Considering Calming Supplements for Your Dog? Look for These 3 Ingredients
Calming supplements can be game-changing for dogs who frequently experience stress and anxiety. Let’s examine three ingredients you should look for in calming supplements for your dog and one product that has them all! Does your dog turn tail and run at the sound of fireworks or thunder? Or maybe they instinctively know when it’s time for a vet visit and hide before you even get the leash out? Some dogs regularly experience stress and anxiety, which can impact their behavior, temperament, eating habits, and relationships with...
Freeze Warning Issued For Austin, Keep Pets Safe
Dec 10, 2024 Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) and the Hays County Pet Resource Center are here with tips to help you keep your pets comfortable as we move into freezing temperatures overnight.Follow these tips to ensure your pets stay cozy: Bring your pet inside: If you keep your dogs outside, let them inside your home. Drastic temperature changes are challenging for pets and humans, so helping them stay warm in your home is helpful. Make an enclosure for community cats: You can help keep community cats safe by using boxes or plastic bins to...
Human Animal Support Services (HASS) Announces New Field Services Toolkits to be Included within HASS Playbook
The new resources were developed in partnership with NACA and other field services experts to create a united standard of care (AUSTIN, TX) December 10, 2024–Human Animal Support Services (HASS), an international project bridging the gap between human and animal welfare, announced today the inclusion of 11 new toolkits to the HASS Playbook. Developed in partnership with the National Animal Care Association (NACA) and other animal welfare industry experts within field services, the new resources aim to provide shelters with...
6 reasons to add Minnesota wild rice to your dog’s diet
Learn why adding Minnesota wild rice to your dog’s diet supports digestion, weight management, sustained energy, and overall health. Some grains, such as wild rice, have numerous health benefits for dogs, so they’re a great addition to prepared pet foods. Minnesota wild rice in your dog’s diet, in particular, is great for dogs. It’s a sustainable grain that’s highly nutritious, with a nutty flavor and more protein than other wild rice varieties. Here are six reasons to consider adding this healthy, tasty grain to...
Would You Like to Psychically Communicate With Your Dog? Renowned Animal Communicator Danielle MacKinnon Launches New Masterclass
Have you ever wanted to communicate on a deeper level with your dog? Or have you wished to understand your dog’s behaviors, emotions, or even their unspoken messages better? If so, Danielle MacKinnon’s new course might be exactly what you’re looking for. A globally recognized soul-level animal communicator, MacKinnon is launching a groundbreaking online program, Soul Level Animal Communication 101 + PLUS, in January 2025, designed to help animal lovers unlock their intuitive connection with animals. The team at Dogster has...
Supporting Your Dog’s Immune System with Echinacea
As our loving companions, dogs rely on us to ensure their health and well-being. One powerful way to support your dog’s immune system is through the use of Echinacea, a renowned herb with a history of medicinal use. This blog covers the benefits of Echinacea and how it can enhance your dog’s health. The Power of Echinacea Echinacea, also known as the purple coneflower, has been used for centuries to boost the immune system. Native to North America, this herb is well known for its ability to enhance the body’s natural...
What’s one change you’ve made to remove a barrier and how has it helped pets find homes or receive care?
As we continue celebrating Maddie’s Fund®‘s 30th anniversary, we’re taking a moment this December to share success stories of removing barriers. This month on Maddie’s® Pet Forum, we’re reflecting on the power of breaking down barriers in animal well-being to create lasting connections between pets and people. From simplifying adoption processes to creating barrier-free foster programs, removing obstacles can transform lives-not just for pets, but for the communities that care for them. What’s more,...
What Should I Get My Dog for Christmas? 25 Pawfect Ideas
Click to Skip Ahead Whether it’s your dog’s first Christmas with you or their fifth, you want to spoil them with gifts for the holiday just as much as anyone else in the family. But what should you get your pet for the holidays? Your pup probably already has everything they need, and you can only have so many toys in the home before people start tripping over them constantly! If you’re unsure what to get your pup for Christmas this year, we got you covered. We gathered 25 pawfect Christmas gift ideas for dogs, which include...
13 Hanukkah Gifts for Dogs & Dog Lovers In 2024
Click to Skip Ahead Hanukkah may not be a time to traditionally give gifts to your dog. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t pamper your pooch on this special day. That said, you will need to get a bit creative, as there aren’t that many dog-themed Hanukkah gifts out there! Luckily, you aren’t confined to only purchasing Hanukkah-themed gifts. Anything that your dog would like, like a fresh bag of treats or a new toy, is a great option. Dog lovers in your life may also love for you to purchase fun gifts for them...
25 Stocking Stuffers for Dogs: 2024 Christmas Ideas
Regardless of your opinions on the commercialization of Christmas, holiday gift-giving is an established tradition. If you’re looking for fun, quirky, or interesting small gifts this season, you’ve come to the right place! Here are some holiday stocking stuffers for dogs and their people. The 25 Stocking Stuffers for Dogs 1. Personalized Bandana Pawfect for: Dogs Type of gift: Clothing/Accessories Help your pup step out in style by stuffing their stockings with this personalized dog bandana. These adorable accessories are...
7 ways to improve your senior dog’s health and well-being
Senior dogs need extra care to stay healthy and happy as long as possible and this guide shows how to improve senior dog health and well-being. As our dogs enter the final stages of their lives, we often notice changes in their habits, behavior and overall health. Watching your dog get more tired, sensitive, and slow can be an unsettling experience, but there are many ways to help him navigate his senior years comfortably and safely, and with good quality of life. Let’s explore seven ways you can support and learn how to improve...
Human Animal Support Services (HASS) Announces Elkie Wills as Director
(AUSTIN, TX) December 9, 2024–Human Animal Support Services (HASS), an international project bridging the gap between human and animal welfare, announces Elkie Wills as Maddie’s® Director of Human Animal Support Services, bringing more than 20 years of animal welfare and community engagement experience to the project. Launched in 2020, HASS will reemphasize its commitment to supporting people and their pets under Elkie’s direction and continue to work with pilot and partner organizations to implement data-driven,...
Dogs and Cats: How Lava & Hela Treat the Kitties
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Hi, I’m Dr. Maja! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two crossbreed dogs, Lava and Hela. For those of you who have both dogs and cats, you understand how each of these relationships is unique and different. Getting my first cat Miki last year was a very rewarding experience, as both Lava and Hela accepted him very quickly. They have been gentle and patient with him for the most part, since day...
Using Aromatherapy to Reduce Stress in Multi-Cat Households
Living in a multi-cat household can be a rewarding experience, but it often comes with its share of challenges. Stress and tension among cats can lead to behavioral issues, affecting their well-being and your household’s harmony. One effective and natural way to reduce stress and promote tranquility is through the use of aromatherapy. Here’s how aromatherapy can benefit your feline companions and create a more peaceful environment. The Science Behind Aromatherapy Aromatherapy involves using essential oils extracted from plants to...
Ask Dr. Paola: Monday December 9, 2024
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our readers better understand their dog’s health and well-being. Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned dog lover, Dr. Paola is here to provide answers to your most pressing questions. From nutrition tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Adopting pets from foster homes, Camp Maddie recordings and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. 5 tips for adopting pets out of foster homesHave you considered letting your foster caregivers process the adoptions of their foster pets from their homes? This may seem daunting at first, but the benefits are worth considering: multiple studies have shown that pets adopted from their foster homes are significantly less likely to be returned. Having foster caregivers process their foster pets’ adoptions… Learn More Camp Maddie: Pet-Inclusive Housing...
7 Holistic Strategies for Weight Management in Dogs
Ensuring your dog maintains a healthy weight is crucial for their overall well-being and longevity. Excess weight can lead to various health issues, including diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. By adopting holistic strategies for weight management in dogs, you can effectively manage your furry friend’s weight while promoting their overall health and happiness. Let’s explore seven natural and integrative approaches to help your dog stay fit and healthy. 1. Balanced Diet and Proper Nutrition A balanced diet is the cornerstone...
How to Do a Health Check at Home: Dr. Karyn’s Tips & Checklist
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred. Recently I was working on a Dogster article called “How Do I Know If My Dog Is Healthy?” and it made me think about the examination I perform when I’m giving a dog a basic health check. And then I thought back to Covid lockdowns, and how we were often relying on...
5 Reasons Wild Alaska Pollock is the Ultimate Fish Oil for Dogs and Cats
Not all fish oil for dogs and cats is the same quality, and there are specific things to look for when choosing the right product. Here are five reasons to give Wild Alaska Pollock oil a try! Fish oil has been increasingly popular with dog and cat parents because of its support for brain, skin, and coat health. Wild Alaska Pollock is an ideal fish oil for dogs and cats, and here are five reasons why! 1. Natural Source of EPA + DHA Omega-3 Fatty Acids Specifically, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) – omega-3...
Letter from the NEW HASS Director
Hello HASS Community, My name is Elkie Wills and I’m proud to share that I’m leading the HASS project as the new Maddie’s® Director of Human Animal Support Services. Formal titles aside–I really want to take this opportunity to introduce myself and share why I’m thrilled to be not only a part of this community, but to help mobilize the HASS movement this community has built! While I call the snowy state of Michigan home now, I had the honor of most recently hailing from sunny San Diego as the...