Common Heart Conditions in Dogs
Heart disease affects many dogs, especially as they age. Understanding common heart conditions and how to support your dog’s cardiovascular health naturally can make a real difference in their quality of life. Common Heart Conditions The most frequent heart problem in dogs is myxomatous mitral valve disease, where the heart’s valve gradually degenerates, causing blood to leak backward. This condition is particularly common in smaller breeds and older dogs. Another condition, dilated cardiomyopathy, occurs when the heart...
Discover the Mysteries of the Root Chakra and How It Influences Pet Behavior!
Join renowned animal communicator Joan Ranquet on a journey to uncover the secrets of the root chakra and its impact on pet behavior. Training, positive reinforcement, and increased activity and stimulation can help you manage unwanted or unhealthy behaviors in dogs and cats. And while these are crucial components, there’s often an important piece missing: chakra care. Animals have chakras just like humans, and when they’re unbalanced or blocked, it can lead to mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, sexual, behavioral, and...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Working cats, My Dog is My Home conference and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Using research for decisions on working cat placementsNot all cats want a couch! Recent research published in the Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health highlights an important truth: not every cat is suited for life in a traditional home. Join us for the next Maddie’s® Insights on February 12 (12PM PT/3PM ET) as we dive into this research… Learn More Spring Instructor-Led Courses are coming soon!Looking to implement a new program,...
A Holistic Strategy to Combat Parasites in Dogs
As a dog parent, protecting your furry companion from parasites is one of the most important responsibilities you have. Fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites can cause serious health problems if left untreated. The good news is that with a holistic approach combining prevention, treatment, and environmental management, you can keep your dog healthy and parasite-free. Understanding the Threat Parasites are more than just a nuisance—they can transmit dangerous diseases to your dog and even to your family. Fleas can cause...
Cardiomyopathy in Cats: What Cat Parents Should Know
Cardiomyopathy is a serious heart disease that affects many cats. As a cat parent, understanding this condition can help you recognize warning signs and take steps to protect your feline companion’s health. What is Cardiomyopathy? Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that affects how well the heart pumps blood. In cats, there are different types, but the most common form is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, where the heart walls become abnormally thick. Another type is dilated cardiomyopathy, where the heart chambers stretch out...
Using Research for Decisions on Working Cat Placements
Not all cats want a couch! Recent research published in the Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health highlights an important truth: not every cat is suited for life in a traditional home. Join us for the next Maddie’s® Insights on February 12 (12pm PT / 3pm ET) as we dive into this research that can help you make decisions about cats who aren’t suitable for adoption. Our speaker is Jacklyn Ellis, MRes, PhD, CAAB, CSB-C, Director of Behaviour at the Toronto Humane Society. Using the Feline Spectrum Assessment...
Winter Storm Warning: How You Can Help Austin Pets (and Keep Your Own Safe)
Jan 21, 2026 As temperatures drop later this week, Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) is asking the community to step up for pets who need warmth and safety during this Winter Storm Warning. Right now, 75 dogs urgently need short-term foster homes to get them out of the cold. While our team has worked hard to weather-proof our shelter, nothing compares to a warm home during extreme weather. We are also asking for adopters for Barn Cats (cats who just need a place to shelter and can live outside). Urgent Need: Foster a Dog This Week We’re asking...
Portion Control Unlocks Better Health for Your Four-Legged Friend
If you’re a dog parent, you’ve probably heard plenty of advice about keeping your canine companion healthy. But here’s the truth: one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent obesity in dogs boils down to one key practice—proper portion control. Why Portion Control Matters Obesity is incredibly common in dogs and can significantly impact your furry friend’s quality of life. The extra weight puts stress on their joints, bones, and muscles, often leading to painful arthritis. Beyond joint problems,...
Lower Urinary Tract Disease in Cats Is More Common Than You Think
If you share your home with a cat, you need to know about lower urinary tract disease. This condition affects cats far more often than many people realize, and recognizing the signs early can make a significant difference in your feline companion’s health and comfort. What Is Lower Urinary Tract Disease? Lower urinary tract disease (LUTD) refers to a group of conditions that affect a cat’s bladder and urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body). One of the most common forms is idiopathic cystitis, which...
The 4 Herbal Properties of Ashwagandha: Supporting Modern Pet Health with an Ancient Herb
Discover the 4 key herbal properties of ashwagandha and how KSM-66 supports calmness, balance, longevity, and well-being. Ayurvedic medicine has used ashwagandha for thousands of years for its powerful healing properties. Today, modern research continues to validate these traditional uses. Scientists are studying its properties as an adaptogen, nervine tonic, rejuvenative, and antioxidant. These actions contribute to wide-ranging physical and mental health benefits. They also explain why ashwagandha is so beneficial for dogs and cats. Since...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Understanding pain and behavioral issues in dogs, grant giveaway winners and more!
Happy Tuesday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. The December Weekly Community Conversations grant giveaway winners are…Earlier this month, Maddie’s Fund® gave four organizations at random a $2,500 grant for attending the December Weekly Community Conversations for a total of $10,000 in grants. In fact, the call was jam-packed with prizes. Join us in congratulating the four people who won a grant for their organization: Amanda Coburn, Vanderburgh Humane Society (Evansville,… Learn More How...
Common Causes of Skin Infections in Dogs
Skin infections are among the most frequent health concerns for dogs, causing discomfort and worry for their caregivers. Understanding what triggers these conditions can help you support your canine companion’s skin health. Common Causes of Canine Skin Infections Bacterial Infections Bacteria naturally live on your dog’s skin, but when the skin’s protective barrier breaks down, these microorganisms can multiply and cause infection. E. coli and other bacteria commonly trigger skin problems, especially when your dog has...
Understanding How Your Dog Ages: It’s Not Just “Seven Dog Years”
If you’ve ever heard that one human year equals seven dog years, you’re not alone. This popular rule has been around for decades, helping dog parents estimate their canine companion’s age. The idea: 1 human year = 7 dog years. Example: A 5‑year‑old dog would be considered 35 in “human years.” However, this simple formula doesn’t tell the whole story. The truth about how dogs age is much more interesting and complex than this old myth suggests. Size Matters When It Comes to Aging One of the most...
Ear Tumors in Cats
If you’ve noticed an unusual lump or bump in your cat’s ear, you might be worried about the possibility of a tumor. While ear tumors in cats aren’t extremely common, it’s important to understand what they are and what signs to watch for. What Are Ear Tumors? Ear tumors are abnormal growths that can develop in different parts of your cat’s ear, including the ear canal, the inner ear flap (called the pinna), or the surrounding tissue. These growths can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous)....
The December Weekly Community Conversations grant giveaway winners are…
Earlier this month, Maddie’s Fund® gave four organizations at random a $2,500 grant for attending the December Weekly Community Conversations for a total of $10,000 in grants. In fact, the call was jam-packed with prizes. Join us in congratulating the four people who won a grant for their organization: Amanda Coburn, Vanderburgh Humane Society (Evansville, IN) Shelley Joaquin, Langley Animal Protection Society (Langley, British Columbia) April King, Kotor Kitties (Seattle, WA) Peggy Schipper, All Fur One Pet Rescue and Adoptions...
Can Your Furry Friend Become a Medical Detection Dog?
Dogs have incredible noses that contain up to 300 million scent receptors, compared to our measly 6 million. This amazing sense of smell has led scientists to discover that our canine companions can actually detect certain diseases in humans. This fascinating skill is now being put to work in medical settings around the world. What Diseases Can Dogs Detect? Research has shown that trained dogs can identify several serious health conditions through scent alone. Dogs have successfully detected various types of cancer, including lung, breast,...
How to Tackle Feline Food Fussiness
Does your cat turn up their nose at mealtime? You’re not alone. Many cat parents face the challenge of feeding a finicky feline. Understanding why cats can be selective eaters and learning practical strategies can make mealtimes less stressful for everyone in your household. Why Cats Can Be Choosy Eaters Cats have evolved as obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to eat meat. They possess fewer taste buds than humans and dogs, but they’re extremely sensitive to texture, temperature, and freshness. Your feline...
Understanding pain and behavioral issues in dogs
Pain & discomfort are often underdiagnosed in dogs with behavioral issues. Dr. Emily Levine, DVM, DACVB, Animal Behavior Clinic of New Jersey will join us on January 22 for the first Maddie’s Monthly Behavior Connection of the year to speak on this topic. This presentation, Pain and Behavior: a Case-based Talk, will highlight why this happens, cases where pain was the cause of the behavior issues or made behavioral issues worse. This is happening in young dogs and dogs who may not show any typical signs of pain/discomfort but...
New Year, New Tools
[embedded content] New Year, New Tools: Making the Most of HASS Resources HASS introduces new tools and a guided tour of the existing resources designed to strengthen your work in the community. Speakers: Elkie Wills – Director, HASS Amanda Foster – Director of Programs, HASS Jenifer Reed – Senior Education & Program Specialist, HASS Find Human Animal Support Services Online Our Website: www.humananimalsupportservice… Facebook: / humananimalsupportservices Instagram:...
Is Your Dog Sleepier in Winter? Here’s Why
Have you noticed your furry companion spending more time curled up on the couch when winter arrives? You’re not imagining things! Many dogs do become sleepier during cold weather, and there are several interesting reasons behind this seasonal behavior change. The Science Behind Winter Sleepiness Just like humans, dogs respond to changes in their environment, including temperature and daylight hours. When the weather turns cold, dogs naturally adapt their energy levels and activity patterns. This isn’t necessarily a bad...
