Protecting Puppies and Kittens Starts with Proper Shelter Training
Jul 22, 2025 How APA!’s Training and Education Center is Fighting Preventable Diseases and Saving Lives Every year, thousands of puppies and kittens arrive at animal shelters across the country, full of potential and in need of care. But for many of them, the threat of deadly—yet preventable—diseases like parvovirus and panleukopenia is dangerously close. At Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), we’re on a mission to change that. Through our Training and Education Center, we’re providing essential knowledge and hands-on...
Is Your Dog Shaking Its Head Because of Earwax?
Seeing your dog shake its head repeatedly can be concerning. This canine behavior can indicate discomfort or health issues, especially related to ear health. Understanding the reasons behind this action is crucial for ensuring your furry friend’s well-being. Understanding the Causes of Head Shaking Frequent head shaking may signal ear infections, excessive earwax, or ear mites. Dogs naturally produce earwax, but too much buildup can lead to irritation. Symptoms such as scratching at the ears, tilting the head, or unpleasant odors...
Regenerative medicine for dogs and cats – Part 2
Want to slow the aging process in your animal companion? Part two of this article focuses on therapeutic options used in regenerative medicine, and how they promote better health and longevity. Regenerative medicine is making headlines for its healing potential in dogs, cats, and humans. In the first part of this article (AW, Winter 24/25), we examined how it works and why it’s making waves in how we care for our animal companions. Now we’ll explore in detail some of the therapeutic options used in regenerative...
Tips for Bone Health in Dogs
Bone health is crucial for your dog’s overall well-being. A strong skeletal structure supports mobility and prevents injuries. Neglecting bone health can lead to serious issues over time. Understanding how to maintain strong bones is vital for every dog caregiver. The Role of Calcium in Bone Health Calcium plays a pivotal role in maintaining bone density and strength. Without sufficient calcium, your dog’s bones can become brittle and weak. To ensure your furry friend gets enough calcium, incorporate calcium-rich foods into their...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Accomplishing the goal of successful outcomes, the return of Community Conversations and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Weekly Community Conversations are back on August 4!After a brief summer break, Weekly Community Conversations will return on Monday, August 4 with How Public-Private Partnerships Expand Access to Care. These weekly calls for animal well-being professionals are held Mondays at 11AM PT/2PM ET call. The 50-minute calls are a collaborative space to share exciting new programs and research, discuss uncomfortable topics, connect… Learn More Webcast:...
Cat enclosures for outdoor safely
Give your cat the best of both worlds! How a cat enclosure lets him enjoy the outdoors while staying safe from danger. It’s vital to balance your cat’s natural instincts with his safety and well-being. This can be challenging for indoor kitties. Cats with outdoor access enjoy more mental stimulation than indoor cats. However, you need to weigh this benefit against the risks of letting your cat roam free. A cat enclosure gives your feline friend the best of both worlds. Cat enclosures provide secure, contained spaces. These...
How to reduce shedding and manage pet hair at home
Find out why dogs and cats shed and check out practical tips to reduce shedding and keep your home free of pet hair. When you share your home with a dog or cat, shedding often becomes an issue. Pet hair can quickly accumulate on your floors and furnishings. It may be frustrating, but fortunately, you can minimize shedding and keep your home as hair-free as possible. Here’s why dogs and cats shed, and how to reduce shedding and manage pet hair at home. Why dogs and cats shed Dogs and cats shed hair year-round, although...
Gut Flora Balance Can Give Your Dog Superpowers
The gut hosts a bustling community of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that keep your dog’s digestion smooth and immune system strong. When this delicate ecosystem falls out of balance, digestive troubles, allergies, and even mood changes can follow. Imagine your dog’s gut as a vibrant garden: flourishing beneficial bacteria are the flowers, while harmful microbes are the weeds. Maintaining canine gut flora balance and keeping this garden thriving means having a happier, healthier, and more energetic companion. Kefir: The...
Sustainable pet products for eco-conscious dog and cat parents
Reduce your dog or cat’s carbon pawprint and support a sustainable lifestyle by switching to eco-friendly pet products, from food to toys. Environmentally conscious consumers strive to reduce their ecological footprint in all areas of their lives. This includes the products they buy for their dogs and cats. Sustainable pet products for eco-conscious dog and cat parents are becoming more available and popular as they contribute to a healthier planet and healthier animals. Defining sustainable pet products Companies create...
Signs of Illness in Dogs and Preventive Care
Every dog shares a special bond with their human. Understanding your dog is crucial, especially when health is at stake. Dogs communicate through behavior and physical signs. Recognizing these signs can be lifesaving. Overlooked Signs of Sickness Imagine a beloved companion suddenly struggling to rise or showing a lack of interest in activities they once loved. Bad breath or excessive drooling might seem innocent, but these can indicate underlying health issues. Changes in drinking habits or weight fluctuations also signal distress. Pay...
Weekly Community Conversations are back on August 4!
After a brief summer break, Weekly Community Conversations will return on Monday, August 4 with How Public-Private Partnerships Expand Access to Care. These weekly calls for animal well-being professionals are held Mondays at 11AM PT/2PM ET call. The 50-minute calls are a collaborative space to share exciting new programs and research, discuss uncomfortable topics, connect with peers in the industry and more, all while sharing a common goal of preserving the human-animal bond. What’s more, we are increasing the monthly grants giveaways...
Chinese herbal medicine for dogs and cats – an introduction
Find out how Chinese herbal medicine works to improve your animal companion’s health and help treat a range of conditions. Both people and animals have long benefited from Chinese herbs, which can help treat a variety of health issues. Here’s an introduction to Chinese herbal medicine for dogs and cats. We’ll also look at how this complex but effective approach works. Herbal medicine is an ancient modality The use of medicinal herbs dates back thousands of years. In fact, herbs are considered one of the...
Can an Apple a Day Keep Vet Bills Away
For dog parents wondering if “an apple a day keeps the vet away” is true for their canine companions, the answer is: well, yeah actually kind of. However, while apples are safe and beneficial for dogs when fed properly, they are not a magic shield against medical visits. But incorporating apple slices into a dog’s diet as a treat can offer several health perks that contribute to overall wellness. Nutritional Benefits Apples are nutritional powerhouses packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants like...
3 Common Health Issues in Dogs (and Key Tips for Improving Quality of Life!)
Learn about three of the most common health issues in dogs and the ways you can support a canine pal who’s struggling! All dog parents share the wish that their pup will live a long, happy, full life. Unfortunately, there are common health issues in dogs that can impact their quality of life and make it more difficult for them to enjoy every day to the fullest. But the good news is there are things you can do to support struggling dogs, including everyday tips, products, and supplements specially formulated for their unique needs....
Understanding Canine Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia
Imagine the fear and confusion when your beloved companion shows signs of lethargy and weakness. Canine Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) can strike without warning. This serious condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks red blood cells, leading to dangerous anemia. Early recognition of symptoms like jaundice and dark urine becomes essential for timely intervention. Recognizing the Signs Watch for subtle changes in behavior. Symptoms of IMHA range from mild to severe. Lethargy, labored breathing, and pale gums signal a...
Cat Litter Showdown: Why Crushed Tofu Cat Litter Comes Out on Top!
Discover how today’s most popular cat litters compare—and why crushed tofu cat litter is setting a new standard in feline hygiene! Crushed tofu cat litter is a game-changer. It builds on the foundation of tofu pellet litter—which has been around for over 30 years—by adding all the advantages of clay litter, without the messy downsides. The result? A lightweight, eco-friendly, and highly effective cat litter that controls odor, reduces dust and tracking, and is gentle on paws. But how does it hold up against other...
Webcast: Accomplishing the goal of successful outcomes
If you’re looking to bring new ideas to your organizations about dog and cat behavior then look no further than Maddie’s® Monthly Behavior Connection. This monthly webcast is held on the fourth Thursday of the month at 12PM PT/3PM ET and is an opportunity hear from speakers about behavior medications, modifying animal behavior, assessing and improving animal well-being (welfare) and how organizations successfully provide behavior support to dogs and cats. On July 24, join Dr. Carley Faughn for “Accomplishing the Goal of...
Is Your Dog’s Thyroid Health at Risk?
Thyroid health plays a crucial role in your dog’s overall well-being. An imbalance can lead to various health issues, including weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. Understanding how to support thyroid function is essential for every dog caregiver. The Importance of Thyroid Hormones The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy levels, and growth. When the thyroid malfunctions, your dog may experience fatigue and weight fluctuations. Recognizing the signs of thyroid dysfunction early can lead to better...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Instructor-led courses, Dr. Lila Miller Shelter Medicine Dayand more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. July 10 is Dr. Lila Miller Shelter Medicine Day!July 10 is Dr. Lila Miller Shelter Medicine Day. Dr. Miller is known for her trailblazing leadership and purposeful dedication to the field of veterinary shelter medicine. If you are one of the millions of people that have adopted a dog or cat over the last three decades, you have Dr. Miller to thank.… Learn More July 2025 Giveaway: Spotlight on shelter medicineOver the past two decades, Maddie’s Fund®...
How to train your dog to come when called
Learn how to build a strong recall in your dog with these seven steps to success. Teaching your dog a reliable recall is crucial for her safety and your peace of mind. Knowing your dog will come when called can be a lifesaver. This skill is invaluable whether you’re at the park, on a hike, or in your backyard. Here’s how to train your dog to come when called by using positive training methods. Step 1: Create a positive association Start in a non-distracting environment, such as a large room, hallway, or garage,...
