How to prevent a dog from chasing animals
Manage your dog’s prey drive with positive training, impulse control, and reliable recall. Does your dog almost pull you off your feet every time she sees a squirrel? All dogs are predators and their prey drive is natural. You cannot entirely eliminate this behavior. But you can use positive training methods to better manage your dog’s hunting instinct. Read on for tips on how to prevent a dog from chasing animals. What does “prey drive” mean? Prey drive is a dog’s instinct to chase, capture and kill to...
Cats & Tai Chi: The Ancient Art Your Feline Already Practices
Believe it or not, your cat may already be a Tai Chi master! Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese practice focused on slow, mindful movements, balance, and calm breathing. Cats have been doing this naturally for thousands of years. 1. The Morning Stretch Watch your cat wake up and stretch every single limb with slow, deliberate purpose. This mirrors the flowing warm-up movements in Tai Chi perfectly. 2. The Stalking Walk When your cat creeps slowly across the floor — heel to toe, eyes focused — that is pure Tai Chi footwork....
Disaster response for animal control
We know that animals are part of every community, and all communities are subject to disaster at some point. Animal Control Officers (ACOs) play a vital role in disaster response, often serving as the first line of support for displaced animals and impacted communities. Our new online self-paced course, “Disaster Response for Animal Control,” provides the knowledge and tools necessary to respond effectively to emergencies while prioritizing the safety of both people and animals. After successfully completing this course you will...
Essential oils for Lyme disease and tick-borne infections in dogs
Tick-borne diseases such as Lyme are on the rise. Find out how high-quality essential oils can help support your dog’s immunity, relieve pain, and protect his vital organs. Now that spring’s here, it’s time to think about protecting our dogs from the surge in ticks and the diseases they carry. Essential oils for Lyme disease and tick-borne infections in dogs are gaining attention as a complementary approach to supporting canine health during tick season. Tick-borne diseases are proliferating Diseases carried by...
Homeopathy as a Complementary Cancer Support Tool for Dogs
When a beloved dog receives a cancer diagnosis, it can feel overwhelming. Many dog parents find themselves searching for every possible way to support their furry family member through treatment. One area to be explored is homeopathy — a system of natural medicine that uses highly diluted substances to support the body’s ability to heal itself. What Is Homeopathy? Homeopathy is based on the idea that “like cures like.” This means that a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy body might help relieve those same...
The healing power of touch: mindful grooming as canine massage
Mindful grooming transforms routine care into therapeutic canine massage. It eases stress, supports physical comfort, and deepens the bond between you and your dog. For many dog parents, grooming is a routine task. But when you approach it with intention, grooming becomes far more meaningful. Mindful grooming as canine massage becomes a therapeutic ritual. It nurtures your dog’s emotional well-being, supports physical comfort, and deepens your bond. In grooming salons, veterinary clinics, and integrative wellness practices,...
5 Useful Herbs for Recurring Hot Spots in Dogs
If your dog seems to always have a red, raw, irritated patch of skin that just won’t stay away, you’re not alone. Recurring hot spots — also called acute moist dermatitis — are one of the most frustrating skin conditions dog parents deal with. While conventional treatments work well for many dogs, some people are turning to herbal medicine as a complementary approach to help manage flare-ups and support skin health. Here’s what you need to know. What Are Hot Spots, Exactly? Hot spots are moist, inflamed areas of...
Are retractable dog leashes safe?
Understand the risks, common injuries, and recommended safety tips before using a retractable leash for your dog. When walking your dog, it’s important to use the right gear for safety and comfort. A lot of people opt for retractable leashes. But are retractable dog leashes safe? Read on for a comprehensive look at the problems surrounding this leash type, along with tips for safe use. How retractable leashes work Retractable leashes have a spring-loaded mechanism that allows the leash to extend and retract. This gives dogs...
Fourth of July Fireworks: Keeping Your Dog or Cat Safe This Holiday
The Fourth of July is a time for celebration, but for many dogs and cats, it can be one of the most frightening nights of the year. The loud bangs, bright flashes, and strange smells of fireworks can cause real fear and anxiety. Here is what you need to know — and what you can do about it. Why Fireworks Are So Scary Dogs and cats have much sharper hearing than humans. What sounds like a fun celebration to us can feel overwhelming and threatening to them. Some animals develop a true phobia, meaning their fear goes beyond just being...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Behavior assessments in shelters, veterinary guides from Open Door and more!
Happy Monday. Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Behavior Assessments in Shelters: Building Better Outcomes for DogsWe hope you can join our June Maddie’s® Monthly Behavior Connection webcast with Vanly Griffith, Dog Behavior Coordinator at SICSA in Dayton, OH. This call will be all about organizations developing a structured system to get to know the dogs in their care. Structured dog behavior assessments help shelters shift from reacting to behavior concerns after… Learn More 2 resources from...
Why do cats knock things off counters?
What makes cats push things off counters and shelves, plus simple ways to redirect this common feline behavior. Why do cats knock things off counters? If you share your home with a kitty, you’ve probably watched in disbelief as they deliberately pushed your phone, keys, or favorite mug right off the table or counter. Cats commonly engage in this behavior, and understanding why they do it can help you manage it better. Natural hunting instincts Even well-fed indoor cats are natural-born hunters. When your cat paws at objects on...
IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM DR. ELLEN JEFFERSON: Protecting Texas Pets from the New World Screwworm
Jun 14, 2026 As cases of New World Screwworm infestation grow, we want to keep our supporters informed as fast we can. We are very concerned about the lives of pets in Texas. What we see during disasters like this is that pets in shelters are often forgotten about or seen as “unfortunate casualties.” Our job has always been to ensure that doesn’t happen. Consequently, right now, Austin Pets Alive! is enacting emergency measures to deal with the growing disaster of the New World Screwworm infestation in parts of Texas and New...
Feeding schedule for dogs – making sure they eat at the right time
Consistent feeding schedules help dogs feel secure, support digestion, and reduce begging. Here’s how often to feed your dog and create a routine that works. Just like us, dogs thrive on routine. Knowing when meals are coming helps them feel secure and maintain good digestive health. Read on to learn why a consistent feeding schedule for dogs is so important. Why feeding times matter Regular feeding schedules help regulate your dog’s digestive system. They also make bathroom breaks more predictable. Feed your dog at the same...
Top dog food ingredients that cause allergies
Identify common dog food ingredients that can trigger allergies, including proteins, grains, and additives. Includes tips on elimination diets and safer feeding options. Caring for our dogs includes feeding them a diet that supports their health and well-being. A proper diet is even more important if your dog is prone to allergies, since many pet food ingredients can contribute to the problem. This article outlines the top dog food ingredients that cause allergies. The best way to determine if your dog is reacting to his food is to use an...
Environmental and Lifestyle Factors That Influence Cancer Risk in Dogs
Cancer is one of the most common health concerns in dogs today. According to veterinary experts, nearly 10% of all dogs in the U.S. will develop cancer in their lifetime. The good news is that some risk factors are within your control. Understanding what influences cancer development can help you make better choices for your dog’s long-term health. Sun Exposure Just like in humans, too much sun can be harmful to dogs — especially those with light-colored or thin coats. Areas like the nose, ears, and belly are particularly...
Settling the Debate: Wet or Dry Food for Cats?
Struggling with whether you should feed wet or dry food for cats? Fret no more! Here are the benefits of both and easy ways to feed a combination diet. Many cat parents struggle with choosing the right type of food. In reality, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to feline nutrition and feeding wet or dry food. But the good news is you don’t actually have to pick one over the other! When it comes to food types, each has its own advantages, and many cats benefit from a combination diet that includes both. Let’s...
Best 9 foods for eye health in dogs and cats
Discover the top 9 foods that support eye health and vision in dogs and cats, plus easy recipes to nourish your best friend’s eyes naturally. Eye problems in dogs and cats range from cataracts and glaucoma to uveitis and progressive retinal atrophy. Take steps to protect your best friend from these issues by feeding him the best nine foods for eye health in dogs and cats. Top nine foods to support eye health and vision 1. Blueberries contain two eye-healthy carotenoids: lutein and zeaxanthin, sometimes called...
Massage & Myofascial Therapy for Cats
If you share your home with a senior cat or one recovering from an injury, you may be looking for gentle ways to support their comfort and healing. Massage and myofascial therapy are two hands-on techniques that are gaining attention in the world of integrative veterinary care — and for good reason. What Is Myofascial Therapy? You may be familiar with the idea of massage, but myofascial therapy is a bit different. Fascia is the thin layer of connective tissue that surrounds muscles, organs, and joints throughout the body. When a cat...
Voices, Words, and Canine Minds: How Dogs Understand Us Beyond Speech
Voices Without Words One study demonstrated that humans can guide dogs using vocal cues alone, without relying on specific words. By adjusting pitch, rhythm, and emotional tone, people were able to influence canine behavior. This means that even if a person doesn’t use formal commands, their voice can still carry instruction. For families, it’s a reminder that everyday speech—whether playful, soothing, or firm—has a direct impact on how dogs respond. Wired for Voices Another fascinating discovery is that mammals,...
Deadline extended for this super short Rehoming Survey
Animal shelters and foster-based organizations across the country are navigating rehoming questions every day, and there is very little field-wide data to draw from. That is what the Rehoming Survey is designed to change. The deadline to take the survey has been extended to June 11! Home To Home is collecting responses from the animal welfare community to better understand how the field currently thinks about and uses rehoming programs. Whether your organization actively promotes rehoming, refers people to outside platforms, or takes a...
