High Blood Pressure in Cats
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a serious health condition that affects many cats, especially as they grow older. Unfortunately, most people who care for cats don’t know this condition exists or how dangerous it can be. Learning about feline hypertension can help you protect your furry companion from its potentially devastating effects. What Is Feline Hypertension? Just like in humans, high blood pressure in cats means the force of blood pushing against artery walls is too strong. This puts extra strain on vital organs...
Creating a foster-centric medical clinic at your animal shelter
Ready to switch your animal shelter from a kennel-centric medical model to a foster-centric clinic that effectively supports animals living in foster homes? Don’t miss April’s Maddie’s Monthly Foster Connection, Creating a Foster-Centric Medical Clinic! The discussion takes place on Thursday, April 2 at 12PMPT/3PM ET. As more shelters place 50% or more of animals in foster care, clinics must adapt their infrastructure, staffing, communication and workflows to serve both people and pets. The discussion emphasizes guiding...
When Veterinarians Can’t Diagnose Your Dog or Cat’s Medical Condition
Having a sick dog or cat is stressful. When veterinarians can’t figure out what’s wrong, it can feel overwhelming and scary. You’re not alone in this situation, and there are steps you can take to help find answers for your furry family member. Don’t Give Up Hope First, take a deep breath. Some medical conditions are difficult to diagnose, even for experienced veterinarians. This doesn’t mean your companion animal can’t be helped. Medical mysteries happen, and sometimes it takes time, additional testing, or...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Maddie’s Insights, continuing education credits and more!
Happy Monday. Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Fur-ever starts now: Supporting dogs and adopters’ post-adoptionMaddie’s® Insights is our ongoing webcast series with practical tips based on current research to help pets and people. Join us on April 16 at 12PMPT/3PM ET for Fur-ever starts now. Supporting dogs and adopters’ post-adoption. This is a program that looks at common health and behavior concerns in dogs after their adoption in the… Learn More Content approved for continuing...
Understanding Dog Bite Force and How to Handle a Bite
When it comes to bite force, dogs vary quite a bit depending on their size, breed, and jaw structure. Scientists measure bite force in pounds per square inch (PSI), which tells us how much pressure a dog’s jaw can apply. Larger breeds with broad heads and strong jaw muscles typically have more powerful bites. For example, breeds like German Shepherds can bite with around 238 PSI, while Rottweilers may reach up to 328 PSI. Pit Bulls measure around 235 PSI, and Mastiffs can exceed 500 PSI. On the other end, smaller breeds like Chihuahuas...
Natural Calming Treats for Cats
Does your feline friend seem stressed, anxious, or overly energetic? Many cats experience anxiety from various situations like vet visits, thunderstorms, moving to a new home, or changes in their daily routine. Fortunately, natural calming treats can help support your cat’s emotional wellbeing in a gentle, safe way. What Are Natural Calming Treats? Natural calming treats are specially formulated snacks that contain ingredients known to promote relaxation in cats. These treats work by supporting your cat’s natural ability to stay...
Fur-ever starts now: Supporting dogs and adopters’ post-adoption
Maddie’s® Insights is our ongoing webcast series with practical tips based on current research to help pets and people. Join us on April 16 at 12PMPT/3PM ET for Fur-ever starts now. Supporting dogs and adopters’ post-adoption. This is a program that looks at common health and behavior concerns in dogs after their adoption in the United Kingdom. Our speakers are Drs. Eleanor Jordan and Lauren Samet, both of Dogs Trust, a British animal well-being charity and humane society which specializes in the well-being of dogs. It is the...
Immune-boosting whole foods for dogs and cats
Support your dog or cat’s immune system with whole foods like mushrooms, oats, turmeric, and coconut — plus healthy, easy recipes to try. Whole foods help our dogs and cats live longer and healthier lives. They’re rich in essential nutrients, many of which, such as antioxidants, strengthen or support the immune system and help prevent disease. This article focuses on immune-boosting whole foods for dogs and cats, along with a selection of nutritious recipes to help you incorporate them into your best friend’s...
75% Fewer Cats Are Dying in Shelters, Here’s How Austin Is Part of Livesaving
Mar 25, 2026 New national data from Best Friends Animal Society confirms something the animal welfare community has been working toward for a long time: the number of cats killed in shelters has dropped by nearly 75% over the past decade. Best Friends attributes this progress to three key drivers: the expansion of community cat programs, a 20% rise in cat adoptions, and the growth of kitten foster programs across the country. Austin Pets Alive! has been in the middle of all three, helping improve lifesaving in Texas and across the country....
How Dogs Smell Time?
Have you ever noticed how your furry companion seems to know exactly when you’re about to walk through the door? Or how they start waiting by the window at the same time each day? It’s not just coincidence—your dog might actually be “smelling time.” The Science of Scent and Time Recent research has revealed something truly remarkable about our canine companions: they may use their powerful sense of smell to understand the passage of time. Throughout the day, scents in your home gradually change and fade. While we...
