Nature’s Witnesses to Nuclear History: These Animals Still Carry Radiation
The echoes of humanity’s nuclear legacy resonate far and wide, leaving an indelible mark on some of the most unsuspecting creatures across the globe. From the lush Pacific waters of Enewetak Atoll to the dense forests of Bavaria, the chilling consequences of nuclear testing and disasters are surfacing in the animal kingdom. As National Geographic reports, four animals in particular—Sea Turtles of Enewetak Atoll, Wild Boars of Bavaria, Reindeer of Norway, and Macaques of Japan—carry a radioactive legacy. Photo:...
Data Insight: Microchips Work and They Could Work Better (Part II)
Does your shelter know how much of your lost/stray intake has a microchip already when it arrives? Many shelters don’t know, but this small data detail can offer big benefits in improving your Return to Home (RTH) rates. A key point to this article is that while we tend to focus on their intended end result—more happy stories of families reconnected with beloved lost pets—microchips, and the data associated with them, are also useful in managing shelter operations. Readers should also note that this post can be applied...
Is There a Connection Between Diet and Dementia in Dogs?
Also called canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), dementia in dogs is a common disorder among seniors. Here’s how to recognize the signs in your own dog, and how diet may help support her brain as she ages. If your dog is getting old, you may have seen changes in her behavior. Perhaps she’s gradually losing her house training, is more lethargic than usual, or sometimes seems lost and confused. She may have canine dementia, more accurately termed canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). This article takes a comprehensive look at CCD and...
Husband and Wife Build Elaborate Catio, and Their Cats Can’t Get Enough of It
The following story was an entrant in the Tales of Summer Tails Photo and Story contest. The top three finishers received $500 in cash, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. To read more stories, click here! We have several kitties in our fur family who love the great outdoors, but we chose not to allow them to roam our neighborhood. Instead, my husband and I decided to add a “catio” to our backyard garden. PHOTO: JULIA VIGER We made short work of designing it. It has plenty of room for garden seating...
Kitten Has ‘Accident’ When She First Meets New Human, Who Takes Her Home Anyway
The following story was an entrant in the Tales of Summer Tails Photo and Story contest. The top three finishers received $500 in cash, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. To read more stories, click here! This is my special little tabby cat I named Little Shitz. You may be wondering why I named such a sweet, innocent-looking kitty that. PHOTO: ANGELA ARTHURS Well, she was brought home to me as a stray that had wandered into a tractor supply and repair shop. I couldn’t resist picking her up and holding...
Yellowstone Grizzly Bear Sprints Away From Charging Animal In Rare Footage Captured By Guide
Grizzly bears are fierce predators who rarely back down to another animal. However, there are instances when the bear’s survival instincts kick in and it realizes it is better to run than fight. Bo Welden, a guide for Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures, witnessed a rare moment during one of his tours and captured it on video. He took to Instagram to share the amazing footage and asked, “What animal do grown grizzly bears run from?” Some of his followers guessed another grizzly bear, pack of wolves, wolverine, moose, and even...
What Causes Hearing Loss in Dogs?
The last full week of September is National Deaf Dog Awareness Week. Veterinarians shed light on the causes, challenges, benefits, and how to spot a dog experiencing hearing loss. Deaf dogs make great pets who are trainable through visual cues and some even compete in dog sports. Read on to learn what causes hearing loss and signs your dog may be experiencing it. Photo: Pixabay What Causes Deafness in Dogs? American Kennel Club shares that deafness in dogs is either inherited or acquired. “It is estimated that about 5 to 10 percent of...
USFWS Proposes Vital Protections for Imperiled Salamander Mussel
The United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) has proposed federal protections for the salamander mussel, a small freshwater bivalve facing challenges across its habitat range spanning 14 states, from New York to southwest Arkansas. While the salamander mussel may not capture headlines like other charismatic species, it plays a significant role in maintaining the health of our rivers and streams. Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Magnus HagdornThe salamander mussel is currently facing the risk of extinction. A Species in Peril The...
The Remarkable Rebound of Africa’s White Rhino Population
Africa’s iconic white rhino, facing the brink of extinction for years, is now staging a remarkable comeback. New data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reveal that the continent’s white rhino population has rebounded for the first time in a decade, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing battle to protect these majestic creatures. Photo: PexelsThe white rhino is one of the world’s largest land mammals. The Positive Numbers At the close of 2022, Africa was home to 23,290 rhinos in total,...
6 Reasons to Give Your Dog Pumpkin Today!
Pumpkin has gained popularity as a natural and healthy ingredient in dog treats. When you give your dog pumpkin, it can positively impact their health and happiness thanks to its nutritional value, digestibility, and more! By now, most dog parents have heard about the potential health benefits of pumpkin for their furry friends. As a student of biochemistry and a dedicated dog parent, I can assure you that pumpkin really does have some great things to offer our dogs! Let’s delve into the details about this orange-hued fruit and find out...
Attract more volunteers with help from Maddie’s Pet Forum
Caring for and improving the lives of our pets often goes hand in hand with the challenge of finding and retaining volunteers. From volunteer shortages post-COVID-19 to the struggle of standing out in your community, the Maddie’s® Pet Forum Attracting Volunteers thread can help you. Earlier this year, Jim Wieszczyk from A Second Chance Animal Shelter sought guidance on attracting new volunteers. Jeff Okazaki from Humane Society of Jefferson County suggested reaching out to former volunteers to see why they...
Dog Greets Everyone So Much, She’s Called The Neighborhood’s Norm From ‘Cheers’
The following story was an entrant in the Tales of Summer Tails Photo and Story contest. The top three finishers received $500 in cash, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. To read more stories, click here! Maya’s favorite part of summer was the sunshine and sunbathing. PHOTO: JOANN WILLIAMS Living in the northeast, we have only a few months of the warm weather, and Maya would take full advantage of every warm minute. SHARE YOUR OWN RESCUE STORY She’d lay in the sun at every opportunity. When outside,...
Outdoor Enthusiast Dog ‘Hates to Go Anywhere Without His Backpack’
The following story was an entrant in the Tales of Summer Tails Photo and Story contest. The top three finishers received $500 in cash, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. To read more stories, click here! Gibson loves hiking and hates to go anywhere without his backpack. He is in charge of cargo transport and mobile audio and he takes his job very seriously! DOG. PHOTO: PIXABAY / YOLANDA COERVERS We hike every day in New Hampshire. We startled a bear last month, so he carries a Bluetooth speaker now so the...
House of Horrors Discovered in Arizona: Over 50 Dogs In Filth, Feces
In a heart-wrenching case of animal neglect and cruelty, an Arizona woman’s home was revealed to be a house of horrors for over 50 innocent dogs. April McLaughlin, 48, who operated an animal rescue center called the Special Needs Animal Welfare League from her Chandler, Arizona residence, now faces a multitude of charges, including animal abuse, cruelty, and vulnerable adult abuse Photo: PexelsWhen police officers arrived at the home, they were met with an overpowering stench. A Startling Discovery As Yahoo! News reports, it all began...
San Diego Closes Popular Beach To Protect Sea Lions From Intrusive Humans
A popular spot in San Diego for tourists and beachgoers has been closed to protect the sea lions who use the rocky shore to breed, nurse, and rest. San Diego’s city council voted unanimously to close access to Point La Jolla and Boomer Beach after receiving many complaints about people harassing the animals and getting too close to take selfies. “People will be prevented from actually going on to the rocks at Point La Jolla, and for Boomer’s Beach, if your purpose is to actually get into the water for swimming, for...
Invasive Marine Species Threaten Our Aquatic Ecosystems
When we think of the world’s oceans, rivers, and lakes, we often picture serene landscapes teeming with diverse aquatic life. Unfortunately, these fragile ecosystems are under siege from invasive marine species. These unwelcome intruders can have devastating consequences on the environment, native species, and even our own well-being. Photo: Wikimedia Commons / GerardMInvasive marine species pose a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems. Zebra Mussels Invade North Carolina North Carolina, known for its picturesque landscapes, is...
7 Natural Treatments to Help Kidney Disease in Cats and Dogs
Treatment for kidney disease in dogs and cats can include an impressive range of natural modalities, including ozone therapy, acupuncture, herbal medicine and more. Kidney disease affects many dogs and cats, especially as they get older. Kidney failure in particular is a scary diagnosis for many animal parents. The seven natural treatments covered in this article can help support your dog or cat’s kidneys, improve his quality of life, and keep him with you longer. KEEP IN MIND: Consulting with a holistic or integrative veterinarian is...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: #BeAHelper, online learning opportunities and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Donating pet food is just one way to #BeAHelperLast year, The Ad Council, Maddie’s Fund® and the Humane Society of the United States launched the public service announcement (PSA) campaign, “Pets and People Together.” There are many resources available to share with your community that encourages people to #BeAHelper. We recently shared the new public service announcement (PSA) campaign, “Pets and People...
How to Get All the Benefits of Raw Food for Dogs with None of the Mess
Few and far between are pets who won’t gobble their dinner down when it consists of raw food. Perhaps that bowl full of natural, raw ingredients allows them to access their inner primal beasts from days of yore? Pet parents do not always have the same fervor for fresh uncooked dog food though! Many of us are a bit squeamish and just can’t stomach the preparation of raw food for dogs. It can be, well, icky. Fortunately, there are ways to give your pet all the goodness of raw food with none of the mess. Of course, if you don’t...
The Healing Power of Aromatherapy for Dogs and Cats
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...
