Move Over, Cats: Felines Aren’t the Only Ones Who Prefer Baby Talk
New research points to dogs’ brains being sensitive to what scientists refer to as “exaggerated prosody,” which simply means baby talk. You know, that higher-pitched voice accompanied by cooing we all seem to resort to when addressing an infant or even a pet. To discern whether or not canines prefer what’s sometimes called the cutesy voice, Hungarian researchers from the Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, the Research Centre for Natural Sciences, and the Eötvös Loránd...
Vet Raises Health Concerns Over Dogs Playing with Tennis Balls
Whether it’s gently tossing the fuzzy yellow-green ball across the lawn or lobbing it from a hand-held launcher, you might want to think twice about the ball you’re throwing when playing fetch with Fido — at least that’s what Texas-based veterinarian Hunter Finn is warning dog owners. Photo: Pixabay/BerckenGroep Tennis Balls & Dogs Hunter, a vet who routinely shares animal care advice on his TikTok account, outlined the dangers of tennis balls in two videos that have since gone viral. In the first, viewers...
Humans Let This Deaf Pittie Down So Many Times, But He’s Still the Most Lovable Goofball
When Lisa first met Brad, the poor boy had been through more than any dog deserves to go through. He was found as a stray on the streets of Houston, Texas. It was believed that he was originally bred to be a fighting dog but was probably abandoned when his temperament proved to be too sweet for that life, or perhaps because he was deaf. Either way, he was left to fend for himself with no love or protection. Eventually, Brad was taken to a shelter and later transferred to 2 Blondes All Breed Rescue in Colorado, an organization that rescues...
How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog? Experts Weigh In On Finding the Right Balance
We all adore the fresh feeling that comes after a shower, and it’s only natural to extend the same courtesy to our four-legged companions. But how often should you really be bathing your furry friend? As responsible pet owners, it’s important to strike a balance between cleanliness and your dog’s overall well-being. Veterinarians have weighed in on this perennial question, shedding light on the factors that influence the ideal bathing frequency for your canine companion. Photo: PexelsUse positive reinforcement and treats to...
Bob Barker, Longtime Animal Advocate & Iconic Host of “The Price Is Right”, Dies At Age 99
Bob Barker, the iconic host of “The Price is Right”, ended every show with the same message – “Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered.” For 35 years, he greeted contestants with his infectious smile and witty sense of humor. Over his career (1972-2007) on the longest-running game show, he won 19 Daytime Emmy Awards and acquired millions of fans. He used his success onstage to help advocate for animals. He convinced the show to stop giving away fur coats due to animal cruelty, which his...
FDA’s Investigation Reveals Link Between ‘Grain-Free’ Foods and Heart Disease in Pets
The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) ongoing investigation into diet-related heart disease in dogs and cats contains important warnings for pet owners. With over 1,300 reported cases of heart damage that may be tied to pet food, understanding the implications of this report is crucial for our furry companions’ well-being. Photo: PexelsDilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition that weakens the heart. The Link Between “Grain-Free” Diets and Heart Disease Since the FDA’s initial alert in 2018 about a possible...
Ziggy the Wobbly Kitten Proves Pets with Disabilities Are Just “A Different Kind of Perfection”
Heather Wilson and her husband and two teenagers have never really known a life without pets. But Heather admits that, up until recently, they never really thought of adopting an animal that had a disability or special need. Now, after having adopted a kitten with cerebellar hypoplasia (CH), a permanent condition that affects the cerebellum and makes balancing difficult, Heather believes that animals with disabilities make some of the best pets. Heather’s 17-year-old daughter, Katie, is very involved with special needs students at her...
How Manuka Honey Helps Heal Wounds in Dogs
You’ve likely heard about Manuka honey, and that it offers health benefits that go beyond those of regular honey. What exactly is it, and why is it so helpful for healing wounds in your dog? While honey is primarily a food product, it has also been used historically for its healing properties. As a cough suppressant, a treatment for gingivitis, and a general dietary supplement, honey has a lot to offer. Manuka honey is especially beneficial, not just for us but for our dogs as well. Let’s take a closer look at Manuka honey, and...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: prison programs, Online Instructor-Led Courses and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. How a dog training prison program can impact your community and beyondIn last month’s Community Conversation call, Zach Skow, the Executive Director of Marley’s Mutts, spoke about his dog training prison program, Pawsitive Change. Having experienced the transformative powers of rehabilitation through his connection with dogs, Zach has made it his mission to make a difference, finding great success through the program. Joining Skow are...
Is Your Cat Addicted to Kibble?
Commercial low-end kibbles aren’t good for your cat, but what if he won’t eat anything else? Here are some tips and tricks for adding nutrition to his diet. Cats don’t like change. They thrive on a regular routine, and that extends to their food as much as anything else. A kitty that has grown accustomed to one type of food usually won’t take kindly to changes in his diet, even if what you’re offering is much healthier than what he’s currently eating. This can be a problem if your feline friend is on a...
