Ask Dr. Paola: Monday December 16, 2024
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...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Behavior modification plans webcast, removing barriers and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Staying flexible with behavior modification plansDo you adjust your training and modification plans to account for location and environmental variation? Then join us on December 19 at 12PM PT/3PM ET for Maddie’s® Monthly Behavior Connection. In “Behavior Modification Plans,” attendees will benefit from certified clinical animal behaviorist Tom Candy’s extensive experience in the UK Shelter Network. You’ll learn how to incorporate...
Organ Meats – Superfoods for Dogs and Cats
Packed with vital nutrients, organ meats such as liver, kidney and heart can add a rich array of health benefits to your animal’s diet. In the wild, a carnivore receives balanced nutrition by consuming a prey animal. Inside that rabbit, squirrel or mouse are naturally balanced proportions of flesh, bones, pre-digested vegetation —and organs. The latter provides a necessary array of nutrients for dogs and cats, yet the diets we feed our companion animals often contain a limited quantity of organ meat. Truth is, organ meats canbe...
Is Kodah Depressed? Cracking the Kodah Code
Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred. When we adopted Kodah at 11 weeks old, we were expecting a German Shepherd. That meant that we were expecting a loyal, intelligent, loving dog, who would occasionally scream the house down and keep a watchful eye on the neighbors, delivery drivers, and windblown leaves. What we didn’t expect was that he would turn out to be more than just a little bit Malinois. We later found out that the people he came...
Safety Tips for Dog-Friendly Decorations in the Holiday Season
The holiday season is a magical time filled with joy, but it can also present various hazards for your furry friend. Ensuring your home is dog-friendly while still festive is key to a safe and enjoyable holiday for all. Here are some practical tips to help you decorate your home safely, keeping your dog away from potential dangers. Choosing Safe Decorations When selecting holiday decorations, prioritize safety. Opt for shatterproof ornaments instead of glass ones. These durable alternatives are less likely to cause injury if they fall or get...
Dogster Photo Contest: Dogs of the Week Winners (December 12, 2024)
Click to Skip Ahead This Week’s Winner Name: Piki Breed: Chihuahua Fun Fact: She love to ride on my shoulders everywhere. Cutest Name: Samantha Breed: Yellow Labrador Retriever Fun Fact: Now 11 years old, a real sweetheart. Lovable, gentle and full of playfulness, still. She was a rescue. Most Expressive Name: Chewie Breed: Tibetan Terrier Fun Fact: Chewie is 14 and a cancer survivor. He also has Cushing’s disease and is hard of hearing, but that doesn’t stop him being the lovable rogue that he is. When younger, he starred...
Holistic Care for Cats Recovering from Surgery: A Gentle Path to Healing
Surgery can be a daunting experience for your feline friend, but the right holistic care can make their recovery smoother and less stressful. By integrating natural remedies and supportive practices into your cat’s post-surgery care, you can promote faster healing. Take a look at seven approaches that provide holistic care for cats recovering from surgery. Nutrient-Rich Diet Providing a balanced, nutrient-rich diet is essential for your cat’s recovery. High-quality proteins, antioxidants, and vitamins are crucial for tissue repair...
Staying flexible with behavior modification plans
Do you adjust your training and modification plans to account for location and environmental variation? Then join us on December 19 at 12PM PT/3PM ET for Maddie’s® Monthly Behavior Connection. In “Behavior Modification Plans,” attendees will benefit from certified clinical animal behaviorist Tom Candy’s extensive experience in the UK Shelter Network. You’ll learn how to incorporate factors related to the dog and the environment into your behavior modification plans, to create a happier dog. Candy...
Roeckl Sports Winter Glove Review 2024: Keeping Your Dog-Walking Hands Fashionably Warm
Click to Skip Ahead Our Final Verdict We give Roeckl Winter Gloves an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Quality: 5/5 Variety: 4.8/5 Materials: 5/5 Comfort: 5/5 Warmth: 5/5 Ease of Use: 4.9/5 Eco-friendliness: 5/5 Winter has come – at least, in some parts of the world! Bitter chills and snow quickly replaced hot summer days in many places. I work a lot with my hands, especially where my dog and horse are concerned, and the years of abuse to my hands result in my tendons hurting a lot the moment it starts to get cold. Wearing gloves...
Chamomile: A Natural Remedy for Soothing Skin Irritations in Cats
Cats often develop skin irritations that can make them uncomfortable and agitated. One powerful yet gentle solution is chamomile, an herb renowned for its calming and healing properties. Understanding how chamomile can benefit your cat’s skin health can help you provide them with natural and effective relief. The Healing Properties of Chamomile Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a well-known medicinal herb that has been used for centuries. Its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties make it an excellent choice for...
The Time We Fostered a Baby Goat: Mac & Rosa’s New Bouncy Friend
Welcome to the Wednesday Dogs of Dogster! Every Wednesday, we share a story from one of our Dogsters. This week is about Nicole and her two rescue dogs, Mac and Rosa. If I had my way, I’d have a zoo full of rescue animals, though if you asked my husband, he’d say I already have my wish. He’s not entirely wrong; having two rescue dogs, a rescue cat, and a toddler (and a husband) definitely feels like a zoo some days! Jokes aside, because we travel often, we have held off getting any other animals because that makes going away...
Considering Calming Supplements for Your Dog? Look for These 3 Ingredients
Calming supplements can be game-changing for dogs who frequently experience stress and anxiety. Let’s examine three ingredients you should look for in calming supplements for your dog and one product that has them all! Does your dog turn tail and run at the sound of fireworks or thunder? Or maybe they instinctively know when it’s time for a vet visit and hide before you even get the leash out? Some dogs regularly experience stress and anxiety, which can impact their behavior, temperament, eating habits, and relationships with...
Freeze Warning Issued For Austin, Keep Pets Safe
Dec 10, 2024 Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) and the Hays County Pet Resource Center are here with tips to help you keep your pets comfortable as we move into freezing temperatures overnight.Follow these tips to ensure your pets stay cozy: Bring your pet inside: If you keep your dogs outside, let them inside your home. Drastic temperature changes are challenging for pets and humans, so helping them stay warm in your home is helpful. Make an enclosure for community cats: You can help keep community cats safe by using boxes or plastic bins to...
Human Animal Support Services (HASS) Announces New Field Services Toolkits to be Included within HASS Playbook
The new resources were developed in partnership with NACA and other field services experts to create a united standard of care (AUSTIN, TX) December 10, 2024–Human Animal Support Services (HASS), an international project bridging the gap between human and animal welfare, announced today the inclusion of 11 new toolkits to the HASS Playbook. Developed in partnership with the National Animal Care Association (NACA) and other animal welfare industry experts within field services, the new resources aim to provide shelters with...
6 reasons to add Minnesota wild rice to your dog’s diet
Learn why adding Minnesota wild rice to your dog’s diet supports digestion, weight management, sustained energy, and overall health. Some grains, such as wild rice, have numerous health benefits for dogs, so they’re a great addition to prepared pet foods. Minnesota wild rice in your dog’s diet, in particular, is great for dogs. It’s a sustainable grain that’s highly nutritious, with a nutty flavor and more protein than other wild rice varieties. Here are six reasons to consider adding this healthy, tasty grain to...
Would You Like to Psychically Communicate With Your Dog? Renowned Animal Communicator Danielle MacKinnon Launches New Masterclass
Have you ever wanted to communicate on a deeper level with your dog? Or have you wished to understand your dog’s behaviors, emotions, or even their unspoken messages better? If so, Danielle MacKinnon’s new course might be exactly what you’re looking for. A globally recognized soul-level animal communicator, MacKinnon is launching a groundbreaking online program, Soul Level Animal Communication 101 + PLUS, in January 2025, designed to help animal lovers unlock their intuitive connection with animals. The team at Dogster has...
Supporting Your Dog’s Immune System with Echinacea
As our loving companions, dogs rely on us to ensure their health and well-being. One powerful way to support your dog’s immune system is through the use of Echinacea, a renowned herb with a history of medicinal use. This blog covers the benefits of Echinacea and how it can enhance your dog’s health. The Power of Echinacea Echinacea, also known as the purple coneflower, has been used for centuries to boost the immune system. Native to North America, this herb is well known for its ability to enhance the body’s natural...
What’s one change you’ve made to remove a barrier and how has it helped pets find homes or receive care?
As we continue celebrating Maddie’s Fund®‘s 30th anniversary, we’re taking a moment this December to share success stories of removing barriers. This month on Maddie’s® Pet Forum, we’re reflecting on the power of breaking down barriers in animal well-being to create lasting connections between pets and people. From simplifying adoption processes to creating barrier-free foster programs, removing obstacles can transform lives-not just for pets, but for the communities that care for them. What’s more,...
What Should I Get My Dog for Christmas? 25 Pawfect Ideas
Click to Skip Ahead Whether it’s your dog’s first Christmas with you or their fifth, you want to spoil them with gifts for the holiday just as much as anyone else in the family. But what should you get your pet for the holidays? Your pup probably already has everything they need, and you can only have so many toys in the home before people start tripping over them constantly! If you’re unsure what to get your pup for Christmas this year, we got you covered. We gathered 25 pawfect Christmas gift ideas for dogs, which include...
13 Hanukkah Gifts for Dogs & Dog Lovers In 2024
Click to Skip Ahead Hanukkah may not be a time to traditionally give gifts to your dog. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t pamper your pooch on this special day. That said, you will need to get a bit creative, as there aren’t that many dog-themed Hanukkah gifts out there! Luckily, you aren’t confined to only purchasing Hanukkah-themed gifts. Anything that your dog would like, like a fresh bag of treats or a new toy, is a great option. Dog lovers in your life may also love for you to purchase fun gifts for them...
