5 Proactive Steps to Prevent Dognapping
The heartache of losing a beloved dog due to theft can be shattering. As dognapping incidents rise, awareness and prevention become crucial for safeguarding furry family members. Understanding the tactics used by thieves empowers caregivers to take proactive measures. 1. Recognizing the Threat: Understanding Dognapping Dognapping often targets small, desirable breeds like French bulldogs and Yorkshire terriers. Thieves operate during daylight hours, snatching dogs from front yards or pet stores. Many thieves work alone or in small groups,...
Sentience and Self-Awareness in Dogs
Dogs feel emotions deeply. They experience joy, fear, love, and even grief. This emotional capacity means dogs are sentient—they perceive and respond to the world around them with feelings. When a dog wags its tail upon seeing a favorite person or cowers during a thunderstorm, it shows emotional awareness. Sentience allows dogs to form bonds, communicate needs, and react to their environment with sensitivity. This emotional intelligence shapes their daily interactions and enriches the connection they share with humans. What Does...
The Latest Breakthrough in Senior Pet Vitality: Sialic Acid for Muscle Health and Energy!
Maintaining senior pet vitality is a priority for all pet parents with aging companion animals, and sialic acid should be part of every dog’s or cat’s daily diet. Dogs and cats are constant companions and sources of unconditional love and endless adventure, so it’s no wonder pet parents are always looking for ways to help their furry companions live longer, healthier, and more active lives. Maintaining muscle health is essential to keeping them happy and mobile, especially as they age. While diet and exercise are important...
From neonates to feisty felines – share your kitten stories!
Kitten season doesn’t wait for a calendar, and it’s already here for many of you, bringing a wave of whiskers, tiny chaos and late-night feedings. All across the country, shelters and foster-based organizations are experiencing the annual surge of kittens in need of care, from neonatal bottle babies to playful fluffballs ready for adoption. Yes, it’s a season full of challenges, but also one overflowing with opportunity, compassion, and lots and lots of meowing. This month as we continue our 30th anniversary...
Holistic Approaches to Preventing Arthritis in Dogs
Dog parents should always be on the lookout for practical solutions to keep their canine companions healthy and thriving. One of the most common conditions dogs encounter is arthritis, a degenerative joint disease that can significantly impact quality of life. But the good news is, there are effective holistic approaches to prevent and manage this condition. The Power of Turmeric Turmeric, the vibrant yellow spice, has long been revered for its anti-inflammatory properties. By incorporating turmeric into your dog’s diet, you can harness...
5 Energizing Exercises to Help Your Dog Shed Pounds
Watching a beloved dog struggle with excess weight can be worrisome. However, movement through appropriate exercises offers a joyful path to renewed vitality. Here are five exercises for dogs to lose weight. These exercises stimulate fat burning, build muscle, and boost happiness. 1. Brisk Walking A daily brisk walk, lasting 20 to 30 minutes, revs up metabolism without straining joints. Begin with short strolls, gradually increasing pace and distance. This simple routine strengthens the heart and muscles, while deepening your connection...
How Video Telehealth is Changing Life for Cats with Chronic Arthritis
Caring for a cat with chronic arthritis can be challenging. Frequent trips to the clinic can be stressful for both the parents and the cat. Now, video telehealth visits offer a comforting supplement to in-person care. These virtual consultations let caregivers ask questions and receive guidance without leaving home. A recent UC Davis study involving 106 cat caregivers revealed that video calls significantly improved understanding of feline arthritis and boosted confidence in daily care. This approach transforms caregiving from a daunting task...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Maddie’s Fund is hiring, increase your own well-being and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Maddie’s Fund is hiring a Marketing Communication SpecialistMaddie’s Fund® is looking for an experienced Marketing Communications Specialist to enhance and collaborate with its existing team! If you are looking for an opportunity to work within a dynamic environment and an established group, please submit your cover letter, sharing how your experiences are applicable for the role along with your resume to employment@maddiesfund.org. Accepted...
How Cats Recognize Humans via Scent
Have you ever wondered what your cat’s perception of you really is? Recent research reveals the fascinating ways cats use their sense of smell to connect with us. This discovery not only deepens our bond with cats but also highlights the uniqueness of feline perception. The Ability to Recognize Humans through Scent A groundbreaking study from Tokyo University of Agriculture explored how cats identify familiar humans through scent. Researchers conducted experiments with 30 cats, using swabs from their humans and strangers. The...
Complementary Approaches for a Speedy Recovery After Trauma in Dogs
Trauma strikes unexpectedly—whether from a car accident, a sudden fall, or an animal bite. Many dogs fancy exploring the world , but this can sometimes lead to devastating injuries. Automobile injuries remain one of the leading causes of trauma in dogs, causing fractures, internal bleeding, head injuries, and even shock. Falls from heights or aggressive encounters add to the risk. The aftermath can be overwhelming, but swift action saves lives. Recognizing trauma’s signs—limping, bleeding, difficulty breathing, or...
Maddie’s Fund is hiring a Marketing Communications Specialist
Maddie’s Fund® is looking for an experienced Marketing Communications Specialist to enhance and collaborate with its existing team! If you are looking for an opportunity to work within a dynamic environment and an established group, please submit your cover letter, sharing how your experiences are applicable for the role along with your resume to employment@maddiesfund.org. Accepted applications for the position will close on Monday, June 30, 2025. For the full job description, including responsibilities,...
Give Pets a Seat at the Social Services Table
What happens when animal welfare and social service organizations sit down to talk about social service solutions that support both ends of the leash? The Goal 98% of pet owners agree pets are family and families everywhere are in need of reimagined social service solutions that support both ends of the leash. In quarter one of 2025, Human Animal Support Services (HASS) aimed to open conversations to do just that, by partnering with three animal welfare organizations to host roundtables with them, and human social services in their area,...
The Truth About Cats and Milk
Cats are true carnivores. They rely heavily on amino acids and other nutrients present in meat and have limited ability to digest non-meat foods. However, cats and milk have long been linked in our cultural imagery. From charming cartoons to classic literature, this pairing seems innocent and delightful. Yet, the fact is that most adult cats cannot digest milk without suffering unpleasant consequences. Let’s explore why this seemingly wholesome treat can be harmful. Lactose Intolerance Imagine offering a beloved companion a bowl of...
How to Cope with Puppy Blues
Welcoming a new puppy sparks joy, but it can also lead to unexpected emotional turmoil. “Puppy blues” refers to the stress, exhaustion, and feelings of guilt that often accompany this adorable addition to your life. Understanding this phenomenon helps create a supportive environment for both you and your furry friend. The Weight of Responsibility Caring for a puppy involves endless tasks—feeding, training, and managing behavior. These responsibilities can lead to physical and emotional fatigue. You might feel overwhelmed by...
Increase space and enhance your well-being with this new online course
Creating space in your life plays a crucial role in enhancing both personal and professional well-being. In your personal life, space allows for creativity and problem-solving by providing time for reflection and mental rest. It helps reduce stress and prevent burnout by introducing intervals of rest and relaxation. In professional settings, creating space improves focus and productivity by organizing your physical and mental environments, allowing you to approach tasks with a clear mind. By cultivating space, you can better manage your time,...
What You Need to Know About Anaphylaxis in Dogs
Anaphylaxis in dogs strikes like a sudden storm, overwhelming the immune system with a fierce reaction. When a dog encounters a substance it has been sensitized to before, the immune system releases a flood of histamines and chemicals. This causes rapid swelling, itching, and hives, but the danger runs much deeper. The liver often bears the brunt, leading to severe vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Without swift intervention, this cascade can spiral into collapse, seizures, and even death. If you find your dog struggling to breathe, with a...
9 Reasons (and Counting) Tofu Litter Is the Future of Cat Care!
Once you try tofu litter, you’ll never go back—and your cat won’t let you! Modern cat parents have an overwhelming number of choices when it comes to cat litter. But one option that’s finally gaining traction thanks to SOYSAND’s new and improved size/shape combination isn’t new at all! Tofu litter has been around for about 30 years, but it wasn’t until recently that SOYSAND changed the game by making soy litter that’s shaped more like traditional clay litter instead of pellets, giving cat...
Common Viral Infections in Cats
Every cat carries a world of mysteries, but some invisible enemies threaten their health daily. Viral infections in cats often start subtly, yet they can spiral into serious health challenges. Understanding these common viral foes empowers you to protect your feline friend with knowledge and care. Feline Herpesvirus Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) infects nearly all cats at some point, often causing sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal discharge. This virus hides quietly after initial infection, only to flare up during stress or illness, causing...
Nutrigenomics: How Food Talks to Your Dog’s Genes
Every meal your dog eats sends messages to his cells. Nutrigenomics studies how nutrients influence gene activity, shaping health from the inside out. This science reveals that food doesn’t just fuel; it instructs genes to switch on or off, affecting metabolism, immunity, and disease resistance. Imagine a diet tailored to your dog’s unique genetic blueprint, designed to prevent illness and promote vitality at the cellular level. Canine nutrigenomics moves beyond generic feeding, offering a personalized path to wellness. Tailoring...
Fostering dogs with behavior concerns
How do you support a dog who is a wallflower in the shelter? How about a socially awkward dog, or an adrenaline seeker? The “Fostering Dogs with Behavior Concerns: Supporting Dogs and People” course on Maddie’s® University is designed to teach shelter and rescue professionals to identify common behavior problems in shelter dogs and break down barriers for foster homes. Taking on a dog that presents with concerning behaviors can be a daunting task for a foster caregiver, especially a new foster. Training shelter staff and...
