Antibiotic resistance in wildlife
A recent study suggests red foxes and several common bird species may serve as an early warning system for highly antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wildlife. Their movements could provide valuable insights for public health officials, veterinarians, and dog and cat parents. Researchers from the University of Parma in Italy discovered that wildlife now carry clinically important antibiotic resistance genes, even in areas where the animals have not been directly exposed to antibiotics. The findings highlight how antimicrobial resistance...
The Hidden Link Between Joint Health and Emotional Well-Being
As dogs and cats age, mobility issues can impact their health and quality of life. Learn about the connection between joint health and emotional well-being. When you think about joint health in dogs and cats, it’s easy to picture the physical side: stiffness, limping, or trouble climbing stairs. But joints do more than help an animal get from A to B. Movement helps them explore, play, interact with their families, and engage with the world around them, so comfortable motion is crucial for quality of life. Read on to learn more about the...
New research and animal needs assessment tool from ASPCA
If you work in animal well-being, you know that families seeking help often have more than one challenge affecting their pets. New research from the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) explores how a structured Animal Needs Assessment tool can help community outreach teams identify the multiple, overlapping needs affecting pets and their families, leading to more targeted support. From this research, the ASPCA developed a 10-item Animal Needs Assessment to systematically identify and...
Spices That May Benefit Your Dog’s Health
Spices are dried parts of plants—such as seeds, fruits, roots, bark, or buds—used to flavor, color, or preserve food. Some common kitchen spices might actually offer some health perks for your dog. Let’s dive into a few that have caught attention, along with what you need to keep in mind before tossing them into your dog’s food. 1. Turmeric Turmeric is a big name in the world of canine wellness. Its main ingredient, curcumin, has some pretty well-known anti-inflammatory benefits. There’s even research suggesting...
How to support healthy fascia in dogs
Improve your dog’s mobility, comfort, and overall health by supporting healthy fascia with movement, stretching, and hands-on care. Is your dog slowing down, or not moving the way they used to? We may attribute these changes to age, arthritis, or muscle loss. But another important but often overlooked piece of the puzzle is fascia. Understanding fascia can change how you view your dog’s movement, body, and overall well-being. Here’s how to support healthy fascia in dogs. What is fascia? Fascia is a remarkable body-wide...
Homeopathy and Hyperthyroidism in Cats
The founder of homeopathy, Samuel Hahnemann, believed that to live in the enjoyment of healthy senses, a healthy mind, and a sound body is the most beautiful and richest gift of nature to man. It is only fair to say that health is the most beautiful and richest gift for animals as well. One of the common feline ailments that harm this gift is hyperthyroidism. It is usually seen in older cats, and treating it can be a cumbersome process for both you and your feline companion. For cat parents who are thinking about an alternative treatment...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Free Pet Spay/Neuter and Wellness Weekend, popular Community Conversations and more!
Happy Tuesday. Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Free Pet Spay/Neuter and Wellness Weekend Is Back to Bay Area September 25-27Twelve animal well-being organizations across the Bay Area are joining forces once again to provide free spay and neuter surgeries, vaccines, microchips and other essential veterinary services to pets through Champions for Pet Health: Communities Partnering for Wellness and Spay & Neuter. The three-day event will take place September 25–27, 2026, and is made...
6 Herbs To Support Your Dog’s Immune System
The immune system is one of your dog’s main defense systems. Supporting your dog’s immune system gives it the best possible chance to stay clear of dis-ease. The good news is you can do it naturally. There are herbs that have proven their worth for thousands of years around the world when it comes to supporting the immune system. What is the definition of a herb? A herb is a plant or plant part used for flavor, scent, or health benefits. It can include: Seeds or bark (milk thistle) Flowers (chamomile) Roots (ginger) Leaves...
Crystalluria in Cats
Have you ever heard your veterinarian mention the word crystalluria? Don’t worry — you’re not alone! Crystalluria simply means that crystals have been found in your cat’s urine. While this might sound alarming, understanding what it means can help you take better care of your feline friend. What Is Crystalluria? Crystals can form in urine when certain minerals or other substances build up in higher-than-normal amounts. These crystals are usually spotted during a routine test called a urinalysis, where a small...
Journey of Lifesaving
Sep 03, 2026 Donate Now In 2009, Austin charted a bold new course. The City Council passed a resolution directing staff and the Animal Advisory Commission to construct a No Kill plan — a blueprint that Council unanimously adopted just months later. This plan became the North Star guiding every step forward. Austin Pets Alive!’s safety net programs, combined with a close partnership with the municipal shelter and a compassionate community, built the roadmap that made transformational lifesaving possible. By 2011, Austin reached a...
