. What does your canine or feline friend get up to while you’re away? Is she safe and well? Pet cams are an increasingly popular way to keep an eye on our dogs and cats when we can’t be at home with them. This article takes a look at what to...
Break-In at APA!’s Town Lake Animal Center Leads to Dog Injuries, a Beloved Dog’s Death, and a Search for Missing Pets
Aug 14, 2025 Thursday afternoon update: The dogs missing at the time of our original message have been found. We’re grateful that most are okay and are heartbroken that this happened and that sadly one dog has passed. Our dogs, staff and volunteers are going to need time to recover and heal. We’ve been asked what people can do to help now(thank you). The answer to that is fostering. Please come in person or email [email protected]. We’d love help with both the dogs directly affected that could use a quieter place...
Common Drugs That Can Harm Cats and Dogs
Every caring guardian wants to relieve their cat or dog’s pain or illness swiftly. Yet, even the most seemingly harmless human medications hold dangers for these animals. For instance, acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen inflict severe toxicity in cats and dogs. Their bodies process drugs differently than humans, making many common medicines poison instead of cure. Cats especially lack the enzymes to break down certain drugs, causing rapid and often irreversible damage. Accidental ingestion can trigger symptoms like vomiting,...
Apply now for fall Instructor-Led Courses!
The application period of Instructor-Led Courses is now open! Subjects include fostering, shelter consultations, marketing and more. The length and number of Zoom classes are course-dependent, and can range from 4 to 6 classes, at 60, 75, or 90-minutes each. All courses are free and begin in September. The application window closes on August 18, 2025 at 2PM PT/5PM ET. Highlights of the fall session include: Maddie’s® Million Pet Challenge Shelter ConsultationsThis course covers the basic concepts when doing a holistic shelter...
Pica in Cats: Why It Matters
Pica describes the behavior where cats intentionally ingest non-food items. This troubling habit poses significant health risks. While some cats might accidentally swallow strange objects during play, persistent eating of inedible materials is alarming. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. These symptoms often indicate gastrointestinal irritation or even blockage, requiring urgent attention. The Genetic Link Certain cat breeds, especially Oriental varieties like Siamese and Burmese, are more prone to pica. Genetics may...
An Urgent Message from Dr. Jefferson: Austin, We Need You to Speak Up for Pregnant Cats and Dogs in Our Shelters – TODAY
Aug 12, 2025 Friends, I need to discuss something urgent with you, and we need you. Each of you. Starting Tomorrow, August 13, the Austin City Council will vote on a budget proposal (Agenda Item 19) that would allow spay procedures on pregnant shelter dogs and cats, even when safe, loving foster homes are ready and waiting to care for them. Let me be clear: This is not the cost-saving measure it is falsely proposed to be. It is a waste of taxpayer money, shelter kennel space, and expensive veterinary time to perform complex, risky, bloody...
The Regular Life-Saving Tests Every Dog and Cat Deserves
The joy of sharing life with a dog or cat comes with a solemn responsibility—their health depends on vigilance beyond visible signs. Many diseases lurk quietly, revealing themselves only when it’s too late. Routine diagnostic tests for dogs and cats are the secret arsenal to uncover hidden threats early, protecting a beloved companion’s future. Blood Work Regular blood tests, including a Complete Blood Count (CBC) and chemistry panels, offer an internal snapshot. These reveal anemia, infections, organ stress, and metabolic...
