Imagining Gene Editing as The Next Catalyst for Evolution in Dogs and Cats
Imagine taking your Golden Retriever puppy to the vet for a routine checkup. The veterinarian runs a quick genetic screening and says, “Good news — we’ve confirmed that Max carries no markers for osteosarcoma or progressive retinal atrophy. His gene profile was edited before birth to remove those risks.” It sounds like science fiction, right? But the truth is, this kind of future is totally possible. Gene editing is one of the most exciting — and debated — topics in modern science. For dog and cat...
Community Conversations is back next week on August 5!
Just a friendly reminder that Maddie’s Community Conversations will now be held on Wednesdays at 11am PT/ 2pm ET starting August 5! If you haven’t done so already, please register now to secure your spot for the new season. These webcasts will continue to be a collaborative place to connect with peers in the animal well-being industry, share exciting new programs and research on a variety of topics including foster, access to veterinary and behavior care, community partnerships and more. Plus, each...
Hemoacupuncture for Dogs — Know the Conditions Where it Works Best
If you’ve been exploring natural and holistic options for your dog’s health, you may have come across a technique called hemoacupuncture. While it may sound intimidating at first, this traditional practice has been used in veterinary medicine to help support dogs dealing with a variety of health conditions. Here’s a friendly breakdown of what hemoacupuncture is and where it may be helpful. What Is Hemoacupuncture? Hemoacupuncture is a technique that falls under the umbrella of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine...
4 Reasons You Need to Try Goat Milk for Kittens
Discover four reasons why goat milk for kittens is something you should try today! Kittens are tiny balls of energy and fun. One minute they’re zooming across the house, the next they’re chasing their own tail in a kitty tornado. All that growing, playing, and exploring means they need nutrition that works with their little bodies. And that’s where goat milk comes in. It’s an important addition to kitten food because it’s gentle on tummies, packed with nutrients, and can help support healthy growth. If you...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Veterinary social worker, underaged kitten resource and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. This veterinary social worker is a people personEver wondered what it’s like to be a veterinary social worker? We recently chatted with Oregon Humane’s only veterinary social worker, Kelly Bremken, about a whole host of topics. She has a positive yet realistic perspective on working in an emotionally and physically demanding field. From her decision to go back to school to how… Learn More Living Library: Guide to Raising Unweaned and...
Does Late-Night Lighting Affect Your Furry Companion
If you love staying up late with the TV blazing or the lights on full blast, you may not realize how nighttime lighting affects dogs and cats — the four-legged members of your household. Just like humans, dogs and cats rely on natural light cycles to regulate their bodies and behaviors. Here’s what every dog and cat parent should know about nighttime lighting. The Body Clock Connection Dogs and cats have an internal body clock, known as the circadian rhythm. This internal clock is largely controlled by light and darkness....
Hardwired Similarities Between Your Furry Feline and the Big Cats in the Wild — And the Takeaway
Have you ever watched your cat stalk a toy mouse across the living room floor and thought, “Wow, that looks like something I’d see on a nature documentary”? That’s because your cat and the big cats of the wild share a surprising amount in common. And understanding those connections can actually help you give your cat a happier, healthier life. Built the Same Way Domestic and wild cats are both obligate carnivores. This means their bodies are designed to run on meat. Their digestive systems, teeth, and even their eyes...
A Reactive Dog Isn’t a Bad Dog. Here’s What Their Behavior Really Means.
Your dog lunges at another dog across the street, barks at a delivery worker, or freezes when a stranger walks by. In the moment, it can look like defiance or bad behavior. But your dog isn’t trying to embarrass you, dominate the sidewalk, or ignore their training. This behavior is reactivity, and it usually means your dog is having a hard time coping with an emotion, feeling, or situation. Let’s look at what’s happening inside the mind of a reactive dog, how you can help in the situation, and what you can do to prevent...
What Every Dog Parent Should Know About Lyme Disease
If you spend time outdoors with your dog — whether hiking through wooded trails or just playing in the backyard — Lyme disease is something worth knowing about. It is one of the most common tick-borne diseases in the United States, and your dog could be at risk. What Is Lyme Disease? Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. It spreads through the bite of a black-legged tick, also known as a deer tick. These ticks are tiny — sometimes no bigger than a poppy seed — which makes them easy to...
Nocturnal Activity in Cats
If your cat has ever pounced on your feet at 2 a.m., let out a loud meow right next to your ear, or gone on a full hunting mission through your hallway in the middle of the night — you are not alone. This is one of the most common concerns cat parents bring up, and the good news is there are gentle, natural ways to help. Why Do Cats Do This? Cats are naturally crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. However, indoor cats often shift their energy bursts to nighttime hours. This can happen because of boredom,...
