Safe Cat-Friendly Plant Selection for Your Home
Why Plant Safety Matters Cats are naturally curious creatures who love to nibble, chew, and explore everything in their environment. Unfortunately, many popular houseplants contain toxic substances that can harm cats. Some plants, like lilies, are extremely dangerous and can cause severe kidney damage even from small exposures. Other plants may cause uncomfortable symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or mouth irritation. This is why choosing the right greenery is so important for cat guardians. Safe Plant Options for Your Home Thankfully, there...
Come see us at Animal Care Expo next month!
The countdown to Pittsburgh, PA is on! In just a few short weeks, professionals from the animal well-being space will gather in Pittsburgh from April 7-10 for Animal Care Expo. Maddie’s Fund® is a proud sponsor of the conference, hosted by Humane World for Animals (formerly Humane Society of the United States). As always, be sure to stop by our booth for fun engagement activities, and opportunities to win grants! Access to veterinary and behavioral care is increasingly important to us. We want to hear about what is important to you...
Understanding UV-Triggered Autoimmune Skin Conditions in Dogs
Does your furry companion’s nose or ears seem to worsen with sun exposure? Some dogs develop autoimmune skin conditions that are triggered or made worse by ultraviolet (UV) light. Understanding these conditions can help you protect your canine family member. What Are UV-Triggered Autoimmune Skin Conditions? These are skin problems where the dog’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy skin cells, particularly when exposed to sunlight. The nose and ears are commonly affected because they have less hair protection and...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Navigating dog adoption outcomes, new national study and more!
Happy Monday. Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Beyond our Safety Net: Navigating Returns, Risk and Humane Outcomes in Dog AdoptionsJoin us on March 26th for the next Maddie’s Monthly Behavior Connection call: Beyond our Safety Net: Navigating Returns, Risk and Humane Outcomes in Dog Adoptions. This session will explore the complex realities of accepting adoption returns for dogs exhibiting challenging or dangerous behavior. While our goal is always to keep adopted animals in homes, there are times...
Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Dogs
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a group of inherited eye conditions that can affect your canine companion. Understanding this disease and the available treatment options can help you provide the best care for your four-legged family member. What is PRA? PRA refers to several genetic disorders that cause the retina to gradually break down over time. The retina is the part of the eye that detects light and helps your dog see. With PRA, dogs experience progressive vision loss that develops over months or years. The age when symptoms start...
Why Cats Knock Things Off Counters and Shelves
If you share your home with a cat, you’ve probably watched in disbelief as they deliberately push your phone, keys, or favorite mug right off the counter. This behavior is actually quite common among our feline companions, and understanding why they do it can help you manage the situation better. Natural Hunting Instincts Cats are natural-born hunters, even when they’re well-fed and living comfortably indoors. When your cat paws at objects on counters or shelves, they’re engaging their prey drive. In the wild, cats would bat...
Beyond our Safety Net: Navigating Returns, Risk and Humane Outcomes in Dog Adoptions
Join us on March 26th for the next Maddie’s Monthly Behavior Connection call: Beyond our Safety Net: Navigating Returns, Risk and Humane Outcomes in Dog Adoptions. This session will explore the complex realities of accepting adoption returns for dogs exhibiting challenging or dangerous behavior. While our goal is always to keep adopted animals in homes, there are times when a return is requested and the shelter environment may not be in the dog’s best interest—or safe for staff and volunteers....
Indoor obstacle course for dogs
Keep your dog active indoors with a fun DIY obstacle course. Try these easy ideas to challenge his mind and body when winter weather keeps you inside. For many active and high energy dogs, spending the day inside can be boring. Typical indoor activities might not be engaging enough to keep your pup happy. Get creative this winter and use objects in your home to build a fun new game – an indoor obstacle course for dogs! 5 crafty indoor obstacles for dogs Building an indoor obstacle course for your dog doesn’t have to be...
Healing with light: laser therapy for dogs and cats
Low level laser therapy uses violet, green, red, and infrared wavelengths to reduce pain, support healing, and enhance cellular function in dogs and cats. Veterinarians use low level laser therapy (LLLT) in dogs and cats to reduce pain, inflammation, and edema. LLLT also promotes wound and nerve healing and prevents cell death and tissue damage. Over 40 years of research prove laser therapy’s efficacy. Yet LLLT remains underutilized in mainstream veterinary medicine. This is likely due to the wide variety of lasers on the...
Is Your Dog Vomiting?
If your dog throws up once a week, it’s a warning sign that something is wrong with your dog’s health. Digestive system is something that is continuously being exposed to foreign introductions. Anomalies are bound to happen. Animals however can make it look like everything is fine. Why Regular Vomiting Matters Dogs sometimes vomit after eating too fast or getting into something they shouldn’t have. However, when vomiting happens regularly—even just once a week—it often points to an underlying health problem...
8 Things Cats Hate in 9 Lives
According to folklore, cats have nine lives. And throughout each of those lives, there are certain things they will always dislike. Living with a feline companion comes with responsibilities, and while we all strive to do things the right way, we sometimes unknowingly cause them stress. Cat feelings are hard to decipher, so you might not realize these common behaviors are bothering your furry friend. 1. Forced Affection While you might love cuddling your cat, forcing physical contact when they’re not interested can create stress. Cats...
Science-Backed Adaptogens Are Driving the Next Wave of Pet Calming Products
Fear and stress are no longer just niche concerns in companion animal health. In fact, the global pet calming products market is projected to reach $1.7 billion by 2032, up from $952.4 million in 2024. Demand is accelerating as pet parents look for science-backed solutions to everyday stressors like travel, separation, noise sensitivity, and environmental change. At the same time, they want natural solutions, such as KSM-66 Ashwagandha. After all, it’s the safest and only clinically proven ashwagandha for pets, and now you can find it...
Why is my cat biting me?
Understand the top five causes of biting in cats — including pain, stress, and overstimulation — and effective ways to calm the behavior. “Why is my cat biting me?” If you’re asking yourself this question, you’re not alone. Whether your feline friend is a kitten, adult or senior, biting is confusing and concerning behavior. You can usually manage it once you understand the cause. From overstimulation to pain or anxiety, several factors can trigger biting. With the right approach, you can help your cat...
Helping Your Dog Feel Comfortable at the Veterinary Clinic
Veterinary visits can be stressful for many dogs, but the good news is that you can take steps to make these trips less frightening. Understanding why your dog feels anxious and learning ways to help them can make vet visits easier for everyone involved. Why Do Dogs Fear the Vet? Dogs may develop fear of veterinary visits for several reasons. Sometimes a previous negative experience creates lasting anxiety. Other times, lack of early socialization as a puppy can make unfamiliar places scary. The clinic environment itself—with strange...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Dog behavior courses, kitten resources and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Kitten season is coming! Camp Maddie: Kitten Edition recordings are here to helpThe kittens are coming! And so is help. Back in March 2025, Maddie’s Fund® hosted Camp Maddie: Kitten Edition, a half-day learning event with four of the premier experts in the field. Now, all four sessions and one question and answer session, is available on Maddie’s® University to peruse… Learn More Four dog behavior courses by Ferdie Yau are on...
Mental stimulation for dogs – 10 ways to boost his brain power
Keep your dog’s mind sharp and behavior balanced with ten easy ways to boost mental stimulation. From puzzle toys to training games, these fun enrichment ideas promote calmness, focus, and well-being. Giving your dog regular mental stimulation is crucial to their happiness and well-being. It helps promote good behaviors like calmness, obedience, attention, and relaxation. Providing mental stimulation can also help overcome unwanted behaviors brought on by boredom. Read on to learn more about mental stimulation for dogs — and ten...
Autoimmune diseases in dogs – when the body attacks itself
If your dog’s immune system attacks his body it can cause autoimmune diseases. Learn key signs and natural ways to support his immune health. Your dog’s immune system protects him from disease and keeps him healthy, but it can sometimes malfunction. Genetic and environmental factors can trigger immune dysfunction, leading to autoimmune reactions. This article explores autoimmune diseases in dogs and the health issues they can cause. Immunity against self Two cellular systems in the body provide and maintain immune...
Sedation and Anesthesia in Dogs and Cats
When your pet needs medical care, the words sedation or anesthesia can sound intimidating. Yet, these approaches are the very tools that allow veterinarians to perform procedures safely and with compassion. Let’s understand how doctors decide between calming sedation or full anesthesia. This guidance can transform what feels like a frightening prospect into a thoughtful plan—one designed to keep animals comfortable, protected, and on the path to recovery. Sedation vs. Anesthesia: What’s the Difference? Sedation: Creates a...
Why pet insurance is becoming more popular
Pet insurance is on the rise, with Millennials and Generation Z leading the charge. Find out what’s fueling this growing trend. Why pet insurance is becoming more popular comes down to how much people love their animals. Today’s dog and cat parents see their four-legged friends as family, and they want to make sure they get the best care when they need it. With vet costs climbing and more flexible insurance options available, pet insurance is catching on fast. It’s especially popular with younger generations such as...
Copper Levels in Dogs
If you’re caring for a canine companion, you might not realize that copper—a mineral we often associate with pennies and wiring—plays a vital role in your dog’s health. However, too much or too little copper can cause serious health problems. Let’s explore why monitoring copper levels matters and where this mineral might be lurking in your dog’s environment. Why Copper Levels Matter Copper is an essential trace mineral that dogs need for many body functions. It helps create red blood cells, maintains...
