Lifesaving Protocol for At Risk Dogs: Part 2

Kristen Hassen-Auerbach, Director of Animal Services Pima Animal Care Center, Tucson, Arizona & Sheila Segurson, DVM, DACVB, Director of Research, Maddie's FundOctober 24, 2019

Part 2: The Challenges of Saving Medium and Large Dogs in Shelters. This webcast is the second in a two-part series but can be viewed on its own and will be useful to shelter leadership at all levels, volunteers, advocates and anyone else who struggles to save big dogs' lives.

What To Do If Your New Dog Is Aggressive

August 2019

Aggression is a form of communication. Keep pets and people safe by preventing aggression from occurring.

What to Do if Your New Dog Won't Eat

August 2019

For the first day or two after arriving at a new home, a dog may not eat. Lack of appetite can have multiple causes, such as environmental change, stress, depression, illness, food allergy or a change in food.

Why Train Your Dog?

August 2019

Training your dog to respond to cues establishes a common language that will help you communicate with your dog. Having a common language will make it easier for you both to bond.

Ways To Train Your Dog

August 2019

The best way to train your dog is by using humane methods that focus on rewarding dogs for good behavior. Here are few ways to train without pain or fear.

Teaching Your Dog to Go to Bed or Mat

August 2019

Goal: Teach your dog how to go to their bed or mat and lie down.

Introducing Your New Dog to Your Dogs

August 2019

Dog relationships are like people relationships. Some dogs will become playmates, others will enjoy the companionship of another dog and others just aren't interested in other dogs.

Playing with Your Dog- Part Two

August 2019

Playing is fun, but it can also relieve stress, provide exercise, teach self-control and instill confidence. Follow the tips below to encourage your dog to play.

Introducing Your New Dog to Cats

August 2019

Introducing a new dog to a resident cat can be challenging and should be done slowly and carefully. With time, many dogs and cats can learn to coexist peacefully, become playmates and even friends!

Getting to Know Your New Dog - Part 2 Expanding Your New Dog's Horizons

August 2019

Once your new dog is comfortable with your home and family, you can begin to slowly introduce them to new people and environments. Always pay attention to your dog's body language, as new experiences can sometimes be stressful.

Children and Dogs - How to Keep Interactions Safe

August 2019

Children and dogs can be great, lifelong friends, but it is up to us as their guardians to keep their interactions safe. Children may not be able to read a dog's stressed body language, and injuries can occur.

Dogs Riding in Cars - Safe Transport

August 2019

Many dogs need time to get used to car rides; it should be done slowly and carefully. Here are some tips for traveling safely.

Shelter dog behavior assessments not reliable, reports ASPCA

September 26, 2019

This post originally ran on June 28, 2018. We wanted to share again because we think this topic is very important.  An in-shelter behavior assessment is not a reliable way to determine whether dogs will or won’t be safe in adoptive homes, reports a new ASPCA position statement. Instead, such evaluations need to be based…

Crate Training Your Dog or Puppy

August 2019

Crate training can help your dog in many ways, such as providing them with a safe place to rest when unsupervised, keeps them from chewing human belongings, and aids in potty training.

Reducing Outdoor Stressors for Indoor Cats

August 2019

Seeing the outdoors can be entertaining and engaging for an indoor cat, or it may cause stress. Because even the sight of another cat, when not properly addressed, can evolve into serious problems, it is important to assess and tackle any change in your cat's behavior right away.

Assessing Your Dog's Stress

August 2019

It's important to recognize signs of stress in your new dog as you get to know them. Some dogs will adjust to stressful situations more easily than others.

Adopting a Fearful Cat

August 2019

Most cats are fearful at first in a new environment and will adjust in time. However, if fear isn't addressed, it can develop into serious behavioral and health problems.

Cat - Hiding Behavior

August 2019

Hiding behavior can be a normal in cats and give them a sense of security. Cats can hide to rest, to enjoy their favorite spot, or if they are scared.

Keeping Your Cat Happy Indoors

August 2019

It is important to provide enrichment for cats living indoors. Enrichment makes the indoors more exciting and provides an outlet for excessive energy.

Should I Let my Cat Outside?

August 2019

Indoor cats and outdoor cats encounter different challenges and risks. Whatever your choice is, it's important to keep your cat healthy and safe.

How Can I Keep Cats Out of My Yard?

August 2019

Seeing the outdoors can be entertaining and engaging for an indoor cat, or it may cause stress. If you only have one indoor cat, observe carefully to see if unfamiliar outdoor cats are visible and causing them stress.

Cat - Afraid of Anything New

August 2019

Fear is common and a perfectly normal, innate, and adaptive behavior in all animals. However, if fear isn't addressed, it can develop into serious behavioral and health problems.

Cat - Afraid of Noises

August 2019

Fear is common and a perfectly normal, innate, and adaptive behavior in all animals. However, if fear isn't addressed, it can develop into serious behavioral and health problems.

Introducing Your Cat to New People

August 2019

Have a plan in place for when you have visitors and want them to meet your cat. Make sure to balance your guest's enthusiasm with your cat's needs.

Introducing Cats and Dogs

August 2019

With time, many cats and dogs can live together in peace. The key is to have carefully managed introductions. Don't rush your pets into anything that they are not comfortable with.

Introducing Cats to Other Cats

August 2019

Some cat-to-cat introductions go smoothly, while others may take weeks or months before the cats co-exist with each other. The best way to do this is to go as slowly as necessary, and make every interaction a positive one.

Introducing Cats and Kids

August 2019

The first few days in a new home are often quite stressful for any cat and, on the other hand, very exciting for a child! Make sure to balance your child's enthusiasm for spending time with your kitty with their need for adjustment and alone time.

Helping a Shy or Fearful Cat Adjust to Your Home

August 2019

Fear is common and a perfectly normal, innate, and adaptive behavior in all animals. Be proactive in managing your cat's fearfulness or shyness.

Cat - Fear of New People

August 2019

Fear of unfamiliar people is common and can be seen in all cats. Cats may need some time to adjust to a new home and new people.

Cat - Afraid of Children

August 2019

Children can be overwhelming to cats. Fear in the presence of children is common. However, if fear isn't addressed, it can develop into serious behavioral and health problems.

Cat - Afraid of Familiar Dogs

August 2019

Fear of a dog in the same household can be a symptom of an underlying problem. Always take it seriously.

Cat - Afraid of New Dogs

August 2019

Fear of an unfamiliar dog is common, but can be a symptom of an underlying problem. Always take it seriously.

Cats - Afraid of Familiar Cats

August 2019

Fear of other cats in the household can be a normal and adaptive behavior, but can lead to more serious problems. Always take it seriously.

Cats - Afraid of New Cats

August 2019

Fear of unfamiliar cats can be a normal and adaptive behavior, but can lead to more serious problems. Always take it seriously.

Cat - Aggression when Disturbed by a Cat while Resting or Sleeping

August 2019

Aggression toward another cat when disturbed while sleeping can be a normal startle or even survival response. However, always take any aggressive episodes seriously.

Why is My Cat Afraid of Me?

August 2019

A newly adopted or fostered cat, or even a cat that has been in the home for a while, can be scared of you for various reasons.

Cats Who Are Afraid of People They Know

August 2019

Some cats behave fearfully even in the presence of familiar people. They may feel scared if they can't get away from the person when being approached.

Cat - Aggression when Chased by a Cat

August 2019

Aggression toward another cat when being chased can be normal survival behavior or it can be a symptom of an underlying problem. However, always take aggressive episodes seriously.

Cat - Aggression Toward Dogs During Play

August 2019

Play between cats and dogs can be fun for both species. However, cats that have not been socialized with dogs from an early age will almost always behave defensively.

Cat - Aggression During Play with Other Cats

August 2019

When dealing with aggression between two cats that appear to be playing, it is important to understand that play behavior is natural, especially in kittens.

Cat - Aggression when Disturbed by a Dog while Resting or Sleeping

August 2019

Aggression towards a dog when disturbed while sleeping can be a normal startle or even a survival response. However, always take any aggressive episodes seriously.

Cat Aggression When Approached By People

August 2019

Cats don't speak our language, so often aggression is the only way they can communicate to us that they are uncomfortable. Fear is the most common reason for aggression./p>

Managing Fear Aggression in Cats

August 2019

Fear is a debilitating feeling and can lead to very serious behavioral issues in cats. It is an underlying reason for aggression and always needs to be taken seriously.

Cat Aggression when Approached by a Dog

August 2019

Aggression towards a dog when approached can be a normal survival response. However, always take it seriously as it can lead to serious fights and injuries.

Cat - Aggression when Approached by a Cat

August 2019

Aggression towards another cat when being approached can be a symptom of an underlying problem. However, always take aggressive episodes seriously.

Cat - Aggression when Reprimanded

August 2019

Cat Aggression Toward New Cats

August 2019

Aggression between unfamiliar cats most frequently occurs when introducing new cats in a home, or if unfamiliar cats appear outside your home.

Cat Aggression Toward New Dogs

August 2019

Aggression toward a new dog can lead to serious injuries to the dog, but also to the cat and should always be taken seriously.

Cat - Aggression when Touched or Petted

August 2019

When cats display aggression when touched or petted, it can stem from many different motivations. It always needs to be taken seriously.

Cat - Aggression when Brushed or Groomed

August 2019

When cats display aggression when brushed or groomed, it can stem from many different motivations. It always needs to be taken seriously.

Cat Bites to People

August 2019

Aggression is a serious behavioral issue in cats. It can result in severe injury to humans, so any cat bite to a person needs to be addressed.

Cat Aggression Toward Caretaker

August 2019

It is important to understand why cats act aggressively toward us and address it so that the relationship between you and your cat can start to blossom.

Cat Aggression Toward Familiar People

August 2019

It is important to address aggression towards family members early. Even mild forms of aggression, when not properly addressed, can evolve into serious aggression.

Cat Aggression Toward New People

August 2019

Many cats are not comfortable around strangers, or certain strangers in the home. Aggression is a serious behavioral issue in cats and is a symptom of an underlying problem.

Cat Aggression Toward Children

August 2019

It is very important to ensure happy and safe interactions between kids and cats. Cat aggression towards children is particularly dangerous.

Cat Aggression Toward Familiar Cats

August 2019

Aggression between cats who live together is fairly common. Some fights are obvious, and some can lead to serious injury. Other fights are more subtle, and you may not immediately notice them happening.

Excessive Meowing

August 2019

Cats can be very vocal, and certain cats are more vocal than others. Cats learn to use vocalization to communicate with humans.

Why is My Cat Meowing?

August 2019

Cats can be very vocal, and certain cats are more vocal than others. Cats can learn to use vocalization to communicate with humans.

How Can I Stop My Cat From Meowing Too Much?

August 2019

Cats can learn to communicate with us, just as we learn to communicate with them. Cats meow or vocalize to get our attention, or express discomfort or pain.

Continuous Meowing or Vocalization

August 2019

Each cat has their own personality. Some cats are more vocal than others, and most cats can learn to vocalize to communicate with humans.

Cat Aggression Toward People

August 2019

Aggression is a serious behavioral issue in cats, and unfortunately it is not uncommon. Aggression is a symptom of an underlying problem and always needs to be taken seriously.

Finding Professional Behavioral Help for Cats

August 2019

These days behavioral advice can be only an internet search away, but how do you know you are getting the best advice for your specific situation by a qualified expert?

Lethargy in Cats

August 2019

Lethargy is a common term for weakness and lack of energy. This is a vague description of a symptom, but it occurs often with many illnesses in cats. Lethargy can range from slight (e.g., not as playful as usual), to moderate (e.g., not interested in play, sleeping more than usual), to extreme (e.g., barely moving, difficulty holding head up).

Lethargy in Dogs

August 2019

Lethargy is a common term for lack of energy and weakness. This is a vague description of a symptom, but it occurs often with many illnesses in dogs. Lethargy can range from slight (e.g., not as playful as usual), to moderate (e.g., not interested in play, sleeping more than usual), to extreme (e.g., barely moving, difficulty holding head up).

Limping in Cats

August 2019

Limping (lameness) in cats can be subtle or very obvious. You may see your cat holding up his/her paw or hopping on three legs from time to time, or you may see your cat consistently not putting any weight on his/her paw at all. Severe lameness needs prompt veterinary attention, as your cat is likely very uncomfortable and in need of medication to relieve pain. Do not give your cat any pain medication without consulting with a veterinarian, as some medications are toxic to cats.

Limping in Dogs

August 2019

Limping (lameness) in dogs can be subtle or very obvious. You may see your dog holding up his/her paw or hopping on three legs from time to time, or you may see your dog consistently not putting any weight on his/her paw at all. Severe lameness needs prompt veterinary attention, as your dog is likely very uncomfortable and in need of medication to relieve pain. Do not give your dog any pain medication without consulting with a veterinarian.

Ringworm in Cats

August 2019

Ringworm (dermatophytosis) is a common skin disorder in cats that is highly contagious to other pets and to people. Children and immunocompromised individuals (e.g. HIV/AIDS patients, cancer patients, patients on immunosuppressive medications) are especially susceptible to ringworm. This website addresses ringworm from a public health standpoint: CDC: Healthy Pets Healthy People: Ringworm

Seizures in Cats

August 2019

Most seizures last one to two minutes and resolve on their own. If your cat has a seizure for more than two minutes, and/or if there is more than one seizure observed, your cat needs emergency veterinary care.

Seizures in Dogs

August 2019

Most seizures last one to two minutes and resolve on their own. If your dog has a seizure for more than two minutes, and/or if there is more than one seizure observed, your dog needs emergency veterinary care.

Sneezing and Nasal Discharge in Cats

August 2019

If your cat's sneezing and/or nasal discharge is mild and he/she has a normal appetite and energy level, it is okay to monitor him/her for the first couple of days. Keeping your cat separate from other cats is recommended until a veterinarian gives the okay, since he/she may have a contagious upper respiratory infection.

Sneezing and Nasal Discharge in Dogs

August 2019

If your dog's sneezing and/or nasal discharge is mild and he/she has a normal appetite and energy level, it is okay to monitor him/her for the first couple of days. Keeping your dog separate from other dogs is recommended until a veterinarian gives the okay, since he/she may have a contagious upper respiratory infection.

Vomiting in Cats

August 2019

For some cats, an occasional, isolated episode of vomiting can be nothing to worry about. If your cat does not have any other signs of illness (e.g., fever, lethargy, not eating), it is best to be patient and continue to monitor your cat.

Vomiting in Dogs

August 2019

For some dogs, an occasional, isolated episode of vomiting can be nothing to worry about. If your dog does not have any other signs of illness (e,g, fever, lethargy, not eating), it is best to be patient and continue to monitor your dog.

Terrified Tigers and Other Ferocious Felines: Working with Different Cat Personalities

Rebecca Lohnes, MS, CDBC, ACCBC, Behavior and Training Manager, Lollypop FarmJuly 2019

In this presentation, learn about how to work with cats with different personalities and behavioral challenges. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Basic Principles of Managing a Large-Scale Animal Emergency or Disaster

Dick Green, Senior Director of Field Investigations & Response, ASPCAJuly 2019

This workshop discusses the basic principles of incident management and why having everyone speak the same language and be under the same incident command structure saves lives. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

How Are They Doing? Assessing Pain and Quality of Life in Shelter Animals

Emily McCobb, DVM, MS, DACVAA, Clinical Associate Professor of Anesthesiology- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts UniversityJuly 2019

This workshop reviews signs of pain and suffering in dogs, cats and rabbits and identifies simple techniques for assessing pain in animals. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference./

Ringworm: the Role of Staff and Volunteers in Fighting the Fungus

Melanie Benetato, VMD, MS, Adoption Center, ASPCAJuly 2019

This workshop reviews current best practices in ringworm diagnosis, treatment and management in a shelter setting. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Beyond Just Kittens: Strategic & Creative Use of Foster Care

Erin Doyle, DVM, DABVP, Senior Director of Shelter Medicine, ASPCAJuly 2019

In this workshop, the presenter reviews the basics of maintaining an organized, proactive foster network and then delve into examples of how organizations are using foster care in thoughtful and creative ways. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Gentle Handling: Techniques to Reduce Stress & Save Time

Erin Doyle, DVM, DABVP, Senior Director of Shelter Medicine, ASPCAJuly 2019

Learn techniques for handling the animals in our care in a low-stress, gentle manner. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Animal Protection Officers: Using a Community-based Approach to Measurably Reduce Intake in the Field

Mark Sloat, Program Manager, Austin Animal Center and April Moore, Engagement Manager, Austin Animal CenterMarch 2019

This session will teach approaches that value the human-animal bond, redefine 'animals in need,' and engage community members, shelter staff, and volunteers to solve problems together.

Solutions for the Top Five Reasons Dogs are Dying in Shelters

Mike Kaviani, Director, Orange County Animal Care and Aaron Caldwell, Dog Behavior Co-Manager, Austin Pets Alive!March 2019

The presentation will provide you with practical and manageable solutions for the top five reasons dogs are dying and being killed in shelters today.

Are we really supposed to stop assessing behavior in shelter dogs?

November 3, 2016

Did a recent study really suggest animal shelters stop evaluating dogs for temperament and adoption? Not exactly. The study, authored by Dr. Gary J. Patronek of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts and Janis Bradley of the National Canine Research Council, was published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior in August. Its central…

Australian study reveals challenges, pitfalls of evaluating dog behavior in shelters

February 2, 2016

Even the best canine behavior evaluation systems are not reliable when assessing shelter dogs, suggests a recent Australian study. Psychologist Dr. Zazie Todd’s influential blog Companion Animal Psychology took on the challenges of canine behavior evaluations in animal shelters last month. Todd examined at recent study by Monash University’s Kate Mornement, evaluating the Behavioural Assessment…

How to tell if a shelter cat is stressed, fearful or feral

December 1, 2015

The best way to help any cat entering an animal shelter will depend on the cat. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for many shelter workers to tell the difference between a cat who is a social animal, used to humans, but severely stressed out or afraid, and a truly feral cat. Sara L. Bennett, DVM,…

Taking Troubled Tabbies from Naughty to Nice

Sara Cookson and Kristin Hill February 2015

Every rescue encounters troubled cats with issues that go beyond tortitude. The Austin Pet's Alive! Cat Behavior Team will teach you how to prevent behavior problems before they start.

Helping Cats Who Hiss and Hide: Pre-Webcast Survey Results

November 2013

On November 14, 2013, Maddie's Fund^® presented the webcast Helping Cats Who Hiss and Hide: Assessment, Behavior Modification and Re-Homing Strategies for Shy and Fearful Cats, with Dr. Sheila D'Arpino, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. Those who registered for the live webcast filled out a short questionnaire regarding their own experiences with shy and fearful cats.