Natural Treats That Can Help Freshen Your Cat’s Breath
You might have noticed your feline friend has less-than-pleasant breath from time to time. While some odor is normal, persistent bad breath can be a sign of dental problems. The good news is that there are several natural treats that may help freshen your cat’s breath while supporting their overall oral health. Why Do Cats Get Bad Breath? Cat breath odor usually comes from bacteria buildup in the mouth. This bacteria forms plaque on teeth, which can lead to tartar, gum disease, and stronger odors. Regular dental care is essential, but...
The exploration of opportunities for barriers and bias during off site animal adoption events
Ever wonder how implicit bias can influence pet adoption processes? And, if so, what we can do to improve? Join us for the next Maddie’s® Insights on December 11, as we share insights from a nationwide survey of 484 U.S. shelters and rescue organizations on adoption events and screening practices. Our guest, Dr. Lexis Ly, presents results from her study that includes how these processes work, how implicit bias can influence decisions, and how small procedural changes can speed-up and level-up the path to great pet-people matches....
What Dog and Cat Parents Should Know About Microchipping
Keeping your furry family member safe is always a priority. One of the best ways to protect them is through microchipping – a simple procedure that could make all the difference if your four-legged friend ever gets lost. What Is a Microchip? A microchip is a tiny device about the size of a grain of rice. It contains a unique identification number that connects to your contact information in a database. The chip is placed under your animal’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades, during a quick and simple procedure. How Does...
Why Your Cat Has Runny Eyes
You may notice your feline friend occasionally has watery or runny eyes. While this can be concerning, understanding the possible causes can help you know when to seek proper care and how to keep your cat comfortable. What Causes Runny Eyes in Cats? Runny eyes, also called excessive tearing, can happen for many reasons. Some of the most common causes in cats include: Viral Infections: Feline herpesvirus is one of the leading causes of eye problems in cats. This virus can cause watery discharge, redness, and discomfort. It’s especially...
The Link Between Stress and Disease (and How to Manage Stress with Ashwagandha)
Learn about the effects of chronic stress on dogs and cats and how to manage stress with ashwagandha! Stress is a normal part of life for companion animals. Acute stress lasts for only a short time and can be triggered by things like loud noises or the smell of a predator. This brief reaction is beneficial, as it helps animals survive in challenging situations. However, when stress becomes chronic—lasting for days, weeks, or even months—it can take a serious toll on an animal’s physical and emotional health. Over time,...
Is Your Dog at Risk of Bloat?
Bloat is one of the most serious emergencies your dog can face. Bloat, also called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary care. What Is Bloat? Bloat happens when a dog’s stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid and becomes dangerously enlarged. In severe cases, the stomach can twist on itself, cutting off blood flow. This twisting makes the condition much more dangerous and can lead to death within hours if not treated. Warning Signs to Watch For Recognizing bloat symptoms...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Spay/neuter event, shelter hours and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Four national family foundations collaborate to bring free spay/neuter event to the Bay Area on December 6-7Nine animal well-being organizations across five Bay area counties are partnering to provide free spay and neuter surgeries and vaccines to pets over a two-day, December 6-7, 2025, event called “Champions for Pet Health: Communities Partnering for Wellness and Spay & Neuter.” This event, all due to the generosity of four national family...
Living with Limb Amputation for Bone Cancer in Cats
When your beloved cat is diagnosed with bone cancer, the news can feel overwhelming. If your veterinarian mentions limb amputation as a treatment option, you likely have many questions and concerns. Let’s explore what this procedure involves and how it can help your feline friend. What is Bone Cancer in Cats? Bone cancer in cats most commonly appears as osteosarcoma, an aggressive tumor that develops in the bones. While less common in cats than dogs, this cancer typically affects the limbs and can cause significant pain, lameness, and...
What is Cherry Eye in Dogs
If you’ve noticed a pink or red bump in the corner of your dog’s eye that looks like a tiny cherry, your furry friend might have a condition called “cherry eye.” While this sounds scary, understanding what it is and how to handle it can help you make the best decisions for your pet’s health. What Exactly is Cherry Eye? Cherry eye is the common name for when a special gland in your dog’s third eyelid pops out of place. You might not know this, but dogs have a third eyelid – a thin piece of tissue at...
Acupuncture for Pain Management in Dogs
Watching your furry friend struggle with pain can be heartbreaking. Whether your dog is dealing with arthritis, back problems, or recovery from surgery, you want to find safe and effective ways to help them feel better. One treatment option that’s gaining attention in veterinary medicine is acupuncture. What Is Veterinary Acupuncture? Acupuncture is an ancient practice that involves placing thin needles into specific points on the body. In veterinary medicine, trained professionals use this technique to help manage pain and promote...
Does Your Cat Exhibit Confusing Behaviors?
If you’re a cat parent, you’ve probably experienced moments where your feline friend acts in ways that leave you completely baffled. One minute they’re purring in your lap, the next they’re swatting at you. Don’t worry – you’re not alone in feeling confused by these mixed signals! Why Cats Act So Mysteriously Cats communicate differently than humans do. What seems contradictory to us often makes perfect sense in the cat world. Your kitty isn’t trying to be difficult – they’re just...
Four national family foundations collaborate to bring free spay/neuter event to the Bay Area on December 6-7
Nine animal well-being organizations across five Bay area counties are partnering to provide free spay and neuter surgeries and vaccines to pets over a two-day, December 6-7, 2025, event called “Champions for Pet Health: Communities Partnering for Wellness and Spay & Neuter.” This event, all due to the generosity of four national family foundations – La Russa Rescue Champions, Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation, Maddie’s Fund® and BISSELL Pet Foundation – represents a collaborative effort to make vital...
Understanding Reverse Sneezing in Dogs
If you’ve ever watched your dog suddenly start making loud, honking sounds while standing stiffly with their head stretched back, you’ve likely witnessed reverse sneezing. While this can be scary for dog parents, understanding what’s happening can help you stay calm and know when to seek help. What Is Reverse Sneezing? Reverse sneezing, also called paroxysmal respiration, is a common breathing event in dogs. Unlike regular sneezing where air flows out through the nose, reverse sneezing pulls air rapidly inward while the...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Holiday fostering, understanding tribal sovereignty and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Want a silent night at your animal shelter this season? Try holiday fostering!This year is the perfect time to bring back, start or expand your holiday fostering offerings. Organizations across the country are getting dogs out of the shelter and into homes for the holidays through foster care. Holiday foster initiatives… Learn More Learn how to bridge your animal organization’s services and strengthen your community Looking to strengthen...
Managing Fear-Based Issues in Dogs
Every dog is unique, but some need extra patience when it comes to facing the world around them. If your dog seems scared of new people, other dogs, or certain situations, you’re not alone. Fear-based issues are common, and with the right approach, you can help your furry friend feel more confident and secure. Fear-Based Issues Fear-based issues happen when dogs have strong, worried reactions to things that most dogs would handle easily. Your dog might shake, hide, bark loudly, or try to run away when they see their triggers. These...
Building Safe and Happy Relationships Between Children, Dogs, and Cats
On this Children’s Day, let’s take some time to reflect on and improve our perspectives about nurturing positive relationships between kids and pets. Having pets and children in the same home can create wonderful memories and teach kids important life lessons. However, it’s essential to understand how to keep both your children and your furry family members safe and happy together. Starting Off Right When introducing a new pet to a home with children, or bringing a baby into a home with pets, take things slowly. Animals need...
Organizational Culture
[embedded content] Cultivating a strong, inclusive culture can fuel innovation, sustain momentum, and transform outcomes for animals everywhere. Speaker: Brian Daugherty – Executive VP, San Diego Humane Society Find Human Animal Support Services Online Our Website: www.humananimalsupportservice… Facebook: / humananimalsupportservices Instagram: / thehasslife LinkedIn: / hassproject Source: Human Animal Support...
Generating Government Buy-In
[embedded content] How to foster a productive, efficient, and mutually beneficial relationship with local municipalities. Presenter: Mike Wheeler, Director of Cabot Animal Support Services Find Human Animal Support Services Online Our Website: www.humananimalsupportservice… Facebook: / humananimalsupportservices Instagram: / thehasslife LinkedIn: / hassproject Source: Human Animal Support...
Osteosarcoma in Dogs: How to Spot Symptoms Early and Support Your Furry Companion
Learning that your furry friend might have osteosarcoma can feel overwhelming. This bone cancer is serious, but understanding what it is and what options are available can help you make the best decisions for your pet’s care and comfort. What is Osteosarcoma? Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer in dogs. It develops when abnormal cells in the bone grow out of control, destroying healthy bone and replacing it with cancerous tissue. This makes the affected bone weak and prone to breaking. Unfortunately, this cancer is very...
From Data to Action: Keeping Pets and People Together in Times of Crisis
[embedded content] Leverage data to engage municipalities and build a sustainable network of crisis pet foster programs that support pet owners in accessing essential services. Speakers: Elkie Wills – Director, Human Animal Support Services Zoë Agnew-Svoboda – Director of Engagement & Program Development, BestyBnB Find Human Animal Support Services Online: Our Website: www.humananimalsupportservice… Facebook: / humananimalsupportservices Instagram:...
