Does Your Dog Have Heart Disease?
Heart disease in dogs is more common than you might think. But earlier detection, along with an understanding of the role diet, supplements and lifestyle changes play in cardiac health, can help dogs live longer. Heart disease is commonly associated with humans, but it affects our dogs too. In fact, nearly eight million dogs in the US have heart disease — that’s one out of every ten canines. Recent research also indicates that up to 75% of dogs aged seven and older will develop some form of heart disease. These statistics are...
They’ve Given Birth in The White House, and Other Fun Facts About the Golden Retriever
If you’ve ever had a dog or have loved ones who have owned one, there’s a decent chance it was a golden retriever. These affable pups are very popular family dogs, and, according to American Kennel Club registration statistics, have been in the top 5 breeds in the United States every year over the past decade. It’s no surprise that such a beloved breed would have their own day of recognition. February 3 is National Golden Retriever Day, so let’s mark the occasion with some fun facts about these accomplished – and...
How to Teach Your Dog to Talk Using Speech Buttons
Have you ever wished you could understand exactly what your dog wants all the time? Have you ever wondered how complex your pet’s thought processes really are? If only you could take a peek inside their brain! Well, you may be able to do just that (sort of) if you’ve got a lot of patience and a true desire to communicate with your pet and listen to what they’re saying to you. Find out how here! Photo: YouTube/What About Bunny You may have seen videos in recent years of dogs and cats pressing buttons arranged in hexagonal...
Guinness Record in Doubt as World’s Oldest Dog Investigation Unfolds
Bobi, a Rafeiro do Alentejo from Portugal, was celebrated worldwide as the oldest dog ever, having reportedly lived for 31 years and 165 days. His remarkable age, exceeding the previous record set by Bluey, an Australian cattle dog, by over two years, stirred both admiration and skepticism, The New York Times reports. But recent doubts about Bobi’s age have prompted the Guinness World Records (GWR) to conduct a formal review, leaving the dog’s legendary status in limbo. Photo: Facebook / Guinness World RecordsBobi was a Rafeiro do...
Florida Police Department Spoils Retiring K9 With Sweet Treat
There is only one proper send off for a retiring K9 officer and it involves a bowl and a lot of whipped cream. Fort Walton Beach Police Department announced the retirement of their K9 Bane and went on to thank him for his years of service in a post on Facebook. The department also rewarded the devoted K9 with a large bowl of whipped cream at the end of his last shift and wished him a long and happy life in retirement. They wrote, “After giving his all for the past 5 years, one of our goodest boys, K9 Bane, is medically retiring. We are...
Kitten Struck By Car Needs Your Help To Get Emergency Surgery To Walk Again
Meet Francine. She has had a rough start to life. The six-month-old tabby kitten was found severely injured on the side of the road in California after being hit by a car. Francine was rushed to a local veterinary clinic who discovered she has a fractured pelvis and tail and needs emergency surgery. They reached out to a cat rescue they worked with in the past called The Rescue House to see if they were able to help this little feline. Photo: The Rescue House The no-kill cat rescue agreed to give Francine a second chance. The sweet kitten...
The Consequences of Ear Cropping
The practice of ear cropping has been banned in some places because it’s a painful procedure with no benefit to the dog. In fact, it can have negative long-term effects. Let’s look at some of the physical and behavioral consequences of ear cropping. Ear cropping is a surgery that involves reshaping a dog’s ears to give them a particular appearance and make them stand up. The practice is painful and purely cosmetic, leading some places to ban it. Certain breeds are more likely to have cropped ears, including Boxers, Doberman...
Two Kittens Rescued From Behind Drywall in Office Building
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog! In April 1998, we had moved to Phoenix almost a year earlier, renting an apartment that didn’t allow pets. We already had two furry family members, Nikki and Tigger, who’d made the move with us. Our company was building a new facility, and as offices were being packed, scratching sounds and tiny cries were coming from inside the walls. CAT. PHOTO: PIXABAY / ESZTER MILLER A...
Dog Who’s Scared of Everything Finds Home and the Peace She Needs
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog! When I first met Emma, she was “Brownie” the rescue dog, and I was an adoption volunteer with Valley Humane Society in Casa Grande, Arizona. I was showing her off at the local PetSmart to try to find a home for her, when I realized she would be perfect for my own home. DOG. PHOTO: PIXABAY / NIPAPORN SRIRASKA She was quiet, calm and alert. These seemed like the best possible...
‘Shaking, Bobbing’ Cat Was Set to Be Put Down, But Teenage Girl Steps in to Save Him
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog! One day, my daughter went to the local shelter with a friend just to look at the kitties. A woman came in with a scrawny, half-grown kitten in a box and wanted to surrender him because there was “something wrong with this cat.” CAT. PHOTO: PIXABAY / SHEILA SHAFER-ROBERSON The counter person at the shelter lifted him out of the box and placed him on the counter. He was shaking,...
Michigan Hunter’s Camera Catches Cougar in Life or Death Struggle with Deer
In a remarkable display of nature’s raw power, a trail camera in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula Forest has captured a cougar attacking a deer, providing rare insight into the predatory behaviors of mountain lions in the region. This footage, recorded by 24-year-old deer hunter Eli Schaefer, marks the first known video of a cougar killing a deer in Michigan. Photo: Facebook / Eli SchaeferThe Michigan Department of Natural Resources manages and monitors the state’s cougar population. Eli Schaefer’s Rare Encounter...
An Adopter’s Guide to Owning a French Bulldog
Before you adopt a dog, it’s good to know what you’re getting into in terms of what’s known about the individual animal and their breed characteristics. Adopting a dog is exciting, but it’s a serious commitment. You want to be prepared to be able to properly care for your new furry friend for the entire length of its life. Especially if you’re adopting a puppy, you can expect that the pup you bring home is going to change and develop, making it important to learn more about their breed or combination of breeds....
How To Remove Snowballs From Dog’s Fur And Prevent Them From Occurring
Winter has arrived and so has the never-ending snow. Dog owners must deal with snow not only in their driveway but also remove the clumps of it stuck in their dog’s fur. It doesn’t matter if your dog dives head first into a snowbank or bolts back indoors at the first sight of snow, all must go outside to potty. Photo: Unsplash The question countless dog owners want to know is: “How do you remove or prevent snowballs from collecting in your dog’s fur?” Besides letting your dog pull them out of their fur themselves...
Saving Unsocialized Cats Through Working Cats Programs
Submission Guidelines Thank you for your interest in writing for Animal Wellness. As the #1 natural health magazine for pets in North America, we take pride in providing our readers with the information they need to make wise health care choices for their animal companions. Our publication embraces the entire holistic spectrum, from physical health issues to the emotional and spiritual well being of our animals. We welcome unsolicited articles and story outlines as long as they focus on holistic healing, whether physical, emotional or...
Backyard Battle — Hero Saves Chihuahua By Choking Out Vicious Coyote
In a stunning display of bravery, Timothy Snipe of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, recently faced a harrowing ordeal. His quick actions saved his beloved dog, Roxie, from a potentially deadly coyote attack. This extraordinary incident, captured on a home security camera, showcases the profound bond between humans and their pets and the lengths to which one might go to protect their furry family members. Photo: YouTube / Inside EditionCoyotes can easily jump over fences, posing a risk to dogs in enclosed yards. Confrontation in the Backyard...
The 2024 Open Arms Challenge preparation begins in February!
Join us for the 2024 Open Arms Challenge! This Challenge is all about opening our hearts and minds to more accessible and inclusive practices. Maddie’s Fund® is partnering with 24 national organizations to encourage animal shelters, foster-based organizations and public charities to pilot new approaches that welcome your entire community during the month of April. And as if increased inclusivity and community engagement weren’t incentive enough, there’s also $510,000 in grant prizes available! Please note: February is...
Neglected Dog Rescued From Fighting Ring ‘No Longer Remotely Resembles’ His Past Self
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog! We received a call to come over and help with a dog that was left tied to a fire hydrant for about 10 hours. He was weak from the heat, malnutrition and dehydration, but he still found a way to try to fight off his rescuers. DOG. PHOTO: PIXABAY / ALEXA I told my husband that we would make sure the dog survived until he could be seen by a vet the next day, and we were not keeping him. Once...
Hero Husky Kobe Unearths Deadly Gas Leak Saving Entire Philadelphia Block
In the bustling streets of Philadelphia, a remarkable story of bravery and intuition unfolds, starring Kobe, a four-year-old husky. His keen senses and unusual behavior led to the discovery of a dangerous gas leak, potentially saving an entire neighborhood from catastrophe. Photo: Instagram / kobealexanderthehuskyA hole in a Philadelphia neighborhood was apparently emitting a detectable scent. An Unusual Discovery According to USA Today, Chanell Bell, Kobe’s owner, first noticed something was amiss when her usually well-behaved husky...
Matilda Day: A Fundraiser for Senior Dogs in Memory of a Very Special Canine Companion
Jan 17, 2024 In a heartfelt endeavor to support senior dogs in shelters, Amanda Stronza has launched Matilda Day, a fundraiser named in honor of her late dog Matilda. This initiative is not merely a fundraiser but a sincere tribute to Matilda and a beacon of hope for senior dogs in need. Amanda Stronza, a photographer, found inspiration in Matilda after rescuing her from underneath her house. Matilda’s journey became a photographic adventure, chronicling her life and experiences. Through Amanda’s lens, Matilda’s story gained...
Over 90 Homeless Dogs & Cats Have Landed In Wisconsin To Start Their New Lives
2024 is off to a great start, thanks to your support. Over 90 shelter pets left overcrowded shelters in Louisiana and Alabama and boarded our Flight to Freedom in the early morning hours of January 16. Mother Nature made this transport difficult with the freezing temperatures and winter weather, but thanks to dedicated staff and volunteers it was a success. Photo: Greater Good Charities Shelter staff from the southern shelters slept in a conference room near the airport with the pet passengers to ensure they made the flight. They arrived in...
