Why Dogs and Cats Need Magnesium
Learn what role magnesium plays in your dog’s or cat’s health and when your fur baby might need more of this mineral in their diet. Dogs and cats require many of the same vitamins and minerals as humans, including magnesium. They need this mineral for energy, bone and muscle health, protein synthesis, and more. As such, it’s good to understand how this mineral plays a role in the health of your dog or cat. Let’s explore why animals need magnesium and how you can sneak more into your pup’s or kitty’s diet...
Starving Dog Found On Streets Of Detroit Finally Has Full Belly, Thanks To You
Meet Bert. The 2-year-old dog overcame malnourishment and is living his best life thanks to your generous donations. He is also one of the spokes-dogs for Greater Good Charities’ 9th annual Shelter Bowl to feed hungry shelter pets. Bert was found severely underweight wandering the streets of Detroit looking for food and shelter. He arrived at Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit with a body condition score of 3 out of 9. Photo: Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit The shelter was able to provide nutritious food and constant care to help...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Free HASS Playbook, Holiday Hero Awards and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. 5 exceptional animal well-being professionals honored with Holiday Hero Awards, thanks to Maddie Join us for the 2024 Open Arms Challenge! This Challenge is all about opening our hearts and minds to more accessible and The remarkable efforts of five individuals in the animal well-being (welfare) space were each recognized with a Maddie Holiday Hero Award in December. Five organizations each received a $5,000 grant from Maddie’s Fund in honor of these...
11 Times to Try Veterinary Telehealth
Veterinary telehealth is a way for pet parents to access medical care for dogs and cats without having to visit a clinic. While you will still have to take your fur baby to the clinic for some things, here are 11 instances when telehealth can replace an in-person visit. Veterinary telehealth enables veterinarians and clients to connect using phones, video chat, and email. Tele-triage is for people who need basic information or guidance but don’t have a previous relationship with the veterinarian. Telemedicine offers more services...
When Your Dog or Cat Needs a Tooth Extracted
From periodontal disease to crowded teeth, there are various reasons why your dog or cat may need one or more teeth extracted. Find out what they are, and what the procedure entails. Periodontal disease is a very common problem, affecting approximately 70% to 80% of dogs and cats starting at one to three years of age. Neglecting or improperly treating the issue can lead to further disease and more involved treatment, including dental extractions. But periodontal disease isn’t the only problem that can necessitate extraction. Find out...
The Benefits of Random Acts of Kindness, and 50 Ideas to Try Yourself
When you head out to warm up your car in the winter and see a neighbor has brushed the snow off your windshield, or when you’re having a rough day and your friend stops by with a coffee treat, it can bring a smile to your face. Did you know these kind actions are also beneficial for the person doing them, though? Each February, Random Acts of Kindness Day is held on February 17, and Random Acts of Kindness Week prolongs the festivities. Here are some reasons you may want to join in, in addition to making someone else feel important....
Bee Population Crisis Triggers Emergency Endangered Species Act Review
In recent times, the critical condition of pollinators, especially bees, has caught widespread attention due to their indispensable role in both natural ecosystems and agriculture. The honeybee, in particular, stands out for its vital contribution to pollinating numerous crops and wild plants. However, emerging research and environmental petitions indicate that specific bee species, such as the Southern Plains bumblebee, might soon be granted protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) owing to significant declines in their numbers....
Our 2024 Promise: We will be vigilant for progress for Austin’s pets
Jan 26, 2024 Last year was extremely challenging for animal shelters in the US, and Austin was no exception. The Austin of yesteryear found tremendous pride in leading the country in No Kill during a time when shelters struggled the most to save the lives of even half of the pets who entered their care. In this new era of humane struggles, where pets are guaranteed not to be killed while other pets are left on the streets, some living in crates for too long, and people struggle to keep their pets without support, our city must take the lead...
Florida Shelter Dog Found Her Person And Isn’t Letting Her Out of Her Sight, Even To Fill Out Adoption Papers
There is a day that all shelter dog’s dream of – the day they finally meet their person. For a shelter dog named Luna at Walton County Animal Services it happened on January 13. The American bulldog mix estimated to be 1-2 years old arrived as a stray and was put on a three-day hold to see if her owners would come for her. They posted her photo to Facebook to make sure no one was looking for her. No one came to claim her, so the sweet pup was put up for adoption. Photo: Facebook/Walton County Animal Services, Florida She...
Video of Dog Determined to Join Owner’s Trip Brings TikTok Viewers To Tears
Golden retriever Leo has captured the hearts of millions with his talent for packing a suitcase. A video recorded by Leo’s owner, Tik Tok user midwestgolden.leo, first showcased Leo’s unique response to his owner’s travel preparations: he begins to pack his own suitcase, starting with his most cherished item, a stuffed lion. We all know that there is a deep bond between pets and their owners, but it’s more of a magical experience when animals gain an intuitive understanding of human actions. Leo’s talent has...
Critical Secrets to Prevent Catastrophe in Multi-Cat Households
Cats, known for their independent and territorial nature, often face challenges when sharing their living spaces with other felines. Understanding and addressing these challenges is crucial for pet owners aiming to foster a peaceful multi-cat environment. Let’s explore some effective strategies, drawing from expert advice, that can help cats coexist harmoniously. Photo: PexelsGradual introductions ease tension between new and resident cats. Understanding Feline Dynamics Cats are inherently territorial creatures that value their personal...
How Supporting Self-Rehoming Helps Your Community and Your Shelter
Owner surrendered pets make up the second largest category for shelter intake, contributing over a quarter of intake cases annually in national data, and over 14% in HASS pilot shelters. They are an important population to address if shelters are to alleviate the overcrowding many have seen since the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic began to fade. The data on owner surrenders also shows a pattern that likely contributes to the extra strain on resources and space that shelters typically see in the summer months. Both in Shelter Animals Count...
Three Kittens Regularly Show Up in Backyard, One Friendly Male Decides to Move to the House
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog! We noticed that there was a family of cats – a mom and three kittens – playing in our back yard. After awhile, they would go and hide in some raised wooden decking by the pool. We tried to approach them, but mom wouldn’t let anyone near her. She was totally wild and appeared to be a purebred Manx. KITTEN. PHOTO: PIXABAY / RIHAIJ My husband and I watched the little ones...
Bruised, Burned Dog is Nearly Run Over After Escaping Abuse
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog! It was on a rainy night a little over a year ago when my mom and brother came home with this skinny, small dog, Django, who stole my heart the first time I saw him, giving me a kiss and wagging his tail. DOG. PHOTO: PIXABAY / MARI My mom almost ran him over when she was picking up my brother from practice, and the little dog was so afraid that he just stood there in the middle of the...
Good Samaritan Rescues Kitten From Train Station Bin While Everyone Else Walks Past
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog! It was 10 p.m. on a winter night when I spotted a kitten by a bin of garbage cans outside the train station. He sat in a corner shivering from the cold and looked as if he was in terrible pain. Something was wrong with his legs and his meow was loud and painful. PHOTO: JESSICA PENA Everyone walked past him, not even flinching. Not even a sigh of concern or glance of empathy. My phone was...
Horse Who Lived for Years in a 10 by 10 Stall Now Runs Across 40 Acre Property
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog! I got my black stallion through a rescue group who had saved him through his owner turning him over to them. HORSE. PHOTO: PIXABAY / RIA He’s a registered Quarter Horse and had been used for breeding. The owners kept him in a 10×10 stall all the time – never a chance to be out in a pasture or run with other horses. SHARE YOUR OWN RESCUE STORY He was emaciated and had no...
Save Your Cat’s Life By Learning to Spot These Critical Illness Signs
Cats, known for their mysterious and stoic nature, often mask their illnesses, posing a challenge for owners to discern their health status. The indicators of feline illness can be subtle, which is why it’s crucial for cat owners to learn how to recognize the signs of sickness before it is too late. Photo: PexelsCats often hide pain; watch for subtle behavioral changes. Behavioral Changes — The First Red Flags Alterations in a cat’s usual behavior often signal the onset of health issues. A study in the Journal of Veterinary...
Experts Say Dogs and Cats Can Be Allergic to Humans Too
It’s an unfortunate fact of life that some people are allergic to pet dander and experience itchy eyes, a runny nose, or other symptoms when they spend time around animals. Those people have to make the tough decision between suffering through their allergies, treating them with medications, or not owning a pet at all. But what happens when the roles are reversed? Can Pets Really Be Allergic to Humans? Pet dander is made up of flakes of skin that shed from the animal along with their fur or hair. But people also shed their skin in tiny...
Severely Mistreated Foxes Rescued From Fur Farm Need Your Help To Recover
Every year, an estimated 100 million animals are bred and killed for their fur, including foxes. They live in squalor in cramped cages and are neglected all the way up to their death. They never experience a kind touch and associate people with pain. When Home of Rescued Animals heard about a fox fur farm closing down in Romania they raised funds to save the remaining animals. Over a dozen black and brown foxes were rescued but arrived in horrible condition. Photo: Home of Rescued Animals The rescue shared with us, “After they were...
6 Ways Service Dogs Help People with Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a challenging condition that causes pain, fatigue, and other symptoms. There is no cure, but service dogs for fibromyalgia can help make people’s lives easier in these six ways. Service dogs are specially trained to help people with illnesses and disabilities. They can perform tasks, provide physical support, and so much more. Service animals began as dogs who would help blind or visually impaired people navigate the world. Today, they also help people with fibromyalgia, a chronic disease characterized by fatigue, sleep...
