How to choose the right toys for your dog
Looking for the perfect holiday gift for your furry friend? Discover how to choose the right toys for your dog. You might think dog toys are just toys – no big deal. Truth is, there are several things to consider when buying toys for your dog. These include his age, play style, toy types, and safety. In this article, we provide expert advice on how to choose the right toys for your dog. Start by considering your dog’s age “A dog’s interests and needs change as they grow and learn, so their age and play style is a big...
Favorite Sleeping Spots: The Wednesday Dogs of Dogster Catch Some Zs
Click to Skip Ahead Welcome to the Wednesday Dogs of Dogster! Every month, we ask our Dogsters to weigh in on a new topic. This week, we asked them: What are your dog’s favorite sleeping spots? Here’s what they had to say: Amanda & Subi Sleeping is one of Subi’s favorite pastimes. Most of her day is spent in the cozy little dog bed beside mine, away from the noise and action. This might be the most predictable spot for her, but it’s certainly not the only one as of recently. Lately, I’ve spent more time...
Why Your Dog Should Chew More
When it comes to keeping your dog happy and healthy, chewing plays a vital role. This natural behavior provides more than just entertainment. Dog chewing benefits include physical health, mental stimulation, and emotional satisfaction. Let’s look at why chewing is essential for every furry friend. Chewing: A Natural Instinct Dogs inherit the drive to chew from their ancestors. In the wild, this behavior helped with survival by aiding digestion and keeping teeth clean. Nowadays, while most dogs receive regular meals and dental care from...
13 Vet-Approved Home Remedies to Help Your Dog’s Allergies
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Allergies can be a nightmare for dogs to live with. They can cause eyes to stream and noses to run. They also lead to itchy, flaky skin that manifests itself in scratching, nibbling, and biting. What’s worse, it can be very difficult to determine what’s causing these reactions. While there isn’t an easy cure, you can do something to help soothe and relieve your dog’s signs....
How to Stop Dogs From Bringing Outdoor Allergens Home: 7 Vet-Approved Ways
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Dogs are without a doubt our best pals. Unfortunately, for those of us who love dogs but deal with allergies, the relationship can be hard at times. Yes, dogs need to spend time outside getting exercise and going potty. Unfortunately, this is where the allergens that can make our asthma and allergies go insane reside. Our canine companions’ fur can act as a carrier for these airborne allergens, bringing them...
Building the Unstoppable Ranch: Helping Dogs in Need of Rehab & Support
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » In a time when there is so much uncertainty, negativity, and horror in the world, the uplifting stories of survival and kindness are most needed. Some of the most inspirational tales we’ve seen recently are about a very special group known as The Unstoppable Dogs. Taking on a special needs dog is a huge commitment that few people have the time, dedication, or patience to make. For Debbie Pearl of Huntington...
What if Your Dog or Cat Is Expecting?
Parenthood brings a unique blend of excitement and nervous anticipation. For those who share their lives with dogs and cats, the prospect of new life can evoke a heartwarming sense of joy. Recognizing the signs of pregnancy in a companion animal forms the first step in this beautiful adventure. Let’s explore the key indicators that signal your furry friend is expecting, along with the common reasons for pregnancy loss. Recognizing the Symptoms of Pregnancy A noticeable shift in behavior serves as a primary indicator of potential...
What to Expect When Expecting Kittens
Apr 01, 2025 Cat carrier after cat carrier of tiny little mews arriving for intake. Streams of fosters coming and going as they bring kittens for exams or pick up a new litter to take home. Volunteers bustling around the nursery, doing chores and keeping kittens fed. That’s a typical spring day at the Neonatal Program nursery at Austin Pets Alive!. APA!, which pioneers innovative lifesaving programs designed to save the animals most at risk of euthanasia, accepts over 2,000 kittens into its program each year. Kittens come from...
Your Animal Care Expo 2025 discount code
We hope to see you at the Animal Care Expo 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada, from April 15-18! Maddie’s Fund® is a proud sponsor of this annual event. Be sure to stop by our booth for say hi, play our new 30th anniversary game and win prizes! Still haven’t registered? Use the code: ThanksToMaddie25 for a $25 discount. This year, people from all facets of animal welfare around the globe will join together to learn about the latest programs, share best practices, gain inspiration, and build lasting connections. Animal...
Nighttime dog walking visibility gear
As winter brings longer nights, keep your dog safe with nighttime dog walking visibility gear such as light-up harnesses and reflective coats. Now that winter’s here, nights are a lot longer. For many people, this means they walk their dogs when it’s dark out. Whether you live on a city street or rural road, factor safety into your nocturnal outings. You need to invest in nighttime dog walking visibility gear. Here’s what you need to ensure motorists and others can clearly see your dog. Light-up collars and harnesses: the...
Doggy Couch Wars: The Battle for Comfort
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Hi, I’m Dr. Maja! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two crossbreed dogs, Lava and Hela. Having dogs is pretty much giving up your personal space. Well, any space, for that matter. They will try and sit everywhere, including in your lap, despite their less-than-small body weight. And then there’s the couch. You may well say goodbye to enjoying a peaceful night in front of the TV or having...
Ask Dr. Paola: Monday March 31, 2025
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our readers better understand their dog’s health and well-being. Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned dog lover, Dr. Paola is here to provide answers to your most pressing questions. From nutrition tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Building an engaged foster community, pet-inclusive housing and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Learn how to build an engaged foster communityWhether you’re just starting out with your animal organization’s foster program or looking to grow, the next Maddie’s® Monthly Foster Connection is for you! In this presentation on April 3rd at 12pm PT (3pm ET), Stephanie Jackson, Public Information Officer, Louisville Metro Animal Services, will share insights on how she got the #FosterMeLouisville dog foster… Learn More New fact sheet on...
Top 10 dental health foods and supplements for dogs and cats
Keep his teeth and gums in tiptop condition with the top 10 dental health foods and supplements for dogs and cats. Dogs and cats are as prone to dental problems as we are. Oral health needs to be part of every animal’s wellness regimen, and includes veterinary checkups, regular home brushing, and a proper diet. This article focuses on the best dental health foods for dogsand cats. 1. Bee propolis Also known as “bee glue,” bee propolis has so much to offer. Studies have shown it has a variety of applications in veterinary...
Fecal microbiota transplants for drug-resistant epilepsy in dogs
Managing epilepsy in dogs can be challenging, especially when it resists medication. Many of these dogs suffer not only from seizures, but also anxiety and ADHD-like symptoms. Recently, researchers from the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) and the Center for Systems Neuroscience in Hannover, Germany made a fascinating discovery. They found that fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) for drug-resistant epilepsy in dogs can help reduce negative mental health symptoms. FMT is a non-invasive treatment...
Dealing with Chihuahua Abscesses: Ned’s Bummer of a Week
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred. Last week, I was talking about the Ned-shaped lump on Kodah’s rear end, but this week, Ned’s little derriere has been under the microscope. Not literally, but it has certainly been poked, prodded, and scrutinized more than he felt was appropriate. It all started with...
Muscle Maintenance in Senior Dogs
As our cherished canine companions cross into their golden years, the vitality they once exhibited can begin to dwindle. While aging is a natural process, it doesn’t have to translate into muscle deterioration. Muscle maintenance in senior dogs is crucial to their quality of life, and there are effective strategies to help them stay active and healthy in this phase of their lives. The Importance of Protein Protein plays a critical role in muscle health, particularly for senior dogs. As dogs age, their muscle mass naturally declines,...
Dogster Photo Contest: Dogs of the Week Winners (Mar 27, 2025)
Click to Skip Ahead This Week’s Winner Name: Scout Breed: Lab Fun Fact: “He is a rescue who has the most expressive eyes and infectious smile.Everybody loves Scoutty.” Cutest Name: Sadie Breed: American bully Fun Fact: Sadie loves being outside playing catch Most Expressive Name: Pepita Breed: Toy Goldendoodle Fun Fact: Pepita’s name translates to pumpkin seed in Spanish. Best Action Shot Name: Frieda Breed: Kromfohrländer-Jack Russell Mix Most Dignified Name: Stella Breed: Beagle Fun Fact: “Stella is one of...
Heart Health Matters: Preventing Neglect in Dogs
When considering the health of furry friends, heart health often slips to the bottom of the priority list. As reliable companions, dogs need attentive care, particularly in areas like cardiovascular well-being. This often-overlooked aspect of canine health deserves a spotlight. After all, a joyful bark or enthusiastic wag can be stifled by unseen heart issues. The Silent Struggles of Canine Hearts Heart disease in dogs frequently goes unnoticed until it becomes critical. Early signs, such as fatigue or trouble breathing, can be subtle. Many...
Learn how to build an engaged foster community
Whether you’re just starting out with your animal organization’s foster program or looking to grow, the next Maddie’s® Monthly Foster Connection is for you! In this presentation on April 3rd at 12pm PT (3pm ET), Stephanie Jackson, Public Information Officer, Louisville Metro Animal Services, will share insights on how she got the #FosterMeLouisville dog foster program off the ground, built a thriving online community and engaged foster caregivers. Jackson will also dive into the impact of their field trip program,...
