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,...
Joyride Summer Mesh Harness Review 2025: Walk Your Dog with Comfort & Control
Click to Skip Ahead Our Final Verdict We give Summer Mesh Harness a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Quality: 5/5 Variety: 5/5 Durability: 5/5 Breathability: 5/5 Value: 5/5 If your pup has a tendency to pull on walks, you know how valuable a harness can be. Along with being a fun (and stylish) walking accessory, a harness keeps your dog safe while giving you more control over your best bud. I’ve tried out several harnesses for my dog over the years, and Joyride has by far been one of my favorites. Joyride Harness is a dog company that...
Instapainting Custom Oil Painting Review 2025: Turning Your Pet’s Photo Into a Work Of Art
Click to Skip Ahead Our Final Verdict We give Instapainting Custom Oil Painting a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Quality: 5/5 Variety: 5/5 Process: 4.8/5 Communication: 5/5 Turn Around Time: 5/5 Shipping Time: 4.7/5 My dog is my entire world. I adore anything that has my pup Lorelei’s face on it! When Instapainting came across my radar, the idea of getting a custom-painted portrait of her sweet bug-eyed face was really appealing. Acquiring a custom painting has been challenging in the past, as it involves finding an artist and finding...
EasyDNA Dog Allergy Test Review 2025: A Comprehensive Allergen Test for Dogs
Click to Skip Ahead Our Final Verdict We give EasyDNA Dog Allergy Test a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Ease of Use: 4.5/5 Scope: 4.9/5 Result Transparency: 5/5 Value: 4.8/5 Caring for a dog who suffers from allergies can be difficult, both physically and emotionally. This process is made infinitely harder when you don’t know what your dog is allergic to. And that’s exactly where EasyDNA’s Dog Allergy Test comes in. Unlike so many canine “allergy” tests out there, this option uses blood serum and IgE antibodies to...
The Brothers Apothecary Calming K-9 CBD Oil Review 2025: Affordable & Effective Tincture for Dogs
Click to Skip Ahead Our Final Verdict We give The Brothers Apothecary Calming K-9 CBD Oil a rating of 4.85 out of 5 stars. Quality: 4.9/5 Effectiveness: 4.8/5 Ingredients: 4.8/5 Value: 4.9/5 If you’re hoping to take advantage of CBD’s many benefits for dogs, including its calming power, but don’t have a fortune to spend, The Brothers Apothecary K-9 Calming CBD Oil is a promising option. This family-owned, locally sourced hemp tea company is well-known for their quality, all-natural CBD products. Their K-9 Calming CBD Oil for...
Unleashing the Fun: Why Rosa & Mac Live for Doggy Daycare
Welcome to the Wednesday Dogs of Dogster! Every Wednesday, we share a story from one of our Dogsters. This week is about Nicole and her two rescue dogs, Mac and Rosa. From the moment we wake up on my daughter’s swimming lesson day, the dogs go crazy. It makes sense that they would know when they saw the swimming bag, but I swear they have a secret calendar somewhere that lets them know before we wake up. Usually, they’re the last to wake, but on swimming day, they’re waking us. Why? Because it’s doggy daycare day. Our...
Pet poisoning risks: accidental ingestion of human medications on the rise
Heads up to dog and cat parents who take medications for depression, anxiety, or ADD/ADHD. Calls to the Pet Poison Helpline involving accidental exposures to antidepressants and antianxiety medication rose a dramatic 84.9% between 2019 and 2022. They then fell by just 3.2% in 2023. Toxicology experts at the Pet Poison Helpline reported an 81.2% rise in calls about ADD/ADHD medications over the same time period. There was a small drop of 1% in 2023. In short, accidental ingestion of human medications, including those for ADD/ADHD and...
A Holistic Approach to Arthritis Prevention in Cats
As feline companions age, maintaining their mobility and well-being becomes crucial. Arthritis, a common concern in cats, can lead to pain and reduced activity levels. However, with a proactive stance on prevention, guardians can ensure arthritis prevention in cats so that their furry friends stay spry and lively well into their golden years. The Turmeric Touch: Nature’s Golden Healer Turmeric, a vibrant yellow spice, has gained recognition for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Rich in curcumin, it combats inflammation linked...
10 Best Dry Dog Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks
Dry dog food is convenient, long-lasting, and easy to store. It’s also highly nutritious, making it the most popular option for many pet parents. Of course, with this popularity comes a myriad of different brands on the market, some of which are packed with wholesome ingredients and others are just vying for a piece of the market and using sub-par ingredients to win out on price. As any pet parent knows, a good diet is key to a healthy, happy dog, and your dog’s food is the most important factor to having a healthy pooch. There...
11 Best Canned & Wet Dog Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks
Feeding our dogs is part of a billion-dollar business. In fact, in the U.S. alone, $42 billion was spent on pet food and treats this year! We all know how vital food is for pets, so finding the right food for our dogs is our top priority. But there is so much to choose from! If you have a picky dog or are a new dog owner and haven’t established the likes and dislikes of your pet yet, where do you even begin? We created reviews for 12 of the best canned dog foods and wet dog foods, so you can pick and choose at your leisure....
Hays County Contract Update
Mar 25, 2025 Partnership between Hays County and Austin Pets Alive! for Pet Resource Center to Conclude Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) has announced the conclusion of its partnership with Hays County in managing the Hays County Pet Resource, Education, and Research Center (Hays PRC). The conclusion comes after the Commissioner’s Court voted to terminate the contract to re-evaluate how to proceed with animal services in Hays County. Since its inception in April 2023, this collaboration has been instrumental in providing essential resources to...
Volunteer Puppy-Raisers Wanted! Care For Future Leader Dogs for the Blind
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Are you looking for a way to give back to the community? Perhaps you’re a devoted dog lover who isn’t able to make a long-term commitment. If you think you have the love, time, and patience it takes to raise, socialize, and train a puppy, then you might be exactly what these gorgeous pups need. Leader Dogs for the Blind is a nonprofit organization that provides people who are blind or visually impaired...
Hydration is The Lifeline for Your Dog’s Health
For those who share their lives with a four-legged companion, ensuring proper hydration is paramount. Dehydration in dogs can lead to serious health complications. As the temperature rises and outdoor activities increase, the risk grows. It’s essential to equip yourself with valuable knowledge to keep your furry friend happy and hydrated. Understanding Dehydration in Dogs Dehydration occurs when a dog loses more fluids than intake. Symptoms such as dry gums, lethargy, sunken eyes, and excessive panting may signal dehydration....
New fact sheet on the importance of pet-inclusive housing
We know that across the country, many people face tough choices due to housing restrictions, often having to give up their pets. In an effort to both show the importance of and help advocate for more pet-inclusive housing, a new fact sheet was just created for the Opportunity Starts at Home Campaign. The sheet shares that only about 9% of all rental housing allows pets without breed, weight, and size. “This research does not specify low-income/subsidized and does not include the use of nonrefundable fees, so likely fewer units meet...
Cat Obesity: Simple Solutions for a Healthier Feline
When feline care is under focus, one topic stands out: obesity. A plump, lounging cat looks cute, but the truth is far more serious. Obesity poses significant health risks to our beloved companions, leading to diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. The good news? With a few adjustments, you can guide your feline friend toward a healthier lifestyle. Understanding Obesity in Cats Recognizing obesity is the first step. A cat is considered obese when it’s 20% above its ideal weight. Factors contributing to this condition include genetics,...
Pet industry growth statistics: how inflation and spending trends shape the figures
If you think more people than ever share their lives with a dog or cat (or both!), you’re not wrong. In the US alone, over 65% of households include a companion animal. So, it’s no surprise the pet industry is booming. Here’s a look at some pet industry growth statistics that show where our money goes when it come to our beloved four-legged friends. According to Michigan State University, the pet industry made an overall economic contribution in 2023 of $303 billion, an increase of 16% from 2022. A Forbes Advisor analysis...
