Effective dog training with food rewards — 9 tips for success
Master effective dog training with food rewards! Learn expert tips for using treats to encourage desirable behaviors and build a better bond. If you’ve ever trained a dog, you’ve probably noticed that food and treats tend to get the best and quickest results. This article explores effective dog training with food rewards. You’ll find nine tips on how professional trainers use food rewards to encourage desirable behaviors from their canine students. Tip #1: Know that dogs don’t get addicted to food rewards ...
Postbiotics for dog gut health
Support your dog’s digestion, enhance immunity, and promote a balanced microbiome with this innovative approach. Explore the benefits of postbiotics for dog gut health. A “new kid on the block”, postbiotics play a range of roles and offer numerous benefits for your dog’s gut health. By now, most of us are familiar with probiotics and prebiotics. These compounds offer significant health benefits for both humans and dogs. More recently, the term “postbiotics” has been coming into view. You may be...
Insights from the Field
Shelters with High Return-to-Home Rates for Dogs While many animal shelters continue to face challenges in successfully reuniting lost pets with their owners, some have developed innovative strategies and are making significant strides in this crucial area. With current trends in technology, data sharing, and community outreach, many shelters are achieving impressive return-to-home rates. British Columbia SPCA and HASS Partner Organization, Wisconsin Humane Society, are two shelters who are achieving dog return-to-home rates as high as 80% by...
Holistic Approaches to Managing Feline Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a prevalent condition affecting many cats, particularly those in their senior years. As a cat parent, understanding holistic approaches to managing CKD can significantly improve your feline companion’s quality of life. Understanding Feline Chronic Kidney Disease CKD is a progressive disease characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function, which can lead to a buildup of waste products in the bloodstream. It affects 30-40% of senior cats, making awareness and proactive management essential. While...
Maddie’s Fund is hiring a Marketing and Communications Project Manager
Maddie’s Fund is looking for an experienced Marketing and Communications Project Manager to enhance and collaborate with its existing team. If you are looking for an opportunity to work within a dynamic environment and an established group, please submit your cover letter, sharing how your experiences are applicable for the role along with your resume to employment@maddiesfund.org. Accepted applications for the position will close on Friday, January 31, 2025. For questions about the role, please feel free to...
How to protect your dog or cat during power outages
Ensure your pets stay safe and stress-free during severe weather events. Learn how to protect your dog or cat during power outages. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and other severe storms are becoming fiercer and more frequent. As a result, widespread power outages are common. According to Climate Central, weather-related events caused 80% of power outages in the US over the past 23 years. It’s important to prepare for a prolonged power outage by making a plan that covers both your animal and human family. Read on to learn how to protect your...
Boosting Your Cat’s Immune Function with Spirulina
Cats are beloved companions, and their health is a top priority for those who cherish them. As cat parents, finding natural ways to enhance your feline friend’s immune system can lead to a happier, healthier life. One promising option is spirulina, a nutrient-dense blue-green algae known for its remarkable health benefits. Spirulina is packed with essential nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to overall well-being. Its unique composition includes phycocyanin, an antioxidant that combats oxidative stress...
New year, Same Pets.
Jan 07, 2025 The term “long stay” is one that has many different interpretations within the sheltering system, but when examined closely, each interpretation can be whittled down to this: a pet that has found itself in the shelter for an undesired period of time. Over the last decade, thanks to some deep data keeping by a particularly involved volunteer, we’ve gleaned that January happens to be a month of promise for long stay pets. While we don’t know the “why,” historically at APA!, January typically sees...
Two-faced and chimera cats – what causes this striking phenomenon?
Two-faced and chimera cats may look photoshopped, but they’re real! Find out what causes this rare phenomenon, from chimerism to genetic variations. Social media is full of cat videos and photos. These famous felines often have distinctive physical appearances (think Lil Bub) or humorous facial expressions (like Grumpy Cat). “Two-faced” cats such as Venus, Quimera, Narnia and Queen Domiino are particularly eye-catching. These striking felines have sharply delineated and symmetrical facial markings that make them look...
Ayurvedic Dosha Balancing in Dogs
Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being. Source: Animal Wellness...