Beyond our Safety Net: Navigating Returns, Risk and Humane Outcomes in Dog Adoptions
Join us on March 26th for the next Maddie’s Monthly Behavior Connection call: Beyond our Safety Net: Navigating Returns, Risk and Humane Outcomes in Dog Adoptions. This session will explore the complex realities of accepting adoption returns for dogs exhibiting challenging or dangerous behavior. While our goal is always to keep adopted animals in homes, there are times when a return is requested and the shelter environment may not be in the dog’s best interest—or safe for staff and volunteers....
Indoor obstacle course for dogs
Keep your dog active indoors with a fun DIY obstacle course. Try these easy ideas to challenge his mind and body when winter weather keeps you inside. For many active and high energy dogs, spending the day inside can be boring. Typical indoor activities might not be engaging enough to keep your pup happy. Get creative this winter and use objects in your home to build a fun new game – an indoor obstacle course for dogs! 5 crafty indoor obstacles for dogs Building an indoor obstacle course for your dog doesn’t have to be...
Healing with light: laser therapy for dogs and cats
Low level laser therapy uses violet, green, red, and infrared wavelengths to reduce pain, support healing, and enhance cellular function in dogs and cats. Veterinarians use low level laser therapy (LLLT) in dogs and cats to reduce pain, inflammation, and edema. LLLT also promotes wound and nerve healing and prevents cell death and tissue damage. Over 40 years of research prove laser therapy’s efficacy. Yet LLLT remains underutilized in mainstream veterinary medicine. This is likely due to the wide variety of lasers on the...
Is Your Dog Vomiting?
If your dog throws up once a week, it’s a warning sign that something is wrong with your dog’s health. Digestive system is something that is continuously being exposed to foreign introductions. Anomalies are bound to happen. Animals however can make it look like everything is fine. Why Regular Vomiting Matters Dogs sometimes vomit after eating too fast or getting into something they shouldn’t have. However, when vomiting happens regularly—even just once a week—it often points to an underlying health problem...
8 Things Cats Hate in 9 Lives
According to folklore, cats have nine lives. And throughout each of those lives, there are certain things they will always dislike. Living with a feline companion comes with responsibilities, and while we all strive to do things the right way, we sometimes unknowingly cause them stress. Cat feelings are hard to decipher, so you might not realize these common behaviors are bothering your furry friend. 1. Forced Affection While you might love cuddling your cat, forcing physical contact when they’re not interested can create stress. Cats...
Science-Backed Adaptogens Are Driving the Next Wave of Pet Calming Products
Fear and stress are no longer just niche concerns in companion animal health. In fact, the global pet calming products market is projected to reach $1.7 billion by 2032, up from $952.4 million in 2024. Demand is accelerating as pet parents look for science-backed solutions to everyday stressors like travel, separation, noise sensitivity, and environmental change. At the same time, they want natural solutions, such as KSM-66 Ashwagandha. After all, it’s the safest and only clinically proven ashwagandha for pets, and now you can find it...
Why is my cat biting me?
Understand the top five causes of biting in cats — including pain, stress, and overstimulation — and effective ways to calm the behavior. “Why is my cat biting me?” If you’re asking yourself this question, you’re not alone. Whether your feline friend is a kitten, adult or senior, biting is confusing and concerning behavior. You can usually manage it once you understand the cause. From overstimulation to pain or anxiety, several factors can trigger biting. With the right approach, you can help your cat...
Helping Your Dog Feel Comfortable at the Veterinary Clinic
Veterinary visits can be stressful for many dogs, but the good news is that you can take steps to make these trips less frightening. Understanding why your dog feels anxious and learning ways to help them can make vet visits easier for everyone involved. Why Do Dogs Fear the Vet? Dogs may develop fear of veterinary visits for several reasons. Sometimes a previous negative experience creates lasting anxiety. Other times, lack of early socialization as a puppy can make unfamiliar places scary. The clinic environment itself—with strange...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Dog behavior courses, kitten resources and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Kitten season is coming! Camp Maddie: Kitten Edition recordings are here to helpThe kittens are coming! And so is help. Back in March 2025, Maddie’s Fund® hosted Camp Maddie: Kitten Edition, a half-day learning event with four of the premier experts in the field. Now, all four sessions and one question and answer session, is available on Maddie’s® University to peruse… Learn More Four dog behavior courses by Ferdie Yau are on...
Mental stimulation for dogs – 10 ways to boost his brain power
Keep your dog’s mind sharp and behavior balanced with ten easy ways to boost mental stimulation. From puzzle toys to training games, these fun enrichment ideas promote calmness, focus, and well-being. Giving your dog regular mental stimulation is crucial to their happiness and well-being. It helps promote good behaviors like calmness, obedience, attention, and relaxation. Providing mental stimulation can also help overcome unwanted behaviors brought on by boredom. Read on to learn more about mental stimulation for dogs — and ten...
Autoimmune diseases in dogs – when the body attacks itself
If your dog’s immune system attacks his body it can cause autoimmune diseases. Learn key signs and natural ways to support his immune health. Your dog’s immune system protects him from disease and keeps him healthy, but it can sometimes malfunction. Genetic and environmental factors can trigger immune dysfunction, leading to autoimmune reactions. This article explores autoimmune diseases in dogs and the health issues they can cause. Immunity against self Two cellular systems in the body provide and maintain immune...
Sedation and Anesthesia in Dogs and Cats
When your pet needs medical care, the words sedation or anesthesia can sound intimidating. Yet, these approaches are the very tools that allow veterinarians to perform procedures safely and with compassion. Let’s understand how doctors decide between calming sedation or full anesthesia. This guidance can transform what feels like a frightening prospect into a thoughtful plan—one designed to keep animals comfortable, protected, and on the path to recovery. Sedation vs. Anesthesia: What’s the Difference? Sedation: Creates a...
Why pet insurance is becoming more popular
Pet insurance is on the rise, with Millennials and Generation Z leading the charge. Find out what’s fueling this growing trend. Why pet insurance is becoming more popular comes down to how much people love their animals. Today’s dog and cat parents see their four-legged friends as family, and they want to make sure they get the best care when they need it. With vet costs climbing and more flexible insurance options available, pet insurance is catching on fast. It’s especially popular with younger generations such as...
Copper Levels in Dogs
If you’re caring for a canine companion, you might not realize that copper—a mineral we often associate with pennies and wiring—plays a vital role in your dog’s health. However, too much or too little copper can cause serious health problems. Let’s explore why monitoring copper levels matters and where this mineral might be lurking in your dog’s environment. Why Copper Levels Matter Copper is an essential trace mineral that dogs need for many body functions. It helps create red blood cells, maintains...
Veterinary dental cleaning for dogs and cats
Regular veterinary dental cleanings keep your dog or cat’s mouth healthy, prevent periodontal disease, and support long-term overall well-being. When you consider your dog or cat’s health, you likely think about a wholesome diet, plenty of exercise, and wellness appointments with your veterinarian. But what about his teeth? Many animal parents overlook dental care, thinking a few chews are enough — but the reality is far more complex. “Daily brushing and dental chews are great, but they’re only cleaning the...
Limber Tail in Dogs: What Every Dog Parent Should Know
If your dog’s tail suddenly goes limp and droopy, you might be witnessing a condition called limber tail syndrome. This surprising condition can be alarming for dog parents, but understanding what it is and how to help can put your mind at ease. What Is Limber Tail? Limber tail syndrome, also called caudal myopathy, is a condition where a dog’s tail becomes suddenly weak and floppy. The tail might hang completely limp from the base, or it might stick out horizontally for a few inches before drooping down. Many dogs also experience...
Can You Build Emotional Resilience in Your Dog
Just like humans, dogs experience stress, fear, and anxiety throughout their lives. The good news is that we can help our canine companions develop emotional resilience—the ability to bounce back from challenging situations and approach the world with confidence. Here’s how you can support your dog in building this important skill. Create Structure and Predictability Dogs thrive when they know what to expect. Establishing a consistent daily routine is one of the best ways to build emotional strength. Feed your dog at the same...
Transparency and Science-Based Functional Ingredients: Separating Facts from Claims
Functional ingredients are all the rage in today’s pet supplements. Learn how to identify ones that have true value and real benefits! Pet parents are surrounded by products claiming to support gut health, immunity, mobility, skin and coat, and more. From food to treats to supplements, the word “functional” appears everywhere. But not all functional ingredient claims are created equal. So how can pet parents confidently evaluate which ingredients truly deliver benefits and which are simply marketing buzzwords? Let’s...
Four dog behavior courses by Ferdie Yau are on Maddie’s University
We’re excited to share that Maddie’s® University now offers four dog behavior courses from Ferdie Yau (MA, CPDT-KA), an animal trainer and ecologist dedicated to improving the lives of animals and their caregivers. His business, Sits & Wiggles Dog Training specializes in treating complex canine behavior problems for both private clients and shelters. The four free courses available are: Each course should take no longer than 30 minutes to complete and focuses on one behavior topic, with lots of video examples. Dr. Sheila...
Living with a deaf dog: 5 tips to keep in mind
Here’s how to live and communicate effectively with a deaf dog. Check out five essential tips for training, safety, and interaction that help build a loving, confident bond. Living with a deaf dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience that deepens the bond between you and your canine companion. While deafness may change how your dog communicates and responds, it doesn’t limit her ability to live a full, joyful life. With a few adjustments to your training methods and daily interactions, you can ensure she feels secure,...
