Helping Our Neighbors Affected by Devastating Floods in Kerr County
Jul 04, 2025 *THIS BLOG WILL BE UPDATED REGULARLY DURING THIS EMERGENCY RESPONSE. The Situation: The Guadalupe River is overflooded and has caused loss of life and devastation in Kerr County. There will be a lot of pets hurt and displaced during this, and our support is needed. Our team is already in Kerrville, providing medical care onsite and transporting animals to APA!. We will be working with Kerrville Pets Alive! over the next several days and, if possible, bringing more pets from the Kerr County shelter. This will allow...
The Survey Says: Try Ashwagandha for Gut Health and Healthy Aging!
A new study confirms yet another benefit of KSM-66 Ashwagandha: for gut health and healthy aging in dogs and cats! You do all you can to keep furry family members healthy and comfortable—especially as they age. Most routines for animals in their golden years involve supplements, a healthy diet, and gentle exercise, but what if there were more you could do to support your senior fur baby? A new study has found that ashwagandha root extract supports gut health and healthy aging in older dogs, making it an ideal addition to every...
Nurturing Your Connection with Your Dog
Every dog brings joy and companionship. But real emotional connection matters more than mere presence. A secure relationship enhances well-being; insecurity leads to distress. Understanding how to nurture this bond can transform your life and your dog’s. Emotional Security Feeling secure in your relationship fosters happiness. Many find comfort in their dog’s presence, but anxiety about separation creates tension. Research shows that a strong connection reduces feelings of loneliness and depression. Regular interactions alone...
Tips to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) cause discomfort, frequent urination, and distress in dogs. These infections arise when harmful bacteria cling to the urinary tract walls, leading to inflammation and pain. Female dogs, seniors, and those with underlying conditions face higher risks. Left unchecked, UTIs can escalate to serious kidney problems. Strategies for UTI prevention in dogs can protect your dog’s quality of life, sparing them from repeated antibiotics and discomfort. The good news? You hold the power to keep their urinary system...
You Have the Same Obesity Genes as Your Labrador Friend
Recent University of Cambridge research reveals striking similarities between Labrador and human weight gain genes. The DENND1B gene influences brain pathways controlling appetite and metabolism in both species. This finding explains why some Labradors show increased food-seeking behaviors and higher body fat percentages. The Science Behind Your Dog’s Appetite Scientists analyzed DNA from 200+ Labradors and found five shared obesity genes with humans. The strongest gene, DENND1B, affects the leptin melanocortin pathway. This brain...
Could CBD Oil Give Your Dog Pain-Free Steps in Osteoarthritis
Arthritis can be a distressful condition for dogs making them struggle due to stiff joints and limited movement. You don’t want such conditions to gnaw at priceless canine joy. A natural remedy may have the answer: CBD oil. This plant-derived compound may offer relief by easing pain and inflammation, helping dogs reclaim their mobility and zest for life. How CBD Oil Targets Osteoarthritis Pain and Inflammation Osteoarthritis inflames joints and wears down cartilage, causing chronic pain and stiffness. CBD interacts with the dog’s...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Calm canines for the Fourth of July, Community Conversations and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Community celebrates Independence Day by ‘Calming the Canines’ at their local shelterSince Fourth of July is a stressful time for shelter pets, we’re republishing this blog from 2018. Here’s how one shelter kept their dogs calm during fireworks. It was the Fourth of July, and both of the shelters run by Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) were full. Fireworks displays, a notorious trigger for… Learn More The May...
Fido Is What Fido Eats
Fido’s vitality, mood, and longevity hinge on his diet. Avicenna, the polymath, first emphasized the notion that what we consume, deeply affects our health and being. Later, Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, and then Ludwig Andreas Feuerbach popularized the dogma: We are what we eat. Applying this to the furry world, the philosophy remains the same. What Fido eats is the foundation of his health, influencing every wag and bound. So, we come to the conclusion that it’s quite important to give thoughtful consideration to what...
A Day in the Life of Me: Honey Bun the Shelter Queen
Jun 26, 2025 Hey there, future human. It’s me, Honey Bun — yes, the Honey Bun. You might’ve heard about me. Smart, independent, loyal, and if I’m being honest, a bit of a diva (but in a good way). I’m here to give you the inside scoop on what my best day ever looks like — and maybe, just maybe, convince you that your couch needs a little extra sparkle. (Spoiler: it’s me. I’m the sparkle — just ask my foster.) 🌞 Mornings Done Right: Sunshine, Sniffs, and Breakfast The perfect day...
What You Need to Know About Toxoplasma Gondii Infection in Cats
Toxoplasma gondii hides quietly within many cats, often without causing obvious illness. Yet, this microscopic parasite carries a risk that extends beyond your feline companion. Cats serve as the only hosts where T. gondii can reproduce sexually, shedding infectious oocysts into the environment through their feces. These oocysts can contaminate soil, water, and surfaces, posing infection risks to humans and other animals. Detecting this parasite early prevents the silent spread and protects everyone around your cat. Why Testing Matters...
Understanding Gallbladder Mucocele in Dogs
A gallbladder mucocele forms when thickened bile and mucus accumulate inside the gallbladder, causing it to swell and sometimes block bile flow. This buildup creates pressure that can damage the gallbladder wall, risking rupture and severe complications like bile leakage into the abdomen. Though the exact cause remains unclear, certain dog breeds such as Shelties and Cocker Spaniels face higher risks. Endocrine disorders including Cushing’s disease and hypothyroidism also increase vulnerability. This condition often sneaks in quietly,...
The Four Horsemen of Canine Health
Dogs fill our lives with boundless energy and unconditional love. But the four horsemen of canine health can silently chip away at their vitality. These four chronic diseases stand out as the most common culprits stealing comfort and happiness from countless dogs. Recognizing these conditions early and managing them appropriately can restore their zest for life. Arthritis Arthritis affects many dogs, especially larger breeds and seniors. This chronic inflammation destroys the cartilage cushioning their joints, leading to stiffness, pain, and...
When Canine Chewing Turns Destructive
The behavioral problem of destructive chewing in dogs can be a cumbersome process to deal with. Yet, chewing is a natural behavior, a language dogs use to explore, relieve stress, or soothe teething pain. Understanding why chewing turns destructive unlocks the path to addressing the issue. The Emotional Roots Behind Chewing Frenzies Dogs chew for many reasons: curiosity, boredom, anxiety, or even discomfort from dental issues. Puppies especially use chewing to learn about their world and ease teething pain. When left without enough...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: CARE’s REDI course, Hero Awards and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Take CARE’s Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) course for just $19In honor of Juneteenth, Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity’s (CARE’s) Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) Bronze course is available for just $19. The REDI Copper & VetREDI is also available with a 19% discount (June 19-July 31, 2025). REDI Bronze Individual $19 with coupon: JuneteenthREDIBronze25 VetREDI for Students/Non-Profits $80.19 with...
Tui Na for dog endurance training
Boost your dog’s endurance this spring with Tui Na, an ancient Chinese acupressure-massage technique. The days are getting longer, the weather warming up. It’s the perfect time to help your dog build endurance for outdoor activities. Are you gearing up for long walks, hikes, or runs? Enhancing your dog’s stamina benefits both his health and well-being. Let’s explore how Tui Na for dog endurance training can help improve your best friend’s resilience. Canine conditioning for building endurance If you...
How To Raise a Puppy to Make Her Smarter than Average
Every dog lover would be happy to raise a puppy who’s not only obedient but impressively smart. Intelligence in dogs isn’t just about tricks; it’s about creating a foundation where curiosity, learning, and emotional balance thrive. Here’s how to nurture a puppy into an above-average smart dog with practical strategies. Spark Curiosity with Enriching Experiences A puppy’s brain blossoms when exposed to diverse stimuli. Introduce new sights, sounds, and textures daily. Take walks in varied environments, let your...
Essential oils for dogs: health, happiness, and safety tips
Aromatherapy can powerfully support your dog’s well-being. Discover the benefits of essential oils and how to use them safely with your canine companion. Aromatherapy is a popular complementary therapy for humans and dogs. When done properly, it can help your canine feel calmer and better. This article looks at how to use essential oils for dogs: health, happiness, and safety tips. We’ll cover the benefits of aromatherapy for dogs, what different essential oils can do, and how to use them properly. Your dog’s...
Control Your Dog’s Blood Sugar Holistically
Dogs can have blood sugar swings, which does not bode well for their health. These swings can lead to diabetes, hypoglycemia, or hyperglycemia. Nature offers holistic solutions. Ancient spices and herbs do more than flavor your kitchen—they support healthy blood sugar regulation in dogs, especially those facing diabetes challenges. Adding these spices and herbs thoughtfully to meals can slow sugar absorption, enhance insulin sensitivity, and protect cells from damage. Another important thing you can do to control your dog’s sugar...
Only Give Your Dog or Cat Ashwagandha That Meets These 7 Essential Criteria!
The best and most effective ashwagandha for dogs and cats meets rigorous clinical and quality standards. That’s why KSM-66 Ashwagandha is the only kind you should trust for your furry companions! Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb known for helping the body manage stress. Celebrated in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, it’s now gaining popularity among pet parents for its many health benefits, including supporting stress relief, immunity, heart health, digestion, cognition, energy, and more. But when it comes to animal...
Take CARE’s Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) course for just $19
In honor of Juneteenth, Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity’s (CARE’s) Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) Bronze course is available for just $19. The REDI Copper & VetREDI is also available with a 19% discount (June 19-July 31, 2025). REDI Bronze Individual $19 with coupon: JuneteenthREDIBronze25 VetREDI for Students/Non-Profits $80.19 with coupon: JuneteenthVetREDI25 REDI Copper Individual $28.35 with coupon: JuneteenthREDICopper25 Please note, this coursework is not designed to...
