Benefits of Berberine for Your Canine Buddy
TL;DR Berberine is a natural compound found in certain plants that might offer several health perks for dogs, like supporting blood sugar levels and gut health. Just remember to consult your vet before adding any supplement to your dog’s routine! If you’ve been looking into natural supplements for your dog, you might’ve stumbled upon berberine. It’s a compound sourced from various plants, such as goldenseal, barberry, and Oregon grape. With its bright yellow hue, berberine has been used in traditional medicine for...
Building a community-based pet support program
Join us tomorrow, October 21 at 11AM PT/2PM ET for the latest Maddie’s Community Conversations, “Meeting People Where They Are: Building a Community-Based Pet Support Program” with Meg McAdam, founder and president of Human and Pet Initiative (HAPI). She will share what HAPI has learned about building trust, developing partnerships, and creating a practical outreach model that helps keep people and their pets together—and pets out of shelters. Many families who love and care for their pets are separated from animal...
Want to Know How to Better Understand Your Dogs and Cats? Be Like Jane Goodall
Leonardo DiCaprio remembered Jane Goodall in these words: “She reminded us to begin with compassion.” Jane Goodall didn’t just observe chimpanzees; she truly listened to them. She took the time to notice their habits, their idiosyncrasies, and what made them unique. She treated them as individuals deserving of respect and understanding. So, what if you brought that same vibe into your living room? If you share your space with a dog, a cat, or maybe both, you have an amazing chance to better understand your furry companions...
Fur-endship Goes a Long Way: Schneider, Sunflower & Gretchen
Oct 16, 2026 Sometimes, all you need is a friend to help you come out of your shell; just ask Schneider, Sunflower, and Gretchen! A Shy Guy Finds His Playmate Found living in a chicken coop, Schneider was a terrified newcomer when he Schneider first arrived at Austin Pets Alive!. That is, until he was placed in an office with Sunflower, as a shy, retired mama who was once fiercely protective of her babies, this friendship was just as surprising for her. At first, caretakers thought the pair was slowly warming up to each other. Then,...
Alternative and Integrative Treatments for Chronic Gingivostomatitis in Cats
TL;DR Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is a painful and persistent oral issue in cats. Although typical treatments like tooth extractions and medications are standard, alternative and integrative methods might provide extra support. Always consult with a vet before trying new treatments. Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis is a serious ailment that leads to severe inflammation in a cat’s mouth, affecting not just the gums but the entire oral cavity. Cats suffering from FCGS often deal with intense pain, have trouble eating, drool...
Prolozone Therapy for Joint Issues in Dogs
TL;DR Prolozone therapy is an alternative approach that mixes ozone gas and nutrients to help alleviate joint pain and promote healing in dogs. It shows potential, particularly for osteoarthritis, but isn’t widely researched. What Is Prolozone Therapy? If your dog’s been a bit sluggish, limping around, or having a tough time getting up after a snooze, joint pain could be the culprit. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint issue in dogs, causing the cartilage within joints to deteriorate over time. This can lead to pain, stiffness,...
The September Community Conversations grant recipients are…
Recently, Maddie’s Fund® awarded two organizations, at random, a grant for attending the September Weekly Community Conversations for a total of $10,000 in grants. Please join us in congratulating those who received a $5,000 grant for their organization: Hannah Baker, Hannah’s Wildlife Haven in Beaverton, MIWatched on-demand! June Thomas, Coalition of Animal Rescue Transporters in Little Rock, ARJoined live! In addition to the Community Conversation grants, one $3,000 grant was awarded for monthly participation on...
Quality of Life Considerations for Cats Suffering From Cancer
TL;DR If your cat’s been diagnosed with cancer, prioritizing their quality of life is crucial in every decision. That means keeping them comfortable, joyful, and as pain-free as possible, whether you opt for treatment or focus solely on comfort care. Getting the news that your cat has cancer can be incredibly tough. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. You suddenly have to make decisions you never wanted to face. It’s time now to take some time to figure out the most appropriate route forward. You have the space to think things...
10 Critical Canine Health Risks Every Dog Owner Should Know
TL;DR Dogs can encounter some quite serious health issues, and recognizing the warning signs early could be a lifesaver. This post highlights the most common dangerous conditions, what to keep an eye on, and why it’s crucial to get to your vet without delay. Being a dog parent is one of life’s sweetest joys, but it comes with the responsibility of spotting when something’s genuinely off. Since our furry friends can’t tell us when they’re feeling bad, we need to be vigilant about any changes in their behavior or...
Feline Trigger Point Therapy: Locating and Releasing Muscle Knots in Your Cat
TL;DR Trigger point therapy can ease muscle tension and discomfort in cats. You can boost your cat’s mobility and comfort by gently finding and massaging tight muscle knots, Always check with your vet before starting any home therapy. If you’ve ever felt a tight knot in your muscles, you know the struggle. Well, cats deal with similar issues. Trigger points are those small, tight spots in their muscle tissue that can lead to pain, stiffness, and restricted movement. These knots happen when muscle fibers get too tight and...
Lungworm in Cats: What You Should Know
TL;DR Lungworm is a parasitic infection in cats that can lead to breathing issues and other symptoms. You can help prevent it by regularly deworming and limiting outdoor time. Treatment options include standard medications and some natural remedies. Always check with your vet for the right diagnosis and treatment. Lungworm is a parasitic infection caused by tiny worms that live in a cat’s lungs and airways. The three main species that affect cats are Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Troglostrongylus brevior, and Eucoleus aerophilus. While...
8 Effective Strategies to Control Canine Obesity Starting Today
TL;DR Canine obesity is a big health concern, but it’s manageable. You can help your dog slim down by measuring food accurately, reducing treats, adding veggies, switching to a weight-loss diet, and gradually boosting exercise. Always consult your vet before starting any weight-loss program. In the U.S., nearly 60% of dogs are obese, that’s a staggering figure! Extra weight puts a strain on your dog’s joints, heart, lungs, and other organs, and it can even shorten their lifespan. Controlling obesity translates to longevity...
Helping Pets Adjust to New Homes: the 3-3-3 Rule
Oct 07, 2026 Whether fostering or adopting, bringing a dog or cat home from a shelter is a beautiful beginning, but for your new pet it can also be a lot to process. A dog who was playful and affectionate with staff may be quiet and withdrawn in its new home. A cat who seemed curious in the shelter may spend the first several days hiding under the bed. Sometimes, an animal who appears confident suddenly seems nervous, unsure, or even a little overwhelmed. This doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong, it may simply mean your new pet...
Aggression in Cats: How to Identify Stressors and Create Peace
TL;DR Cat aggression often stems from stress, fear, or competition for resources. Pinpointing the source of stress and ensuring each cat has its own space and necessities can help lessen aggressive behaviors and create a more peaceful home for your furry friends. When you see two cats snuggling one moment and then hissing the next, you know how perplexing their behavior can be. Aggression is actually one of the most frequently reported issues among cats at vet clinics. The silver lining? It’s usually manageable if you can grasp...
Red Light Therapy for Chronic Paw Licking in Dogs
TL;DR Red light therapy, or photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that might reduce skin inflammation and aid healing in dogs that constantly lick their paws. Although research is still emerging, early findings are looking hopeful. Be sure to consult your vet before trying any new treatments. If you’ve ever seen your dog obsessively licking their paws, you know how worrying and frustrating it can be. That constant licking can lead to red, irritated skin, and even infections. In vet terms, it’s often called...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: The legacy of Rich Avanzino, access to care and more!
Happy Monday. Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. A man with a purpose: The enduring legacy of Rich AvanzinoThe animal well-being community lost a true visionary on September 20, 2026. Rich Avanzino, affectionately and widely known as the father of the ‘no-kill’ movement, passed away peacefully at the age of 84. While we mourn the loss of a remarkable leader, we also celebrate a remarkable life dedicated to transforming the animal… Learn More When people can’t access care, what happens to...
Common Heart Stenosis Problems in Dogs
TL;DR Heart stenosis in dogs refers to a narrowing within or around the heart, making blood flow difficult. There are different types, and many dogs are born with these issues. Early detection, regular vet check-ups, and proper care can significantly enhance your dog’s quality of life. What Is Heart Stenosis? Heart stenosis is basically a narrowing in the heart or its blood vessels, forcing the heart to pump harder to circulate blood throughout the body. For dogs, this condition is usually congenital, although some types can develop...
Natural and Alternative Approaches to High Blood Pressure in Older Cats
TL;DR High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a serious issue for older cats that can harm their eyes, kidneys, brain, and heart. While medication is often a must, there are natural ways to help manage the condition. Always collaborate with your vet before making any changes to your cat’s care. High blood pressure is one of the big health challenges for older cats. It’s often connected to kidney disease and hyperthyroidism, two pretty common issues in senior felines. If blood pressure stays high for too long, it can really do a...
5 Stress Reduction Techniques for Dogs
TL;DR Dogs can get stressed for a bunch of reasons, but the good news is there are practical ways to help them chill out. Creating routines, setting up safe spaces, using positive reinforcement, and consulting your vet can make a big difference. Why Does My Dog Get Stressed? It turns out, stress in dogs is more common than you might think. They can feel anxious due to loud noises, unfamiliar faces, being left alone, or even slight changes in their routine. If your dog seems stressed, you might notice signs like panting, shaking, barking too...
Asparagus: A Safety Net Fostering Success Story
Sep 30, 2026 Asparagus has been flexible about nearly everything in his life so far: several foster homes, a flood, a transport plan that’s changed more than once. That kind of flexibility also exemplifies Austin Pets Alive!’s Safety Net Fostering program: temporary care that flexes to fit whatever the situation demands, so a dog never loses the home he has waiting for just because the path there got complicated. Asparagus’s story began on the side of a road in Crystal City, Texas, where he was abandoned with his...
