Understanding Heart Valve Diseases in Dogs
If your dog has been diagnosed with a heart valve problem, or if you’re just curious about your dog’s heart health, this post is for you. Heart valve diseases are some of the most common heart conditions seen in dogs. The good news? With the right knowledge and care, you can make a real difference in your dog’s quality of life. What Are Heart Valves and Why Do They Matter? Think of heart valves as doors inside the heart. Their job is to open and close with each heartbeat, keeping blood flowing in the right direction. When...
Join the 4th of July Pawjama Party!
Jun 26, 2026 While we all love a good Independence Day celebration, the booming noises of fireworks are incredibly scary for our shelter pets. For the next week, we’ll work hard to get our dogs and cats out of the shelter and into homes before the big night. Whether you want to host a temporary holiday slumber party or give a pet their ultimate “Independence Day” through adoption, you’re invited! Here is how you can RSVP to the pawty: Pick Your Sleepover Length (Foster) Not ready to adopt, but want to be a hero? Pick...
59% of Dogs in the United States Have One Common Problem — Obesity
If your dog seems a little rounder than usual, you are not alone. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, approximately 59% of dogs in the United States are considered overweight or obese. That means more than half of our beloved canine companions are carrying extra pounds that could be hurting their health every single day. This is one of the biggest health challenges in veterinary medicine today — and the good news is, it is something that can be changed. Carrying too much weight does not just affect how your dog...
Healing emotionally after an animal bite
Animal bites are an expected risk and emotionally impactful part of shelter work. Beyond the physical injury, a bite can trigger fear, shame, guilt, loss of confidence and even long-term avoidance of certain animals or situations. A new course authored by Valerie Bogie, “After the Bite: Healing Emotionally,” on Maddie’s® University, aims to help. This course provides a trauma-informed, practical framework for shelter staff and volunteers to emotionally recover after a bite occurs. Participants will learn how to process...
5 Dog Myths That Could Mislead You
If you share your life with a dog, chances are you’ve heard some common unfounded statements about them that aren’t quite true. Let’s set the record straight on five popular myths that many dog lovers still believe today. Myth 1: A Wagging Tail Means a Happy Dog This is one of the most common misunderstandings about dogs. While a wagging tail can certainly mean your dog is happy, it doesn’t always. Dogs wag their tails when they are excited, anxious, overstimulated, or even feeling threatened. The key is to look at...
Death and Dying: Navigating Pet Loss with Animal Communication
Joan Ranquet explains how animal communication, emotional freedom technique, and chakra work can help you navigate pet loss and help you say goodbye to your best friend. Saying goodbye to a beloved animal companion is one of the most difficult experiences a pet parent can face. While there’s no way to make the loss easier, there are meaningful ways to be present together and create lasting memories during their final chapter. Holistic practices like animal communication, chakra healing, and Emotional Freedom Technique can help you...
How Probiotics Help Your Dog
If you’ve been hearing a lot about probiotics lately, you’re not alone. These tiny, powerful microorganisms are making a big impact on canine health. But what exactly are probiotics, and how can they help your furry companion? Let’s break it down. What Are Probiotics Probiotics are live, beneficial bacteria that live in your dog’s digestive tract. They help keep the balance between “good” and “bad” bacteria in your dog’s gut. You can find them in certain foods like yogurt, or as...
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7 Whole Foods You Can Add to Your Dog’s Bowl Today
If you’re looking for simple ways to boost your dog’s nutrition, you don’t always need fancy supplements or expensive specialty foods. Sometimes, the best additions are already sitting in your refrigerator. Here are seven whole foods that can support your dog’s health — straight from nature’s pantry. 1. Blueberries These tiny blue gems are packed with antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight damage in the body caused by unstable molecules. Blueberries make great low-calorie training treats and many dogs love...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Disaster response for animal control, veterinary guides from Open Door and more!
Happy Monday. Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Disaster response for animal controlWe know that animals are part of every community, and all communities are subject to disaster at some point. Animal Control Officers (ACOs) play a vital role in disaster response, often serving as the first line of support for displaced animals and impacted communities. Our new online self-paced course, “Disaster Response for Animal Control,” provides… Learn More The May Weekly Community Conversations grant...
Natural calming products for dogs and cats: stress relief secrets every pet parent should know
Is your dog or cat stressed out? Pet Remedy’s soothing solutions feature easy-to-use natural calming products for dogs and cats. Our dogs and cats can get as stressed as we do, though for different reasons. We might worry about the economy or world events. Our furry friends are more likely to feel anxious about thunderstorms, vet visits, or changes in routine. Even if your dog or cat is calm by nature, they can still pick up on your emotions. Here’s the good news: natural calming products for dogs and cats help ease your best...
How Enrichment Activities Can Help Your Anxious Dog
If your dog paces, whines, or seems unable to settle down, you know how hard it can be to watch. Anxiety in dogs is very real, and it can show up in many ways — from excessive barking to destructive chewing. The good news? You don’t always need to reach for a solution from a bottle. Simple, natural enrichment activities can make a big difference in helping your anxious dog find calm. Why Enrichment Works Anxious energy needs somewhere to go. When a dog’s brain is busy with something positive and engaging, it has less room to...
How to prevent a dog from chasing animals
Manage your dog’s prey drive with positive training, impulse control, and reliable recall. Does your dog almost pull you off your feet every time she sees a squirrel? All dogs are predators and their prey drive is natural. You cannot entirely eliminate this behavior. But you can use positive training methods to better manage your dog’s hunting instinct. Read on for tips on how to prevent a dog from chasing animals. What does “prey drive” mean? Prey drive is a dog’s instinct to chase, capture and kill to...
Cats & Tai Chi: The Ancient Art Your Feline Already Practices
Believe it or not, your cat may already be a Tai Chi master! Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese practice focused on slow, mindful movements, balance, and calm breathing. Cats have been doing this naturally for thousands of years. 1. The Morning Stretch Watch your cat wake up and stretch every single limb with slow, deliberate purpose. This mirrors the flowing warm-up movements in Tai Chi perfectly. 2. The Stalking Walk When your cat creeps slowly across the floor — heel to toe, eyes focused — that is pure Tai Chi footwork....
Disaster response for animal control
We know that animals are part of every community, and all communities are subject to disaster at some point. Animal Control Officers (ACOs) play a vital role in disaster response, often serving as the first line of support for displaced animals and impacted communities. Our new online self-paced course, “Disaster Response for Animal Control,” provides the knowledge and tools necessary to respond effectively to emergencies while prioritizing the safety of both people and animals. After successfully completing this course you will...
Essential oils for Lyme disease and tick-borne infections in dogs
Tick-borne diseases such as Lyme are on the rise. Find out how high-quality essential oils can help support your dog’s immunity, relieve pain, and protect his vital organs. Now that spring’s here, it’s time to think about protecting our dogs from the surge in ticks and the diseases they carry. Essential oils for Lyme disease and tick-borne infections in dogs are gaining attention as a complementary approach to supporting canine health during tick season. Tick-borne diseases are proliferating Diseases carried by...
Homeopathy as a Complementary Cancer Support Tool for Dogs
When a beloved dog receives a cancer diagnosis, it can feel overwhelming. Many dog parents find themselves searching for every possible way to support their furry family member through treatment. One area to be explored is homeopathy — a system of natural medicine that uses highly diluted substances to support the body’s ability to heal itself. What Is Homeopathy? Homeopathy is based on the idea that “like cures like.” This means that a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy body might help relieve those same...
The healing power of touch: mindful grooming as canine massage
Mindful grooming transforms routine care into therapeutic canine massage. It eases stress, supports physical comfort, and deepens the bond between you and your dog. For many dog parents, grooming is a routine task. But when you approach it with intention, grooming becomes far more meaningful. Mindful grooming as canine massage becomes a therapeutic ritual. It nurtures your dog’s emotional well-being, supports physical comfort, and deepens your bond. In grooming salons, veterinary clinics, and integrative wellness practices,...
5 Useful Herbs for Recurring Hot Spots in Dogs
If your dog seems to always have a red, raw, irritated patch of skin that just won’t stay away, you’re not alone. Recurring hot spots — also called acute moist dermatitis — are one of the most frustrating skin conditions dog parents deal with. While conventional treatments work well for many dogs, some people are turning to herbal medicine as a complementary approach to help manage flare-ups and support skin health. Here’s what you need to know. What Are Hot Spots, Exactly? Hot spots are moist, inflamed areas of...
Are retractable dog leashes safe?
Understand the risks, common injuries, and recommended safety tips before using a retractable leash for your dog. When walking your dog, it’s important to use the right gear for safety and comfort. A lot of people opt for retractable leashes. But are retractable dog leashes safe? Read on for a comprehensive look at the problems surrounding this leash type, along with tips for safe use. How retractable leashes work Retractable leashes have a spring-loaded mechanism that allows the leash to extend and retract. This gives dogs...
