How one animal organization had success with “snowcations” during snowstorms
We 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 serves as a break or vacation for them. Charlotte-Mecklenberg Animal Care and Control (CMACC) has had a thriving staycation and daycation (field-trip) program for several years. But with the...
How fresh food slows aging in dogs
Groundbreaking study shows fresh, minimally processed food promotes healthier aging in dogs We’re always looking for ways to optimize our dogs’ health and longevity. Feeding a fresh, minimally processed dog food plays an important role in promoting health and slowing the aging process. Dr. Heather Huson, Associate Professor of Animal Sciences at Cornell University, recently concluded a groundbreaking year-long study. It examined the effects of feeding senior dogs fresh, human-grade food versus a standard extruded kibble...
Understanding Physical Care Challenges for Senior Dogs
Caring for an aging dog comes with unique challenges that can be difficult for guardians to navigate. As your canine companion enters their golden years, they experience changes that require your attention and understanding to maintain their quality of life. Pain Hides in Plain Sight One of the toughest challenges is recognizing when your dog is hurting. Since dogs can’t tell us what bothers them, we must become detectives, watching for subtle clues. Your dog might start sitting more often, holding their back in an unusual way, or...
Why Is Your Cat Limping? Common Causes Explained
When you notice your cat suddenly limping or moving stiffly, it’s natural to feel worried and confused. Cats are experts at hiding discomfort, so when they show visible signs of pain or difficulty moving, it’s important to pay attention. Common Signs to Watch For Your cat might show limping in several ways. They may avoid putting weight on one leg, walk with a stiff gait, or seem reluctant to jump up on furniture they normally enjoy. Sometimes cats will lick or chew at a specific leg or joint. You might also notice them moving...
Why Ashwagandha Always Ranks in the Top 4 Most Popular Adaptogens for Pet Stress
Anxiety and stress are increasing in dogs and cats. Learn why ashwagandha is one of the top 4 adaptogens for pet stress and why KSM-66 is the safest and best ashwagandha for pets. Stress and anxiety are becoming increasingly common among today’s dogs and cats. In fact, canine and feline stress is a growing concern for pet parents, with one pet insurance provider reporting a 93% increase in anxiety-related claims between 2019 and 2025. Left unaddressed, chronic stress is linked to behavioral challenges and long-term health issues,...
Join us virtually for the My Dog is My Home Conference next month
When a person loses their home, they experience trauma and grief. Their pet may be their sole source of love and support. For a person experiencing homelessness, losing their pet can make one of the most difficult times in their life even more painful. Yet, with few emergency facilities offering pet-inclusive housing, it’s a decision so many people feel forced to make. We know pet-inclusive solutions to homelessness are not only possible, they already exist. Maddie’s Fund® is a proud sponsor of the annual My Dog Is My Home...
Feeding Schedules – Making Sure Dogs Eat at the Right Times
Creating a consistent feeding schedule is one of the most important things you can do for your dog’s health and happiness. Just like humans, dogs thrive on routine, and knowing when meals are coming helps them feel secure and maintain good digestive health. Why Feeding Times Matter Regular feeding schedules help regulate your dog’s digestive system and make bathroom breaks more predictable. When you feed your dog at the same times each day, their body learns when to expect food and processes it more efficiently. This routine also...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Instructor-Led Courses, top Maddie’s Pet Forum resources and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. How animal shelters can overcome barriers when building their community programmingBelow is the third and final post in a series featuring Gateway Pet Guardians and their progressive approach to reimagining the future of animal sheltering aimed at keeping people and pets together. In the first post in this series, we shared an overview of how they operate and… Learn More The top 10 resources on Maddie’s Pet ForumIf you haven’t checked in on...
Winter dog walking safety tips
Keep your dog warm, protected, and comfortable on cold days with practical advice on coats, boots, paw care, and safe winter walking routines. When the temperature plunges, walking your dog can be cold and challenging. Depending on where you live, icy roads and treated sidewalks can pose hazards for your dog. Keep your best friend safe, warm and comfortable with these winter dog walking safety tips. Accessories and advice for winter dog walking Buy him a warm, waterproof dog coat Choose a coat that uses down or synthetic fibers for...
Aggressive and Reactive? Keep Your Canine Calm So You Can Carry on
Does your dog bark, lunge, or overreact when they see other dogs or people during walks? You’re not alone. Many dog parents face this challenging behavior, which can make walks stressful for both you and your canine companion. The good news is that with understanding and the right approach, you can implement dog reactivity training help your dog feel more confident and relaxed. Why Dogs React Dogs bark and lunge abnormally for specific reasons. They might be feeling fearful or anxious about unfamiliar dogs or people. Some dogs are...
The oral microbiome in dogs and cats
The oral microbiome plays a vital role in your dog or cat’s dental, digestive, and immune health. Support balance through diet, oral hygiene, and specific supplements. When you hear the word “microbiome,” you probably think about the gut — that bustling ecosystem of bacteria that helps digest food and support immunity. But there’s another equally vital microbiome that animal parents often overlook. This is the oral microbiome inside the dog or cat’s mouth. Just like the digestive tract, your dog or...
Managing Chronic Pain in Cats Naturally
When your feline companion experiences ongoing discomfort, finding gentle ways to help them feel better becomes a top priority. Chronic pain in cats can stem from conditions like arthritis, dental disease, or past injuries. While veterinary care remains essential, several natural approaches can complement traditional treatments. Environmental Modifications Creating a comfortable living space is one of the most effective ways to help a cat with chronic pain. Consider adding soft, supportive bedding in warm areas of your home. Heated beds or...
Dietary Approach to Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Dogs
If your furry companion has been struggling with ongoing digestive problems like vomiting or diarrhea, you might be dealing with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This challenging condition affects many dogs, and more people who care for dogs are looking into specialized dietary approaches to help manage it. Understanding IBD in Dogs Inflammatory bowel disease happens when your dog’s intestinal tract becomes chronically inflamed. Think of it as the immune system overreacting to things in the digestive system. Your veterinarian might use...
Drooling in Cats: What is Normal and Abnormal
If you’ve noticed your feline companion drooling, you might be wondering whether this is normal or a cause for concern. While drooling is common in dogs, it’s less typical in cats, making it important for cat parents to understand when this behavior might signal a problem. When Is Drooling Normal? Some cats do drool in certain situations, and this can be perfectly normal. You might notice a small amount of drooling when your cat is extremely relaxed, purring, or kneading. This often happens during petting sessions or when your cat...
The top 10 resources on Maddie’s Pet Forum
If you haven’t checked in on Maddie’s® Pet Forum lately, now’s the time! Whether it be exploring threads that discuss fundraising and resource drives or advice on getting started with grant writing, there’s something on just about every topic. In addition to connecting with peers, the Resource Library holds a collection of over 1,700 resources for you to access! Why reinvent the wheel? Visit the library to access templates, manuals and other resources shared by forum members. Below are the top 10 resources:...
5 Simple Things to Keep in Mind to Prevent Obesity in Dogs
If you’re a dog parent, you know how hard it can be to resist those pleading eyes at dinnertime. However, maintaining a healthy weight for your furry companion is one of the most important things you can do for their overall health and happiness. Obesity in dogs is more than just a cosmetic issue—it can lead to serious health problems like joint pain, heart disease, and diabetes. The good news? Preventing obesity doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are five simple things to keep in mind: 1. Limit Treats to 10% of Daily...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Instructor-Led Courses, big feelings in dogs and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Apply for Maddie’s Fund Instructor-Led Courses on February 6!Looking to implement a new program, learn more about a specific subject and create positive change for pets and people in your community? Be sure to save the date for Maddie’s Fund® Instructor-Led Courses! All courses are free, #ThanksToMaddie. We are excited to share that we have four brand new classes this term! We’re offering… Learn More Recognizing and de-escalating big...
Cancer Can Be Prevented, Cancer Can Be Cured
Cancer remains one of the most serious health concerns for dogs, particularly as they grow older. While this diagnosis can feel overwhelming, dog parents should know that advances in veterinary medicine have opened new doors for both preventing and fighting this disease. Understanding your options can help you make informed decisions about your canine companion’s health. Why Cancer is Common in Dogs Just like in humans, cancer occurs when cells in the body grow abnormally and out of control. As dogs age, their bodies become more...
Why Your Dog’s Dental Health Matters
When you look at your dog’s smile, you might not realize that what’s happening in their mouth affects their entire body. Dental disease isn’t just about bad breath or dirty teeth—it’s a serious health concern that can impact your dog’s heart, kidneys, and overall well-being. The Problem Here’s a surprising fact: if your dog is over three years old, there’s an 80-90% chance they already have some form of dental disease. The tricky part is that you might not even notice it. The real troublemaker...
Apply for Maddie’s Fund Instructor-Led Courses on February 6!
Looking to implement a new program, learn more about a specific subject and create positive change for pets and people in your community? Be sure to save the date for Maddie’s Fund® Instructor-Led Courses! All courses are free, #ThanksToMaddie. We are excited to share that we have four brand new classes this term! We’re offering 10 different courses and 13 total classes in the Spring 2026 session. The spring 2026 application window opens on February 6, 2026 and closes on February 16, 2026. Below are the 10 courses offered:...
