Winter Storm Warning: How You Can Help Austin Pets (and Keep Your Own Safe)
Jan 21, 2026 As temperatures drop later this week, Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) is asking the community to step up for pets who need warmth and safety during this Winter Storm Warning. Right now, 75 dogs urgently need short-term foster homes to get them out of the cold. While our team has worked hard to weather-proof our shelter, nothing compares to a warm home during extreme weather. We are also asking for adopters for Barn Cats (cats who just need a place to shelter and can live outside). Urgent Need: Foster a Dog This Week We’re asking...
Portion Control Unlocks Better Health for Your Four-Legged Friend
If you’re a dog parent, you’ve probably heard plenty of advice about keeping your canine companion healthy. But here’s the truth: one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent obesity in dogs boils down to one key practice—proper portion control. Why Portion Control Matters Obesity is incredibly common in dogs and can significantly impact your furry friend’s quality of life. The extra weight puts stress on their joints, bones, and muscles, often leading to painful arthritis. Beyond joint problems,...
Lower Urinary Tract Disease in Cats Is More Common Than You Think
If you share your home with a cat, you need to know about lower urinary tract disease. This condition affects cats far more often than many people realize, and recognizing the signs early can make a significant difference in your feline companion’s health and comfort. What Is Lower Urinary Tract Disease? Lower urinary tract disease (LUTD) refers to a group of conditions that affect a cat’s bladder and urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body). One of the most common forms is idiopathic cystitis, which...
The 4 Herbal Properties of Ashwagandha: Supporting Modern Pet Health with an Ancient Herb
Discover the 4 key herbal properties of ashwagandha and how KSM-66 supports calmness, balance, longevity, and well-being. Ayurvedic medicine has used ashwagandha for thousands of years for its powerful healing properties. Today, modern research continues to validate these traditional uses. Scientists are studying its properties as an adaptogen, nervine tonic, rejuvenative, and antioxidant. These actions contribute to wide-ranging physical and mental health benefits. They also explain why ashwagandha is so beneficial for dogs and cats. Since...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Understanding pain and behavioral issues in dogs, grant giveaway winners and more!
Happy Tuesday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. The December Weekly Community Conversations grant giveaway winners are…Earlier this month, Maddie’s Fund® gave four organizations at random a $2,500 grant for attending the December Weekly Community Conversations for a total of $10,000 in grants. In fact, the call was jam-packed with prizes. Join us in congratulating the four people who won a grant for their organization: Amanda Coburn, Vanderburgh Humane Society (Evansville,… Learn More How...
Common Causes of Skin Infections in Dogs
Skin infections are among the most frequent health concerns for dogs, causing discomfort and worry for their caregivers. Understanding what triggers these conditions can help you support your canine companion’s skin health. Common Causes of Canine Skin Infections Bacterial Infections Bacteria naturally live on your dog’s skin, but when the skin’s protective barrier breaks down, these microorganisms can multiply and cause infection. E. coli and other bacteria commonly trigger skin problems, especially when your dog has...
Understanding How Your Dog Ages: It’s Not Just “Seven Dog Years”
If you’ve ever heard that one human year equals seven dog years, you’re not alone. This popular rule has been around for decades, helping dog parents estimate their canine companion’s age. The idea: 1 human year = 7 dog years. Example: A 5‑year‑old dog would be considered 35 in “human years.” However, this simple formula doesn’t tell the whole story. The truth about how dogs age is much more interesting and complex than this old myth suggests. Size Matters When It Comes to Aging One of the most...
Ear Tumors in Cats
If you’ve noticed an unusual lump or bump in your cat’s ear, you might be worried about the possibility of a tumor. While ear tumors in cats aren’t extremely common, it’s important to understand what they are and what signs to watch for. What Are Ear Tumors? Ear tumors are abnormal growths that can develop in different parts of your cat’s ear, including the ear canal, the inner ear flap (called the pinna), or the surrounding tissue. These growths can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous)....
The December Weekly Community Conversations grant giveaway winners are…
Earlier this month, Maddie’s Fund® gave four organizations at random a $2,500 grant for attending the December Weekly Community Conversations for a total of $10,000 in grants. In fact, the call was jam-packed with prizes. Join us in congratulating the four people who won a grant for their organization: Amanda Coburn, Vanderburgh Humane Society (Evansville, IN) Shelley Joaquin, Langley Animal Protection Society (Langley, British Columbia) April King, Kotor Kitties (Seattle, WA) Peggy Schipper, All Fur One Pet Rescue and Adoptions...
Can Your Furry Friend Become a Medical Detection Dog?
Dogs have incredible noses that contain up to 300 million scent receptors, compared to our measly 6 million. This amazing sense of smell has led scientists to discover that our canine companions can actually detect certain diseases in humans. This fascinating skill is now being put to work in medical settings around the world. What Diseases Can Dogs Detect? Research has shown that trained dogs can identify several serious health conditions through scent alone. Dogs have successfully detected various types of cancer, including lung, breast,...
