Dogs Were Crossing the Americas Long Before Cortés
Long before Hernán Cortés arrived in Mexico in the 16th century, starting the conquistador invasion that would eventually lead to the fall of the Aztecs, dogs were already living, thriving, and accompanying humans throughout the South American continent. In the past, it has been difficult to piece together exactly how they got there and how they moved south. But now, ancient DNA is helping researchers fill in some of those gaps. A 2025 study of ancient canine genetics analyzed 70 complete mitochondrial genomes from...
How to support healthy fascia in dogs
Improve your dog’s mobility, comfort, and overall health by supporting healthy fascia with movement, stretching, and hands-on care. Is your dog slowing down, or not moving the way they used to? We may attribute these changes to age, arthritis, or muscle loss. But another important but often overlooked piece of the puzzle is fascia. Understanding fascia can change how you view your dog’s movement, body, and overall well-being. Here’s how to support healthy fascia in dogs. What is fascia? Fascia is a remarkable body-wide...
Understanding Heart Disease and Diabetes in Dogs
:first-child]:mt-0! [&>:last-child]:mb-0! [&_p]:my-2! [&_p]:text-[0.938rem]! md:[&_p]:text-base! [&_ol]:mt-1! [&_ol]:mb-0! [&_ol]:pl-[1.2rem]! [&_ul]:mt-1! [&_ul]:mb-0! [&_ul]:list-disc! [&_ul]:pl-[1.2rem]! [&_li]:my-[0.35rem]! [&_li]:pl-[0.15rem]! [&_li]:text-[0.938rem]! md:[&_li]:text-base! [&_li]:marker:text-[var(–tiptap-info-box-color)]” readability=”30.642857142857″> This article was created in sponsorship with PetMeds, which helps make content...
Homeopathy and Hyperthyroidism in Cats
The founder of homeopathy, Samuel Hahnemann, believed that to live in the enjoyment of healthy senses, a healthy mind, and a sound body is the most beautiful and richest gift of nature to man. It is only fair to say that health is the most beautiful and richest gift for animals as well. One of the common feline ailments that harm this gift is hyperthyroidism. It is usually seen in older cats, and treating it can be a cumbersome process for both you and your feline companion. For cat parents who are thinking about an alternative treatment...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Free Pet Spay/Neuter and Wellness Weekend, popular Community Conversations and more!
Happy Tuesday. Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Free Pet Spay/Neuter and Wellness Weekend Is Back to Bay Area September 25-27Twelve animal well-being organizations across the Bay Area are joining forces once again to provide free spay and neuter surgeries, vaccines, microchips and other essential veterinary services to pets through Champions for Pet Health: Communities Partnering for Wellness and Spay & Neuter. The three-day event will take place September 25–27, 2026, and is made...
Ask Dr. Paola – HELP! My Dog Is Ball-Aggressive (September 7, 2026)
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 issues, Dr. Paola is ready to offer insights that will keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Stay tuned for expert guidance...
6 Herbs To Support Your Dog’s Immune System
The immune system is one of your dog’s main defense systems. Supporting your dog’s immune system gives it the best possible chance to stay clear of dis-ease. The good news is you can do it naturally. There are herbs that have proven their worth for thousands of years around the world when it comes to supporting the immune system. What is the definition of a herb? A herb is a plant or plant part used for flavor, scent, or health benefits. It can include: Seeds or bark (milk thistle) Flowers (chamomile) Roots (ginger) Leaves...
Crystalluria in Cats
Have you ever heard your veterinarian mention the word crystalluria? Don’t worry — you’re not alone! Crystalluria simply means that crystals have been found in your cat’s urine. While this might sound alarming, understanding what it means can help you take better care of your feline friend. What Is Crystalluria? Crystals can form in urine when certain minerals or other substances build up in higher-than-normal amounts. These crystals are usually spotted during a routine test called a urinalysis, where a small...
Journey of Lifesaving
Sep 03, 2026 Donate Now In 2009, Austin charted a bold new course. The City Council passed a resolution directing staff and the Animal Advisory Commission to construct a No Kill plan — a blueprint that Council unanimously adopted just months later. This plan became the North Star guiding every step forward. Austin Pets Alive!’s safety net programs, combined with a close partnership with the municipal shelter and a compassionate community, built the roadmap that made transformational lifesaving possible. By 2011, Austin reached a...
How reflexology helps dogs
Find out how reflexology may help reduce stress, improve circulation, and support your dog’s overall health naturally. Our dogs play a closer role in our lives than at any other time in human history. Many people now view their dogs as family members. They also want access to safe health solutions for their dogs that address root causes and not just symptoms. Reflexology is one of those solutions. Here’s how reflexology helps dogs. Understanding reflexology Reflexology involves the theory that the feet, hands and ears of a...
The Hardest Goodbye: When Love Meant Letting Murphy Go
Trigger Warning: This article discusses pet loss, behavioral euthanasia, and the aftermath of a fatal dog attack. While difficult, the author shares her experience in the hope that others facing similar circumstances feel less alone. Dogster is sharing her story to encourage understanding, compassion, and open conversation around a topic that is often faced in silence. Reader discretion is advised. “I think I just lost both of my dogs today.” I covered my mouth to muffle my uncontrollable sobbing. The sobs shattered the silence in...
Common Allergens in Cats: What Every Cat Parent Should Know
If your cat has been scratching more than usual, losing fur, or developing skin issues, allergies might be to blame. Just like humans, cats can develop allergic reactions to things in their everyday environment. Understanding common allergens can help you take better care of your feline companion and know when it’s time to visit your veterinarian. Environmental Allergens One of the most common allergy conditions in cats is called Feline Atopic Skin Syndrome (FASS). This condition is triggered by allergens found in the environment...
4 Natural Ways to Support Gut Microbiome Health in Dogs
If you’ve been hearing a lot about the “microbiome” lately, you’re not alone. Scientists and veterinarians are learning more every day about how the trillions of tiny bacteria living in your dog’s gut affect their overall health. From digestion to mood, a healthy and diverse microbiome can make a big difference in your dog’s life. The good news? There are some simple, natural things you can add to your dog’s diet to help support it. What Is the Microbiome? The microbiome is the community of bacteria...
Do Dogs Really Need Anesthesia For a Teeth Cleaning?
If your dog needs a professional teeth cleaning, the word “anesthesia” can be enough to make any pet owner hesitate. After all, putting your dog to sleep for a dental procedure sounds much more serious than a routine cleaning at home. The good news is that, for most dogs, anesthesia is considered a safe and important part of proper dental care. Before the procedure, veterinarians assess a dog’s overall health, and during the cleaning, the veterinary team closely monitors vital signs. The goal is to make the procedure as safe...
Wildfire Hero: How This German Shepherd Saved Lives
There are moments when our dogs do something that makes us stop and pay attention. Maybe it is the way they suddenly stare toward a window. The way they become restless for no obvious reason. The way they keep returning to the same place in the house, refusing to settle. As veterinarians, we learn to take changes in behavior seriously. Not because every unusual behavior means something is wrong, but because behavior is one of the ways animals communicate with us. Donna Carberry knows that now, in a way she will never forget. As the Old Trails...
Professional Grooming Secrets Every Dog Owner Should Know
:first-child]:mt-0! [&>:last-child]:mb-0! [&_p]:my-2! [&_p]:text-[0.938rem]! md:[&_p]:text-base! [&_ol]:mt-1! [&_ol]:mb-0! [&_ol]:pl-[1.2rem]! [&_ul]:mt-1! [&_ul]:mb-0! [&_ul]:list-disc! [&_ul]:pl-[1.2rem]! [&_li]:my-[0.35rem]! [&_li]:pl-[0.15rem]! [&_li]:text-[0.938rem]! md:[&_li]:text-base! [&_li]:marker:text-[var(–tiptap-info-box-color)]” readability=”31.610526315789″> This article was created in sponsorship with Wahl, which helps make content...
Why Living with Animal Companions Is Good for You (and How to Strengthen Your Bond)
If you share your home with a dog or cat, you already know how good it feels to come home to a wagging tail or a purring companion curled up beside you. But did you know that science backs up what you already feel in your heart? The bond between humans and their animal companions is genuinely good for your health — and there are simple ways to make that connection even stronger. The Science Behind the Smile Research from the University of Michigan found that 75% of people say their animal companions help reduce stress and give them...
The 5 most popular Community Conversations of the last 2 years
In its earliest form, Community Conversations launched in 2020 as a place for well-being professionals to collaborate and connect during the Covid pandemic, an unprecedented time in history. In 2022, it officially became “Community Conversations.” These 50-minute calls are a collaborative place to connect with peers in the industry, share exciting new programs and research on a variety of topics including foster, access to veterinary and behavior care, community partnerships and more. Plus, each month we award up to...
Holistic arthritis relief for cats
Help your arthritic cat feel more comfortable with holistic care options, including nutrition, supplements, acupuncture, herbal remedies, and supportive home changes. Recognizing pain in cats can be challenging, especially when arthritis causes chronic discomfort. Even veterinarians often overlook signs of pain in cats. This is partly because some kitties won’t show discomfort in stressful situations, like being at the vet’s office. Many cat parents don’t realize their felines are in pain until arthritis noticeably...
Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: Couch Potato (August 31, 2026)
Welcome to our Dogster Weekly Photo Contest, where every other Monday we pick the best three photos from our readers, based on that week’s topic. This week’s topic was “Couch Potato”, and we received some amazing photos from you. And although every dog is wonderful, we had to pick our winners. Congratulations, and thanks to everyone who submitted their dogs to our photo contest! Next topic is: “Selfie Time!” Do you want to have a chance to get your pup featured on Dogster, our Facebook, and Instagram?...
