Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: Couch Potato (August 31, 2026)
Welcome to our Dogster Weekly Photo Contest, where every other Monday we pick the best three photos from our readers, based on that week’s topic. This week’s topic was “Couch Potato”, and we received some amazing photos from you. And although every dog is wonderful, we had to pick our winners. Congratulations, and thanks to everyone who submitted their dogs to our photo contest! Next topic is: “Selfie Time!” Do you want to have a chance to get your pup featured on Dogster, our Facebook, and Instagram?...
Common “Hypos” and “Hypers” in Canine Health
As a dog parent, understanding your furry family member’s health can feel overwhelming. One helpful way to know common canine health conditions is by grouping them. For example, “hypos” (meaning too little of something) and “hypers” (meaning too much of something). Here’s a breakdown of some of the most important hypos and hypers to know about. Common “Hypos” in Dogs Hypothyroidism is actually the most common thyroid disorder in dogs — the opposite of hyperthyroidism. The thyroid...
A Holistic Approach to Managing IBD in Dogs
If your dog has been diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), you know how hard it can be to watch them struggle with vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss. IBD is a chronic condition where the digestive tract becomes inflamed, making it difficult for your dog to absorb nutrients properly. The good news is that a holistic approach — one that looks at the whole dog, not just the symptoms — can make a real difference in quality of life. What Is IBD? IBD occurs when the gastrointestinal (GI) tract stays inflamed for more than...
Eco-friendly dog and cat care
Check out simple, practical tips for sustainable dog and cat care, from healthier foods and natural flea control to eco-friendly toys, bedding, and household choices. Eco-friendly dog and cat care is about making thoughtful choices that support your animals’ health while reducing environmental impact. From safer food and natural flea control to sustainable toys, bedding, and household products, small changes can benefit your human and animal family — and the planet. Let’s dive into a few practical choices. 1. Avoid plastic...
No One Should Have to Surrender Their Dog to Serve Their Country: How Foster Families Help Veterans Heal
Written on behalf of Operation Foster (Formerly PACT) The story that started it all begins outside a Philadelphia animal shelter, with a man crying on the sidewalk. He wasn’t hurt or lost; he was a service member about to deploy overseas, and was surrendering his dog to the shelter. No family member could take her. The clock was running out on his orders, and the shelter was the only option he could find in time. Buzz Miller was volunteering at the shelter that day, and as he watched the scene unfold, he asked himself: Why does it have...
When Is Vomiting an Emergency in Cats
As a cat parent, you’ve probably seen your feline friend vomit. Sometimes it’s just a hairball or an upset stomach that goes away on its own. But other times, vomiting can be a sign of something much more serious. Knowing the difference could save your cat’s life. Normal vs. Concerning Vomiting Cats do occasionally vomit without it being a major problem. Hairballs, eating too fast, or nibbling on a little grass can cause a one-time vomiting episode. However, there are certain signs that tell you it’s time to stop...
New courses available in Spanish and accessibility options on Maddie’s University
We’re excited to share that Maddie’s® University offers a growing number of self-paced courses in Spanish, on topics ranging from kitten bottle feeding, bringing a new dog home, shelter customer service and more! Below are the courses currently available in Spanish, with more in the works: Eliminando el Miedo a la Alimentación con Biberón y Cuidado Básico de Gatitos (Eliminating the Fear of Bottle Feeding and Basic Kitten Care) Llevando a un Nuevo Perro a Casa (Bringing a New Dog Home) Fundamentos de la...
A Guide to Plant-Based Sprays for Your Dog’s Bad Breath
Does your dog love giving kisses, but their breath makes you turn away? You’re not alone! Bad breath, also called halitosis, is one of the most common concerns for dog parents. While brushing remains the gold standard for dental health, plant-based sprays are a helpful addition to your dog’s oral care routine. Let’s explore what you need to know! Why Does My Dog Have Bad Breath? Bad breath usually starts with plaque — a sticky layer of bacteria that builds up on your dog’s teeth. Within just 24 hours,...
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...
