Why cats benefit from a regular routine
If something in your household has changed recently, you may notice your cat behaving oddly. Cats are very sensitive to their surroundings, and any disruptions to their routines or environments can lead to stress. These changes can range from a family member moving out to renovations in the home. Affected cats might exhibit physical and behavioral signs, such as hiding, anxiety, aggression, or eliminating outside the litter box. Let’s explore why the benefits of a routine for cats are crucial and how you can support your feline during...
Adopting Gizmo: My Scruffy Little Maniac
Welcome to the Wednesday Dogs of Dogster! Every Wednesday, we share a story from one of our Dogsters. This week is about Kate & Gizmo, her scruffy Pug mix. Hey Dogsters! I adopted my first dog, a scrappy Pug/American Eskimo/Poodle/etc. mix, two years ago, and he’s brought so much joy (and terror – those puppy teeth are sharp!) into my life every day since. I grew up with cats and dogs, and I’ve always wanted to have one of my own. But it took me a while to decide that I was ready to provide a pup with the kind of life...
Feeding Hope: Diets To Starve Cancer in Dogs
When we hear the word “cancer,” our world stops. For dog parents, this diagnosis can feel like a death sentence. But what if the key to fighting this formidable foe was sitting right on your kitchen counter? Recent research suggests that specific diets might have the power to starve cancer cells in dogs, offering a glimmer of hope in what often feels like a hopeless battle. The Science of Starving Cancer Cancer cells are greedy. They consume glucose and glutamine at a much higher rate than normal cells. This unique metabolic...
3D Tech Gives Dogs a New Leash on Life – The Story of Oslo & WIMBA
Click to Skip Ahead Meet Oslo, a 5-year-old Australian Shepherd, who loved nothing more than adventuring through the mountains of Haute-Savoie and the Alps with his owner. Unfortunately, his adventure-seeking lifestyle was halted when he suffered a serious injury, partially rupturing the tendons in his right front paw. Even after surgery, Oslo was left with carpal joint hyperextension, severely limiting his mobility. Oslo’s owner was determined to find him support, and that’s where he found WIMBA. The company specializes in custom...
Caring for Aging Dogs Naturally
As dogs age, they require special attention to maintain their health and happiness. Natural ways to help your canine often yield positive results. One way of naturally caring for your aging dog is to adopt a holistic approach. Holistic care focuses on naturally treating the whole dog—body, mind, and spirit—rather than just addressing specific symptoms. Here are some natural and holistic ways to support your senior dog as they navigate their golden years. Nutrition A balanced diet is crucial for senior dogs. As they age, their...
My Dog Ate A Scrunchie: Our Vet Discusses Potential Risks, Signs & Next Steps
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead This unassuming little hair accessory, created by the late Rommy Hunt Revson,1 was an essential item in the 1980s, the subject of ridicule in the early noughties, and is back with a vengeance in the 2020s. Just as it was in the time of The Goonies, Footloose, and Ferris Bueller, you would be hard-pressed today to find a bedroom, bag, or bathroom without at least one of these handy little hair ties....
Can Dogs Get Psoriasis? Our Vet Explains
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Psoriasis affects more than 3% of adults in the United States, most commonly causing inflamed, red, and scaly patches of skin. If you or someone you know suffers from this skin condition, you may wonder if it is something that can affect your dog as well. So, can dogs get psoriasis? While dogs suffer from a variety of skin issues that can cause similar signs, psoriasis is not currently a recognized...
Beyond the Label: Why Transparency Matters in Pet Products
Discover why transparency matters in pet products with KSM-66 Ashwagandha, ensuring quality and health benefits for your furry friends. It’s easy to get excited about the many health benefits of ashwagandha. After all, this adaptogenic herb has been used for over 4000 years. However, choosing the right ashwagandha is key to ensure safety and quality. Let’s take a closer look at KSM-66 ashwagandha from seed to shelf to see why transparency matters in pet products for everyone from manufacturers and vets, to retailers and consumers....
Ohio animal shelter has huge success with short-term holiday fostering
This post originally ran in 2017. With Thanksgiving approaching and other holidays to follow, we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to reshare what Humane Society of Delaware County (HSDC) in Ohio learned about short-term fostering. What do you do when your shelter offers short-term “holiday” dog-fostering over Thanksgiving, and nearly half of those dogs fostered get adopted… including seniors, a shy dog and other long-term residents? If you’re the Humane Society of Delaware County (HSDC) in Ohio, you...
Can Asthma Puffers Be Deadly for Dogs? Our Vet Explains
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Did you know that not only can dogs suffer from asthma, but they can also be prescribed asthma puffers to manage their condition? After all, it’s not every day that you’ll see a dog taking a deep pull on their inhaler at the end of a run or at the peak of allergy season. And, while an asthma puffer may be a life-saving treatment for dogs with this challenging respiratory condition, it...
Happy Tail Syndrome in Dogs: Our Vet Explains the Signs, Treatments & Prevention
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Don’t let the name deceive you – Happy Tail Syndrome is not a particularly happy situation. In fact, it can be extremely messy, challenging to treat, and expensive to resolve. One of the main problems in treating this is that it’s not usually a particularly painful condition, so the human is usually having to convince their dog of the problem. So, what is it? What Is Happy Tail...
Lava the Dog: Beginning of the End
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. It all started one cold winter day at the end of 2020. I was in the UK working in a clinic, and secretly wishing for a dog, as I lost my old girl to cancer a few months before. I have never been “dogless” before. Dogs have been a part of my life since I remember, each and every one of them special...
Respiratory Issues in Dogs – How Essential Oils May Help When Used Safely
As a loving companion to your canine friend, you may be looking for natural ways to support their respiratory health. Essential oils and aromatherapy can offer some benefits, but it’s crucial to approach their use with caution. Let’s explore how essential oils can help with respiratory issues in dogs, and outline important safety precautions. Does Your Dog Have Respiratory Issues? Dogs can suffer from various respiratory problems, including allergies, asthma, and infections. Symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, nasal...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Pet-inclusive housing event, hurricane response grants and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. 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...
10 Vet-Verified Signs Your Dog Feels Neglected & How To Prevent It
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Dogs are sensitive animals, and it’s important for dog owners to care for their emotional health as much as their physical health. When dogs don’t receive adequate love and attention, they can start to feel neglected. Neglect can have a significant negative impact on a dog’s well-being. Not only is it an emotional issue, but it can end up harming your dog’s physical health....
5 Vet-Approved Carob Dog Treat Recipes to Make at Home
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » You know chocolate is toxic to canines, so giving it to your pup is out of the question. But sometimes those begging eyes are so hard to resist! However, while you can’t feed your dog real chocolate, you can feed them carob, which is “dog-friendly chocolate.” In truth, carob isn’t related to chocolate, as it’s created from the bean pod of an evergreen tree, which is why it’s safe...
How Old Is 10 in Dog Years? Vet-Approved Guide to Each Size of Dog
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 have a dog, you’ve likely pondered their age in human years. You’ve probably also tried to determine your dog’s age in human years using the age-old “one year of a dog’s life equals seven years of a human’s life” equation. However, that 7-to-1 equation is more of an urban legend than a fact, so using that method won’t accurately get your...
Signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction: Could It Affect Your Dog?
Behavioral changes can be signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD). Learn how to recognize it, and how a combination of conventional and alternative therapies can help treat it. Does your dog ever show signs of disorientation or anxiety? Does he seem lost, or have more accidents in the house? He may have canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), a condition that mirrors the cognitive decline seen in humans with dementia, specifically Alzheimer’s disease. This article will help you recognize the signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction,...
How probiotics and prebiotics can help your cat’s digestion
Your cat’s digestive health impacts every area of her well-being. If things are off in her gut, then she’ll likely not be feeling her best and may develop problems ranging from diarrhea to poor immune function to behavioral issues. Along with a nutritious, species-specific diet and regular veterinary care, supplementing her with probiotics and prebiotics can help your cat’s digestion. Understanding probiotics and prebiotics According to the Mayo Clinic, probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live...
Why Does My Dog Lick My Legs? 5 Vet-Verified Reasons
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Our canine companions are the absolute cutest, but they can also be kind of slobbery. While some pups just drool a little here or there, others love licking their humans constantly. Sometimes, those canines who love to lick people lick in the oddest places, too, particularly on the legs and feet. But why do they do that? Why lick your legs? If your pup is a constant leg licker, there are reasons...