Learning opportunities to help prevent dog bites
It’s National Dog Bite Prevention week and we know that despite management and prevention, dog bite accidents can still happen. And, healing is not just physical, but emotional after a bite. Here are two existing learning opportunities on Maddie’s® University to help decrease the chances of dog bites occurring: Fundamentals of Canine Communication and Safe Dog Handling (self-paced course by Devan Amundsen, CPDT-KA): Reading dog body language and communicating effectively with our own behavior are practiced skills...
Managing Diarrhea in Dogs
Diarrhea is one of the most common health issues dog parents face. While it’s often a minor problem that resolves on its own, knowing how to manage it at home and when to call your veterinarian can make a big difference in your furry companion’s comfort and recovery. Understanding the Causes Diarrhea in dogs can happen for many reasons. Simple causes include eating something they shouldn’t have, sudden changes in food, or eating too much. Sometimes stress or minor stomach upset can trigger loose stools. These cases usually...
Understanding Environmental Allergies in Your Cat
If you’ve noticed your feline companion constantly scratching, developing bald patches, or showing signs of uncomfortable skin, environmental allergies might be the culprit. Just like humans who sneeze during pollen season or react to dust, cats can experience similar allergic responses to things in their surroundings. What Are Environmental Allergies? Environmental allergies, also called atopy, occur when a cat’s immune system overreacts to common substances in their environment. These allergens can include pollen from trees,...
Natural Ways to Combat Low Energy in Senior Dogs
As your beloved canine companions enter their golden years, you might notice they’re sleeping more or showing less interest in activities they once loved. While some slowing down is normal, low energy in older dogs can sometimes signal mild cognitive changes. The good news? There are plenty of natural, enrichinpg activities that can help keep your senior dog’s brain active and engaged. Understanding the Change When dogs age, their brains go through natural changes, similar to what happens in aging humans. The neurons in their...
The Dog Soundscape: What It Means for Everyday Care
Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being. Source: Animal Wellness...
Spring Health Challenges Your Feline Friend May Face
As the weather warms and flowers begin to bloom, springtime brings unique health concerns for your beloved cat. Understanding these seasonal challenges can help you keep your feline companion safe and healthy during this vibrant time of year. Seasonal Allergies Just like humans, cats can develop allergies when pollen counts rise. Your feline may experience itchy skin, excessive grooming, watery eyes, or sneezing. Watch for signs of discomfort like scratching more than usual or developing small scabs on their skin. If you notice these...
Therapy dog training and certification
Find out if your dog is a good candidate for therapy work, and learn the steps for training, evaluation, and certification for this rewarding role. Therapy dogs hold a special place in our communities. From visiting hospitals and schools to comforting people after a crisis, they bring people calm, connection, and joy. But not every dog is suited for therapy work. How can you tell if your own canine is a good candidate? What steps help you both prepare for therapy dog training and certification? Let’s explore what therapy dogs do, and...
Keeping Dogs Safe in Group Settings
Understanding Your Dog’s Temperament Before entering any group setting, it’s important to honestly assess your dog’s behavior and comfort level. Not every dog enjoys being around other dogs or unfamiliar people, and that’s perfectly normal. Dogs with reactive behavior—those who overreact to common situations by lunging, barking, or becoming overly aroused—may find group settings extremely stressful. These experiences can actually make their behavior worse over time if they’re not ready for such...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Animal Care Expo, dog behavior courses and more!
Happy Monday. Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Please note: we’ll be at Animal Care Expo this week, so we’ll be taking a break from the blog the rest of this week. Be sure to come say hi at our booth if you’re at Expo! Two new dog behavior courses are now available on Maddie’s UniversityWe’re excited to share that Assessing Dog Behavior Through Everyday Interactions and Building Trust with Dogs Who Aren’t Ready to Come Out of the Kennel are now available for free on...
5 Zoonotic Diseases in Cats Every Cat Parent Should Know
As a cat parent, you want to keep your feline companion healthy while protecting your family’s health too. Zoonotic diseases are infections that can spread from cats to humans. Let’s explore the five most common zoonotic diseases you should know about. 1. Toxoplasmosis Toxoplasmosis is caused by a tiny parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. Cats are the only animals that can shed the infectious form in their feces. Most infected cats don’t show any symptoms, but the disease can be serious for pregnant women and people with...
