Acupressure for dog travel anxiety
Here’s how acupressure can help keep your dog calm and relaxed when you’re traveling — whether you’re driving cross-country or flying to a new destination. Dog-friendly travel is becoming increasingly popular. A successful trip depends on your pup’s comfort and emotional well-being. Planning ahead for safety and logistics is essential. Acupressure for dog travel anxiety also offers a natural, effective way to help him stay relaxed before and during the trip. Traveling with your dog: start by planning ahead Dogs...
Ear Mites in Cats
Ear mites are tiny parasites that can make your cat’s life miserable. These microscopic bugs, called Otodectes cynotis, live in your cat’s ear canals and cause intense itching. If you’ve noticed your cat scratching their ears more than usual, shaking their head, or if you see dark, coffee-ground-like debris in their ears, ear mites might be the culprit. Understanding Ear Mites Ear mites are highly contagious and spread easily between cats, dogs, and other pets. The good news is they don’t live in your home like fleas...
The Role of Interactive Toys in Reducing Anxiety and Aggression in Dogs
It’s hard on pet parents when dogs act out of aggression or anxiety, but these behaviors communicate a problem you must address. Sometimes, the problem might be physical, like pain or discomfort. However, these behaviors can also stem from stress. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to relieve stress-related aggression and anxiety, and interactive toys are an excellent tool at your disposal. Supporting Dogs with Anxiety Canine anxiety comes in many forms, and outward signs and symptoms include: Hiding or retreating to a corner or...
Learn how to bridge your animal organization’s services and strengthen your communityÂ
Looking to strengthen your community but not sure where to start? In a recent Maddie’s® Community Conversations call, the team from the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) shared how breaking down silos between animal control, outreach and animal shelter services can transform the way we support both people and pets. Chief Animal Control Officer Jennifer Toussaint and her colleagues, Adam Jablonski and Karina Swetnam, walked us through how collaboration looks in action – like field officers connecting families to...
Do Dogs and Cats Have a Paw Preference
Just like humans can be right-handed or left-handed, dogs and cats can also show preferences for using one paw over the other! This fascinating behavior is called “laterality,” and it’s more common in our furry friends than many realize. Paw Preferences in Dogs Research shows that many dogs do favor one paw over the other when performing certain tasks. You might notice this when your dog: Gives you their paw on command Reaches for treats or toys Steps down from stairs or ledges Tries to hold down a chew toy Paw Preferences...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Social work guidelines, stock images and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Pets and People Photos is now Images With HeARTIn case you missed it, we’re excited to share that PetsandPeoplePhotos.org has merged with Images With HeART, and will be known as such moving forward. Originally launched in 2023 as Pets & People Photos, #ThanksToMaddie, the site was developed to help animal organizations better connect with their audiences through diverse images for marketing. The collection… Learn More Doors Wide Open Webcast: Social...
Can cats drink milk?
Find out why most adult cats are lactose intolerant, how milk affects their digestion, and healthier alternatives you can offer instead. Can cats drink milk? Most kitties love it, and in the past, people regarded milk as a traditional food for housecats. But it’s not really a good idea. In fact, veterinarians and other feline experts don’t encourage feeding milk to cats. Let’s find out why. Don’t kittens need milk? Kittens depend on milk — but only from mother cats. By the time they are four to ten weeks old,...
Stress-free bathing tips for anxious dogs
Learn why some dogs hate bathtime, along with 5 steps you can take to make it more enjoyable for your pup. Dogs need regular baths, but unfortunately, some pups hate them! Unfamiliar scents, slippery surfaces, and the sensation of losing control make baths unpleasant for many dogs. These factors often cause resistance, nervousness, and even fear. “Luckily, you can help your dog feel more comfortable with baths. Use gentle methods, positive reinforcement, and stress reduction techniques. Let’s explore why your dog might...
Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs
Chocolate is dangerous for dogs. But do you know why? Understanding chocolate toxicity can help you keep your furry friend safe and know what to do in an emergency. Why Chocolate is Toxic to Dogs Chocolate contains two harmful substances called caffeine and theobromine. These are called methylxanthines. While humans can break down these chemicals easily, dogs cannot. When dogs eat chocolate, these toxins build up in their system and cause serious health problems. These chemicals mainly affect your dog’s nervous system and heart. They...
Heartworms in Cats: What Every Cat Parent Should Know
You might think heartworms only affect dogs. But here’s an important fact: cats can get heartworms too. While it’s less common than in dogs, heartworm disease can be serious for our feline friends. Let’s explore what you need to know to keep your cat safe. What Are Heartworms? Heartworms are parasites caused by Dirofilaria immitis. These worms can grow quite large – males reach 5-6 inches and females can grow 10-12 inches long. They live in the heart and lungs, which is why they’re so dangerous. How Do Cats...
Turn Your Passion for Pet Health into Profit with Raw Diets for Dogs: The Way They Were Born to Eat!
Raw diets for dogs boost health and happiness—earn money partnering with a company that delivers raw meals right to your door! Dog parents are always looking for the best and healthiest foods for their fur babies. And while there are plenty of options on the market, including tons of trends and fads, the ideal food for any dog is one that meets their ancestral needs. Raw diets for dogs are biologically appropriate and provide our canine companions with everything they need to live healthy, active lives. We Feed Raw is on a mission to...
Pets and People photos is now Images With HeART
In case you missed it, we’re excited to share that PetsandPeoplePhotos.org has merged with Images With HeART, and will be known as such moving forward. Originally launched in 2023 as Pets & People Photos, #ThanksToMaddie, the site was developed to help animal organizations better connect with their audiences through diverse images for marketing. The collection shows authentic interactions of people and pets of varying ages, backgrounds and more, and has received an overwhelmingly positive response since its launch. “To...
Qigong: A Valuable Addition to Your Dog’s Routine
Just like people, dogs can benefit from gentle movement and relaxation exercises. Qigong-inspired activities may help improve your dog’s balance, flexibility, and body awareness. These gentle exercises can be especially helpful for older dogs or those recovering from injuries, as they don’t put stress on joints like high-impact activities might. The calm, focused nature of these exercises can also help anxious dogs learn to relax and concentrate. Many dog parents find that their pets seem more centered and peaceful after these...
Doors Wide Open Webcast: Social Work Guidelines in Animal Welfare Settings
Does your animal organization employ a social worker? Or maybe you’re considering one? Join us for a 30-minute panel discussion on November 18th at 12PM PT/ 3PM ET with the five social workers who facilitated the national social work teams that collectively authored the new Social Work Guidelines for Animal Welfare Settings through a year-long participatory action research project funded by the ASPCA. The guidelines were developed by and for social workers embedded in animal welfare organizations across North America and are designed to...
High-quality kibble for dogs and cats
Is kibble good for dogs and cats? Understand the difference between low-quality and premium dry pet food, plus tips for choosing healthy, nutrient-rich options. Dry pet food, or kibble, has long been a go-to diet for many dogs and cats. It’s affordable, long-lasting, and easy to serve — just measure, scoop, and pour. No wonder a 2024 Nextin Research study found that over half of us choose it for our animals. The question is, is kibble good for dogs and cats? Or are we sacrificing their health and well-being for the sake of...
Collagen for Your Canine
As a dog parent, you’ve probably heard about collagen supplements becoming popular for our furry friends. But what exactly is collagen, and should you consider it for your dog? What Is Collagen? Collagen is a protein that acts like the “glue” holding your dog’s body together. It’s found in their skin, joints, bones, muscles, and connective tissues. Think of it as the scaffolding that keeps everything strong and flexible. As dogs age, their bodies naturally produce less collagen, which can lead to joint...
Telehealth for cats with arthritis
Telehealth may improve care for cats with arthritis by reducing clinic stress and offering personalized advice for home management and comfort. Arthritis is common in cats. It can affect up to 30% of felines under the age of ten, and 64% to 92% of those older than ten. Because taking a cat to the vet is often stressful and challenging, many may not be getting the care they need. However, telehealth for cats with arthritis may improve care, according to a recent study from the University of California, Davis. Researchers worked with 106...
Natural Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Supporting Dogs with Chronic Conditions
When your dog is dealing with chronic health issues like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or skin problems, you want to help them feel better in every way possible. While medication is often necessary, certain foods can provide natural anti-inflammatory support when approved by your veterinarian. Understanding Inflammation in Dogs Inflammation is your dog’s natural response to injury or illness. However, when it becomes chronic, it can worsen conditions like joint pain, digestive issues, and skin problems. The right foods can help...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: End-of-year fundraising, Animal Welfare Assessment Grid and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Spark your end-of-year fundraising: Inspiration from Maddie’s Pet ForumAs the year winds down, nonprofits everywhere are gearing up for one of the most important fundraising seasons. From Giving Tuesday to holiday drives, animal shelters and foster-based organizations are finding new, heartfelt ways to engage their communities – and they’re sharing their best ideas in the “October + November 2025 Giveaway: Share your...
Mental health in dogs and cats
Support your dog or cat’s mental and emotional well-being by recognizing behavioral issues, reducing stress, and promoting a happy, balanced life with enrichment, routine, and nutrition. Mental health in dogs and cats is just as important as their physical health. These intelligent, emotional beings experience stress, fear, joy, and sadness much as we do. Understanding your dog or cat’s mental and emotional needs helps you ensure she leads a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. Signs of mental and emotional problems in dogs...
