Common “Hypos” and “Hypers” in Canine Health
As a dog parent, understanding your furry family member’s health can feel overwhelming. One helpful way to know common canine health conditions is by grouping them. For example, “hypos” (meaning too little of something) and “hypers” (meaning too much of something). Here’s a breakdown of some of the most important hypos and hypers to know about. Common “Hypos” in Dogs Hypothyroidism is actually the most common thyroid disorder in dogs — the opposite of hyperthyroidism. The thyroid...
A Holistic Approach to Managing IBD in Dogs
If your dog has been diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), you know how hard it can be to watch them struggle with vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss. IBD is a chronic condition where the digestive tract becomes inflamed, making it difficult for your dog to absorb nutrients properly. The good news is that a holistic approach — one that looks at the whole dog, not just the symptoms — can make a real difference in quality of life. What Is IBD? IBD occurs when the gastrointestinal (GI) tract stays inflamed for more than...
Eco-friendly dog and cat care
Check out simple, practical tips for sustainable dog and cat care, from healthier foods and natural flea control to eco-friendly toys, bedding, and household choices. Eco-friendly dog and cat care is about making thoughtful choices that support your animals’ health while reducing environmental impact. From safer food and natural flea control to sustainable toys, bedding, and household products, small changes can benefit your human and animal family — and the planet. Let’s dive into a few practical choices. 1. Avoid plastic...
No One Should Have to Surrender Their Dog to Serve Their Country: How Foster Families Help Veterans Heal
Written on behalf of Operation Foster (Formerly PACT) The story that started it all begins outside a Philadelphia animal shelter, with a man crying on the sidewalk. He wasn’t hurt or lost; he was a service member about to deploy overseas, and was surrendering his dog to the shelter. No family member could take her. The clock was running out on his orders, and the shelter was the only option he could find in time. Buzz Miller was volunteering at the shelter that day, and as he watched the scene unfold, he asked himself: Why does it have...
When Is Vomiting an Emergency in Cats
As a cat parent, you’ve probably seen your feline friend vomit. Sometimes it’s just a hairball or an upset stomach that goes away on its own. But other times, vomiting can be a sign of something much more serious. Knowing the difference could save your cat’s life. Normal vs. Concerning Vomiting Cats do occasionally vomit without it being a major problem. Hairballs, eating too fast, or nibbling on a little grass can cause a one-time vomiting episode. However, there are certain signs that tell you it’s time to stop...
New courses available in Spanish and accessibility options on Maddie’s University
We’re excited to share that Maddie’s® University offers a growing number of self-paced courses in Spanish, on topics ranging from kitten bottle feeding, bringing a new dog home, shelter customer service and more! Below are the courses currently available in Spanish, with more in the works: Eliminando el Miedo a la Alimentación con Biberón y Cuidado Básico de Gatitos (Eliminating the Fear of Bottle Feeding and Basic Kitten Care) Llevando a un Nuevo Perro a Casa (Bringing a New Dog Home) Fundamentos de la...
A Guide to Plant-Based Sprays for Your Dog’s Bad Breath
Does your dog love giving kisses, but their breath makes you turn away? You’re not alone! Bad breath, also called halitosis, is one of the most common concerns for dog parents. While brushing remains the gold standard for dental health, plant-based sprays are a helpful addition to your dog’s oral care routine. Let’s explore what you need to know! Why Does My Dog Have Bad Breath? Bad breath usually starts with plaque — a sticky layer of bacteria that builds up on your dog’s teeth. Within just 24 hours,...
How to Spot Dog Obesity Before it Becomes a Bigger Problem
Obesity in dogs is not always obvious. Weight gain can happen gradually, making changes in a dog’s body shape, energy levels, and daily habits surprisingly easy to overlook. By the time the extra weight becomes noticeable, it may already be affecting how comfortably a dog moves and plays. A dog’s ideal weight is not simply a numbers game. Body shape, the feel of the ribs, and changes in normal behavior can all offer useful clues. Paying attention to those details can make it easier to recognize when a dog may be carrying more...
How cat purring heals the body
A cat’s purr may help support bone repair, lower stress, and improve heart health through therapeutic healing frequencies and rhythms. It begins with a rumble. Before the sound reaches your ears, you feel it. A soft, steady vibration presses against your ribcage and slows your breathing. Your cat is snuggled on your chest, purring. Domestic cats sleep nearly 70% of the time. In most mammals, this level of inactivity triggers muscle atrophy and rapid bone loss. Yet cats remain structurally strong. The answer lies in the feline...
Cracking the Window Won’t Cut It: AKC Backs Its New Rule With Fines Up to $10,000
Reign was two years old, accomplished in the show ring, and still had her whole life ahead of her. Instead, she died inside a parked vehicle in Chester County, Pennsylvania, after her handler returned home to help her own dog whelp a litter and, according to investigators, forgot Reign was still in the vehicle. The handler now faces animal cruelty and neglect charges. At its July 2026 meeting, the American Kennel Club responded with a policy that makes the responsibility of exhibitors much more explicit: the new Unattended Dogs in Vehicles...
Is Your Cat Refusing New Foods?
If you’ve ever tried to introduce your cat to a new food, you already know the struggle. One sniff, a turned-up nose, and they walk away like you’ve personally offended them. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Cats are notoriously picky eaters, and getting them to accept new foods — even healthy ones — can feel like a real challenge. Why Are Cats So Picky? Cats are creatures of habit. They become very comfortable with the foods they know, and anything new can feel like a threat. This behavior is actually rooted in...
Dogs & Data webcast series
Data can be an invaluable tool in animal sheltering, especially for improving outcomes for animals. “Dogs & Data,” is a three-part webcast series from PEDIGREE Foundation, Adopt a Pet, Outcomes for Pets Consulting and Shelter Animals Count. It’s designed to give shelter and rescue partners practical insights and actionable strategies they can put to work in their organizations. Participants will learn how to make data easier for staff and volunteers to understand, identify why some dogs stay in care longer than others...
Ask Dr. Paola – HELP! At What Age Should My Labrador Be Spayed? (August 24, 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...
Dutch Online Vet Review 2026: Our Expert’s Opinion
: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=”31.28125″> This article was created in sponsorship with Dutch, which helps make content like this...
10 Human Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs
As a dog parent, you want the best for your furry family member. But did you know that some of the foods sitting in your kitchen right now could seriously harm your dog? Here is a breakdown of the most dangerous human foods to keep away from your dog. 1. Chocolate Chocolate contains two toxic compounds — caffeine and theobromine — that dogs cannot break down the way humans can. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, seizures, and heart problems. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. 2. Grapes and Raisins...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Rehoming data, Rural Humane job posting and more!
Happy Monday. Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. 10 questions to ask when developing a marketing strategy plan for your animal organizationDoes your organization have a marketing strategy plan? Marketing is an essential part of any organization, but coming up with a strategy can feel daunting for many. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just want to give your current plan a little lift, we’ve got you covered.… Learn More What the data says about rehoming (and why it might ease some fears)If...
Pharmacoequity Advocacy for Animals: Therapyequity for Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, and Others
Pharmacoequity/Therapyequity is an important term to know for the animals we care for. The idea pharmacoequity advocacy for animals is simple yet powerful: every dog, cat, or companion deserves fair access to essential medications/therapy, regardless of location, income, or social circumstances. What Pharmacoequity Means for Animals Definition: Equal access to veterinary drugs and therapies across all communities and shelters. Core Goal: Prevent situations where advanced treatments are available only to affluent households, while...
Integrative treatment for dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs
Support your dog’s heart health with integrative care for DCM, including nutrition, supplements, and holistic therapies. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs is a serious heart condition. It primarily affects large and giant breeds. It can also occur in other breeds due to a variety of factors. These include taurine deficiency, unbalanced diets, metabolic or endocrine disorders, chronic myocarditis, or exposure to cardiotoxic substances. This article examines the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and both conventional and integrative...
Dietary Changes You Can Make Today to Counter Your Cat’s Dry Skin
If you’ve noticed your cat scratching more than usual, or if their coat looks dull and flaky, dry skin could be the culprit. The good news is that what your cat eats plays a big role in the health of their skin and coat. Here are some cat dry skin diet remedies you can consider to help fight dry skin from the inside out. 1. Prioritize High-Quality Protein Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need animal-based protein to thrive. A diet rich in quality protein — like chicken, turkey, or fish — helps build and repair...
The Little Chihuahua Who Walked Into Our Lives When We Needed Her Most
There are moments in life that divide everything into “before” and “after.” For Crystal and me, losing our Dachshund, Dooney, was one of those moments. When Dooney passed away in May of 2025, we lost far more than a pet. We lost the little dog who had been part of our everyday life for over 17 years. She greeted us at the door, followed us from room to room, slept with us, and made our house feel like home. Anyone who’s experienced that kind of loss knows the feeling. Their toys are still there. Their bed is...
