Share the resources and discussions that have helped you make a difference!
As we continue celebrating Maddie’s Fund®‘s 30th anniversary, we’re taking a moment this November to appreciate the knowledge and support that power our animal well-being (welfare) community. This month on Maddie’s® Pet Forum, we are reflecting on the resources and discussions that have helped you make a difference! Is there a self-paced or instructor-led course, webcast, Community Conversation, forum discussion or resource library entry that has made an impact on your work? How...
Teaching A Greek Dog to Swim: Hela’s Adventures
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. So, as a dog born and raised on the beautiful island of Kefalonia in Greece, you would think that swimming would come so easily to Hela. Well, things are not always as they seem. After meeting Hela for the first time last spring and then seeing her clumsy attempts at staying afloat this summer, it became...
Herbal Supplements for Dogs with Kidney Disease
Tackling kidney disease in your dog can be challenging. But nature offers a gentle path to support their health through herbal supplements. These natural remedies can enhance your dog’s quality of life and complement conventional treatments. Understanding Kidney Disease in Dogs Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common ailment, particularly in older dogs. It affects the kidneys’ ability to filter waste from the blood, leading to a buildup of toxins that can cause a range of health issues. Early detection and proper management are...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Hurricane relief funding, cat well-being and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Dave and Cheryl Duffield commit $1 million to animal welfare organizations for hurricane relief effortsSoftware industry entrepreneur Dave Duffield and his wife Cheryl have committed $1 million to animal welfare organizations for Hurricanes Helene and Milton relief efforts through their two foundations, Maddie’s Fund® and The Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation. These funds will support organizations that are helping animals directly affected by the...
5 Benefits of Mental Stimulation for Dogs
While physical exercise is crucial for keeping dogs happy and healthy, mental stimulation plays an equally important role in their overall well-being. Dogs need to engage their minds to prevent boredom, reduce stress, and maintain cognitive function as they age. Providing regular mental challenges keeps your dog’s brain sharp and strengthens the bond between you and your best friend. Let’s explore the essential benefits of mental stimulation for dogs and practical tips to incorporate it into your dog’s daily routine. 1....
Dr Karyn’s 10 Commandments For Successful Puppy Parenting (Part 2)
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. Last week, I shared part one of my 10 do’s and don’ts for raising a happy, well-adjusted puppy. If you missed it, click here to catch up. Ready for the final five commandments? Read on: PLEASE NOTE: These commandments are intended for puppies. Although some will absolutely...
Can Dogs Eat Wheat? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead If you check the dog food aisle in most pet stores, you will see an abundance of grain-free and wheat-free foods. There is a modern belief that dogs benefit from this kind of diet. While it is unlikely that a canine would ingest wheat or other grains in the wild, these are commonly used in pet food because they can provide some nutrition for dogs. Specific allergies or intolerance to wheat are less...
Dogster Photo Contest: Dogs of the Week Winners (November 14, 2024)
Click to Skip Ahead This Week’s Winner Name: Bubba the foster Breed: Lab mix Fun Fact: Bubba’s favorite spot is on the cool concrete in this Austin, Texas heat. In this pic he’s begging for some fall weather this November. Socials @fosteringthebpack Cutest Name: Lilibet Lou Breed: Chihuahua, Jack Russell, Pug mix Fun Fact: Lilibet Lou loves the grass and the sun. She loves to chase squirrels, although she has not been allowed to catch one. She adores kids that are little like her!! Her favorite toy is an opossum plush that I...
5 Common Skin Conditions in Cats: Symptoms, Diagnoses, and Treatments
Skin conditions in cats can cause discomfort in your feline friend, and nobody wants to see that. Let’s find out more about five common feline skin issues and what you can do to help! As pet parents, we certainly dislike seeing our animal companions in pain. Recognizing the importance of skin health in cats is vital for their comfort and well-being. Like humans, cats face various skin conditions that can cause redness, inflammation, and itching. This discomfort often leads to excessive scratching, resulting in open wounds and...
Dave and Cheryl Duffield commit $1 million to animal welfare organizations for hurricane relief efforts
Software industry entrepreneur Dave Duffield and his wife Cheryl have committed $1 million to animal welfare organizations for Hurricanes Helene and Milton relief efforts through their two foundations, Maddie’s Fund® and The Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation. These funds will support organizations that are helping animals directly affected by the catastrophic hurricanes. The two hurricanes, which struck land less than two weeks apart, have resulted in destruction and hundreds of deaths across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina,...
How Big Do Jack Russell Terriers Get? Vet-Verified Average Size, Weight & Growth Chart
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Jack Russell Terriers are happy-go-lucky, spry little dogs that bring so much happiness to their owners. If you love little dogs, live in an apartment or smaller living spaces, or are just curious about the breed’s size—we have all the growth facts you could want! On average, a Jack Russell Terrier can weigh up to 13.5 pounds (6 kilograms) and grow up to approximately 12 inches (30...
Favorite Things: The Wednesday Dogs of Dogster Respond
Welcome to the Wednesday Dogs of Dogster! Every month, we ask our Dogsters to weigh in on a new topic. This week, we asked them: What’s Your Favorite Thing About Your Dog(s)? Here’s what they had to say: Amanda & Subi Subi has an arsenal of quirks, habits, and behaviors that I adore. If I had to choose a few favorites, though, I think one might be her inept attempts to ward off the mailman as he passes by. I am in two minds about how the mail carrier feels about it, but for me, it is pure entertainment. Before anyone says...
Tail Docking vs Tail Amputation: Vet-Verified Differences & Explanation
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Tail docking and tail amputation are commonly mistaken as the same thing. These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Both involve removing part or all of a dog’s tail. However, tail docking is widely considered as a controversial cosmetic procedure, while tail amputation is a necessary medical intervention. To clear up the confusion, we’ll go over...
Meet the Winner of the 14th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards®, Law Enforcement Dog Bo
Click to Skip Ahead If you haven’t heard of the American Humane Hero Dog Awards®, it’s time to tune in! They’ve just celebrated their 14th annual event and announced America’s newest top dog: Law Enforcement Dog Bo. The American Humane Hero Dog Awards® is a nationwide event that celebrates exceptional dogs across the United States, recognizing them in five distinct categories: Therapy Dogs, Service and Guide Dogs, Military Dogs, Law Enforcement and First Responder Dogs, and Shelter Dogs. The competition began...
Why Does My Dog Smell So Bad? 7 Vet-Verified Reasons & Helpful Tips
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead We can think of a thousand and one reasons we love our dogs, but their smell is one aspect that could often use some improvement. Dogs have a habit of developing interesting odors, some from the environment and others due to bodily issues. No matter the cause, an off-putting doggy odor can understandably make you scramble for a solution. While smart habits like monthly baths can prevent many common...
How to Remove Dog Odor From Your House: 15 Vet-Approved Tips
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » There is no getting around it: Dogs can get stinky. No one even has to ask if you have a pet; it’s evident when they enter your home. But no one wants their house to smell like a kennel. Dogs should be seen but not smelt. If you want to eliminate the doggie odor, you have many options to get the stink under control. It often involves multiple treatments to reach a sweet solution, but by trying a few of these...
6 Ways to Prevent and Treat Dog Tear Stains
Are tear stains making your dog look sad all the time? Don’t worry! Here are six simple steps you can take to get rid of dog tear stains forever. Tear stains on your dog can make them look sad even when they’re living their best life. But more importantly, dog tear stains can actually be a sign that something serious is going on, such as allergies, infections, blocked tear ducts, glaucoma, and more. Because you want your dog to look and feel their best every day, it’s important to address the underlying cause and take steps...
Last chance to register for Camp Maddie: Pet-Inclusive Housing!
Camp Maddie: Pet-Inclusive Housing Edition is tomorrow, November 13, 2024 from 9AM-1PM PT (12PM-4PM ET)! This free, half-day virtual event will focus on topics related to pet-inclusive housing with presentations and question and answer sessions. Join us for four in-depth conversations and presentations by some of the nation’s top pet-inclusive housing specialists from My Dog is My Home, My Pitbull Is Family, Housing Equity & Advocacy Resource Team (HEART L.A.) and Michelson Found Animals: Understanding Human Homelessness...
Bonding With a Dog Isn’t Always Easy: Lava’s Journey & Mine
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. Puppies are cute and lovable. It’s impossible not to get attached to them. I’ve had several dogs so far, and besides Hela, who came to me as an adult, all were puppies. And all stole my heart so easily in the first few days. All except Lava. The strangest thing happened with this puppy, and it...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Camp Maddie, Maddie’s Insights and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Camp Maddie: Pet-Inclusive Housing Edition is this Wednesday!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...
