Helping dogs recover from natural disaster trauma
When natural disasters strike, dogs can suffer a lot of emotional trauma. Get expert advice on recognizing the signs and helping your dog recover. From floods to wildfires, natural disasters are becoming more frequent. They claim lives – human and animal — and cause untold damage. Even after the emergency ends and cleanup begins, the trauma of living through a disaster lingers — for our dogs as well as for us. Humans have access to resources that help them through the emotional stress of a natural disaster. But what...
Why do cats like to climb?
Cats are hard-wired to climb. Explore the reasons behind your cat’s love for high places and how to keep him safe while satisfying this natural urge. We’ve heard of cats being stuck up trees or poles and needing rescue. They may have been scared by predators, but also, cats just love to climb. Even a kitten will try to scale your curtains or furniture. Why do cats like to climb? Let’s find out, and how you can satisfy this instinct while keeping your kitty safe. Climbing is in your cat’s DNA Firstly, your cat...
Are Your Dog’s Gums Pale? It’s a Health Warning
Your dog’s gums should appear a healthy salmon pink. Pale gums in dogs signal potential health issues. Regular checks can identify problems early. Familiarize yourself with your dog’s normal gum color. This simple habit empowers you to act swiftly if something seems off. If your furry companion resists, don’t force the issue. Instead, consult a veterinarian for guidance. Checking for Hydration and Circulation Assess hydration by feeling the gums. They should feel moist and slightly damp. Dry or sticky gums indicate...
Thinking of buying a pet cam?
A pet cam is a great way to keep tabs on your dog or cat when you’re away from home. Here are some tips to keep in mind when buying a pet cam. If you’re like most dog and cat parents, you don’t like leaving your animal companion home alone when you have to go out. What does your canine or feline friend get up to while you’re away? Is she safe and well? Pet cams are an increasingly popular way to keep an eye on our dogs and cats when we can’t be at home with them. This article takes a look at what to...
Break-In at APA!’s Town Lake Animal Center Leads to Dog Injuries, a Beloved Dog’s Death, and a Search for Missing Pets
Aug 14, 2025 Thursday afternoon update: The dogs missing at the time of our original message have been found. We’re grateful that most are okay and are heartbroken that this happened and that sadly one dog has passed. Our dogs, staff and volunteers are going to need time to recover and heal. We’ve been asked what people can do to help now(thank you). The answer to that is fostering. Please come in person or email [email protected]. We’d love help with both the dogs directly affected that could use a quieter place...
Common Drugs That Can Harm Cats and Dogs
Every caring guardian wants to relieve their cat or dog’s pain or illness swiftly. Yet, even the most seemingly harmless human medications hold dangers for these animals. For instance, acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen inflict severe toxicity in cats and dogs. Their bodies process drugs differently than humans, making many common medicines poison instead of cure. Cats especially lack the enzymes to break down certain drugs, causing rapid and often irreversible damage. Accidental ingestion can trigger symptoms like vomiting,...
Apply now for fall Instructor-Led Courses!
The application period of Instructor-Led Courses is now open! 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, 2025 at 2PM PT/5PM ET. Highlights of the fall session include: Maddie’s® Million Pet Challenge Shelter ConsultationsThis course covers the basic concepts when doing a holistic shelter...
Pica in Cats: Why It Matters
Pica describes the behavior where cats intentionally ingest non-food items. This troubling habit poses significant health risks. While some cats might accidentally swallow strange objects during play, persistent eating of inedible materials is alarming. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. These symptoms often indicate gastrointestinal irritation or even blockage, requiring urgent attention. The Genetic Link Certain cat breeds, especially Oriental varieties like Siamese and Burmese, are more prone to pica. Genetics may...
An Urgent Message from Dr. Jefferson: Austin, We Need You to Speak Up for Pregnant Cats and Dogs in Our Shelters – TODAY
Aug 12, 2025 Friends, I need to discuss something urgent with you, and we need you. Each of you. Starting Tomorrow, August 13, the Austin City Council will vote on a budget proposal (Agenda Item 19) that would allow spay procedures on pregnant shelter dogs and cats, even when safe, loving foster homes are ready and waiting to care for them. Let me be clear: This is not the cost-saving measure it is falsely proposed to be. It is a waste of taxpayer money, shelter kennel space, and expensive veterinary time to perform complex, risky, bloody...
The Regular Life-Saving Tests Every Dog and Cat Deserves
The joy of sharing life with a dog or cat comes with a solemn responsibility—their health depends on vigilance beyond visible signs. Many diseases lurk quietly, revealing themselves only when it’s too late. Routine diagnostic tests for dogs and cats are the secret arsenal to uncover hidden threats early, protecting a beloved companion’s future. Blood Work Regular blood tests, including a Complete Blood Count (CBC) and chemistry panels, offer an internal snapshot. These reveal anemia, infections, organ stress, and metabolic...
Shelter Animals Count releases 2025 mid-year report
Shelter Animals Count (SAC), a source for collecting and sharing credible and accessible data, released its 2025 Mid-Year Analysis. The report compares animal shelter intake and outcome data from January through June to prior years. Shelter Animals Count has introduced an advanced scientific model that elevates their ability to analyze and interpret data from animal shelters across the country. Leveraging cutting-edge machine learning technology, this new model enhances their commitment to providing meaningful insights and fostering...
Can Biohacking be Used to Enhance Dogs’ Life Beyond the Norm
Biohacking is a cousin of holistic care. It encompasses attempts to improve the condition of body and mind using science, drugs, or specific chemical substances such as nutrients and hormones. Imagine your loyal companion living with more energy, less discomfort, and an invigorated spirit. Biohacking has the potential to make that a reality. It’s an approach that nurtures dogs holistically by tuning into their unique biology. Fueling Vitality with Tailored Nutrition Just like people, dogs respond profoundly to...
Support Pet Health Safely and Naturally with Nature’s Best Source of Sialic Acid!
Is your dog’s or cat’s diet missing this crucial component? Learn about the best source of sialic acid and the myriad ways it supports pet health! When it comes to supporting pet health from the inside out, pet parents often overlook one powerful nutrient: sialic acid. As one of eight essential glyconutrients, sialic acid plays a vital role in cellular communication, immune regulation, and skin, joint, and brain health. Daily supplementation can help with allergies, itching, redness, and low energy. And the best source of sialic...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Apply now for Fall Instructor-Led Courses, Maddie’s Insights and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Apply now! Fall Online Instructor-Led Courses Looking to implement a new program, learn more about a specific subject and create positive change for pets and people in your community? Maddie’s Fund® Online Instructor-Led Courses provide an interactive educational opportunity for those who are looking to benefit from the wisdom of established innovative programs. Browse available courses now and apply today! Join us to discuss the impacts of...
Walking: The Ultimate Medicine for Your Dog’s Well-Being
Walking was called the man’s best medicine by Hippocrates. This medicine extends beyond humans; it applies to dogs too. Dogs thrive on movement, and walking enhances their overall wellness. The song ‘I Like to Move It, Move It’ was probably inspired by dogs. They like to move it and they would love it if you move with them. Each step taken together strengthens the bond between companion and canine, fostering happiness and trust. Regular walks provide numerous physical and mental health benefits. Physical Benefits of...
I Visited 3 Animal Shelters — Here’s What I Saw and What We DidÂ
Insights from the HASS Modern Adoption Process (MAP) Project Implementation Through my role as the Senior Education & Program Specialist for HASS, I recently had the opportunity to visit three animal shelters — different cities, different staff, different sizes — but one thing was the same everywhere: the people were doing everything they could for the animals. They were passionate, determined, and deeply committed to their communities. But they were also exhausted. The shelters were full. Staff were stretched thin....
What Your Dog Wishes You Knew
When you truly understand your dog, the barks, wags, and nuzzles becomes a bridge to their inner worlds. Dogs communicate feelings through subtle signals—licking, turning away, or soft eye expressions. Interacting with them with empathy, not judgment, strengthens trust and makes them feel safe. That safety is the foundation for happiness and well-being. Read Their Language to Strengthen Your Bond Dogs don’t misbehave out of stubbornness—they express discomfort or ask for space. Growling signals fear or unease, not defiance....
Apply tomorrow for an Instructor-Led Course!
Head back-to-school with one of our 10 Instructor-Led Courses! 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 period opens tomorrow, August 8 and closes on August 18, 2025. This fall marks the debut of one new class about developing your own kitten college! And for the first time, three popular courses will have two sections....
How to find a holistic cat groomer
Find a holistic cat groomer who values your kitty’s comfort and well-being. Get tips on what to look for, questions to ask, and how to ensure a stress-free grooming experience. Cats groom themselves well, but professional grooming can still help in some situations. This is particularly true for cats with long coats or older cats that struggle to reach certain areas. You might envision cat grooming as a howling kitty covered in shampoo and hesitate to visit a groomer. However, this is rarely the case. A holistic cat groomer can provide a...
What Every Cat Parent Should Know about Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
A once-vibrant feline companion slowly loses weight despite eating vigorously, leaving you puzzled and heartbroken. This subtle yet serious condition might be exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), where the pancreas falters in producing essential digestive enzymes. Without these enzymes, your cat’s body cannot properly break down food, leading to malnutrition and discomfort. EPI often hides behind vague symptoms Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in cats shows symptoms such as persistent weight loss, large-volume, greasy stools, a...
