Odd Behaviors in Dogs and Cats Demand Urgent Attention
Every dog or cat sometimes surprises us with odd behaviors — sudden restlessness, repetitive movements, or unexplained aggression. These behaviors often carry hidden messages signaling physical discomfort or emotional distress. Ignoring these signals risks worsening their condition or weakening your bond. Understanding the root causes behind unusual actions serves as the first step toward compassionate care and healing. Behavioral Alarm Bells When a normally calm companion suddenly becomes withdrawn or irritable or shows other odd...
Learn the fundamentals of canine communication and safe dog handling
There’s a new self-paced course on Maddie’s® University and it’s all about dog behavior and communication! “Fundamentals of Canine Communication and Safe Dog Handling” is authored by Devan Amundsen, CPDT-KA, a certified dog trainer with over 15 years of experience working with not just dog owners, but dogs in shelters, assistance dogs and other working dogs. Reading dog body language and communicating effectively with our own behavior are practiced skills that we need to mindfully develop over time. In this...
Natural detox for dogs and cats
Check out safe, natural ways to detox your dog or cat from everyday toxins. Read up on antioxidant-rich foods, herbs, and supplements that support his health and reduce toxin overload. We live in a toxic world. Our food, water, soil and air are contaminated with a range of harmful substances, from pesticides to PFAs. It’s impossible to avoid all toxins. But we can take steps to detoxify our bodies, and those of our animal companions. Read on for details about natural detox for dogs and cats. What toxins are we and our animals...
Helping Your Cat Shed Pounds Safely
Is your feline friend carrying a few extra pounds? Addressing weight issues in cats is crucial for their health and happiness. Rapid weight loss can lead to severe conditions, including hepatic lipidosis. This dangerous syndrome occurs when cats stop eating and their bodies break down fat too quickly. Prioritizing a safe weight loss journey ensures a healthier, happier life for your beloved companion. Start with a Veterinary Check-Up Before initiating any weight loss plan, schedule a veterinary exam. This step assesses your cat’s...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Foster-friendly website, 30th anniversary giveaway and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Is your animal website foster-friendly? Here’s why it should beIf you’re trying to grow your foster program, one of the most important places to start isn’t on social media or with a flyer—it’s your website. Your website is your organization’s virtual front door. When potential foster caregivers stop by, you want them to feel welcome, encouraged, and excited to get involved. But too often,… Learn More August and...
Frailty assessment tool for aging dogs
Like humans, dogs become frailer as they age. Loss of strength and weight, along with reduced activity, are signs of frailty. Dogs may slow down and tire more easily. There are ways to assess frailty in older people, but not in dogs – at least until now. Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a frailty assessment tool for aging dogs that can help animal parents and their veterinarians assess an elderly dog’s frailty. When vets perform simple assessments of body and muscle condition alongside this...
Palliative care for senior dogs and cats
Here’s how palliative care for senior dogs and cats can improve quality of life, manage pain, and offer compassionate support for aging animals and their families. When our beloved dogs and cats age and develop serious health problems, we want to do everything we can. Our goal is to keep them with us as long as possible. Sometimes this involves invasive and expensive tests and treatments — but surely that’s better than euthanasia? In fact, the human healthcare field offers another option — palliative care....
Pet tech trends: Survey reveals how dog and cat parents embrace smart devices
More than ever before, animal parents treat their dogs and cats as cherished family members. As a result, pet parents are spending more on food, toys, healthcare, and services. They’re also embracing high-tech gadgets like pet cams, smart collars, and health trackers. A new survey from HostingAdvice.com revealed the following statistics: 80% of dog and cat lovers say they’d spend $100 or more on pet tech. 87% say tech helps them care for their animals better. 79% say they would use tech to track their dog...
Why and When to Consult a Board-Certified Veterinary Specialist
Veterinarians play a vital role in maintaining the health of beloved companions. They provide essential care, but some health issues require specialized knowledge. Board-certified veterinary specialists offer advanced expertise that general practitioners may not possess. These specialists work closely with primary care veterinarians, ensuring each animal receives tailored diagnostics and treatment options. What is Board Certification All practicing veterinarians start by earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and passing a...
Lessons from the Master of Animal Communication: Learn to Talk With Your Animal Companion!
Joan Ranquet is the leading voice in the field of animal communication. Learn how she helps pet parents build stronger bonds with their dogs and cats. All pet parents want to understand their dog’s or cat’s needs and wants. And thanks to animal communication, you can indeed “talk” to your dog or cat! Animal communication is the conscious, two-way exchange of thoughts, feelings, images, and physical sensations between humans and animals. It involves body language, vocal cues, focused intention, and telepathic...
DIY doggy pouch for hiking and walks
Make your own DIY doggy pouch for summer walks and hikes! Carry treats, water, first aid, and more with ease. Keep your pup safe, hydrated, and happy on every adventure. Treats, check. Water, check. Insect repellent, check. A leash alone isn’t enough to keep your dog safe and stress-free on summer walks and hikes. A DIY doggy pouch helps you carry essentials hands-free, keeping your outings more comfortable. Assembling your doggy pouch Start by purchasing a miniature, lightweight backpack with long straps that rests comfortably on your...
Animal Welfare: How Far Have We Come from the Code of Hammurabi
Have you ever wondered how much society’s view of animals has changed? Ancient laws treated animals as mere property. Today, many countries have laws protecting their well-being. How far have we truly come? The Code of Hammurabi The Code of Hammurabi, dating back to 1755-1750 BC, reveals a lot. It primarily focused on animals as property. Laws 241–252 detail the value of animals. They outline compensation for damages caused by animals. These laws were more about economics than animal welfare. Hurting or killing someone’s...
Is your animal website foster-friendly? Here’s why it should be
If you’re trying to grow your foster program, one of the most important places to start isn’t on social media or with a flyer—it’s your website. Your website is your organization’s virtual front door. When potential foster caregivers stop by, you want them to feel welcome, encouraged, and excited to get involved. But too often, fostering information is hard to find or buried under volunteer content, leaving supporters confused or discouraged. So how do you fix that? Here are a few key ways to make your...
Von Willebrand Disease: What Dog Parents Should Know
Von Willebrand Disease (vWD) poses a serious challenge for many dogs and their caregivers. This inherited bleeding disorder results from a deficiency or dysfunction of the von Willebrand Factor (vWF), essential for proper blood clotting. Dogs suffering from vWD might experience easy bruising, bleeding gums, or excessive bleeding during surgeries. Awareness of this condition is crucial for proactive management and care. Types of Von Willebrand Disease: Know the Risks Three types of vWD exist, each varying in severity. Type I is the most...
Dog park alternatives
Dog parks aren’t the only way to keep your pup active. From dog gyms to water parks, these alternatives offer exercise and socialization in more controlled settings. Our dogs require both physical and mental exercise to stay happy and healthy. But it can be challenging to ensure they receive the activity and stimulation they need. For many, dog parks are the answer. They offer off-leash, fenced-in areas where dogs can run, play and interact with other canines. But dog parks aren’t for everyone. Some dogs play too rough and...
Upbringing Patterns Can Shape Dog Parenting Styles
Have you ever wondered why you treat your dog the way you do? The way you nurture, discipline, or spoil your furry companion often reflects the parenting style you experienced growing up. Recent research involving nearly 400 dog caregivers reveals a fascinating truth: the way people raise their dogs often mirrors the caregiving they received as children. The Cycle of Permissive Parenting The study found a strong pattern—those raised with a permissive style tend to raise their dogs the same way. Permissive parenting means fewer rules and...
August and September 2025 giveaway: Spotlight on online learning
The 30th anniversary celebration of Maddie’s Fund® continues! We’re giving away $1,000 in unrestricted funding every other month, for engaging on a special anniversary-related post on Maddie’s® Pet Forum beginning August 1, 2025. We want to thank Cuddly for supporting our previous monthly giveaways with amazing prize packs. We’re grateful for their partnership in celebrating the important work you all do. For August and September we’re celebrating the role that online learning has played in helping...
The science behind animal communication
Investigate the intriguing science behind intuitive animal communication. See how dogs, cats, and other species might connect with humans on a deeper level. Animal communication is growing in popularity. But does it really work? Is it possible for us to communicate intuitively with dogs, cats and other species? Researchers have done few studies on the topic, but the results to date indicate there may be something to it. Here’s a closer look at the science behind animal communication. What the research reveals about animal...
Enrich Your Senior Dog’s Golden Years
Every senior dog deserves a life filled with joy, stimulation, and connection. As dogs age, their needs change, but their spirits remain eager for adventure. Understanding senior dog enrichment can transform their golden years into a vibrant chapter filled with happiness and health. Tailored Activities Engaging senior dogs requires tailoring activities to their unique personalities. Some may thrive on calm moments, soaking up sunlight and enjoying quiet companionship. Others, the more spirited ones, crave stimulation and interaction....
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Last chance Fall Instructor-Led Courses, Shelter Animals Count report and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. LAST DAY: Apply now for fall Instructor-Led Courses by 2pm PT today!The application period of Instructor-Led Courses is closing today! Subjects include fostering, shelter consultations, marketing and more. The length and number of Zoom classes are course-dependent, and can range from 4 to 6 classes, at 60, 75, or 90-minutes each. All courses are free and begin in September. The application window closes on August 18,… Learn More Shelter Animals Count...
