Facts about Canine Obesity
Canine obesity is a pressing issue affecting millions of dogs across the country. Recent research from Texas A&M University reveals startling facts about dog breeds, environments, and food motivation. Understanding these factors empowers caregivers to take proactive steps for their furry companions’ health. The Breed Factor: More Than Just Looks Some breeds face higher risks of obesity due to their natural tendencies. Sporting breeds, like Labrador and Golden retrievers, exhibit heightened food motivation. These beloved companions...
Coming this Monday: The return of Weekly Community Conversations!
After a brief summer break, Weekly Community Conversations will return on Monday, August 4 with How Public-Private Partnerships Expand Access to Care. Jessica Lopez (Executive Director/Founder, The Paw Mission) and Kristine Watson, MPA (Director, City of San Bernardino Animal Services) will lead the conversation. They join us from San Bernardino County where they are joining efforts to address the access to care challenges experienced county-wide. San Bernardino is the largest county in the U.S., and faces inequities that...
Understanding Fibrocartilaginous Embolism: A Matter of Your Dog’s Spinal Health
Fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) poses a significant risk to the spinal health of dogs, especially large breeds aged three to seven years. This condition arises when a fragment of fibrous cartilage breaks off from an intervertebral disc and enters the bloodstream. This blockage deprives the spinal cord of essential blood flow, leading to sudden neurological deficits. Signs of FCE include weakness, difficulty walking, and loss of bladder control. Recognizing these symptoms early can play a crucial role in your dog’s recovery. Immediate...
Why Is My Dog Sneezing?
Sneezing in dogs is a phenomenon that needs attention. While those cute occasional sneezes are benign, persistent sneezing can be a sign of underlying issues. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior helps ensure your furry friend stays healthy. The Causes Behind the Sneeze Many factors trigger sneezing. Environmental irritants like dust or pollen can cause brief episodes. Some breeds, such as French bulldogs and pugs, are more susceptible due to their unique facial structures. This predisposition can lead to more frequent sneezing as...
Crunchy Vs. Chewy Dog Treats: How to TREAT Your Dog Right!
Dog treats come in a variety of textures and styles, but is one better than the other? In the battle between crunchy and chewy dog treats, there’s only one true winner: your dog! Let’s explore the benefits of each and why your pup might love both. Treats aren’t just for spoiling your dog—they’re also valuable tools for training, reinforcing good behavior, and even adding some extra nutrients to your dog’s diet. The best treats are high in quality, packed with real food ingredients, and enticing enough to...
Elevate your dog body language knowledge with August’s Maddie’s Monthly Foster Connection
If you’re looking to bring new ideas to your organizations’ foster program, look no further than Maddie’s® Monthly Foster Connection. This monthly webcast held on the first Thursday of the month at 12PM PT/3PM ET is an opportunity to discuss successful foster innovations and programs, collaborate with others in the field, answer questions and talk through complex foster-related issues. The next webcast takes place on August 7, 2025 where speaker Devan Amundsen, CPDT-KA CBCC-KA, Principal, Animal Welfare United, will...
Medicinal mushrooms for dogs and cats with cancer
Did you know immune-boosting medicinal mushrooms can help prevent and treat cancer in dogs and cats? The word “cancer” sends shivers down any dog or cat parent’s spine. While it’s a daunting diagnosis, nature provides safe options that help with prevention and treatment. Emerging research shows that functional fungi, or medicinal mushrooms, could provide one of the best solutions. Medicinal mushrooms are packed with compounds that fortify metabolism and immune function, making them a powerful ally against cancer....
How Your Dog Can Help You Manage Stress
Imagine walking into a stressful situation, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on you. Now picture your loyal companion by your side, tail wagging, ready to help. A recent study about dogs and stress management from the University of Denver reveals the profound impact dogs have on managing stress, offering more than mere comfort. The Stress Epidemic In today’s fast-paced life, over one-third of U.S. adults report feeling overwhelmed. This statistic highlights a growing concern about mental well-being. As stress levels rise,...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Fall Instructor-Led Courses, foster recruitment and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Weigh in on these hot Maddie’s Pet Forum posts!Does your animal shelter use tattoo equipment? Or have experience in dealing with heartworm cases in an economical way? Maybe you have shareable ideas about how to increase the visibility of adoptable dogs? All of these topics and more are being discussed on Maddie’s® Pet Forum! See below for some of the recent threads, and… Learn More Want to place 50% or more of your pets in foster homes? Take a...
Holistic Health Care Promises a Longer, Healthier Life for Your Furry Companion
Caring for a beloved companion involves more than just routine check-ups. Holistic animal care offers a perspective that emphasizes overall approach to the health and happiness of your furry friend. You have the power to enhance your furry friend’s quality of life. Embracing Holistic Treatments Holistic treatments provide a comprehensive approach to health. Acupuncture, for instance, promotes healing by stimulating specific points on the body. Many caregivers have reported remarkable improvements in their dog or cat’s mobility and...
Meet Elk Velvet Antler: Nature’s Perfect Supplement!
Pet supplements should contain beneficial natural ingredients that support whole-body health, including elk velvet antler, nature’s perfect supplement. Elk velvet antler (EVA) is a unique and renewable supplement that offers a wide range of health benefits for dogs and cats. Harvested humanely from male elk, this natural resource is rich in many beneficial nutrients that support vitality, joint health, flexibility, muscle strength, and more. Let’s learn more about why EVA is nature’s perfect supplement, and meet the original...
Building a Stronger Bond Through Quality Time with Your Dog
Every dog deserves more than basic care. Spending quality time with dogs is important because they thrive on emotional engagement. They need more than walks and meals; they seek connection. Spending quality time fosters trust and strengthens the bond. This interaction fulfills their emotional needs, promoting a happier, healthier life. Understanding Separation Anxiety Many dogs experience distress when left alone. This separation anxiety leads to behaviors like barking or destructive chewing. Understanding this condition starts with...
What Your Cat’s Unique Sounds Can Teach You About Feline Communication
Learn more about feline communication and what your cat’s noises really mean! Have you ever wondered what your cat is saying with their meows, purrs, and chirps? Cats can be a bit elusive, but their sounds can tell you a lot about their world. Each sound, from a gentle trill to a loud yowl, has an important meaning. The more you can learn to listen and observe, the closer you may grow to your cat. Let’s look at feline communication and what different cat sounds mean. Decoding Your Cat’s Common Sounds Cats developed some of...
Weigh in on these hot Maddie’s Pet Forum posts!
Does your animal shelter use tattoo equipment? Or have experience in dealing with heartworm cases in an economical way? Maybe you have shareable ideas about how to increase the visibility of adoptable dogs? All of these topics and more are being discussed on Maddie’s® Pet Forum! See below for some of the recent threads, and be sure to weigh in if you can. Don’t forget, there’s $3,000 in participation grants given away each month! Recent discussion threads: Tattoo equipment: This post share’s that New York...
When Your Cat Turns Away From the Bowl: Feeding Challenges and Solutions
Helen Keller was of the opinion that we could never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world. Watching a beloved cat refuse food is also one of those no joy moments. However, as a cat parent, solving all your feline child problems is a responsibility — and feeding difficulties in cats are not to be taken lightly. Feeding difficulties can affect feline health. Understanding why cats hesitate at mealtime empowers swift and appropriate action. Why Does My Cat Stop Eating? Cats rarely eat when unwell, making...
9 Amazing Ways All-Natural KSM-66 Ashwagandha Supports Pet Health!
Here are 9 powerful ways all-natural KSM-66 Ashwagandha can change our dog and cat’s health for the better, just by adding it to their diet. Ashwagandha is an ancient adaptogenic herb with many health benefits for modern dogs and cats. Its wide-ranging benefits make it a powerful addition to any dog’s or cat’s daily diet. But what exactly is it about this adaptogenic herb that makes it so effective? All-natural KSM-66 Ashwagandha is a high-quality, root-only extract known for its high potency and safety. It contains a unique...
Natural remedies for UTIs in dogs
Does your dog seem prone to UTIs? Check out the common causes and symptoms, along with natural solutions like cranberry, probiotics, and more. Frequent urination, accidents in the house, and blood in your dog’s pee may indicate a urinary tract infection. These signs require prompt attention. In this article, we’ll focus on the causes and symptoms, along with natural remedies for UTIs in dogs. What can cause a UTI in your dog? Dogs get urinary tract infections when bacteria such as E. coli enter their urinary tract. A UTI affects...
Protecting Puppies and Kittens Starts with Proper Shelter Training
Jul 22, 2025 How APA!’s Training and Education Center is Fighting Preventable Diseases and Saving Lives Every year, thousands of puppies and kittens arrive at animal shelters across the country, full of potential and in need of care. But for many of them, the threat of deadly—yet preventable—diseases like parvovirus and panleukopenia is dangerously close. At Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), we’re on a mission to change that. Through our Training and Education Center, we’re providing essential knowledge and hands-on...
Is Your Dog Shaking Its Head Because of Earwax?
Seeing your dog shake its head repeatedly can be concerning. This canine behavior can indicate discomfort or health issues, especially related to ear health. Understanding the reasons behind this action is crucial for ensuring your furry friend’s well-being. Understanding the Causes of Head Shaking Frequent head shaking may signal ear infections, excessive earwax, or ear mites. Dogs naturally produce earwax, but too much buildup can lead to irritation. Symptoms such as scratching at the ears, tilting the head, or unpleasant odors...
Regenerative medicine for dogs and cats – Part 2
Want to slow the aging process in your animal companion? Part two of this article focuses on therapeutic options used in regenerative medicine, and how they promote better health and longevity. Regenerative medicine is making headlines for its healing potential in dogs, cats, and humans. In the first part of this article (AW, Winter 24/25), we examined how it works and why it’s making waves in how we care for our animal companions. Now we’ll explore in detail some of the therapeutic options used in regenerative...
