Small Dog Breeds: Complete Guide to Traits, Care, and Training
Small dogs have a way of stealing hearts with their charm, intelligence, and big personalities. Despite their petite size, many of these dogs pack an impressive amount of energy and confidence. From lap-loving companions to spunky adventurers, small breeds come in a wide variety of shapes, coats, and temperaments. Whether you’re considering adopting a toy-sized pup or simply want to understand them better, this guide covers everything you need to know about small dog breeds — from their behavior and care to popular examples and...
Stress-reducing foods for dogs and cats
Help ease stress in your dog or cat with nutrient-rich foods like turkey, sweet potatoes, fatty fish, and pumpkin seeds — plus easy homemade recipes to support calm and well-being. Dogs and cats suffer from stress much as we do. Stress and anxiety in our animal companions can arise from a range of sources. These include changes in household routines, a loss or move, loud noises, and more. Certain foods can help alleviate stress in our dogs and cats. Turkey contains tryptophan while fatty fish is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Sweet...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Understanding tribal sovereignty, Maddie’s Tail Wag and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Understanding tribal sovereignty and jurisdiction for animal welfare professionalsEffective and respectful partnerships with Tribal Nations require more than good intentions, they demand a foundational understanding of history, law and culture. Join us on Wednesday, October 29 at 12PM PT / 3PM ET for a special two-hour webcast designed for animal well-being professionals working alongside and in partnership with Tribal communities. Through the guidance… Learn...
Managing Your Dog’s IBD Through Diet
When your furry friend receives a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), it can feel overwhelming. IBD is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in your dog’s digestive system, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and changes in appetite. While this diagnosis might seem scary, the good news is that many dogs with IBD can live comfortable lives with proper dietary management. Understanding IBD and Diet IBD affects middle-aged dogs of all breeds, though some breeds like Basenjis, Soft-coated Wheaten...
Can dogs and cats understand human language?
See how dogs and cats interpret spoken words, tones, and body cues — plus what science is revealing about their communication skills. As dog and cat parents, we communicate with our animals through words and nicknames, kisses, pats and cuddles. The bond we share with our dogs and cats is unique and deep. Sometimes it even feels they can read our minds. You may have found yourself wondering if your animal knows what you’re saying, especially when your dog tilts her head or your kitty starts purring at just the right moment. Can...
Sensory Processing Sensitivity in Dogs
Just like humans, dogs can experience sensory processing sensitivity. These highly sensitive dogs often react strongly to everyday sounds, sights, and experiences that other dogs handle easily. If your furry friend seems overwhelmed by thunderstorms, vacuum cleaners, or busy environments, they might be dealing with sensory sensitivity. Understanding and supporting your sensitive dog can make a huge difference in their quality of life. Recognizing the Signs Highly sensitive dogs often show clear warning signs. They may bark excessively at...
Keeping Your Furry Family Safe: The Importance of Checking for Pet Food Recalls
Pet parents want to provide their dogs and cats with the best nutrition possible. However, even the most trusted pet food brands can sometimes encounter safety issues that lead to recalls. Understanding how food recalls work and why it’s important to check for them regularly can help protect your beloved companions from serious health risks. Why Pet Food Recalls Happen Pet food recalls occur when products may be unsafe for animals to eat. Common reasons include contamination with harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, the presence...
Cat Breeds That Like Water: 10 Water-Loving Felines You’ll Love
Most people picture cats as creatures who avoid water at all costs — darting away at the first sign of a dripping faucet or bath. Yet, not all felines fit that stereotype. Some cat breeds genuinely enjoy water, whether it’s playing with it, drinking from a running tap, or even swimming. These unique cats defy expectations, blending natural curiosity with confidence and a touch of adventure. In this guide, we’ll explore why certain cats like water, the breeds most known for their aquatic tendencies, and how to introduce your...
What Herbs Are Good for Cats: A Complete Guide to Safe Herbal Support
Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to promote wellness in both humans and animals. In recent years, more cat owners have become curious about using herbs as part of a natural care routine. While some herbs can provide gentle support for digestion, stress, or overall health, others can be toxic to cats if used incorrectly. Understanding which herbs are safe — and how to use them — is essential to protecting your feline friend’s health. This guide explores the best herbs for cats, how they work, and how to introduce...
Understanding tribal sovereignty and jurisdiction for animal welfare professionals
Effective and respectful partnerships with Tribal Nations require more than good intentions, they demand a foundational understanding of history, law and culture. Join us on Wednesday, October 29 at 12PM PT / 3PM ET for a special two-hour webcast designed for animal well-being professionals working alongside and in partnership with Tribal communities. Through the guidance of Karen Diver—former White House Special Assistant to President Obama for Native American Affairs and a national leader in tribal governance—participants will...
Energy medicine for dogs and cats
Energy medicine supports healing and wellness in both humans and animals. It uses frequency-based therapies, quantum touch, Reiki, and other modalities to vibrationally balance the body and its systems. Energy medicine for dogs and cats offers an effective approach to healing by working with frequency and vibration to restore balance and harmony. Whether you’re supporting your own well-being or your animal’s, energy medicine offers a variety of modalities. These therapies address physical, emotional, and energetic imbalances in...
Autumn Respiratory Issues in Dogs
As the leaves change color and temperatures drop, autumn brings unique challenges for our canine companions’ respiratory health. Understanding these seasonal risks can help you keep your dog breathing easy all season long. Common Autumn Respiratory Challenges Fall weather creates the perfect storm for respiratory problems in dogs. Cooler temperatures, increased humidity, and more time spent indoors can trigger various breathing issues. Dogs may experience coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing during this season. During fall, dogs...
Scientific Studies Find Additional Pet Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
Explore the newly proven pet health benefits of ashwagandha, as confirmed by three scientific studies featuring KSM-66 Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is a millennia-old staple in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, celebrated for its powerful adaptogenic and healing properties. Today, modern science is confirming additional human and pet health benefits of ashwagandha. Past studies have demonstrated its efficacy at managing stress and anxiety in dogs, cats, and horses, and new research shows it also has benefits for brain, skin, and coat health....
How Dog Parents Influence Their Dog’s Personality
Dog parents have more influence on their furry friend’s personality than you might realize. Just like children, dogs learn from their environment and the people who care for them. Understanding how your actions and choices shape your dog’s character can help you raise a confident, well-behaved companion. Breed vs. Individual Personality While breed gives you a general idea of what to expect, each dog is still unique. Think of breed traits as a starting point – your dog’s final personality comes from: Their breed...
A new version of Maddie’s Tail Wag is now available!
Maddie’s® Tail Wag is back with a brand-new edition! This fun and educational activity book is for kids ages 7–10, designed to spark empathy, creativity and a love for animals. In this new edition, kids can follow the journey of Wiggle and Waggle, a homeless dog and cat on their journey from the streets to the shelter to a foster home and finally, an adoptive home! Along the way, they will find mazes, word scrambles, a dog treat recipe and more, to keep them engaged. This free, downloadable PDF is perfect for parents, teachers...
Lifetime cost of having a dog or cat
How much does it cost to care for a dog or cat over her lifetime? New data looks at the expenses and why they’re rising. Dogs and cats are living longer than they used to. This is wonderful, of course – the more years we have with our beloved animal companions, the better! But many people don’t consider the lifetime cost of having a dog or cat. Synchrony’s 2025 Pet Lifetime of Care Study shows that nearly 80% of animal parents underestimate the lifetime cost of caring for a dog or cat. The study surveyed nearly...
Why Could Your Dog Be Limping? Understanding the Common Causes
As a dog parent, seeing your furry friend limp can be both concerning and confusing. Limping is one of the most common signs that something isn’t quite right with your dog. Understanding the possible causes can help you know when to seek help and what to expect. What Does Limping Tell Us? When your dog limps, they’re showing you they’re experiencing pain or discomfort. Dogs are naturally tough and often try to hide their pain, so visible limping usually means the problem has been building for a while. Your dog might favor...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: October webcasts, new webcast series and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Mark your calendars for these upcoming webcastsThe last half of October is filled with plenty of learning opportunities for all! And, if any webcast doesn’t work with your schedule, be sure to register anyways as a recording will be sent to you. Integrated Operations for Greater Access to Care October 21, 2025 at 12PM PT/3PM ET In just 30 minutes, you’ll hear… Learn More Beyond the Page: Meet the Authors Shaping DEI in Veterinary...
Why are so many dogs overweight?
A new study finds that half our dogs are overweight. Learn the causes of canine obesity and how to help your dog reach a healthy weight. If your dog is on the chunky side, he has plenty of company. A new study from Texas A&M University and the Dog Aging Project (DAP) shows that 50% of dogs in the U.S. carry extra weight. Why are so many dogs overweight? A variety of factors may be at play, including breed backgrounds, environment, and food motivation. Understanding your dog’s love of food “Our study confirmed that dogs...
How to read pet food labels
Confused by pet food labels? Find out how to interpret product names, nutrition facts and more — and what to expect from upcoming label changes. Pet food labels can be confusing. Ingredient names are unclear, package claims seem misleading, and important information can be hard to find. The good news is that changes are underway to make pet food labels easier to read and understand. However, it will take time for companies and regulators to fully implement them. While we wait, let’s review how to read pet food labels – and...
