Raw Feeding for Hyperthyroid Cats
If your cat has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, you may already know how challenging this condition can be. Hyperthyroidism is one of the most common hormonal disorders in middle-aged and older cats. It happens when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, which can speed up nearly every system in the body. Some cat caregivers are turning to species-appropriate raw feeding as part of a holistic approach to supporting their hyperthyroid cats. Here’s what you should know. What Happens in a Hyperthyroid Cat? A hyperthyroid...
Behavior Assessments in Shelters: Building Better Outcomes for Dogs
We 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 they escalate to proactively identifying needs early in a dog’s shelter stay. Although walks, enrichment, playgroups, and quiet time are important...
New campaign celebrates health benefits of companion animals
People are suffering from record levels of stress and loneliness. A new initiative reminds us that companion animals help us live healthier, more connected lives. In February, the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) introduced The Real Reason for Pets. This new national campaign celebrates the health benefits of companion animals. It connects decades of scientific research with the everyday moments that define life with dogs, cats and other animals. “We start with research that shows the measurable mental, physical...
Dog First Aid Basics: What to Do in an Emergency Before Reaching Your Vet
What to Pack in Your Dog’s First Aid Kit Being prepared for an emergency means having the right tools close at hand before you ever need them. A well-stocked canine first aid kit is essential for every dog guardian. Your kit should include basic medical supplies like sterile gauze pads, self-clinging bandages that won’t stick to fur, and adhesive tape to secure dressings. Blunt-nosed scissors are necessary for safely cutting away bandages or tangled debris, while tweezers can easily remove stingers or ticks. Keep an antiseptic...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Setting up a microchip scanning station, shelter rehoming survey and more!
Happy Monday. Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Want to learn how to set up a microchip scanning station in your community?Do you know how to set up a microchip scanning station in your community? One in three pets go missing in their lifetime, amounting to about 10 million lost animals each year, according to Petco Love. Microchip scanning can help reunite lost pets with their families faster and help keep more pets from needing to… Learn More Learn how to build one-of-a-kind programs for neonatal...
How FIP can help us better understand human coronaviruses
Researchers at the University of California, Davis, recently discovered new insights into feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Significantly, they found how FIP can help us better understand human coronaviruses. The study reveals how FIP spreads through a cat’s immune system and infects a wider range of immune cells than previously believed. This finding provides a valuable model for studying long-term coronavirus disease in humans. A mutated form of feline coronavirus causes FIP, one of the most devastating infectious diseases in...
Rewriting the Story for “Behavior” Dogs
Jun 06, 2026 Rewriting the Story for “Behavior” Dogs In 2012, APA! set out to save the last group of pets who weren’t making it out of our city’s shelter alive — big dogs and dogs with behavior modification needs. To do that, we partnered with Dogs Playing for Life, an organization specializing in shelter dog playgroups and enrichment. Playgroup would soon become the foundation of our Dog Behavior program. Too often, dogs are labeled as “behavior” dogs based on what they show in a kennel — a...
Sedation vs anesthesia in dogs and cats
Having your dog or cat undergo sedation or anesthesia can be scary. But it’s often important to her medical care. Veterinarians use both to keep animals calm, pain-free, and safe during procedures ranging from surgery to dental work. The main difference between sedation vs anesthesia in dogs and cats is how deeply they affect consciousness. “Very light sedation may look like a sleepy pet that’s still sitting up and responding to you,” explains Dr. Courtney Baetge. She’s the clinical associate professor at the...
Spay/neuter age by dog breed and size
Timing matters when spaying or neutering your dog. See how age, breed, and hormones can influence cancer risk, joint health, and long-term well-being. Spaying and neutering help prevent dog overpopulation, especially in shelters. However, having these procedures done at the wrong age can impact your dog’s long-term health. Research shows that spay/neuter age by dog breed and size plays a key role in the risk of certain cancers and joint disorders. Study shows link between spay/neuter, cancer and joint disorders As dog population control...
5 Top Supplements for Cognitive Health in Senior Dogs
As your dog gets older, you may start to notice some changes in their behavior. Maybe they seem confused in familiar places, or they’re wandering the house at night. These can be signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) — a condition similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. The good news is that there are steps you can take to help support your senior dog’s brain health, and supplements are one piece of that puzzle. Here are five supplements that veterinary experts suggest may help support cognitive health...
Herbal tinctures for dogs and cats
Find out how herbal tinctures can help your dog or cat with anxiety, pain, and digestion. Expert insights on safety, sourcing, and specific herbs. Tinctures are liquid herbal extracts designed to deliver concentrated doses of bioactive compounds. They’re made using alcohol or glycerin. Herbal tinctures for dogs and cats are gaining in popularity. They offer a natural, gentle, fast-acting remedy for conditions like anxiety, joint pain, and digestive issues. Defining and understanding tinctures Veterinarian Dr. Kathryn...
Heat Stroke in Cats: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment
As summer temperatures climb, it’s important for cat parents to understand one of the season’s most serious health risks: heat stroke. This condition can become life-threatening very quickly, so knowing what to look for — and what to do — could save your cat’s life. What Is Heat Stroke? Heat stroke happens when a cat’s body temperature rises too high and the body can no longer cool itself down. Unlike humans, cats have very limited ways to release heat. They rely mostly on panting and grooming to stay cool,...
How to Help Your Dog or Cat Overcome Grooming Anxiety
Many dogs and cats experience grooming anxiety because of stress, sensitivity, or past experiences. Learn the causes, common mistakes, and calming solutions. For some dogs and cats, grooming is far from a relaxing spa experience. From unfamiliar tools and sensitive skin to past negative experiences, many animals feel stressed or fearful during brushing, bathing, nail trims, and other grooming routines. Understanding what causes grooming anxiety is the first step toward helping your furry friend feel more comfortable. In this article,...
Want to learn how to set up a microchip scanning station in your community?
Do you know how to set up a microchip scanning station in your community? One in three pets go missing in their lifetime, amounting to about 10 million lost animals each year, according to Petco Love. Microchip scanning can help reunite lost pets with their families faster and help keep more pets from needing to enter the shelter system. In fact, research shows that dogs with microchips are more than twice as likely to be returned to their owners, while microchipped cats are more than twenty times as likely to be returned to their owners!...
Understanding your dog’s personality with Five Element theory
Learn more about your dog’s personality through TCM’s Five Element theory. Uncover how Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water archetypes shape behavior, emotional balance, and your bond. Do you sometimes wish you had x-ray vision so you could see into the deep recesses of your dog’s behavior and personality? Understanding your dog’s personality with the Five Element theory is like having x-ray vision. It’s a fun way to learn “why your dog does what they do.” The Five Element theory comes from...
Organ-Specific Care for Your Dog: A Guide to Keeping Every Part of Your Pup Healthy
The Liver The liver is one of the hardest-working organs in your dog’s body. It helps with digestion, filters toxins from the blood, produces important proteins, and stores energy. Because the liver has many jobs, problems with it can affect your dog’s overall health in a big way. Common liver problems in dogs include: Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) Liver shunts (abnormal blood flow around the liver, more common in certain breeds) Fatty liver disease, often linked to obesity Toxic damage from certain...
Camping with your dog checklist
Camping with your dog this spring? Use this complete checklist to pack essential gear, prepare for health and safety needs, and ensure a smooth, stress-free outdoor getaway. Camping with your dog is a great way for you to bond while having fun. Like all new experiences, it pays to be prepared. Take a look at this camping with your dog checklist. It’ll help ensure you’re prepared for a safe and relaxing adventure together. Pack essential gear for your dog When camping, your dog’s gear is as important as your own....
Holistic Approach to Cystitis in Dogs
If your dog has ever had a bladder infection, you know how uncomfortable it can be for them — and how stressful it can be for you. Cystitis, which is inflammation of the bladder often caused by a bacterial infection, is one of the more common health issues seen in dogs. While traditional veterinary treatment is always the first line of defense, many dog parents are curious about natural and holistic approaches that may help support their dog’s urinary health. First, Know the Signs Before exploring holistic support, it’s...
How to Make Litter Box Care a Breeze in Homes with Multiple Cats!
Discover how modern technology can help you simplify litter box care, cleaning, and maintenance with multiple cats! Living with multiple cats means more cuddles, more zoomies, and more personalities. But it also means more litter box maintenance because in most multi-cat homes, each cat should ideally have their own litter box, plus one extra for the house. Sharing can lead to litter box avoidance, accidents in the house, territorial disputes, and other challenges. However, with the advent of modern self-cleaning litter boxes, pet parents in...
How to bond with a new cat
Adopting a new cat? Bond with her using trust-building tips, body language cues and playtime strategies to help her feel safe and secure. Our cats are more than just furry presences. They are the graceful, constant heartbeat of our homes. If you’ve recently adopted a new kitty companion, start building a strong bond with her right away. When you give her understanding, time and space, she can form a deep, meaningful connection with you. Here’s how to bond with a new cat. 1. Start by giving her safety and security When you...
