Feeding your dog or cat a raw diet
Explore the benefits of raw diets for pets and debunk common myths. Learn how to transition your dog or cat to a healthier, balanced diet. Raw diets offer many nutritional benefits to our dogs and cats. Unfortunately, there are also a lot of myths surrounding this type of feeding. Recognizing the misinformation and confronting it is often the first step. The next is learning how to safely and successfully switch your dog or cat to a raw diet. Top 6 myths about raw food for dogs and cats 1. “Raw meat diets are not balanced.”...
The Causes and Effects of Canine Trauma and Helping a Dog Heal
Canine trauma is a common issue that’s unique to each individual dog. Every dog will perceive and process experiences differently, but it’s important to know the causes, effects, and how to help a dog through trauma. Canine trauma is an internal response caused by distressing external events. The impact compromises the dog’s perceived level of safety, creates internal disruption and discord, and sets the stage for a tricky road ahead for many. Although trauma won’t happen to every dog, pet parents can prepare...
Celebrate 30 years of Maddie’s Fund with Cuddly and monthly giveaways!
Join us in celebrating our 30th Anniversary with a giveaway on Maddie’s® Pet Forum! In celebration of Maddie’s Fund® 30th anniversary, Maddie’s Fund and Cuddly have partnered to provide $1,000 in prizes monthly, for engaging on a special anniversary-related post on Maddie’s® Pet Forum starting now. We’re celebrating for an entire year! Each month, the Maddie’s® Pet Forum Admin account will post a discussion thread on Maddie’s® Pet Forum tagged with...
The Importance of Industry-Wide Education to Establish a Gold Standard Across Animal Sheltering.
Oct 02, 2024 Animal Shelters have been around for over 100 years, and one thing remains constant: there is a lack of transformation and innovation that leads to shelters operating archaically and killing thousands of pets a year. This is not the fault of shelter workers but the system and rules in place that led us here. Innovation is at the heart of every Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) program; our training and education program is no different! Officially named Austin Pets Alive! Training and Education (APA!Tec), this program was launched to...
Understand aging in pets
Understand aging in pets, ensuring your dog or cat’s health and quality of life are enhanced for comfortable and meaningful later years. Aging is something every living being goes through, including our dogs and cats as well as ourselves. But what precisely is aging, and what are the different ways it can affect our animals? More importantly, understanding aging in pets can shift how we care for them and make the final stages of life less difficult and painful for both ourselves and our four-legged companions. Every Animal’s...
New Netflix Show Explores How Puppies Who Ask Humans for Help Make Better Service Dogs
Using a game called The Impossible Task, which is featured on a new Netflix show called Inside the Mind of a Dog, canine cognition researchers demonstrate that some dogs instinctively know how to ask humans for help. And with the right training, those dogs are more likely to become service dogs. What’s more, pet parents can also use the game with puppies to strengthen their connection. Training service dogs requires considerable time and resources. Work being done at Duke Puppy Kindergarten—which you can see on...
Probiotics and Prebiotics for Your Cat’s Digestive Health
Boost your cat’s digestive health with probiotics and prebiotics. Learn how these supplements can restore balance and improve overall well-being. Your cat’s digestive health impacts every area of her well-being. If things are off in her gut, then she’ll likely not be feeling her best and may develop problems ranging from diarrhea to poor immune function to behavioral issues. Along with a nutritious, species-specific diet and regular veterinary care, supplementing her with probiotics and prebiotics can help support her...
Purr-ifying Your Kitty: Natural Approaches to Feline Detoxification
While our feline friends have efficient built-in detoxification systems (thanks, liver and kidneys!), there are natural ways we can support these processes. Let’s explore how to help your kitty stay in tip-top shape, naturally! Water, the Ultimate Detoxifier First things first: water is crucial for detoxification. Encourage your cat to drink more by providing fresh, clean water in multiple locations. Some cats prefer running water, so a cat fountain might be a good investment. Proper hydration helps flush toxins from the body and...
Tips for Treating Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs
Atopic dermatitis in dogs is a common skin condition that can cause significant discomfort. This chronic allergic reaction often results in itchy, red, and inflamed skin, leaving dogs constantly scratching or licking affected areas. The condition can be triggered by environmental allergens, making it challenging to control. By using the right treatment, you can help manage these symptoms and provide relief. Using gentle, effective products designed for sensitive skin is the key to keeping your dog comfortable and healthy. Understanding Atopic...
Why do people opt for behavioral euthanasia for their dogs?
The emotional toll of behavioral euthanasia of pet dogs on pet guardians, veterinarians, and animal shelters is high; however, we have limited information regarding factors that influence a pet guardian’s decision to euthanize a dog with behavior concerns. In 2022, an online survey of United States pet guardians sought to learn about factors associated with behavioral euthanasia of pet dogs. The research found that most dogs had been displaying the concerning behavior for at least a year before the euthanasia decision was...
