Do Wild Dogs Self-Medicate? What Can We Learn from Zoopharmacognosy Behaviors
Have you ever caught your dog munching on grass in the backyard and wondered why? You might actually be witnessing something truly fascinating — a behavior scientists call zoopharmacognosy. This is the idea that animals may instinctively seek out certain plants or natural substances to help themselves feel better. Pretty amazing, right? What Is Zoopharmacognosy? Zoopharmacognosy is the study of how animals self-medicate using plants, soils, and other natural substances. The word comes from: Zoo = animal Pharma = medicine...
CBD for Chronic Pain Management in Cats
As a cat lover, watching your feline companion struggle with chronic pain can be heartbreaking. Whether it’s the stiffness of arthritis or discomfort after surgery, you naturally want to explore every option available. One topic that has been generating a lot of buzz lately is CBD — but what does the science actually say about its use in cats? What Is CBD? CBD stands for cannabidiol, a natural compound extracted from hemp plants. Unlike marijuana, hemp contains very little THC — the substance that causes a...
Can Dogs Hallucinate, and What Is Fly-Biting?
If you’ve ever watched your dog snap at invisible flies or stare at something that simply isn’t there, you may have found yourself wondering — is my dog seeing things? It’s a fair question, and the honest answer is: it’s possible, though it can be hard to know exactly what’s going on inside your dog’s mind. What Does It Look Like? Dogs can’t tell us what they’re experiencing, so we have to go by what we observe. Some dogs display behaviors that look like they’re reacting to...
4 Promising Medicinal Mushrooms for Immune Health in Cats
If you’ve been exploring natural ways to support your cat’s immune health, you may have come across medicinal mushrooms like Reishi and Turkey Tail. These fungi have been used in human wellness practices for centuries, and more recently, they’ve caught the attention of the integrative veterinary community. But what does this mean for your feline companion? What Are Medicinal Mushrooms? Medicinal mushrooms are a special group of fungi known for their potential health-supporting properties. Unlike the mushrooms you...
Join in on these hot Maddie’s Pet Forum discussions!
Does your animal shelter have a little free pet food pantry? Or have you made strides to increase access to care with great results? Maybe you have cracked the code to foster caregiver communication? All of these topics and more are being discussed on Maddie’s® Pet Forum! See below for some of the recent threads, and be sure to weigh in if you can. Don’t forget, we award $3,000 in participation grants each month! These are just a few of the many recent posts on the Forum. Be sure to check them out, weigh in and walk away...
Summer safety for dogs
Keep your dog safe this summer with tips on preventing heatstroke, avoiding common warm-weather hazards, and ensuring fun, healthy outdoor activities. Many of us enjoy the summer months. If we have dogs, though, we must know the health risks associated with this time of year, from heatstroke to accidental poisoning. Check out these tips on summer safety for dogs. Understanding heatstroke The American Veterinary Medical Association defines heatstroke as “a severe, life-threatening form of non-pyrogenic hyperthermia with a rapid,...
Foods and Herbs That Support Your Dog’s Liver Naturally
Your dog’s liver is one of the hardest-working organs in their body. This incredible organ filters toxins from the blood, helps digest food, stores energy, and supports the immune system. When the liver is not functioning well, it can affect nearly every system in your dog’s body. That is why so many holistic-minded dog lovers are interested in learning how to support healthy liver function through natural means. Why Liver Health Matters The liver is your dog’s primary detox organ. Every day, it filters out harmful...
Earthing and Grounding for Senior Dogs: Can It Help Reduce Inflammation?
If you have a senior dog, you know how much it hurts to watch them slow down. Stiff joints, sore muscles, and the general aches that come with aging can make life harder for your four-legged companion. Lately, a practice called earthing — also known as grounding — has been getting attention in the wellness world. But what is it, and could it help your aging dog? What Is Earthing? Earthing is the practice of making direct physical contact with the Earth’s surface. Think of your dog walking barefoot (as they...
Indicators of Emotional States of Dogs and Cats
You already know your canine or feline companions have big personalities. But did you know that they are constantly “talking” to you through their body language and behavior? Learning to read the emotional signals of your dog or cat can strengthen your bond and help you spot problems early. Here’s what to look for. Why Emotional Awareness Matters Dogs and cats cannot tell us in words when they are scared, stressed, happy, or in pain. Instead, they communicate through their bodies and behaviors. The sooner you can recognize...
7 Common Neurological Conditions in Cats
As someone who cares deeply about their feline companion, noticing unusual behavior can be scary. Your cat might be stumbling, staring into space, or tilting their head to one side. These signs could point to a neurological condition — one that affects the brain, nerves, or muscles. Here’s what you should know. What Are Neurological Conditions? Neurological conditions affect the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. When something goes wrong in this system, it can show up in many different ways —...
