Happy Birthday, Jelly: Celebrating 14 Years With Me
Hi, I’m Allison! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my three mixed-breed dogs from Thailand, Jelly, Lorraina, and Manic. Does anyone else celebrate their dog’s birthday? I have seen people go all out with parties for their pooches: making dog-safe cakes, having them wear little birthday hats, doing photoshoots, etc. It looks like so much fun! Other people might like simplicity regarding canine birthday celebrations. Giving them a special treat, a brand new toy, and singing “Happy Birthday” fits...
Is Your Dog Stressed – or Depressed?
Dogs are as prone to stress, anxiety and depression as we are. Knowing how and why these issues manifest, and the differences between them, will help you better understand your dog’s behavior. Stress, anxiety and depression are common mental health problems among humans. They can also affect our dogs. When it comes to our canine companions, however, it can be challenging to know exactly how they are feeling, and what their behavior might be signaling. Because your dog can’t tell you he’s stressed, anxious or depressed, you...
The Natural World: A Playground for Your Dog’s Well-being
Diet, daily walks, and regular veterinary checkups all play important parts in being a good dog parent. But did you know spending time in nature also has a role? Giving your dog opportunities to explore the outdoors can lead to a happier, healthier companion. Let’s dive into the many ways nature can benefit your four-legged family member! Nature’s Gym When your dog has access to natural environments, he’s essentially getting a free gym membership! For dogs, romping through fields, hiking trails, or splashing in clean streams...
Camp Maddie: Pet-Inclusive Housing Edition is coming on November 13!
Camp Maddie is back! Join us for the third edition of Camp Maddie, a free virtual half-day event on Wednesday, November 13th from 9AM-1PM PT / 12PM-4PM ET. Across the country, many people face tough choices due to housing restrictions, often having to give up their pets. At Camp Maddie: Pet-Inclusive Housing Edition, we will cover a variety of topics related to pet housing in presentations, videos and question and answer sessions. Presenters will share ideas about: • Understanding human homelessness response systems for better...
Traveling with a Dog to Canada: 7 Tips Before You Leave Home
Canada is a stunning country with a lot of unique cities, landscapes, and activities for tourists. If you’re looking for the perfect destination to visit in the summer (or winter!), the Great White North has it. I’m not just saying that because I’ve lived here for 37 years, either! Whether you’re heading to Canada for a beautiful getaway or scoping out the country for someplace to move, there are some things you need to know, especially if you plan on bringing your dog along with you. Read on to find our tips on how to...
How Much Is a Teacup Chihuahua? 2024 Price Guide
Click to Skip Ahead Welcome to the club of 62 million American households that own at least one dog! Pet ownership is a serious responsibility and financial commitment. Understanding what it involves can help you make an informed choice. However, saving money is not necessarily a matter of buying a smaller pup like the Teacup Chihuahua, thinking that it means fewer expenses. Sometimes, the opposite is true, making doing your homework essential. The Chihuahua ranks 32nd of the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) most popular breeds. Their small...
Do Female Dogs Have Orgasms? Dog Physiology Explained
Click to Skip Ahead While many studies examine the human female’s orgasm, there’s not a lot of scientific research into sexuality as it pertains to female dogs and their orgasms. While it’s true that girl dogs will exhibit sexual behaviors like mounting and masturbating, they don’t necessarily experience orgasms. Read on to learn more. Do Female Dogs Orgasm? Neither male nor female dogs can tell us if they have orgasms, so we can’t know for sure what the sexual experience is like for them. Most experts believe...
Why Is My Shih Tzu Shaking? 11 Common Reasons & When to Be Concerned
Shih Tzus are affectionate, extroverted, and playful companions that genuinely relish human company. If you’ve been a Shih Tzu owner for any period of time, you know just how special these lively charmers can be. That’s why it can be so terrifying if your little fur buddy starts exhibiting strange behaviors like shaking. Many things can cause a Shih Tzu to begin shaking. They may be trembling to express emotions like excitement or fear, or they may not be in control of the shaking at all due to a health condition or their age....
What Is a Belly Band for Dogs? Uses & DIY Options
Click to Skip Ahead Dogs are man’s best friend, but despite their status, they sometimes do things we don’t love. One example is when male dogs pee in the house. Of course, in some instances, a dog can’t help doing this due to incontinence or health issues; however, dealing with all that urine isn’t fun, no matter why it’s happening. Luckily, there’s something you can do if you’re dealing with a male pup who is eliminating inappropriately! If you haven’t tried one, we highly suggest utilizing a...
My Dog Swallowed a Corn Cob: Our Vet Explains Signs, Next Steps & Prevention Tips
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead You had company over for a barbecue, and your furriest family member stole an ear of corn on the cob from someone’s plate. Is it going to be a problem? If so, what do you do when your dog eats a corn cob? What to Do if Your Dog Ate a Corn Cob Start by taking a deep breath. If your dog ate a corn cob, get them away from anything else they might be trying to gobble down. Check to ensure they...
How Fast Can a Rottweiler Run? Facts & Comparison Chart
Click to Skip Ahead Rottweilers were bred to be working dogs and guard dogs. They have a muscular build and can look very intimidating. Rottweilers aren’t necessarily built for speed, but they can still reach top running speeds of about 20 to 25 miles per hour. Rottweilers have the potential to be good running companions. So, if you’re looking for a running buddy to accompany you on your morning jogs, a Rottweiler is a considerable candidate. Here we’ll compare a Rottweiler’s top speed with those of some other animals...
Celebrating the 75th Austin FC Honorary Mascot Adopted from Austin Pets Alive!
Sep 23, 2024 Have you ever attended an Austin FC match at the Q2 Stadium? If so, you have likely met one of the Austin FC Honorary Mascot dogs! This is the fourth season the MLS club has invited Austin Pets Alive! to introduce Austin FC fans to dogs ready to leave the shelter for a home. Austin FC has featured dogs from APA! who have survived parvovirus and distemper, dogs who have been injured and use custom wheelchairs and puppies who were born in the care of the shelter. “This unique partnership has increased visibility of the dogs...
Strut Your Mutt: What Is It & How to Get Involved
There is no shortage of events for canines out there, so if you’re looking for a fun doggie-focused thing to do with your pup, you’re sure to find something. However, some dog-related events, like Strut Your Mutt, are a bit more well-known than others. What exactly is Strut Your Mutt? Strut Your Mutt was a charity walk created and hosted by the Best Friends Animal Society that raised money to save the lives of shelter animals. It wasn’t only a walk, though; after the charity walk/Fun Run, a doggie-themed festival was...
20 Questions to Ask Before Adopting a Dog from a Shelter: Due Diligence Explained
Adopting a dog is a wonderful thing to do. It can save that dog’s life and provide it with a loving, forever home, while also making room for the shelter to take in another dog in need. It’s also less expensive than buying from a breeder. But, unless you’re lucky, you’ll find it difficult to adopt a puppy. Puppies tend to have long waiting lists and are much more difficult to find in shelters. As such, you will be more likely to find adult dogs. Before taking any dog home from a rescue, there are some questions you...
Are Small Dogs Better Behaved Than Large Dogs? Behavior & Facts Explained
Click to Skip Ahead We have a lot of rumors flying around the pet world—dogs are better than cats, cats are better than dogs. Small dogs are needy, big dogs are protective. All dogs hate cats. All dogs stink. Some dogs despise men, some dogs bite kids—the list goes on and on. When it comes to the hot debate about big dogs versus small dogs and their behavior, is there any truth to the tales? Are smaller dogs better behaved? Are bigger dogs easier to potty train? Is there really any real difference at all? We are about to find out!...
Boston Terrier Pit Mix: Dog Breed Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts
Click Below to Skip Ahead The Boston Terrier Pit mix isn’t always going to look like the same dog. The first parent of the hybrid is easy to discern, but the second parent breed is the conundrum. The term “Pitbull” doesn’t describe a specific breed. Instead, people use it as an umbrella term to describe dogs with a certain look including the American Bully, American Staffordshire Terrier, and others since they all have some similar characteristics. Let’s learn a bit more about this unique hybrid below. Also, for...
Penny the Passive Pooch: Addressing Chihuahua Stereotypes
Hi, I’m Savanna! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my spunky Chihuahua mix, Penny. I’m just going to be honest: I never imagined owning a Chihuahua. You hear all these dog stereotypes such as Chihuahuas being aggressive, having “small dog syndrome”, etc., and I thought that would be way too much for me to deal with. I’d also never had a small dog as a pet. My family always had larger dogs when I was growing up. But you all know the story if you’ve been following along with me all...
Bullboxer Staff Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts
Click Below to Skip Ahead Choosing the right dog to adopt can be challenging, as there are simply so many breeds to choose from. If you’ve been searching for a medium-sized breed, though, you may want to consider the Bullboxer Staff. This hybrid dog breed is known for their high energy, affectionate nature, and protectiveness of their people. They make wonderful companions for most active people; however, they may not be the right fit for everybody. Determining whether a dog is right for you requires knowing all you can about them, so...
Keeping Your Dog and Family Safe: Understanding and Preventing Zoonotic Diseases
Let’s talk about something important that affects both our canine friends and us – zoonotic diseases. These are infections that can pass between animals and humans. While our dogs bring us joy and companionship, they can sometimes carry diseases that might make us sick. But don’t worry! With the right knowledge and precautions, we can keep everyone healthy and tail-wagging. Leptospirosis: Sneaky Water-Lover First on our list is leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that dogs can pick up from contaminated water or soil....
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Safety net programming, foster-to-adopt and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Does your animal organization have a successful foster-to-adopt program?Does your animal organization have a successful foster-to-adopt program for individuals who want to “foster” an animal before committing to adoption, to ensure it’s the right fit for their home? Or are you looking to start one? Kelli Jordan of Tallahassee Animal Services recently shared on Maddie’s® Pet Forum that they’re looking to start one,… Learn More...
