How to Do a Weekly Home Check-Up of Your Dog
You play an important role in monitoring your canine companion’s health. Performing a simple weekly dog health check-up at home can help you spot potential problems early, before they become serious. This routine only takes about 10-15 minutes and can make a real difference in your dog’s wellbeing. Start with the Eyes and Ears Begin by looking at your dog’s eyes. They should be bright, clear, and free of discharge. Check for redness, cloudiness, or excessive tearing. Next, examine the ears by gently lifting each ear flap....
Nine Austin-Area Animal Shelters and Rescues Announce Adoption Event
Feb 25, 2026 AUSTIN, TX — Nine animal shelters and rescues in the Austin area ask the public for help making room for stray and surrendered animals with an adoption initiative called Keep Austin Adopting. Austin-area animal shelters today joined together to deliver an important lifesaving message to the Central Texas community. Representatives from TRAPRS, Love-A-Bull, Rescue ATX Dogs, Classic Canines, Austin Pets Alive!, Austin Animal Services, Austin Humane Society, Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter and Pflugerville Animal...
Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Affect Everybody — Canines, Felines, Homines
Antibiotic resistance is right among the top as one of the most pressing contemporary issues in health sciences. The UN and its agencies emphasize antimicrobial and antibiotic resistance as a cross-sectoral crisis affecting human health, veterinary medicine, agriculture, and the environment. The way we use antibiotics in humans and our animal companions has consequences that extend far beyond the household. What Is Antibiotic Resistance? Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria change and become stronger, making medications that once...
How Your Dog’s or Cat’s Tissues and Organs Deteriorate with Age
As our furry companions grow older, their bodies go through natural changes. Understanding how aging affects dogs and cats can help you provide better care during their senior years. How Aging Affects Tissues and Organs Just like in people, aging causes gradual wear and tear on your animal’s body. Over time, several important changes happen: Joint cartilage breaks down. The cushioning material between bones becomes thinner and less effective. Joint fluid also decreases, which means less shock absorption during movement. This leads to...
Webcast: Early life stressors and the behavior and physiology of rescue kittens
Maddie’s® Insights is our ongoing webcast series with practical tips based on current research to help pets and people. Join us on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 12PM PT/3PM ET for “Early life stressors and the behavior and physiology of rescue kittens.” Dr. Jennifer Vernick veterinary behavioral medicine resident at Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) in Canada will present. Across species, early-life stressors, such as inadequate nutrition, maternal separation, unreliable access to...
Understanding Canine Ancestors for Better Digestive Health in the Modern Dog
If you’ve noticed your furry companion struggling with loose stools, excessive gas, or vomiting undigested food, you’re not alone. Many dogs today face digestive challenges that can affect their overall health and happiness. Is there something we can improve to make the digestive health of our dogs better? Understanding Canine Ancestors Dogs are descendants of wolves. Wolves primarily ate raw meat, bones, and occasional vegetation. Modern dogs have adapted over thousands of years of living alongside humans. This means your canine...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Inspiration from the field, well-being tips and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Inspiration from the Field with Daisy NavinHave you ever wondered how your fellow animal well-being professionals manage their days and take care of themselves? In our new blog series, we’ll be chatting with a member of our field regularly about these topics and sharing it with you. Whether your role looks similar or completely different, we hope you discover something useful… Learn More 4 tips for achieving brilliant well-beingHow do you show up in...
Recognizing Fear, Stress, Distress, and Pain in Your Dog
As a caring dog guardian, understanding when your canine companion is experiencing emotional or physical discomfort is crucial for their well-being. Dogs communicate their feelings differently than humans, so learning to recognize the signs can help you provide the support they need. Body Language Signals Your dog’s body speaks volumes about their emotional state. When dogs feel fearful or anxious, they may tuck their tail between their legs, flatten their ears against their head, or cower with a lowered body posture. You might notice...
Helping your dog or cat cope with grief
Find out how to comfort your grieving dog or cat after the loss of a human or animal loved one. Recognize signs of grief along with gentle ways to support him. Losing a beloved human or animal companion is one of the most painful events in life. It causes us great physical and emotional distress. Your dog or cat also suffers when bereaved, especially as he doesn’t understand where his friend has gone. Helping your dog or cat cope with grief means offering him loving support and dependable comfort. Do dogs and cats experience grief...
Regular Brushing – Healthy, Happy Cat
When it comes to keeping your feline companion healthy, dental care often gets overlooked. However, brushing your cat’s teeth is one of the most important things you can do to protect their overall health and wellbeing. Let’s explore why this simple task matters so much. Why Dental Care Matters Just like in humans, cats develop plaque on their teeth. This sticky film of bacteria builds up on tooth surfaces throughout the day. Within just 24 hours, minerals in your cat’s saliva begin to harden this plaque into tartar (also...
Inspiration from the Field with Daisy Navin
Have you ever wondered how your fellow animal well-being professionals manage their days and take care of themselves? In our new blog series, we’ll be chatting with a member of our field regularly about these topics and sharing it with you. Whether your role looks similar or completely different, we hope you discover something useful and inspiring to carry into your own work and life. helpful and inspiring, and apply it in your own life. This month, we spoke with Daisy Navin, the Foster Programs Manager at LifeLine Animal Project....
Dermatomyositis in Dogs
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine views dermatomyositis as an imbalance in the body’s energy systems, often involving heat, dampness, and deficiency patterns. TCVM practitioners may use acupuncture to help reduce inflammation and support the immune system. Specific acupuncture points may be selected to address skin health, muscle strength, and overall body balance. TCVM also considers each dog individually, looking at their constitution and specific symptoms. A certified veterinary acupuncturist can create a treatment plan that...
Real Stories, Real Results
[embedded content] This webinar will challenge you to rethink the way adoptions happen and inspire you to make small, intentional changes by applying proven tools that build trust, strengthen matches, and help convert more visitors into adopters—using insights from data and visitor feedback to create lasting improvements in your adoption program. Speakers: Amanda Foster – Director of Programs, HASS Jenifer Reed – Senior Education & Program Specialist, HASS Our Website: www.humananimalsupportservice… Facebook:...
The 8 Chakras: Uncovering Hidden Influences of Pet Behavior
Learn tips and tricks about pet behavior and the 8 chakras from the world’s foremost animal communicator! Expert animal communicator Joan Ranquet has spent decades exploring the link between animal behavior and chakras—energy centers within and around the body—and she knows that behavioral challenges can stem from there. That’s because when one or more chakras are blocked, it can manifest as stress, discomfort, anxiety, fear, and behavioral/relationship challenges. Find out more about the 8 chakras, how they impact...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: My Dog is My Home conference, “snowcations” and more!
Happy Tuesday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. How one animal organization had success with “snowcations” during snowstormsWe know that short-term foster care can have immense benefits in helping lower stress levels in shelter dogs. Research shows that just a one or two night stay away from a shelter can drastically reduce dogs’ cortisol levels. And upon returning to the shelter, cortisol levels returned to baseline. Meaning the short-term foster sleepover essentially… Learn More...
Private dog-friendly airlines
See how dog-first aviation services are redefining air travel with in-cabin seating, no cargo holds, and stress-free perks for every canine passenger. When it comes to air travel, dog parents want safety and comfort for their four-legged friends. Thanks to the introduction of private dog-friendly airlines, canines of all sizes can fly stress-free with their families. Your dog can relax in your lap, lie by your feet, or even enjoy a seat of her own. No more cargo holds! Let’s take a look at what’s out there. How private...
Dog Hydration on the Go: What to Pack for Year-Round Walks, Hikes, and Travel with Your Pup
Want better ways to keep your dog hydrated on the go? Check out these dog hydration tips to help them drink more when you’re on the move! Keeping your dog well-hydrated helps regulate their body temperature, supports joint and organ function, and prevents dangerous issues like heat exhaustion. When you’re traveling or exercising together, dog hydration is even more important. However, it can be challenging to make sure your dog drinks enough on the go. Here are some great tips for your adventures at any time of year! Equipment...
Bringing Home a Shelter Dog
Bringing home a shelter dog is an exciting and rewarding experience. Understanding what to expect during those first weeks can help you and your new companion start off on the right paw. Creating Routines and Building Trust When your shelter dog first arrives home, everything is new and possibly overwhelming for them. Consistency is your best friend during this transition period. Dogs thrive when they know what to expect, so establishing a predictable daily schedule helps them feel secure in their new environment. Set regular times for meals,...
Superfoods and Ancient Grains for Dogs: Rethinking What’s in Your Pup’s Bowl
Discover why you should consider adding superfoods and ancient grains for dogs to their bowl today! What your dog eats is more than just calories to fill their belly—their food also impacts their health, happiness, and vitality. Modern pet parents understand the importance of feeding balanced, protein-rich meals, but what about other ingredients that can benefit health? Ancient grains and superfoods have been nourishing humans and animals for thousands of years. These time-tested ingredients deliver powerful nutrition that supports...
Constipation in Cats: Who Got Me Blocked?
When your feline companion struggles with constipation, it can be uncomfortable and concerning for both of you. Understanding natural ways to prevent and manage this common digestive issue can help keep your cat healthy and happy. What Is Constipation? Constipation happens when your cat has difficulty passing stool or doesn’t have regular bowel movements. You might notice your cat straining in the litter box, producing small or hard stools, or going less frequently than normal. Some cats may show signs of discomfort or avoid the litter...
