Mistletoe for Cancer and Inflammation in Dogs: The Extract, Not the Plant
TL;DR Mistletoe extract has been explored in veterinary medicine for its immune-boosting and anti-tumor properties. However, the plant is also toxic to dogs. Always speak with a veterinarian before considering any mistletoe-based treatment for your dog. When most of us think of mistletoe, we think of holiday decorations hanging in doorways. But in integrative veterinary medicine, mistletoe has been getting attention for something interesting, its potential role in supporting dogs dealing with cancer and immune challenges. Let’s break it...
Two Old Dogs Who Rescued Each Other
I am not a sad person by nature. I have to admit to wrestling with melancholy from time to time, but generally, I am pretty happy. I was, however, a lonely person. I have great friends, but they have their lives and their obligations. My family is relatively scattered, living their own lives. My life, for the most part, consists of working and writing. I write a variety of things, including my thesis, which, when completed, will culminate in a Master’s degree in English Composition. I have also enjoyed a fairly rewarding second career...
Undiagnosed symptoms? Try an at-home microbiome test!
Microbiome imbalance can impact the entire body. Learn more about your fur baby’s gut health with an at-home microbiome test. The gut is home to a diverse community of microorganisms that play an important role in your dog’s or cat’s overall well-being. When this delicate ecosystem falls out of balance, it can disrupt normal gut function and potentially contribute to a variety of health concerns. Gut microbiome imbalances can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are so numerous. But a new at-home microbiome test...
New grant opportunity from our sibling organization
We are thrilled to share a monumental announcement from our sibling organization, the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation (DCDF). Thirty years ago, Dave and Cheryl Duffield founded Maddie’s Fund®, which has transformed the well-being of shelter pets. Today, they officially launched the Duffield Big Bet for Pets, a historic $250 million commitment over the next five years to expand access to veterinary care for family pets across the country. This new initiative focuses on a growing crisis for family pets – the lack of access...
How to Help Your Dog Detox Naturally
TL;DR Your dog’s body has a natural way of getting rid of harmful stuff. You can help out by ensuring they have clean water, a nutritious diet, probiotics, and by minimizing their exposure to harmful substances. Did you know your dog’s body is on a constant mission to cleanse itself? Just like us, dogs have organs that team up to eliminate harmful materials. The liver, kidneys, digestive system, and even the skin are all crucial players in this process. As a dog companion, there are simple daily actions you can take to lend a hand...
Do Dogs Get Embarrassed or Are They Just Well Trained?
You know the look your dog gives you: the lowered head, averted eyes, and sudden retreat that seems like an obvious reaction to having done something awkward or broken a rule. But appearances can be misleading, especially when it comes to canine emotions. So, do dogs ever really feel embarrassed? The debate over whether dogs can genuinely experience embarrassment rages on alongside the heated arguments about dog shame and guilt. Some researchers believe dogs may be capable of something approaching embarrassment, while others argue that we are...
The Incredible Before-and-After Transformations of Dogs Given a Second Chance
In this article View 20 moreShow less A photograph can capture a moment, but a before-and-after series can tell a story, and sometimes reveal just how much a dog’s life has changed. The difference may be visible on the outside, but the real transformation often goes much deeper: hunger replaced by regular meals, exposure replaced by shelter, fear met with patience, and isolation replaced by care. Sadly, stories like these are not limited to one country or one rescue organization. Dogs are neglected, abandoned, and mistreated in...
6 Feline Health Issues That May Respond to Acutonics
TL;DR Acutonics is a sound-based therapy that uses tuning forks on acupuncture points to help support your cat’s health. It might assist with issues like pain, anxiety, digestion, breathing, nerve problems, recovery, and immune support. It’s best used alongside regular vet care, never as a substitute. Always consult your vet before trying any new treatments for your cat. As cat parents, we naturally want the best for our furry companions. More and more of us are turning to complementary therapies to boost our cats’...
The August Community Conversations grant recipients are…
Recently, Maddie’s Fund® awarded two organizations, at random, a grant for attending the August Weekly Community Conversations for a total of $10,000 in grants. Please join us in congratulating those who received a $5,000 grant for their organization: Samantha Burnett, Nexus Animals in El Reno, OK Joseph Lovetro, Pets in Need in Redwood City, CA In addition to the Community Conversation grants, one $3,000 grant was awarded for monthly participation on Maddie’s® Pet Forum. Congrats to Christina Bollack from Chilton...
Natural Sleep and Recovery Support for Senior Dogs
TL;DR Senior dogs often face challenges with sleep and recovery due to aging joints, anxiety, and slower body systems. Solutions like herbal supplements (valerian root, chamomile, and turmeric), massage, good nutrition, and calming environments can naturally promote better rest and healing. Always check with your vet before starting any new health routine. As dogs get older, their bodies undergo some significant changes. Like us humans, senior dogs often have trouble falling asleep, staying comfy through the night, or recovering after...
Creating a Calmer Home: 5 Simple Ways to Help Cats and Dogs Relax
Learn simple tricks that can reduce pet stress and help cats and dogs relax and enjoy calmer lives! Occasional fear or tension is a normal part of life for cats and dogs, but ongoing stress can take a toll on both physical and emotional health. Everyday triggers can hide everywhere depending on your dog’s or cat’s breed, age, temperament, experiences, socialization, and genetics. Fortunately, small changes at home can create a calmer environment that makes two- and four-legged family members feel more secure, resilient, and...
Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: Selfie Time! (September 14, 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 “Selfie Time!”, 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: “Saying ‘Hello!’” Do you want to have a chance to get your...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: New assessment tool, free Pet Spay/Neuter and Wellness Weekend and more!
Happy Monday. Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. New research and animal needs assessment tool from ASPCAIf you work in animal well-being, you know that families seeking help often have more than one challenge affecting their pets. New research from the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) explores how a structured Animal Needs Assessment tool can help community outreach teams identify the multiple, overlapping needs affecting pets… Learn More Free Pet Spay/Neuter and...
Future Tech: Wearable Biosensors in Dogs and Cats
Technology is shifting how we take care of our animals, and one of the coolest developments in the works is wearable biosensor technology. These gadgets can be worn on an animal’s body to monitor their health in real time. But where are we with this tech for our dogs and cats? What Are Wearable Biosensors? So, what exactly are wearable biosensors? Well, they’re tiny devices designed to keep tabs on biological signals from the body. In human healthcare, the common examples include smartwatches tracking heart rates, blood oxygen,...
Elmer & Ernest: The Basset Hound Duo Everyone’s Talking About
Brittany Hudson, a digital marketing professional and content creator living in Cincinnati, first started creating content the way a lot of dog people probably do – by becoming completely convinced that her dog was the funniest, most interesting creature on the internet. In her defense, Elmer made a very strong case… It All Started With Elmer Elmer is a nine-year-old American Basset Hound with the soul of a retired man who has seen too much, eaten too well, and would prefer a slower pace of life with few demands. We brought him...
Antibiotic resistance in wildlife
A recent study suggests red foxes and several common bird species may serve as an early warning system for highly antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wildlife. Their movements could provide valuable insights for public health officials, veterinarians, and dog and cat parents. Researchers from the University of Parma in Italy discovered that wildlife now carry clinically important antibiotic resistance genes, even in areas where the animals have not been directly exposed to antibiotics. The findings highlight how antimicrobial resistance...
The Hidden Link Between Joint Health and Emotional Well-Being
As dogs and cats age, mobility issues can impact their health and quality of life. Learn about the connection between joint health and emotional well-being. When you think about joint health in dogs and cats, it’s easy to picture the physical side: stiffness, limping, or trouble climbing stairs. But joints do more than help an animal get from A to B. Movement helps them explore, play, interact with their families, and engage with the world around them, so comfortable motion is crucial for quality of life. Read on to learn more about the...
New research and animal needs assessment tool from ASPCA
If you work in animal well-being, you know that families seeking help often have more than one challenge affecting their pets. New research from the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) explores how a structured Animal Needs Assessment tool can help community outreach teams identify the multiple, overlapping needs affecting pets and their families, leading to more targeted support. From this research, the ASPCA developed a 10-item Animal Needs Assessment to systematically identify and...
Spices That May Benefit Your Dog’s Health
Spices are dried parts of plants—such as seeds, fruits, roots, bark, or buds—used to flavor, color, or preserve food. Some common kitchen spices might actually offer some health perks for your dog. Let’s dive into a few that have caught attention, along with what you need to keep in mind before tossing them into your dog’s food. 1. Turmeric Turmeric is a big name in the world of canine wellness. Its main ingredient, curcumin, has some pretty well-known anti-inflammatory benefits. There’s even research suggesting...
Fetch a Different Fruit: When Fresh Produce Is Dangerous For Dogs
In this article They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but when it comes to dogs, not everything that’s good for us is good for them. Fruits and vegetables are a normal part of a healthy human diet, and it’s tempting to assume the same goes for dogs. Some produce is perfectly fine as an occasional treat, but a surprising number of common fruits and vegetables are actually toxic, and even the ones that are safe can still cause problems. Knowing which ones to avoid can prevent an emergency vet trip over something you thought...
