Are You Gonna Finish That? Why Some Dogs Always Leave Something In the Bowl
Most dogs don’t need much encouragement to finish a bowl of food, which makes it especially curious when one or two pieces of kibble are consistently left behind. It can happen meal after meal, with the same tiny piece sitting untouched at the bottom of the bowl. There may not be one definitive reason for the habit. Instead, several explanations could account for why a dog decides that one last piece isn’t worth eating, from instincts inherited from wild ancestors to simple anatomy. Saving Some For Later One explanation goes back...
Broadway Stars Shine and Shelter Dogs Take Center Stage at the Fetch Pet Gala!
When a room fills with Broadway stars, an evening at The Carlyle could easily become another glamorous New York event. But on October 19, the spotlight won’t be on those performing onstage; it will be shining on shelter dogs looking for homes. The second annual Fetch Pet Gala will bring musical superstars Bernadette Peters, Darren Criss, and Ariana DeBose together for a night of performances, dinner, and fundraising in support of pets and the people who care for them. Hosted by Fetch Pet Insurance, the gala has already sold out, with an...
The Gut-Kidney Axis in Cats
TL;DR The gut and kidneys in cats are interconnected. Issues in one can affect the other, so keeping both healthy is key for your cat’s overall well-being. If you’re worried, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet. What Is the Gut-Kidney Axis? You might see your cat’s gut and kidneys as two separate entities, but they’re actually in constant conversation. This connection is known as the gut-kidney axis. The gut hosts trillions of tiny organisms, like bacteria and fungi, which we call the gut microbiome. When...
How to Pick Natural Chews for Your Dog
Walk into almost any pet shop today and you’ll find shelves lined with natural chews. And it’s easy to understand the appeal: Many pet parents want products with simple ingredients, fewer artificial materials, and a longer lifespan. Natural chews often seem to tick all those boxes, but that doesn’t mean they’re all right for your dog. Understanding the differences between natural chews for your dog can help you make safer, more informed decisions. This blog will cover how to pick natural dog chews, including why...
Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: Saying ‘Hello!’ (September 28, 2026)
In this article View 10 moreShow less Welcome to our Dogster Weekly Photo Contest, where every other Monday we pick the best three photos from our readers, based on that week’s topic. This week’s topic was “Saying ‘Hello!’”, and we received some amazing photos from you. And although every dog is wonderful, we had to pick our winners. Congratulations, and thanks to everyone who submitted their dogs to our photo contest! Next topic is: “Best Derp Face”. Do you want to have a chance to get...
Gua Sha for Dogs
TL;DR Gua Sha is an ancient Chinese healing practice that involves gently scraping the skin with a smooth tool. It’s been adapted for dogs to help boost circulation, ease muscle tension, and promote overall wellness. While it can be a helpful complementary therapy, always check in with your vet before trying it on your dog. What Is Gua Sha? Gua Sha has roots that go back thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The term roughly translates to “scraping sand.” Basically, it involves using a smooth-edged tool...
‘STRONGER TOGETHER’: Battersea Dogs Home & Global Alliance For Rabies Control Collaboration To Eliminate Rabies
This World Rabies Day (28 September, 2026), under the theme ‘Stronger Together’, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) are highlighting how collaboration is helping prevent rabies in South Africa, where two organisations have joined forces to vaccinate more than 4,000 dogs and cats across nine communities. South Africa is one of five countries – including the UK – supported by Battersea’s Global Programmes work. This provides training and strategic funding to strengthen...
Dogs Dream Like Us Humans
There’s a moment every dog lover can relate to. Mr. Fido slumped on the floor, fast asleep. You can’t help but smile and wonder, what could you possibly be dreaming about, you good being!? Well, science has a lovely answer, one that brings us even closer to these furry friends who already feel like family. The Science Just like us, dogs go through different stages of sleep, including REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, the phase where vivid dreaming happens. When they enter REM, their brain activity resembles ours quite a bit: heart...
Healed by a Dog Called Scar
“It’s just a dog.” When I hear those words, I wish they knew that, deep down, Scar is not just a dog to me. He is my entire world. Scar is my amazing dog partner, my teammate, my source of happiness, and the reason I am who I am today. Looking back over the last six years, I truly cannot imagine where I would be without him. img]:my-0 [&>img]:block [&>img]:w-full [&>img]:h-auto [&>img]:rounded-xl [&>a>img]:my-0 [&>a>img]:block [&>a>img]:w-full...
Vitamin and Mineral Optimization in Dogs
Vitamins and minerals are crucial for your dog’s health, impacting everything from their immune system to their bones. While most commercial dog foods cover these needs, certain meals or health issues might create gaps. Always consult your vet before adding any supplements. Why vitamins and minerals matter for your dog? You put in a lot of effort to keep your pup happy, walking them, giving belly rubs, and showering them with affection. But have you ever thought about what might be lacking in their food? Some vitamins and...
The Sloppy Truth: Why Dogs Love Licking Faces
A dog licking a person’s face can be sweet, funny, or decidedly unpleasant, depending on the timing and the recipient. It is also one of those everyday dog behaviors that can leave people wondering what is actually going on. Dogs use their mouths to explore and communicate with the world around them, so a face lick can have several different meanings. Sometimes it is a social gesture. Other times, a dog may simply like the taste or be looking for attention. Understanding the reason behind the behavior can make those enthusiastic kisses...
15 Natural Ways to Reduce Your Cat’s Risk of Infectious Diseases
TL;DR Keeping your cat healthy doesn’t always have to rely on medications. There are plenty of natural, everyday ways to boost your cat’s immune system and reduce their risk of getting sick. From what they eat to how you manage stress, this guide shares some simple but effective tips to help keep your furry friend safe from infectious diseases. Why a strong immune system matters? Infectious diseases can vary in severity for cats, ranging from mild annoyances to serious threats. Viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites are all risks...
A New Chapter for Animal Welfare: PAWS Shelter of Central Texas & Hays County Pets Alive!
Sep 22, 2026 We are thrilled to announce an exciting new chapter for animal welfare in Hays County!. PAWS Shelter of Central Texas (PAWS) and Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) are joining forces to save more lives. This partnership ensures the continuation of the vital lifesaving work that PAWS has championed for decades, now bolstered by the specialized resources and support of APA!. This collaboration was born from a shared commitment to the health of animal welfare in our region. Earlier this summer, leadership of the Board of Directors at PAWS...
Fleas vs. Ticks: What Every Dog Parent Should Know
Fleas and ticks are pesky parasites that can harm your dog and even impact your family’s health. Although they require different strategies, prevention plans are your best defense against both. Be sure to chat with your vet about what’s right for your dog. If you’ve got a dog, you’ve probably heard a lot about fleas and ticks. These little pests aren’t just annoying; they can lead to serious health issues for your pup, and sometimes even for you. While fleas and ticks are quite different, knowing how to tackle...
Old Dog, New Clues: What Canine Blood Reveals About Aging
In this article View 10 moreShow less Every dog owner knows that aging changes a dog in visible ways. The muzzle turns gray, the pace of a walk slows, and a favorite game may become a little less energetic. But some of the most interesting signs of aging are starting long before they can be seen, and scientists are now looking inside dogs’ blood for those clues. A recent study found that certain metabolites, small molecules produced during normal biological processes, were associated with mortality in dogs. Even more intriguing,...
The Honest Kitchen – Pioneers of Human Grade Dehydrated Pet Food
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Ask Dr. Paola – HELP! My Deaf Dog Barks in Her Kennel All Night! (September 21, 2026)
Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our readers better understand their dog’s health and well-being. Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned dog lover, Dr. Paola is here to provide answers to your most pressing questions. From nutrition tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral issues, Dr. Paola is ready to offer insights that will keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Stay tuned for expert guidance...
A Guide to Gut Biotics in Dogs
TL;DR Your dog’s gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that impact everything from digestion to mental health. There are different types of “biotics” that can help support your dog’s gut health, probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, parabiotics, synbiotics, and psychobiotics. Each type plays a unique role in keeping your pup healthy. Have you ever thought about what’s happening inside your dog’s gut? When people talk about “gut health,” they often think of a happy tummy. But your dog’s...
Enzyme-Based Natural Dental Care for Dogs
Enzyme-based dental care products can be a great, natural way to help keep your dog’s teeth healthy. These products break down plaque before it turns into tartar. While they’re a nice addition to your dog’s dental care routine, they work best alongside regular brushing and professional cleanings. Always check with your vet before starting anything new for your dog’s dental health. Surprisingly, research shows that around 80-90% of dogs over three years old have some type of periodontal disease. That’s pretty...
The Dogster Digital Magazine: Fall 2026 Issue
Amanda is a Senior Content Manager with Dogster located in Alberta, Canada. With four babies, two fur gals, and two human boys, life is never short of fun, cuddles, and of course, pet hair. When she’s not blogging about the antics of her pets, you’ll likely find her with a suspenseful audiobook playing in her ears or cooking, crafting, and sporting with her littles. Source:...
