Your Cat May Want to Escape the House This Holiday Season
The holidays bring excitement, visitors, and lots of activity to your home. While this makes for wonderful memories, all the hustle and bustle can create perfect opportunities for your cat to slip outside unnoticed. Here’s how to keep your furry family member safe and secure during the festive season. Understanding Why Cats Try to Escape Cats are naturally curious creatures, but they’re also easily stressed by changes in their routine. Holiday decorations, unfamiliar guests, unusual sounds, and new smells can make even the most...
How one Missouri animal shelter is having success with their Dog’s Day Out program
Does your animal organization offer a Dog’s Day Out program? Maybe you’re thinking about starting one? These programs are an increasingly popular way to give dogs a break from the shelter while allowing volunteers to learn more about their personalities. Taney County Animal Care and Control in Hollister, MO, recently started a program of their own. They’re sharing their experience and what they’ve learned along the way. “We did soft launch of the program last summer with some of our longer term volunteers,”...
5 Most Misunderstood Behaviors in Dogs
We love our furry friends, but sometimes their actions leave us scratching our heads. Many common canine behaviors are often misunderstood, leading to frustration for both dogs and their families. Understanding what your dog is really trying to tell you can strengthen your bond and help address any issues with compassion. 1. Excessive Barking Isn’t Just Noise When your dog barks constantly, it might seem like they’re being difficult. However, dogs always have a reason for barking. They use their voice to communicate excitement,...
Understanding Chronic Iron Deficiency in Cats with Digestive Problems
If you’re caring for a feline companion with ongoing stomach or intestinal issues, you might notice they seem tired or weak. One possible cause could be chronic iron deficiency, a condition that often goes hand-in-hand with digestive problems in cats. What Is Chronic Iron Deficiency? Iron deficiency happens when your cat’s body doesn’t have enough iron to make healthy red blood cells. Iron is like fuel for these cells – without enough of it, your cat’s blood can’t carry oxygen properly throughout their...
4 Healthy Cat Diet Tips to Prevent Obesity
These four key healthy cat diet tips will help you understand how to use food to keep your feline friend lean and full of energy! Obesity is a common health issue in cats. In fact, it’s estimated that over 60% of cats are overweight or obese. Luckily, it’s easy to prevent, and there are plenty of reasons you should take steps to do so. Excess weight can shorten their lifespan, reduce their quality of life, and cause health conditions like diabetes, joint problems, and heart and liver disease. Regular play and exercise are...
Supporting your peers without the heavy load
Animal well-being work is rewarding and often emotionally intense. Join us for a 30-minute panel discussion, “Pawsitive Peer Support: Helping Each Other Without the Heavy Load,” on December 16 at 12PM PT/ 3PM ET with Janet Hoy-Gerlach, PhD, LCSW, LISW-S, Director of Veterinary Social Work at Open Door Veterinary Collective. In the latest Doors Wide Open webcast series, we’ll explore how to support each other in ways that strengthen connection without adding emotional strain. You’ll learn practical tools for peer...
Grapes and Raisins Are Toxic to Dogs
Dog parents want to share everything with their furry family member, including tasty snacks. However, some foods that seem harmless can actually be toxic for dogs. Grapes and raisins are among the most toxic foods your canine companion can eat. Why Are Grapes and Raisins So Dangerous? Scientists have recently discovered that tartaric acid and its salt form are likely the toxic parts of grapes and raisins. These chemicals are found in high amounts in fresh grapes, raisins, sultanas, and Zante currants. The scary part is that we don’t...
Skin and Stomach Health 101: Common Issues and Solutions for Dogs
Supporting skin and stomach health for dogs is challenging and often requires lifestyle and diet changes. Fortunately, the right food can make a world of difference, especially a high-quality, grain-free recipe. Itching, redness, digestive upset, food sensitivities: Skin conditions and stomach issues are common in dogs. While it’s hard to see a dog struggle with discomfort, you can help alleviate symptoms with a few simple changes, and your veterinarian can provide professional guidance. Let’s explore canine skin and stomach...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Offsite adoption events, our annual report and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. The exploration of opportunities for barriers and bias during offsite animal adoption eventsEver wonder how implicit bias can influence pet adoption processes? And, if so, what we can do to improve? Join us for the next Maddie’s® Insights on December 11, as we share insights from a nationwide survey of 484 U.S. shelters and rescue organizations on adoption events and screening practices. Our guest, Dr. Lexis Ly,… Learn More Check out the...
What to Look for in Quality Canine CBD Products
You’ve likely heard about CBD products for dogs. With growing interest in natural wellness options, it’s important to understand the basics about CBD, its potential benefits, and how to choose safe products for your furry friend. What is CBD? CBD stands for cannabidiol, an oil extracted from hemp plants. Unlike marijuana, hemp contains very little THC (the part that causes a “high”) – usually less than 0.3%. This makes CBD products legal in most states and safe for dogs when used properly. Potential Uses for CBD...
