Understanding the Link Between Gut Health and Pet Wellness
Gut health and pet wellness are deeply connected, with a balanced microbiome supporting digestion, immunity, skin and coat health, and overall vitality in dogs and cats. There’s an increasing focus on digestive health in the pet space, and for good reason. The digestive tract isn’t just a place where food is broken down. Rather, it serves as a vital link between nutrient absorption, immune health, and whole-body wellness. A healthy digestive system relies on the gut microbiome and plays a central role in overall pet health,...
One Bee Sting Almost Ended Her Life, But a Breakthrough Treatment Means It Doesn’t Have to Happen Again
In July 2021, a bee flew through an open window into the Preece family’s home in Stratford-upon-Avon. Nobody saw it happen, but suddenly, their beloved Vizsla, Amber, started behaving strangely. She broke out in hives, was vomiting, and by the time the family had rushed her to the vet, she was in full anaphylactic shock. A single sting is how Amber recently became the first dog in the UK to receive Hymenoptera Venom Immunotherapy (VIT), a treatment now being offered by the University of Glasgow’s Small Animal Hospital, the first...
5 Tips to Keep Your Dog Biologically Younger Than Their Age
We all wish our dogs could stay young forever. While we can’t stop the clock, science shows that the choices we make every day can actually slow down how our dogs age on the inside. Here’s what you need to know to help your dog live a longer, healthier, and more youthful life. 1. Keep Them Lean One of the most powerful things you can do for your dog is maintain a healthy body weight. A major study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine looked at over 57,000 dogs and found that dogs who maintained a...
Ask Dr. Paola – HELP! What Costs Are Involved in Adopting a Deaf Dog? (August 10, 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...
Senior dog chiropractic care
Learn how chiropractic care can improve mobility, reduce stiffness, and help aging dogs stay active, comfortable, and happy. As dogs enter their senior years, their bodies begin to slow down. Joints get stiffer, muscles weaken, and everyday movements — once effortless — become more challenging. You might notice your dog hesitating before jumping into the car, or struggling to get up after a nap. Many dog parents chalk this up to “just getting old,” but aging doesn’t have to mean discomfort or decline. With...
Aquatic Foods for Dogs and Cats
If you share your home with a dog or cat, you may have wondered whether seafood or other aquatic food is a good addition to their diet. The short answer is — yes, some aquatic food can be a healthy choice! But not all is equal. Here’s what you need to know before you start serving up a seafood feast or aquatic cuisine for your furry family member. Why Aquatic Food Can Be a Great Choice Aquatic food is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These are long-chain...
Do Wild Dogs Self-Medicate? What Can We Learn from Zoopharmacognosy Behaviors
Have you ever caught your dog munching on grass in the backyard and wondered why? You might actually be witnessing something truly fascinating — a behavior scientists call zoopharmacognosy. This is the idea that animals may instinctively seek out certain plants or natural substances to help themselves feel better. Pretty amazing, right? What Is Zoopharmacognosy? Zoopharmacognosy is the study of how animals self-medicate using plants, soils, and other natural substances. The word comes from: Zoo = animal Pharma = medicine...
CBD for Chronic Pain Management in Cats
As a cat lover, watching your feline companion struggle with chronic pain can be heartbreaking. Whether it’s the stiffness of arthritis or discomfort after surgery, you naturally want to explore every option available. One topic that has been generating a lot of buzz lately is CBD — but what does the science actually say about its use in cats? What Is CBD? CBD stands for cannabidiol, a natural compound extracted from hemp plants. Unlike marijuana, hemp contains very little THC — the substance that causes a...
The Little Frenchie Who Changed Our Family Forever
Ten years ago, when Chloe came into our lives, I thought I knew exactly why we needed her. My daughter, Samantha, was an only child navigating a major life change after her parents’ separation. I worried about the emotions she was carrying and the quiet moments that filled our home. I wanted to give her something steady—someone who could offer companionship, comfort, and unconditional love during a time when so much felt uncertain. At the same time, we were still grieving the loss of my father. His absence had left a space in our...
Can Dogs Hallucinate, and What Is Fly-Biting?
If you’ve ever watched your dog snap at invisible flies or stare at something that simply isn’t there, you may have found yourself wondering — is my dog seeing things? It’s a fair question, and the honest answer is: it’s possible, though it can be hard to know exactly what’s going on inside your dog’s mind. What Does It Look Like? Dogs can’t tell us what they’re experiencing, so we have to go by what we observe. Some dogs display behaviors that look like they’re reacting to...
Pit Bulls, Unbanned: How One County Is Putting An End to Unreliable Breed-Specific Legislation
If you’ve ever had a dog labeled a “Pit Bull” by a shelter, a landlord, an insurance adjuster, or a stranger at the park, there’s a real chance that label was wrong. Not just wrong in the sense of opinion, but wrong in a statistically significant way. This isn’t just an abstract debate. On November 18, 2025, the Prince George’s County Council in Maryland voted to pass CB-97, ending one of the longest-standing breed bans in the country. The new rules took effect on February 2, 2026. While this is triumphant...
4 Promising Medicinal Mushrooms for Immune Health in Cats
If you’ve been exploring natural ways to support your cat’s immune health, you may have come across medicinal mushrooms like Reishi and Turkey Tail. These fungi have been used in human wellness practices for centuries, and more recently, they’ve caught the attention of the integrative veterinary community. But what does this mean for your feline companion? What Are Medicinal Mushrooms? Medicinal mushrooms are a special group of fungi known for their potential health-supporting properties. Unlike the mushrooms you...
Join in on these hot Maddie’s Pet Forum discussions!
Does your animal shelter have a little free pet food pantry? Or have you made strides to increase access to care with great results? Maybe you have cracked the code to foster caregiver communication? All of these topics and more are being discussed on Maddie’s® Pet Forum! See below for some of the recent threads, and be sure to weigh in if you can. Don’t forget, we award $3,000 in participation grants each month! These are just a few of the many recent posts on the Forum. Be sure to check them out, weigh in and walk away...
Summer safety for dogs
Keep your dog safe this summer with tips on preventing heatstroke, avoiding common warm-weather hazards, and ensuring fun, healthy outdoor activities. Many of us enjoy the summer months. If we have dogs, though, we must know the health risks associated with this time of year, from heatstroke to accidental poisoning. Check out these tips on summer safety for dogs. Understanding heatstroke The American Veterinary Medical Association defines heatstroke as “a severe, life-threatening form of non-pyrogenic hyperthermia with a rapid,...
Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: Yes, I Made a Mess (August 3, 2026)
In this article br]:hidden [&>a:not(:first-child)]:max-sm:group-data-[expanded=false]/items:hidden max-sm:flex-col” data-jump-links-items data-expanded=”false” id=”jump-links-items”>WinnerRunner-Up3rd PlaceEnter Your Dog View 3 More +Less – 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 “Yes, I Made a Mess”, and we received some amazing photos from...
Foods and Herbs That Support Your Dog’s Liver Naturally
Your dog’s liver is one of the hardest-working organs in their body. This incredible organ filters toxins from the blood, helps digest food, stores energy, and supports the immune system. When the liver is not functioning well, it can affect nearly every system in your dog’s body. That is why so many holistic-minded dog lovers are interested in learning how to support healthy liver function through natural means. Why Liver Health Matters The liver is your dog’s primary detox organ. Every day, it filters out harmful...
Earthing and Grounding for Senior Dogs: Can It Help Reduce Inflammation?
If you have a senior dog, you know how much it hurts to watch them slow down. Stiff joints, sore muscles, and the general aches that come with aging can make life harder for your four-legged companion. Lately, a practice called earthing — also known as grounding — has been getting attention in the wellness world. But what is it, and could it help your aging dog? What Is Earthing? Earthing is the practice of making direct physical contact with the Earth’s surface. Think of your dog walking barefoot (as they...
Meko: The Dog Who Helped Me Find My Way Back
Meko is my miniature Dachshund, but calling him “just a dog” has never captured what he truly is in my life. He has been my companion, my comfort, and a steady presence through some of the most difficult years I’ve ever lived. Before Meko came into my life, I suffered liver failure and became critically ill. My condition became so severe that I was placed in a medically induced sedation for three weeks while doctors worked to save my life. Waking up from that experience didn’t feel like going back to normal—it...
Indicators of Emotional States of Dogs and Cats
You already know your canine or feline companions have big personalities. But did you know that they are constantly “talking” to you through their body language and behavior? Learning to read the emotional signals of your dog or cat can strengthen your bond and help you spot problems early. Here’s what to look for. Why Emotional Awareness Matters Dogs and cats cannot tell us in words when they are scared, stressed, happy, or in pain. Instead, they communicate through their bodies and behaviors. The sooner you can recognize...
Hidden Dangers at Home: The Everyday Items That Are Secretly Poisonous to Dogs
Most dog owners know the classic dangers: chocolate, grapes, certain medications. But the list of household items that can seriously harm or kill a dog is considerably longer than most people realize, and some of the most dangerous things are sitting in plain sight. Cleaning supplies under the sink, batteries in the TV remote, even some bread dough sitting on the kitchen counter. Here are some of the most common household items that are toxic to dogs, and what makes them dangerous. Xylitol A seemingly innocuous ingredient found in many...
