How to Spot Dog Obesity Before it Becomes a Bigger Problem
Obesity in dogs is not always obvious. Weight gain can happen gradually, making changes in a dog’s body shape, energy levels, and daily habits surprisingly easy to overlook. By the time the extra weight becomes noticeable, it may already be affecting how comfortably a dog moves and plays. A dog’s ideal weight is not simply a numbers game. Body shape, the feel of the ribs, and changes in normal behavior can all offer useful clues. Paying attention to those details can make it easier to recognize when a dog may be carrying more...
How cat purring heals the body
A cat’s purr may help support bone repair, lower stress, and improve heart health through therapeutic healing frequencies and rhythms. It begins with a rumble. Before the sound reaches your ears, you feel it. A soft, steady vibration presses against your ribcage and slows your breathing. Your cat is snuggled on your chest, purring. Domestic cats sleep nearly 70% of the time. In most mammals, this level of inactivity triggers muscle atrophy and rapid bone loss. Yet cats remain structurally strong. The answer lies in the feline...
Cracking the Window Won’t Cut It: AKC Backs Its New Rule With Fines Up to $10,000
Reign was two years old, accomplished in the show ring, and still had her whole life ahead of her. Instead, she died inside a parked vehicle in Chester County, Pennsylvania, after her handler returned home to help her own dog whelp a litter and, according to investigators, forgot Reign was still in the vehicle. The handler now faces animal cruelty and neglect charges. At its July 2026 meeting, the American Kennel Club responded with a policy that makes the responsibility of exhibitors much more explicit: the new Unattended Dogs in Vehicles...
Is Your Cat Refusing New Foods?
If you’ve ever tried to introduce your cat to a new food, you already know the struggle. One sniff, a turned-up nose, and they walk away like you’ve personally offended them. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Cats are notoriously picky eaters, and getting them to accept new foods — even healthy ones — can feel like a real challenge. Why Are Cats So Picky? Cats are creatures of habit. They become very comfortable with the foods they know, and anything new can feel like a threat. This behavior is actually rooted in...
Dogs & Data webcast series
Data can be an invaluable tool in animal sheltering, especially for improving outcomes for animals. “Dogs & Data,” is a three-part webcast series from PEDIGREE Foundation, Adopt a Pet, Outcomes for Pets Consulting and Shelter Animals Count. It’s designed to give shelter and rescue partners practical insights and actionable strategies they can put to work in their organizations. Participants will learn how to make data easier for staff and volunteers to understand, identify why some dogs stay in care longer than others...
Ask Dr. Paola – HELP! At What Age Should My Labrador Be Spayed? (August 24, 2026)
Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our readers better understand their dog’s health and well-being. Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned dog lover, Dr. Paola is here to provide answers to your most pressing questions. From nutrition tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral issues, Dr. Paola is ready to offer insights that will keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Stay tuned for expert guidance...
Dutch Online Vet Review 2026: Our Expert’s Opinion
:first-child]:mt-0! [&>:last-child]:mb-0! [&_p]:my-2! [&_p]:text-[0.938rem]! md:[&_p]:text-base! [&_ol]:mt-1! [&_ol]:mb-0! [&_ol]:pl-[1.2rem]! [&_ul]:mt-1! [&_ul]:mb-0! [&_ul]:list-disc! [&_ul]:pl-[1.2rem]! [&_li]:my-[0.35rem]! [&_li]:pl-[0.15rem]! [&_li]:text-[0.938rem]! md:[&_li]:text-base! [&_li]:marker:text-[var(–tiptap-info-box-color)]” readability=”31.28125″> This article was created in sponsorship with Dutch, which helps make content like this...
10 Human Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs
As a dog parent, you want the best for your furry family member. But did you know that some of the foods sitting in your kitchen right now could seriously harm your dog? Here is a breakdown of the most dangerous human foods to keep away from your dog. 1. Chocolate Chocolate contains two toxic compounds — caffeine and theobromine — that dogs cannot break down the way humans can. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, seizures, and heart problems. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. 2. Grapes and Raisins...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Rehoming data, Rural Humane job posting and more!
Happy Monday. Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. 10 questions to ask when developing a marketing strategy plan for your animal organizationDoes your organization have a marketing strategy plan? Marketing is an essential part of any organization, but coming up with a strategy can feel daunting for many. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just want to give your current plan a little lift, we’ve got you covered.… Learn More What the data says about rehoming (and why it might ease some fears)If...
Pharmacoequity Advocacy for Animals: Therapyequity for Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, and Others
Pharmacoequity/Therapyequity is an important term to know for the animals we care for. The idea pharmacoequity advocacy for animals is simple yet powerful: every dog, cat, or companion deserves fair access to essential medications/therapy, regardless of location, income, or social circumstances. What Pharmacoequity Means for Animals Definition: Equal access to veterinary drugs and therapies across all communities and shelters. Core Goal: Prevent situations where advanced treatments are available only to affluent households, while...
