Traveling with cats – what you need to know
Check out these essential tips for traveling with cats, whether moving or on holiday. Keep your feline friend healthy, safe, and stress-free. We don’t often associate cats with travel. However, many people take their feline friends with them on holiday. Others need to make travel arrangements for their cats if they’re moving to another state or country. Cats are creatures of habit, though, and not as sociable as dogs. So you need to factor in some special considerations so your cat stays as stress-free and safe as possible. Read...
Understanding Hernias in Dogs
Hernia in dogs occur when an organ or tissue protrudes through a tear in the body cavity wall. This condition can be alarming for any caring companion, but understanding the types, symptoms, and treatment options can empower you to take action when needed. Types of Hernias: What to Look For Several types of hernias can affect dogs, each presenting unique challenges: Diaphragmatic Hernias: This type occurs when abdominal organs push through a tear in the diaphragm, potentially causing breathing difficulties. Symptoms may include rapid, shallow...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Best practices for foster caregiving, Animal Care Expo discount code and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Maddie’s Insights: Exploring Efficacy, Barriers, and Best Practices of Companion Animal Foster CaregivingFoster care is a unique form of human-animal interaction that is increasingly understood to be an effective tool for improving the well-being of shelter-living animals. Even brief stays in foster care can allow animals to escape the stressors of the shelter, provide an environment that allows for greater social interaction and offer opportunities for...
DIY Dog Grooming: 12 Vet-Approved Tips
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Even if your dog is a pampered pooch with its reserved seat in the doggy spa, you can benefit from regular grooming between spa sessions. Cleaning problem areas and trimming hair growth will keep your dog looking and smelling fresh and tidy. You can also cut or file your dog’s claws down as needed to keep on top of that job, and you should clean your dog’s teeth at least three times a week to help prevent...
Mimi Green Custom Beaded Friendship Collar Review 2025: A Useful Token For Our Four-Legged BFFs
Click to Skip Ahead Our Final Verdict We give the Mimi Green Custom Beaded Dog Collar Friendship Bracelet Style a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Design: 5/5 Materials: 5/5 Durability: 5/5 Customization: 5/5 Ease of Use: 5/5 Pup-Comfort: 4.8/5 Leash-Friendliness: 4.5/5 Friendship bracelets were a staple in my childhood, as they may have been for many people. A token symbolizing our strong bonds with our friends. A true honor to make and receive! Although I still love my friends as an adult, these days my dog is definitely my best friend. Mimi...
Beginner’s guide to clicker training dogs
Learn the best way to teach your dog new behaviors with this beginner’s guide to clicker training dogs. Clicker training helps your dog learn new behaviors. It also reinforces those she already knows. Clicker training benefits all dogs, including rescues, by providing clear, immediate feedback. This helps them build confidence and trust in humans, and in the learning process. In this beginner’s guide to clicker training dogs, we’ll examine the ins and outs of this type of training, and show you how to get started with your...
Nail Clipping Piranha Dogs: Ned Tries the Hanging Bag Method
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. There’s one bit of ‘healthcare housekeeping’ that I really dread when it comes to Ned, and that’s nail clips. He is a nightmare. So I was dismayed to notice that his claws had started to resemble something Cynthia Erivo would wear to a red carpet event. In my...
Microplastics and Our Furry Friends
Tiny plastic particles, known as microplastics, have become an alarming presence in our environment, impacting both humans and our beloved cats and dogs. These particles originate from various sources, including microbeads in cosmetics and the breakdown of larger plastic items. As these contaminants infiltrate our water and food supplies, they pose significant health risks to animals. Let’s know more about the different dimensions of the study of microplastics and companion animals. The Ingestion Issue Dogs and cats face serious...
Dogster Photo Contest: Dogs of the Week Winners (April 3, 2025)
Click to Skip Ahead This Week’s Winner Name: Bree Breed: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Fun Fact: She was born on Friday the 13th Cutest Name: Emma and Evelyn Breed: Cattledog Fun Fact: These two are best friends and can be quite goofy at times. Most Expressive Name: Pepita Breed: Toy Goldendoodle Fun Fact: Pepita’s name translates to pumpkin seed in Spanish. Best Action Shot Name: Duggu Mitra Breed: English cream golden Retriever Fun Fact: A glimpse of Duggu’s Yacht moment at Goa… Silliest Name: Roco Breed: Jack...
Common Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs
Dealing with diarrhea in dogs can be distressing for both canine companions and their humans. This condition often signals underlying issues and warrants attention. Here’s an exploration of common causes and practical advice for alleviating the troublesome tummy troubles. Dietary Disruptions One of the most prevalent reasons for diarrhea in dogs stems from dietary disturbances. Sudden changes in food, inconsistent feeding schedules, or ingesting inappropriate items can upset a dog’s digestive system. For instance, transitioning to...
Maddie’s Insights: Exploring Efficacy, Barriers, and Best Practices of Companion Animal Foster Caregiving
Foster care is a unique form of human-animal interaction that is increasingly understood to be an effective tool for improving the well-being of shelter-living animals. Even brief stays in foster care can allow animals to escape the stressors of the shelter, provide an environment that allows for greater social interaction and offer opportunities for improved health and behavior. Join us on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 12PM ET/3PM ET for the next installment of “Maddie’s® Insights: Exploring Efficacy, Barriers, and Best...
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...
