Come see us at Animal Care Expo next month!
The countdown to Pittsburgh, PA is on! In just a few short weeks, professionals from the animal well-being space will gather in Pittsburgh from April 7-10 for Animal Care Expo. Maddie’s Fund® is a proud sponsor of the conference, hosted by Humane World for Animals (formerly Humane Society of the United States). As always, be sure to stop by our booth for fun engagement activities, and opportunities to win grants! Access to veterinary and behavioral care is increasingly important to us. We want to hear about what is important to you...
Understanding UV-Triggered Autoimmune Skin Conditions in Dogs
Does your furry companion’s nose or ears seem to worsen with sun exposure? Some dogs develop autoimmune skin conditions that are triggered or made worse by ultraviolet (UV) light. Understanding these conditions can help you protect your canine family member. What Are UV-Triggered Autoimmune Skin Conditions? These are skin problems where the dog’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy skin cells, particularly when exposed to sunlight. The nose and ears are commonly affected because they have less hair protection and...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Navigating dog adoption outcomes, new national study and more!
Happy Monday. Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Beyond our Safety Net: Navigating Returns, Risk and Humane Outcomes in Dog AdoptionsJoin us on March 26th for the next Maddie’s Monthly Behavior Connection call: Beyond our Safety Net: Navigating Returns, Risk and Humane Outcomes in Dog Adoptions. This session will explore the complex realities of accepting adoption returns for dogs exhibiting challenging or dangerous behavior. While our goal is always to keep adopted animals in homes, there are times...
Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Dogs
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a group of inherited eye conditions that can affect your canine companion. Understanding this disease and the available treatment options can help you provide the best care for your four-legged family member. What is PRA? PRA refers to several genetic disorders that cause the retina to gradually break down over time. The retina is the part of the eye that detects light and helps your dog see. With PRA, dogs experience progressive vision loss that develops over months or years. The age when symptoms start...
Why Cats Knock Things Off Counters and Shelves
If you share your home with a cat, you’ve probably watched in disbelief as they deliberately push your phone, keys, or favorite mug right off the counter. This behavior is actually quite common among our feline companions, and understanding why they do it can help you manage the situation better. Natural Hunting Instincts Cats are natural-born hunters, even when they’re well-fed and living comfortably indoors. When your cat paws at objects on counters or shelves, they’re engaging their prey drive. In the wild, cats would bat...
Beyond our Safety Net: Navigating Returns, Risk and Humane Outcomes in Dog Adoptions
Join us on March 26th for the next Maddie’s Monthly Behavior Connection call: Beyond our Safety Net: Navigating Returns, Risk and Humane Outcomes in Dog Adoptions. This session will explore the complex realities of accepting adoption returns for dogs exhibiting challenging or dangerous behavior. While our goal is always to keep adopted animals in homes, there are times when a return is requested and the shelter environment may not be in the dog’s best interest—or safe for staff and volunteers....
Indoor obstacle course for dogs
Keep your dog active indoors with a fun DIY obstacle course. Try these easy ideas to challenge his mind and body when winter weather keeps you inside. For many active and high energy dogs, spending the day inside can be boring. Typical indoor activities might not be engaging enough to keep your pup happy. Get creative this winter and use objects in your home to build a fun new game – an indoor obstacle course for dogs! 5 crafty indoor obstacles for dogs Building an indoor obstacle course for your dog doesn’t have to be...
Healing with light: laser therapy for dogs and cats
Low level laser therapy uses violet, green, red, and infrared wavelengths to reduce pain, support healing, and enhance cellular function in dogs and cats. Veterinarians use low level laser therapy (LLLT) in dogs and cats to reduce pain, inflammation, and edema. LLLT also promotes wound and nerve healing and prevents cell death and tissue damage. Over 40 years of research prove laser therapy’s efficacy. Yet LLLT remains underutilized in mainstream veterinary medicine. This is likely due to the wide variety of lasers on the...
Is Your Dog Vomiting?
If your dog throws up once a week, it’s a warning sign that something is wrong with your dog’s health. Digestive system is something that is continuously being exposed to foreign introductions. Anomalies are bound to happen. Animals however can make it look like everything is fine. Why Regular Vomiting Matters Dogs sometimes vomit after eating too fast or getting into something they shouldn’t have. However, when vomiting happens regularly—even just once a week—it often points to an underlying health problem...
8 Things Cats Hate in 9 Lives
According to folklore, cats have nine lives. And throughout each of those lives, there are certain things they will always dislike. Living with a feline companion comes with responsibilities, and while we all strive to do things the right way, we sometimes unknowingly cause them stress. Cat feelings are hard to decipher, so you might not realize these common behaviors are bothering your furry friend. 1. Forced Affection While you might love cuddling your cat, forcing physical contact when they’re not interested can create stress. Cats...
