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...
Keeping Your Dog Safe This Halloween
Halloween brings lots of fun with costumes, decorations, and trick-or-treaters. But this spooky holiday can create some real dangers for our furry friends. As dog parents, it’s important to know about these risks so you can keep your pet safe while still enjoying the festivities. Candy and Food Dangers The biggest Halloween threat to dogs is candy and other treats. Many popular Halloween goodies are toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems. Chocolate is the most dangerous. It contains substances called methylxanthines...
Nutritional Adjustments for Senior Dogs
As our beloved dogs enter their golden years, their nutritional needs change just like ours do. Understanding these changes can help your senior dog stay healthy, active, and comfortable for years to come. Let’s explore the key areas you should focus on when feeding your older companion. Protein Many people think senior dogs need less protein, but that’s actually not true. Older dogs often need more high-quality protein than younger dogs. As dogs age, their bodies don’t make protein as well as they used to. This...
Essential Basics Every Cat Parent Should Know
As a cat parent, understanding your furry companion is key to providing the best care possible. Cats are amazing creatures with unique needs that differ from dogs and other pets. Here’s what you should know to keep your cat healthy and happy. Understanding Normal Cat Behavior Cats are naturally independent animals, but they still need attention and care. Healthy cats typically sleep 12-16 hours per day, which is completely normal. They’re most active during dawn and dusk hours. Your cat should be eating regularly, using the litter...
Prosthetics for amputee dogs
Modern prosthetics give amputee dogs the ability to walk, run, and play again. This guide covers types of artificial limbs, fitting, care tips, and more. In the past, injury or illness sometimes forced dogs to have limbs amputated, condemning them to a lifetime of immobility. People often chose euthanasia instead. Nowadays, major technological and engineering advances make it possible to fit these dogs with prosthetics. The devices allow them to lead full, happy, and active lives. Let’s take a look at today’s prosthetics for...
Merits of Canine DNA Testing: A Guide for Dog Parents
As a dog parent, you want to give your furry friend the best care possible. One helpful tool that’s becoming more popular is canine DNA testing. This simple test can provide valuable information about your dog’s health, breed makeup, and behavior traits. What is Canine DNA Testing? Canine DNA testing involves taking a cheek swab from your dog and sending it to a laboratory. Scientists then analyze your dog’s genetic material to learn about their background and health risks. Think of it as a family tree test for your pup, but...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Learning Paths, transport barriers and more!
Happy Tuesday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Find your perfect fit: Choose your Learning Path on Maddie’s UniversityWhether you’re just starting out in animal well-being or looking to level up your skills, our updated Learning Paths page on Maddie’s University® takes all the guesswork out of what to learn and sets you up for success. Each path contains content that covers a single topic so you can discover what you need and… Learn More How Field Officers are addressing pet...
Alternative treatments for liver disease in dogs and cats
Explore alternative treatments for liver disease in dogs and cats, including ozone, milk thistle, vitamin C, nutrition, and other therapies. Liver disease is common in dogs and cats, especially as they age. Conventional therapies are important, especially in acute cases. But options like ozone therapy, vitamin C, herbal support, and targeted nutrition can also be beneficial. These alternative treatments for liver disease in dogs and cats complement traditional care and may also improve outcomes and quality of life. Conventional therapies for...
Understanding Types of Seizures in Dogs
If you’ve ever witnessed your dog having a seizure, you know how scary and overwhelming it can be. As a caring dog parent, understanding the different types of seizures can help you better support your furry friend and communicate effectively with your veterinarian. What Exactly Is a Seizure? A seizure happens when there’s abnormal electrical activity in your dog’s brain. Think of it like a power surge that causes the brain’s normal functions to go haywire temporarily. These episodes can look very different depending...
Best scratching posts and cat trees
Find out what to look for in scratching posts, cat trees, and condos to keep your cat happy and your furniture safe. Includes tips on styles, materials, placement, and multi-cat household needs. Scratching is quintessential feline behavior. Satisfying this natural instinct means providing a selection of surfaces for your cat to scratch without resorting to your furniture. The ideal feline environment includes both horizontal and vertical surfaces, especially in a multi-cat household. Here’s what to consider for the best scratching posts...
