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WARNING: This Common Dog Toy Turned Deadly For Young Golden Retriever

Dogs absolutely love to play tug of war. The toy of choice for many dogs and people who love to play this game is a twisted rope toy. They come in all sizes and a variety of designs for all kinds of tugging and tossing fun. What you may not realize is that they can be fatally damaging to your dog when swallowed as one woman painfully discovered recently with her beloved Golden Retriever, Sam. Photo Vizla Dog Lovers/Facebook What … Read more

The Healthy Hound Newsletter #40

In This Issue

● New Approach To Dog Adoption
● Healthy Rawhide Alternative
● Dental Hacks Dogs Actually Enjoy
● The Fate Of Flat-Faced Dogs
● Socializing Exuberant Dogs
● Causes Of Arthritis
● Teaching A Rescue Dog To Play

NEW Dog “Dating Show” Matches Adopters With Their Perfect Pooch

All dog lovers have an image of the perfect pup in their mind. Unfortunately, the physical traits we find cutest do not always match up with the personality traits that suit our lifestyle. The Dog House, which premiers this week on the streaming platform HBO Max, showcases a new method of pet adoption. Described as “doggy dating,” these matching techniques are designed to help adopters avoid the usual pitfalls. The show takes place at the Wood Green Animals Charity in … Read more

Dog With Broken Legs Saved By Man Who Found Her In The Woods

With over a million subreddits for all sorts of specific communities, Reddit has a lot to offer. Particularly for us dog lovers, a subreddit called “BeforeNAfterAdoption” lets rescuers and dog parents share the stories behind their adoptions. Naturally, all these photos and videos are touching, a nice reminder of why we love to save animals. Graham Whatmough, or as he’s known on Reddit “u/WhereTheHighwayEnds” shared a beautiful video of his dog Willow happily enjoying the outdoors to the page. You’d … Read more

Groomer Charged After 14-Year-Old Yorkie Suffers Fatal Injuries

For many dog breeds, regular grooming is a necessity. Trips to the groomers are just a part of the routine. No parent expects to drop their dog off at the groomer’s one day and pick them up later with a life-threatening condition. But sadly, that’s what happened to a family in Ohio this month. Tina Brady and her husband dropped their 14-year-old Yorkshire Terrier Lacey off at groomer Andra Edison’s home. Previously, they’d taken Lacey to the grooming business where … Read more

Puppy Buried Alive on a Beach is Now Thriving with Foster Fail Family

We told the shocking story of a puppy found buried alive on a Hawaiian beach earlier this year. Although the machete-wielding abuser has not been identified, this story has a very happy ending. We are thrilled to share that this spirited dog is living a happy and healthy life with the loving family who fostered her. Buried Alive by Machete-Wielding Abuser In case you missed the original story, a passerby on a beach in Oahu, Hawaii spotted a machete-wielding man burying … Read more

Formerly Hairless Dog Reunites With Her Amazed Rescuer

Matt Bentley was riding his four-wheeler through the salt flats in Utah one night. Suddenly an animal appeared in the middle of a trail, so he stopped. His trip to Great Salt Lake Desert took on a new purpose when he saw the mysterious animal up close. It turned out to be a cold, starving, hairless dog. The dog was suffering from one of the worst cases of mange imaginable. Bentley obviously worried about the dog’s condition, so he got … Read more

Mississippi Law Offers Justice For Abused Cats & Dogs

The state of Mississippi proves their stance as a friend to cats and dogs thanks to new legislation designed to hit animal abusers with even stiffer punishments. Recently signed into law by Gov. Tate Reeves, Senate Bill 2658 serves to expand the charges available for animal cruelty cases against domesticated cats and dogs. Written by Sen. Angela Burks Hill, the bill updates prior legislation passed in 2011. Mississippi offers justice to innocent cats and dogs.  Felony Charges for the Cruel … Read more

11 Dog “Pupcakes” Your Dog Has To Try Right NOW

Dog Birthday

Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just a random Tuesday, there’s always a great excuse to treat your pup to something yummy! Even if you don’t know your pup’s birthday, you can still find a day to celebrate. No, dogs shouldn’t celebrate the human way with chocolate or buttercream cakes. But they can still enjoy a special dessert now and then. Whatever you’re celebrating, you should make or buy one of these deliciously dog-friendly “pupcakes” so your dog doesn’t … Read more

Heroic Dog Donates His Blood To Save Another Dog’s Life

blood donor dog

Whenever humans need life-saving blood donations, there are blood blanks around the world that can offer the blood we so desperately need. While dogs are just as susceptible to severe injuries and diseases that require blood transfusions, their sources of blood are much more limited. Thankfully for an ill dog named Danny in India, there was a heroic pup that was willing to help! Danny is a 13-year-old Spitz that was suffering from the effects of chronic kidney disease. The … Read more

14-Year-Old Uses Free Time To Make Jackets For Shelter Dogs

A young girl living in South Africa found a way to turn her extra time in lockdown into a kind gesture for the dogs in her community. With South Africa experiencing their coldest winter in the last decade, she knew she had something special to offer the Kempton Park SPCA during this difficult time. The Kempton Park SPCA is one of many incredible animal shelters around the world that are feeling the impact of the current pandemic. With the current … Read more

Rescued German Shepherd Plays Piano Like A Star

Dog Playing Piano

Children love learning new talents, and playing the piano is one of the most popular skills out there. So, it makes sense that dogs would have an interest in playing instruments too. Sadie the German Shepherd and Border Collie mix has dreamed of being a professional pianist all her life. Now, her mom has finally let her have a chance in the spotlight. In a viral video, the 6-year-old rescue pup shows off her impressive piano skills. She only plays … Read more

German Shepherd Shot In Head Seeks Animal Rescue For Help

German Shepherd Recovering

Jane the German Shepherd has a strong will to live. Not long ago, she was stuck in a home where she wasn’t loved. When she tried to chew on the baby’s toys and clothes, the dad was furious with her. He shot her in the head and left her alone to die. Poor Jane was in pain for about three days, but she knew it wasn’t the end for her. She got up and walked a half mile to the … Read more

Dog Hilariously Shames His Dad For Not Sharing His Snack

A video has been making its rounds on the internet lately. It has gained popularity in part because of its adorable star, but more so because of its relatability. If you’ve ever longed for a snack that was just out of reach – and no, I don’t mean Matthew McConaughey – then you can relate. The hilariously sad video features a Golden Retriever named Winston. Sweet Winston has a grey muzzle that suggests he’s no young pup. What I’m getting … Read more

Nurses Help Family Sneak In Dog To Say Goodbye To Dying Man

There are two things that we can all agree on and that’s that dogs are family and nurses have the biggest hearts. I’m willing to venture out on a limb and say if you’re reading this, you’ll agree. This story that you’re about to read will bring a tear to your eye. Go ahead and get the tissues ready! Luckily for one Missouri man, he found a group of nurses that had hearts of pure gold. David King had been … Read more

Must Read: Andrew Zimmern Posts Emotional Tribute For Pretzel, His Late Pug

Pretzel Passes Away

Chef Andrew Zimmern’s best friend was a Pug named Pretzel. Pretzel made many appearances on his social media pages, including videos of the dog licking his dad’s head and photos of him wearing a pretzel costume. The Pug was blind and getting older, so Zimmern knew the time he had left with Pretzel was limited. Yet, he was still shocked and devastated when the little dog passed away earlier this week. So, he turned to social media to share his … Read more

10 Dog Friendly Winter Getaways

Dog Winter Getawat

Wanting to get away this winter and take the four-legged family member(s) with you? These ten places are dog friendly and offer a range of locations to suit any family’s desire for the perfect Winter Wonderland getaway. #1 – Snow Mountain Ranch Located just outside Winter Park, Colorado, Snow Mountain Ranch is the perfect snow destination. The staff can recommend dog-friendly hikes in the National Forest areas surrounding the properties, and the Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center has its own dog-friendly … Read more

The Healthy Hound Newsletter #39

In This Issue

● Treat Ingredients To Avoid
● 10 Most Costly Breeds
● New Data On When To Spay/Neuter
● Ending Dog Sibling Rivalry
● Lesser Known Summer Hazards
● Is Eating Cat Litter Dangerous?

‘Beast & Buckle’ Was Co-Founded By A Man And The Dog Who Saved Him

If you’re a fan of iHeartDogs, odds are you’re someone who believes in making an impact when you spend money. Well that, and you love your dog. Fortunately, things are trending in the direction of pet parents  like you wanting their purchases to make a difference instead of just sending dollars to the top of a corporation. That’s why companies with missions like Beast & Buckle really resonate with dog lovers, especially those who feel like their dogs saved them. … Read more

8-Year-Old Dog Delivers Groceries To His Neighbors

As the novel coronavirus continues its spread, many businesses have needed to find new ways of doing things. Food and retail shops that can’t do regular drop-offs or in-store shopping have to get a little creative. A small grocery shop in Colombia found a particularly great solution to prevent person-to-person contact. Four years ago, the Botero family opened a mini-market in Tulipanes, Colombia. Not long after, their Chocolate Lab named Eros began accompanying them on their deliveries. At first, he … Read more

“Mission Impawsible” Reunites Humans With Dogs Stranded Overseas

Mission Impawsible

The COVID-19 pandemic happened quickly. Before anyone could process the situation, many places were going into lockdown. This also meant that many flights were canceled. For travelers stuck in different countries, this was especially hard. Plus, it was even harder knowing that their dogs were far away. Kyla and Travis Robinson had spent two years in China. They had been planning to return to their home in Vancouver, Canada, but the pandemic quickly foiled their plans. Many flights were canceled … Read more

Dog Moves Objects From Blind Person’s Path

Since dogs evolved alongside us, they’ve had quite a long time to learn about human behavior. Some dogs can even be taught which people may need their assistance, like the elderly or the disabled. They can tell just by observing their body language. One viral video from India shows how training paired with a dog’s intuition can help people unable to help themselves. Now, just as a disclaimer: The intention of this awesome footage isn’t entirely clear. You know how … Read more

Doctor Rescues Over 1,000 Dogs From Butchers

Woma saves dogs from butchers

Susana Somali from Jakarta, Indonesia has dedicated her life to rescuing dogs. She realized that there were too many homeless dogs and not enough people to adopt them. Many unwanted dogs end up being neglected or taken to slaughterhouses. So, Somali created a special animal shelter that welcomes all dogs. She currently houses over 1,000 dogs, many of which were rescued from butchers. That number continues to grow daily, but Somali refuses to turn dogs away. She keeps rescuing as … Read more

Family Builds Rooftop Lookout For Their Watchful Dog

It can be so hard to leave home when your dog follows you to the door, begging with their sweet eyes for you to stay. Even after you gather the strength to close the door, they’ll find a window to press their sad faces into and watch you go. Can you blame them for wanting to know where we could possibly go without them? A black and white pup in Hawaii took watching his people leave the house to new … Read more

10 Commands Every Dog Should Know

Sit The most basic of commands, this is one of the first cues taught. Asking a dog to sit ensures a calmer more focused response to the next cue.  Focus Other phrases used are watch, watch me, look. The focus cue provides the owner with their dog’s undivided attention.  It is a step by step process that is worth the effort once the cue has been mastered.    Down Some owners prefer lay, lay down, on the belly. Whatever terminology … Read more

You Helped This Pup Find Assistance When His Veteran Dad Needed Surgery

floyd pets for vets

Sometimes current military or veteran pet parents need extra assistance with their pets when life throws them curveballs. With the dedication that these men and women serving our country have, it’s only right that dedicated animal lovers come together to offer support when they need it! A rescued Pit Bull named Floyd found a forever family in the care of a veteran named Joshua. Floyd came into his life at a time he so desperately needed help, offering him the … Read more

Thanks To You, Abandoned Senior Dog Stu Has Been Saved

Part of every sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to GreaterGood, which helps support various charities like START Rescue. Stories like the one below are made possible with your help! Senior dogs who find themselves at shelters have it rough. They’re much harder to get adopted, and at some shelters they’re first on the list for euthanasia when space is low. Most adopters walking into shelters are looking for puppies, not older dogs. Fortunately, the stats for senior dog adoptions are improving. … Read more

Recovering Man Is Overjoyed When Dog Lost After Car Crash Is Found

Shih Tzu Rescued From Car Crash

71-year-old Clyde Simmons was on a road trip from Maine to Colorado to visit his family. His two beloved Shih Tzus were riding with him. At first, it seemed like a fun trip for the three of them. But then, they met an unfortunate event while driving through Illinois. The trailer that Simmons was towing suddenly broke. This caused his car to flip over and crash. Simmons and one of the dogs were given immediate care. However, his younger dog, … Read more

11 Dog Breeds at Highest Risk for Heat Stroke

Bulldog heat stroke

All dogs can get heatstroke, especially during the sweltering summer months of the year. If you’re wondering how likely it is for your dog to get heatstroke, then the risk might depend on their breed. Certain dog breeds are more prone to heatstroke than others. Some of the most at-risk dogs are brachycephalic breeds. Brachycephalic refers to dogs with flat faces, making them prone to breathing problems. Overweight dogs, dogs with thick coats, and senior dogs are also more prone … Read more

Ranger Saves Overheated Dog, Carrying Him Miles Down A Rocky Trail

The summer is really heating up! A group of hikers recently witnessed just how harmful the stifling temperatures can be for a dog. Thankfully, a strong and caring park ranger came to the rescue, carrying an overheated dog on his shoulders all the way down a mountain trail and saving his life. Group of Hiking Friends Came Upon a Struggling Dog and His Human Companion Lexie Daniel and a group of friends hit the trails on the hills in the … Read more

Grandmother Covered in Kisses by Gigantic Puppies

It would be hard to imagine anything in this life that could bring more joy and happiness to others than dogs and grandmothers. When you put the two together, it is an absolutely heartwarming combination. It is impossible not to smile when you take a peek at this video showing two gentle giants slather Grandma in sloppy kisses. Grandma Always Looks Forward to Seeing the Puppies The person who posted the video on YouTube reported that his grandmother always looks … Read more

Pack Of Puppies Chase A Delighted Girl In Cute Pursuit

When it comes to cuteness, a little girl and a pack of plump puppies rank pretty high on the list. A viral video is making the rounds that shows just how adorable this combination can be, especially when the little girl is giggling in delight. Family Going To Pick Out a Puppy The young girl and her family were going to pick out a German Shepherd puppy to bring home. German Shepherds are wonderful family dogs. They are intelligent, highly … Read more

Officer Rescues “Unbothered” Dog From Sofa Inside Burning House

Officer Cory Radke, a police officer in Caledonia, Wisconsin, went above and beyond the call of duty to save a dog in danger. He and his K9 partner, Lou were heading home after their shift when a call came over the radio. There was an active house fire just minutes from their current location. Ofc. Radke immediately responded, rushing to the address of the fire. He was the first rescue worker to arrive on the scene where he found the … Read more

The Dangers Of Digestive Problems In Dogs And How To Treat Them

By Sarah Wallace, DVM Feeding a dog seems simple on the surface: We buy food, we put the food in the bowl, and the dog eats the food. The next day, anything that is not broken down, absorbed, or used by the body comes out the other end. The cycle repeats. However, we don’t often stop to think about what happens inside a dog’s body after we give him that bowl of food. The digestive system is the collective effort … Read more

Dog Rescued From House Fire Is Now A Hero To Many

dog rescued from house fire

Four years ago, Aya was a 2-month-old puppy who thought her life was over. She was trapped in a burning home. Firefighters spotted her wagging tail under a pile of clothes and rushed her to safety. Yet, she was unresponsive and needed emergency care. Now, Aya is one of the happiest pups in the world. She made a successful recovery, and she has never felt more alive. In fact, her story is such an inspiration to others that she’s now … Read more

Science Shows Dogs Really Can Sense If A Person Is Untrustworthy

Have you ever noticed that dogs seem to have a sixth sense about certain people? They can tell right away if a person is a “dog person” and trustworthy. They also seem to be able to sniff out if someone is “bad.” Recent research shows that this ability is real. Can Dogs Judge a Person by Their Scent? Years ago I was out camping with a group of friends. My dog, a large female Black Lab Mix, became very distressed … Read more

Dog Abandoned After 10 Years For “Not Learning To Be Good”

Abandoned Dog With Note

If someone is unable to care for a dog, the right thing to do is surrender them in person and tell the shelter why. But unfortunately, many people choose not to do this, which only makes dogs more scared and confused. That’s how an elderly Lab felt when he was abandoned outside Jasmil Kennels with nothing but a heartbreaking note. When the staff found the dog tied to a fence outside, they were shocked. The note offered no real explanation … Read more

10 Employers Who Allow Dogs At Work

Want a job where your dog can come to work with you? You may be surprised at how many large companies all across the United States welcome dogs in the workplace. #1 – Etsy According to their blog, “The dog-friendly office policy has been in place since Etsy began in 2005, and it’s one of the ways we strive to maintain a casual, creative, and inspiring work environment.” #2 – Google Google’s dog policy is very welcoming. In fact, it’s … Read more

Want To Raise Your Kids Right? Study Says, Get A Dog!

Parents are always eager to find new ways to ensure that their children become well-behaved adults. New research shows that one of the best ways to contribute to a child’s conduct and social skills is by raising them in a house with dogs!   Science Says Raising Dogs Helps Raise Good Humans The recent study was released by the University of Western Australia and the Telethon Kids Institute. It made several very exciting findings regarding children who grow up around … Read more

Lake Algae Toxic To Dogs May Be Forming In U.S.

As we progress through July, we’ve hit peak beach season. Since many pups love swimming, we tend to take them with us when we visit the lake or ocean. Why not let them splash and play to their heart’s content? Well, there is one pretty compelling reason to leave the dogs at home this summer: toxic lake algae. Those who live in Maine should be particularly alert about this. Last week, the South Portland Parks and Recreation department found signs … Read more

UPDATE: Family Who Adopted Wandering Stray Dog Helps Other Rescue Pups

malnourished dog rescued

Seven months ago, a stray dog named Suzy wandered into a stranger’s home in Philadelphia. She was cold and malnourished. Luckily, Jack Jokinen accidentally left his front door open a crack and a storm blew it open. So, Suzy wandered in and made herself at home. A kind neighbor then closed the open door, not realizing there was a stray dog inside. Without hesitation, Jokinen and his family cared for Suzy. They later adopted the 9-year-old pup, and now, they’re … Read more

Man and His Dog Heal from Health Problems Together

Rick Slater and his Dachshund Banjo are best friends. For more than a decade, the inseparable pair have taken daily walks through their hometown. Both of the best buds suffered recent serious health problems. With each other’s support, they are overcoming the challenges. Slater Suffered a Stroke and Banjo Injured His Back Earlier this year, Slater suffered a stroke. The very same week, Banjo injured his back. He was fine one day and suddenly lost the ability to use his hind … Read more

Dog Locked in Hot Car Reignites RSPCA Campaign to Raise Awareness

Temperatures are soaring around the globe as summer heats up. A recent incident involving a dangerously hot car with a dog locked inside set off a firestorm of warnings from police departments and animal welfare groups. It bears repeating: dogs can easily overheat and die inside a car. Concerned Bystander Steps in to Save Dog A person saw a dog locked inside a car near a KFC restaurant in Southport. He posted a photo to social media and hundreds of … Read more

Young Boy’s Pick Of The Litter Is A Special Needs Pup

Boy hugging dog

When it comes to the bond between a dog and their human, love is all that matters. Every dog is perfect in their own way, and their humans certainly know it. Yet, if anyone can see the beauty in a dog better than anyone else, it’s children. Kids love dogs unconditionally, no matter where they came from or what they look like. An adorable story of a boy choosing his dream dog stole the hearts of people all over social … Read more

7 Dog Walking Dangers You Should Know About

By Sophie Vershbow Reviewed by Sarah Wooten, DVM No matter the breed, all dogs need to go outside on a regular basis. Depending on your pet’s physical ability––and your own schedule––that can mean anything from a quick stroll around the block to an all-day hike in the woods. “Dog walking has great health benefits both for the pet and the walker,” says Dr. Ian Wright, a veterinary surgeon and head of the European Scientific Counsel for Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) U.K. … Read more

Warning: Terrible Tick Season Expected This Summer

Many of us were thankful that the winter was mild. Unfortunately, that means wooded and grassy areas will have higher concentrations of ticks this summer. The University of New Haven’s Lyme Disease Research Group has issued a warning that tick season is going to be a doozie. Thanks, 2020.  Post Quarantine, People Are Enjoying the Outdoors The last few months have been challenging to say the least. Now that parks and trails are open to the public again, cooped up … Read more