The Healing Power of Your Cat’s Purr
Have you ever noticed how comforting it feels when your cat curls up next to you and starts purring? That gentle vibration isn’t just a sign of contentment—it might actually be helping both you and your feline companion heal. Science has discovered something remarkable about purring that explains why cats might be nature’s little healers. The Science Behind the Purr When your cat purrs, they create vibrations that range from 25 to 150 Hertz (Hz). This might sound like just a technical detail, but researchers have found that...
Dog ear care by breed and ear type
Find out how to care for your dog’s ears based on his breed and ear type. Includes cleaning steps, common problems, ear massage for better health, and more. Bat ears, drop ears, fluted ears, button ears — everyone has their favorite dog ears! But did you know different-shaped ears present unique health challenges? The droopy ears of Basset Hounds are prone to trapping moisture. The erect ears of German Shepherds have better air circulation but are more prone to injury. Let’s take a look at dog ear care by breed and ear...
Complemetary Approaches to Chronic Enteropathy in Dogs
If your dog has been diagnosed with chronic enteropathy, you know how challenging this condition can be. Chronic enteropathy is a long-term intestinal problem that causes symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and decreased appetite lasting more than three weeks. While traditional veterinary medicine offers important treatment options, many dog parents are curious about other approaches that might help their furry companions. Understanding the Foundation of Treatment Before exploring complementary options, it’s important to...
Get this free activity book for kids, #ThanksToMaddie!
Summer is just around the corner and we have just what you need to keep the kids entertained (for a little while anyways). Maddie’s® Tail Wag activity book is available for two different age groups and is designed to spark empathy, creativity and a love for animals. Children six and under will find these fun and educational pages are intended to help develop skills necessary for entrance into kindergarten. It’s a great tool for parents as well as animal well-being organizations that want to develop their humane education...
Holistic Approach to Pancreatitis in Cats
When your beloved cat faces pancreatitis, it can feel overwhelming. This inflammatory condition affects the pancreas, causing discomfort and digestive problems. While traditional veterinary care remains essential, many cat guardians are exploring holistic approaches to support their feline companion’s healing journey. Understanding Feline Pancreatitis Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed, disrupting its normal function. Cats with this condition may show signs like decreased appetite, lethargy, vomiting, abdominal pain,...
From Biomarkers to Better Care: Why Regular Blood Tests Matter
Regular blood tests are one of the most valuable tools for monitoring your dog or cat’s health. They can catch problems before they become serious. Let’s explore how these tests can make a real difference for your furry family member. How Blood Tests Save Lives Blood tests work by detecting changes in your dog or cat’s body that you can’t see from the outside. Many serious diseases start silently, without obvious symptoms. By the time your companion shows signs of illness, the disease may already be advanced. Regular...
8 Overlooked Joint Health Triggers Hiding in Daily Life
Go beyond common joint health triggers and discover hidden everyday things that could be aggravating your dog’s or cat’s mobility! Mobility issues in companion animals are common, but there are many everyday triggers that often get left out of the discussion. Slippery floors, getting into cars, cold sleep areas, and many more things can trigger pain and discomfort. To keep your fur baby happy, healthy, and pain-free, discover these 8 often overlooked joint health triggers and steps you can take to improve mobility and comfort. 1....
Download the Go-To Guide for Animal Services today!
We’re excited to share that The Go-To Guide for Animal Services from Team Shelter USA is now available for download! This guide is a high level summary resource for all things animal well-being and relevant for both non-profit and municipal leaders. And, it’s free #ThankstoMaddie! Below is an excerpt from the report: Animal services departments, whether housed within government or contracted to nonprofit partners, are often asked to solve complex social, public-health, and safety challenges with limited budgets,...
Cone Collars for Dogs: A Guide for Dog Parents
When your furry friend needs to recover from surgery, heal from an injury, or stop licking a wound, your veterinarian might recommend a cone collar. These protective devices come in several types, and knowing which one to choose can make the recovery process easier for both you and your dog. The Traditional Plastic Cone (E-Collar) The classic cone-shaped collar, also called an Elizabethan collar or E-collar, is the most common type. Made from hard plastic, it extends beyond your dog’s nose to prevent them from reaching wounds, stitches,...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Foster 50 Challenge, Maddie’s birthday and more!
Happy Monday. Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Join the Foster 50 Challenge now!Registration for the Foster 50 Challenge is now open and closes on April 30. Foster 50 was built on a simple belief: lasting impact happens when animal shelters, foster-based rescues, partners and pet parents work together. In its inaugural year, this national, coalition-led program proved what’s possible through community-powered action. Together, Foster 50 communities: Welcomed… Learn More Happy birthday,...
What to Do If Your Dog Gets Injured in a Road Accident
As a dog parent, one of the most frightening situations you can face is seeing your furry companion injured in a road accident. Knowing how to respond quickly and calmly can make a crucial difference in your dog’s recovery. Here’s what you need to know to help your beloved canine in this emergency. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation First, take a deep breath. Your dog needs you to stay composed. Approach your injured dog carefully and speak in a soft, reassuring voice. Even the gentlest dogs may bite when they’re scared and...
Early Detection Can Save Lives in Feline Heart Disease
Heart disease is surprisingly common in our feline companions, affecting cats of all ages. The good news? Catching it early can make a significant difference in your cat’s quality of life and longevity. Here’s what you need to know about identifying heart problems before they become serious. Why Early Detection Matters Many cats with heart disease show no obvious signs until the condition has progressed significantly. By the time symptoms like difficulty breathing or weakness appear, the disease may already be advanced. This makes...
More Than a Meal: What It Means to Be an Ethical Pet Food Company
Support an ethical pet food company today to help people and the planet while giving your fur babies the best! Pet parents spend a lot of time thinking about what’s in each bowl of dog and cat food. You’re look for high-quality ingredients and nutritious, delicious formulations that keep your fur baby happy and healthy. But what about beyond the bowl? More and more modern consumers want to support socially and environmentally responsible companies that help people and the planet thrive while nourishing companion animals. When it...
Humans Behind the Lifesaving
Apr 22, 2026 When people think about lifesaving, they often picture the moment a dog leaves the shelter with a new family, or a tiny kitten curled safely in a foster home. But behind every one of those moments is a human. And at APA!, many humans. Lifesaving isn’t just one heroic act: it’s hundreds of small, quiet, compassionate choices made every single day. It’s the volunteer who shows up early to walk dogs, even before their first cup of coffee, because they know how much that fresh air and movement matters. It’s...
Cupping Therapy for Dogs: What Canine Parents Should Know
If you’ve heard about cupping therapy for dogs, you might be curious about this ancient practice that’s making its way into veterinary care. Let’s explore what cupping is and how it might benefit your furry companion. What Is Cupping for Dogs? Cupping is an alternative therapy that’s been used in human medicine for thousands of years. Recently, veterinarians have adapted this technique for canine care. The practice involves placing special cups on your dog’s skin to create gentle suction. This suction is believed...
Do You Know the Origin Story of Cats
Your cat’s wild ancestor is the African wildcat, scientifically known as Felis lybica or Felis silvestris lybica. Unlike dogs, which descended from wolves and have changed dramatically over thousands of years of domestication, cats have remained remarkably similar to their wild relatives. In fact, the African wildcat still roams parts of Africa and the Middle East today, and if you saw one, you’d probably think it looked just like a slightly larger tabby cat! The Ultimate Self-Starters Here’s where the story gets really...
Join the Foster 50 Challenge now!
Registration for the Foster 50 Challenge is now open and closes on April 30. Foster 50 was built on a simple belief: lasting impact happens when animal shelters, foster-based rescues, partners and pet parents work together. In its inaugural year, this national, coalition-led program proved what’s possible through community-powered action. Together, Foster 50 communities: Welcomed over 9,000 new foster parents Increased active foster participation by 11% Placed nearly 40,000 dogs and cats into foster homes Saw almost 12,000 pets adopted...
Weight Management Can Add Years to Your Dog’s Life
If you’re a dog parent, you probably want your furry companion to stay by your side for as long as possible. Here’s some great news: one of the most powerful ways to extend your dog’s life is something you can control every single day – their weight. Research from the University of Liverpool studied more than 57,000 dogs over 20 years and discovered something remarkable. Dogs who maintain a healthy body weight can live significantly longer than overweight dogs. The extra time you get depends on the breed, but...
Small Daily Pet Monitoring Habits Make a Big Difference in Health
Small changes in your dog’s or cat’s behavior, like leaving food untouched or not drinking water, can indicate an issue with their health. But small changes can be easy to miss, especially since dogs and cats often hide pain and discomfort. But behavioral, appetite, and energy changes are often the first signs of something bigger and more serious. And when you catch issues early, it can help reduce treatment costs and improve outcomes. Here are some tips for daily pet monitoring that will help you keep an eye on their health....
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: New guide for animal services, lessons from award-winning foster programs and more!
Happy Monday. Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Lessons from award-winning foster programsJoin us for a dynamic look at some of the winning strategies from the 2025 Foster 50 Challenge (registration for 2026 is now open!) Through a series of lightning-fast talks, you’ll learn how grant funding helped spark new ideas, expanded foster programs and created measurable change for communities and animals in need. In less than 90… Learn More Learning opportunities to help prevent dog bitesIt’s...
