6 Best Anxiety Vests for Dogs in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks
Among the various tricks and techniques we use to help our dogs manage stress, an anxiety vest may be the perfect touch to keep them calm in troubling situations. Maybe your dog runs at the sound of thunder, suffers from separation anxiety, or tenses up on the way to the vet. Whatever the stressful situation, giving your dog a relaxing “hug” with an anxiety vest is an effortless way to offer relief and comfort. Picking a comfortable vest for your dog is critical for the best effect, and you’ll have plenty of unique options...
Soothe Naturally: Managing Canine Anxiety with Flower Essences
Anxiety in dogs can manifest in various forms, from separation anxiety to fear of loud noises. Recognizing the signs, such as excessive barking, pacing, or destructive behavior, is the first step to managing canine anxiety with flower essences. While traditional treatments often include medication, many dog parents turn to holistic methods for a more natural approach. What are Flower Essences? Flower essences are a form of vibrational therapy. They utilize the energetic properties of flowers to promote emotional balance and well-being. Unlike...
Emergency Help Needed with Wildfire in Bastrop County!
Nov 05, 2024 11/5/24 Update: The Hudson fires that sparked just east of Bastrop on Sunday are now 50% contained and evacuations lifted; however, our support of animals in need continues today. Bastrop Animal Care Service (BCAS) has shared that Animal Care Officers are canvasing the affected area, and APA! stands at the ready to take any injured animals that they may find. In addition to taking in injured animals, we’re also bringing more pets, including kittens(!) from BCAS later this afternoon! Here’s how you can help...
Ashwagandha for Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Discover how ashwagandha for separation anxiety in dogs can help reduce stress and improve well-being. Learn about KSM-66’s benefits today! Research shows there was a staggering 700% increase in canine separation anxiety between 2020 and 2022. The increase is likely caused by a disruption in routine as pet parents returned to work outside the home. Moreover, a lack of proper socialization is another likely factor since research indicates that social experiences between the ages of five and 10 months play an important role in preventing...
Foster Friday everyday! Creating a community culture that values pet fostering
This post was originally published in 2019. If you’re interested in growing your animal shelter or rescue organization’s foster program, creating a community culture that values fostering is critical. One of the easiest ways to begin doing this is to bring foster care into the conversation as much as possible in your organization’s communications. Talking about foster care helps to normalize it within the community. When your supporters constantly see photos and hears stories of pets in foster homes, fostering...
4 Benefits of Adding First Milking Colostrum to Your Dog’s Diet
Colostrum is a nutrient-dense natural ingredient you can add to your dog’s diet to support immune and gut health. And thanks to a new health supplement, it’s a breeze to incorporate colostrum into your dog’s daily regimen. Have you ever looked at a dog supplement and noticed colostrum listed in the ingredients? First milking colostrum, aka bovine colostrum or just colostrum, is the first milk produced by a mammal after giving birth. It’s highly concentrated with nutrients and immune factors, which is why it has been an...
5 Sounds Only Dogs Can Hear: Vet-Analyzed Canine Hearing Range
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead We’ve heard people talk about ‘sounds that only a dog can hear’, and we all know that our dogs can hear the rustling of a chip packet from a mile away, but what are the real facts about a dog’s sense of hearing? Although the superior intellect and brain capacity of humans have allowed us to reach the lofty position of owner and leader, when you take a look at how we measure...
Lava and Hela: An Unlikely Bond
Hi, I’m Dr. Maja! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two crossbreed dogs, Lava and Hela. In June last year, Hela joined our family, coming all the way from Greece. She is a friendly, gentle, and energetic dog, while Lava is a nightmare, to put it plainly. Don’t get me wrong, Lava loves other dogs! She loves playing with them, getting chased, and dragging them around by their harness. Yes, she is a bully. A sweet one, but still. However, having a jolly good time with the dog park crowd is one thing, but it’s...
Create a Holistic Diet Plan with Ancient Grains for Dogs
A holistic approach to nutrition focuses on natural, unprocessed ingredients that work synergistically to promote overall health. A holistic diet plan with ancient grains for dogs is a great way to enhance their nutrition, ensuring they receive a balanced array of nutrients vital for well-being. What Are Ancient Grains? Ancient grains are cereals and seeds that have remained unchanged for centuries. Unlike modern grains, they are not genetically modified and are typically more nutrient-dense. Examples include quinoa, amaranth, millet, and...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Cat behavior data, pet-inclusive housing and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Learn how to engage rental housing providers in pet-inclusive approachesAnimal shelters and rescue organizations are often on the receiving end of pet surrenders due to complex rental housing issues that are difficult to address in the moment. Recognizing the need for sustainable solutions, Michelson Found Animals’ Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative (PIHI) has developed resources to help animal welfare organizations more effectively engage rental housing...
Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease: Alternative Therapies for Dogs
Adding alternative therapies such as acupuncture, laser therapy, and stem cell therapy to the treatment plan for a dog with cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) can significantly increase the chances of recovery for dogs suffering from this common and debilitating condition. Cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) in dogs is a common and debilitating problem. Surgery alone may not be the best solution. This article explores how an integrative approach that includes alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and stem cell therapy. These...
Spay/Neuter Surgery Recovery for Dogs: Post-Op Care Guide
Spay/neuter surgery recovery for dogs can be stressful and uncomfortable, so proper post-op care is essential for a smooth and speedy recovery. Like most things, spaying or neutering our dogs has its pros and cons. While it can reduce the risk of certain cancers and behavioral issues, it can also increase the chances of other cancers and health problems down the road. Either way, the surgery itself can be stressful and uncomfortable for your four-legged friend. If you choose to spay or neuter your dog, knowing how to support their recovery is...
Why Ned & Fred Have Ruined Me For Other Pets
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. You know those annoying parents who just won’t shut up about their kids? Their profile pictures are of their kids, they’re always showing you photos and videos of their kids, and they assume that everyone is as interested and excited about their kids’ daily lives as...
Nature’s Cleanser: Detoxifying Dogs with Chlorella
In the quest for natural and effective ways to support canine health, chlorella has emerged as a powerful detoxifying agent. This freshwater algae is packed with nutrients and offers a multitude of health benefits. It makes an excellent addition to a dog’s diet, especially when detoxification is the goal. What is Chlorella? Chlorella is a type of green algae that grows in fresh water. It is renowned for its high chlorophyll content, which contributes to its vibrant green color. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, chlorella is a nutritional...
The Four Fear Responses in Dogs: Vet-Verified Dog Behavior Explanation
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Being scared of things is an evolutionary response in not only humans but also animals. This fear response is designed to help protect us in life-or-death situations. You’ve probably heard of “fight or flight” when it comes to fear and humans, but what is the fear response of canines? There are four fear responses in canines, and if you’re a dog parent, you’ve likely...
How To Train a Great Pyrenees: 10 Vet-Approved Tips & Tricks
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » In many ways, the Great Pyrenees embodies all we love in our canine companions. They’re protective yet patient, calm and pensive, with a benevolent, loving personality that makes these gentle giants too easy to love. Finding fault isn’t easy with this admirable breed, but if there’s one struggle many owners underestimate, it’s training. Pyrs aren’t dominating or unruly, but their...
Premack Principle: What Is It & How You Can Use It to Train Your Dog
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead While we may not recognize it at every moment of the day, our dogs never stop learning. They’re ceaselessly creating new associations, learning which behaviors cause which responses to understand the best, most efficient ways to get what they want or need. The constant connection-building can make everyday training seem more complicated than many owners may have initially thought. Every...
World Animal Enrichment Day 2024: What Is It & How It Helps Your Dog
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Enrichment is, in many ways, the most critical factor determining a dog’s overall health and happiness. The diverse activities and games we provide fill the day with physical and mental stimulation, giving pets a reason to rise in the morning and something to look forward to when they go to bed at night. It’s a point of purpose that is as fun as it is meaningful and essential in...
Dogster Photo Contest: Dogs of the Week Winners (November 1, 2024)
Click to Skip Ahead This Week’s Winner Name: Finnley Breed: Dalmatian Fun Fact: He’s 4 yrs old and is a very energetic but timid boy. He loves to steal anything not tied down and take it out the doggy door! He has a rescue sister that’s 26 lbs and they are absolutely best friends! Cutest Name: Simba Pretto Breed: Golden Doodle Fun Fact: Simba is a 3 yr old dood who loves playing tug of war with his stuffed bone during the Halloween season. His favorite activities are chasing bubbles outside or the Swiffer Duster .. yes I...
The Science and Ethics of Dog Cloning
As dog parents, we’ve all faced that heart-wrenching moment when we realize our beloved companion’s time with us is limited. What if you could turn back the clock? What if you could have your furry friend by your side for another lifetime? Dog cloning is no longer science fiction – it’s a reality that’s sparking intense debate and tugging at heartstrings worldwide. The Science Behind the Miracle Cloning a dog involves taking a DNA sample from your canine companion and inserting it into a donor egg. This egg is...
