Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:
There are several good reasons to know how many calories your dog needs each day. You don’t want to overfeed your dog – obesity can lead to several health problems for your pet. And you definitely don’t want to underfeed him, because that can cause issues for him too and leave him suffering from both hunger and a lack of energy. But finding the right number can be tricky, and it’s not as easy as that little chart on the back … Read more
There’s only one “f” word that strikes fear into the hearts of all dog people: FLEAS. These blood-feasting insects are so tiny you can barely see them, but they wreak havoc on your home. If your dog has fleas, the bugs won’t stay on their unwilling host for long. It always starts with one, but soon enough, there are fleas in your carpet, couch, blankets, and even your bed. A flea infestation takes over your entire house, and your dog … Read more
Nephroliths – or kidney stones – are hard clusters that develop inside the kidneys or urinary tract. While bladder stones are more common than kidney stones in dogs, both are formed when an accumlation of salts or minerals naturally found in the urine form into clumps. Kidney stones can range from a mild inconvenience to a medical emergency. Some dogs may not show any symptoms at all. Why do some dogs develop kidney stones? Kidney stones in dogs develop when … Read more
Many people assume that fleas die off in the winter and it’s safe to stop your dog’s flea and tick preventative. But is it really safe to do that? Do you need to worry about fleas during cooler months? The surprising answer is that YES, you do still need to worry about them during cooler months, and it’s all about their life cycle. About the flea life cycle You may be surprised to learn that much of a flea’s life … Read more
Some photos below are graphic. Scroll to the bottom to see what Gus looks like now! When animal activist Rob Acuna and some friends saw a photo of a stray dog with a severely swollen head on Facebook, they knew they had to find him and help him. For over a year the dog had wandered in the area near a Southeast Houston apartment complex and had suffered unimaginable cruelty. They searched the area where he had been spotted for … Read more
Middle school isn’t the easiest stage in life, but for a boy named Carson, life at school was almost unbearable. Bullies harassed him in the hallways, and it didn’t take long for their hateful actions to take a toll on Carson’s emotional well-being. His confidence plummeted, and he started feeling anxious and depressed. It took all his courage to walk into school, and every day was a struggle. To try and help their son, Carson’s family sought every kind of … Read more
You know your dog better than anyone, but that doesn’t make it easy to know when she’s not feeling well. She can’t come out and tell you she’s ill, and that leaves you to worry and wonder when something seems “off.” Decreased activity is one of the most common symptoms of canine illness. Commonality, however, doesn’t make it easy to identify or interpret. If your dog is lethargic, there’s always a reason. The trick is knowing what that reason is. … Read more
Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good, which helps support various charities. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings, like the one below, are made possible. The Grapevine Animal Shelter reached out to Rescue Rebuild looking for help. Their old play yards were grass, which is hard to maintain and had parvo exposure, a deadly virus that can stay in the soil for years. This meant that they had no place to let their dogs outside! They were desperate … Read more
Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good Charities, which helps support various charities. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings, like the one below, are made possible. “Courtney lived her life in a pen. Little human attention, and being stuck outside by herself made for a horrible existence. When her owners moved they abandoned her, leaving her behind like a bag of trash. The new people who moved into the house tried to keep Courtney, but their German Shepherd … Read more
A Harvard psychologist recently declared that when dogs dream they are likely reliving their experiences with their humans. Those yips and kicks we see are their reactions to either pleasing us or annoying us in dreamland. For better or worse, our dogs’ entire lives revolve around us. If they do not get enough of our time or that time is marred by unwarranted punishments, it can leave lasting emotional scars. Dog owners usually make one of these 5 mistakes because … Read more
You’ve seen your dog pant. When you’re running around together, it’s not unusual for you both to be panting! We like to think it’s because they’re happy – and panting does look like a big happy smile, right? But for pups, panting is multi-purpose. Some dogs may even be panting for a reason that requires the attention of a vet. Knowing why dogs pant and paying attention can tip you off and help you take better care of your dog. … Read more
A small act of kindness is even more amazing when it happens in the middle of chaos. Wildfires continue to wreak havoc in California and fire crews from other areas have travelled to join the effort. Firefighters from Draper City, Utah travelled over 800 miles to help fight the Mendocino Complex fire burning North of Santa Rosa, California. On August 12, while working contain the flames in the Potter Valley fire zone, the group spotted a German Shepherd huddled under … Read more
Animal welfare groups and dog-loving politicians have been fighting for a decade to ban the use of shock collars in England. After a heated debate, they’ve finally achieved their goal. England’s government announced this week that the law will officially change to make the use of training dogs with shock collars illegal. The ban puts England in line with the rest of the UK as Wales and Scotland have already taken steps to put an end to this form of … Read more
On July 15, a devastating traffic accident in Delray Beach, FL put 19-year-old Farrah Fox into a deep coma. An off-duty officer ran a stop sign and plowed into the SUV Farrah was riding in. She suffered a traumatic brain injury, and there was nothing doctors or her family could do but wait. They waited five weeks with no change in Farrah’s condition, but then a therapy dog named Fergie came to visit. The seven-year-old Labradoodle frequently visits hospitals as … Read more
The streets of Atlanta, GA are home to countless stray animals. There are dogs scrounging for food in dumpsters, feral cats struggling to survive, and former pets newly abandoned and afraid. At the same time, there’s a different kind of problem lurking in the shadows. Local gangs take over neighborhoods, and they’re always looking to recruit. Kids are pressured to take sides, teens are forced to join in, and innocent youth are beaten when they try to resist. Disabled veteran … Read more
When it comes to choosing the top pet-friendly cities, we want more than just restaurants with dog-friendly patios and big dog parks. We’re thinking and dreaming bigger when it comes to our dogs. We want to live where our dogs can be healthy and happy, and treated like the kings and queens we always knew they were. WalletHub has put together their best dog-friendly cities list ever that really covers all the bases when it comes to the demands we … Read more
Sometimes dogs shake with excitement upon seeing a favorite loved one. Other times their trembling is an involuntary response to environmental factors. While these causes are harmless, shaking can also be a symptom of certain genetic conditions or a sign of a serious illness. In order to determine if your dog’s shaking is a cause for concern, you must understand the many reasons that may account for it. Certain breeds are more prone to shaking. Ask any Chihuahua parent and … Read more
Dog trainers hear it all the time: “My dog is great at home, but as soon as we get around other people/pets, his manners go out the window!” Keeping a dog calm and attentive in public goes against their natural instincts to explore and interact with their surroundings. Disruptive dogs can become well-mannered members of polite society, but it takes lots of practice and plenty of patience on the part of the owner. Why do some dogs act unruly in … Read more
Jonathan Plesset is a man who loves animals – and sharing his love of animals with the people who stay at his hotel! Years ago, Plesset and a friend got their aviation licenses and decided to use them to rescue animals by helping transport them to no-kill shelters where they were more likely to be adopted. Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue Team (PAART) was born with just two pilots – Jonathan Plesset and Brad Childs. Since then, PAART has become much … Read more
This is not the kind of story iHeartDogs typically covers. In fact, it doesn’t have much to do with dogs at all. Rather, it is about society, families, and how something once considered mundane can now spark a legal battle. 8-year-old Dorothy Widen recently began taking her dog, Marshmallow for walks around the block in the upscale Chicago suburb of Wilmette, Illinois. Although Marshmallow is small enough for Dorothy to handle, and the pair walk in broad daylight, one neighbor … Read more
Massachusetts has confirmed it’s first case of dog flu this year, and veterinarians are encouraging owners to get their pups vaccinated. Though this is only one confirmed case so far, the flu is known to spread rapidly in dogs, and DogFlu.com warns that most dogs who come in contact with the virus will become infected. The vaccine is estimated to be about 60% effective in warding off the flu. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, and fever which could turn into pneumonia … Read more
When you want to take your pint-sized pup with you everywhere you go, a dog carrier sling is your perfect solution. Slings are a convenient way to keep your pup close, and they even help keep pets safe from harm. There are several situations where using a sling is beneficial to both dogs and their people. Pretty soon, your sling will be your favorite pet accessory. If you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of the experience, … Read more
Connecticut vets are warning residents to be on the lookout during what seems to be an aggressive dog flu season. Over the summer there were 9 confirmed cases of dog flu, but it wasn’t the number of dogs getting ill that had veterinarians concerned, but the H3N2 strain that is causing the illness. Concerned owners should watch out for coughing and sneezing in their dogs, which can later become high fever and pneumonia. Though humans can’t catch dog flu, the … Read more
TSA dogs are now a common sight in major airports, but those hard-working pups weren’t born on the job. They’re carefully selected and trained before they’re deemed ready to don official vests. Professional government work, however, isn’t for every pooch. Not every dog has the personality and drive to be good at the job, and some dogs don’t make it through training. So what happens to these K9 drop-outs? They deserve good homes, and the TSA Adoption Program makes sure … Read more
Update: David Loignon, volunteer with Austin Pets Alive!, tells iHeartDogs that Nova has been adopted! Congratulations to Nova and her new family! It’s sad news when a dog loses the opportunity to live up to their potential. Nova is a young pit bull mix who recently said goodbye to her future as a police K9 because of her breed. iHeartDogs was contacted by Kayla Murray with Austin Pets Alive! Who shared Nova’s story with us, and our hearts broke for … Read more
Every year over 7 million pets find themselves in shelters in the U.S. Shelter staff are tasked with finding each and every adoptable pet a home, and some are coming up with clever ways to get the job done! Many shelters use social media to spread pictures and videos, but West Memphis Animal Shelter has taken a wild, crazy, incredibly creative route in getting the word out about their adoptable pets! Adoption and Rescue Coordinator Trent Stacey is making sure … Read more
On June 22, Onslow County Animal Services (OCAS) in Jackson, North Carolina picked up an emaciated, nearly-hairless stray dog with a severe case of Demodectic mange. Adoption First Animal Rescue specializes in saving death row dogs from euthanasia. They pulled the pitiful pup out of the shelter and placed her with one of their seasoned foster moms, Heather Corradino-Llantada. The moment she took the dog in her arms, Heather knew something more serious than skin mites was wrong. The poor pup … Read more
There are 190 canine breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, and each one is categorized into one of seven dog breed groups. How the groups are determined goes back to the days when dogs were bred for specific purposes. Humans bred dogs to herd animals, protect property, and hunt down dinner. Some breeds were designed specifically to be man’s best friend. There are big dogs and little dogs, hyper dogs and laid-back dogs, and each breed offers the world … Read more
During my career as a veterinary technician, clients often asked me for advice on performing successful nail trims at home. The process of trimming dog nails is actually quite simple. Most people just need help getting their pups to cooperate! Luckily, even dogs that despise the clippers can become acclimated to the process, or at least learn to tolerate it. Below are 9 tricks for making nail trims go smoothly – even on dogs with black nails or furry paws. If … Read more
Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good Charities, which helps support various charitable organizations. Momma was a stray used for breeding. When she came to Roughneck Rescue & Sanctuary, she was skinny, infested with fleas, had a cough, a green snotty nose and an infection in her mammary gland. She needed surgery because she had mastitis. After Momma had surgery she gained weight and got healthy. A couple who live on 10 acres adopted her. They have three … Read more
Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good, which helps support various charities. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings, like the one below, are made possible. As animal shelters struggle to cast off the “dog pound” and “dog jail” image, Rescue Rebuild has learned that an important part of that process is enhancing a shelter’s curb appeal. Sebastian County Humane Society in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, was one of those shelters in need of a face-lift. They wanted their adopters … Read more
Your purchases through iHeartDogs and iHeartCats made a $12,000 grant possible to Pets for Patriots. This grant fully funded 48 veteran-pet adoptions. One such veteran funded through this grant was Raymond. Raymond is an elderly Army veteran living in Florida. With the help of a supportive neighbor – who herself hails from a military family – he decided to adopt a companion pet not only to save an animal in need, but to help him cope with the day-to-day challenges … Read more
If you’ve ever seen dogs eat grass, you may be wondering whether or not you should be worried. Is it normal for dogs to eat grass? Could it hurt your dog? Why do they do it? Should you be concerned if your dog vomits every time he eats grass? We know you have questions and concerns about your dog eating grass, and we’re here to help. Here are 6 things that you should know about dogs eating grass… #1 – … Read more
This summer, Wisconsin doctors determined a woman’s death and a man’s quadruple limb amputation were both caused by the same bacteria. Known as Capnocytophaga canimorsus, it is found in the saliva of approximately 70% of dogs and 60% of cats. But before you cancel your trip to Wisconsin or rehome your pets, keep in mind that human infections with this frightening pathogen are extremely rare. “More than 99% of the people that have dogs will never have this issue. It’s just … Read more
Heroes come in all shapes, sizes, and even species. They don’t all walk on two legs, and some of the bravest heroes in the world have four paws, tails, and unyielding determination to help people. Dogs from countless countries work every day to make the world a better place. Superpower Dogs is the documentary that’s going to showcase all that they do. An IMAX original film, Superpower Dogs follows a few of the world’s most hardworking canines. There’s Ricochet, an … Read more
Fake service and emotional support animals have been a sore subject for many people recently. Some will say say that “fake” service animals don’t exist. On the other end of the spectrum, some believe no one should bring an animal where they aren’t typically allowed. The facts are that under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) service animals are allowed everywhere. They are not to be barred from any public place. Their handler is not to be asked why they … Read more
TSA dogs are now a common sight in major airports, but those hard-working pups weren’t born on the job. They’re carefully selected and trained before they’re deemed ready to don official vests. Professional government work, however, isn’t for every pooch. Not every dog has the personality and drive to be good at the job, and some dogs don’t make it through training. So what happens to these K9 drop-outs? They deserve good homes, and the TSA Adoption Program makes sure … Read more
Dog gas is no laughing matter. It’s often the butt of jokes, and “blaming it on the dog” is a common trope, but there’s definitely nothing funny about foul gas when it’s coming from your dog. Stinky dog gas can be caused by an imbalance of bacteria in your dog’s digestive tract. When we think of bacteria we usually think of the tiny invisible monsters that cause colds and diseases, but there are “good” and “bad” bacteria present in you … Read more
There’s a pup out there for just about every personality, and these lovable lap dogs are perfect for anyone who’s looking to add a snuggle bug to their family! Whether you’d prefer a social butterfly by day and a couch potato by night, a canine who’s content to live in an apartment, or a four-legged friend for the kids, there’s a petite pup on this list who’d make a wonderful companion. Based on information from the American Kennel Club website … Read more
Dog lovers in North Carolina are being warned of an unknown repiratory infection that is being spread from amongst dogs in the Raleigh area. Dr. Harold Pierce with Leesville Animal Hospital tells ABC7.com that he has treated 17 pets with mild symptoms over the last two weeks. Affected dogs develop a cough and show signs of infection, but so far veterinarians have been unable to identify the illness or determine whether the infection is bacterial or viral. Both vaccinated pets … Read more
Dog lovers in North Carolina are being warned of an unknown repiratory infection that is being spread from amongst dogs in the Raleigh area. Dr. Harold Pierce with Leesville Animal Hospital tells ABC7.com that he has treated 17 pets with mild symptoms over the last two weeks. Affected dogs develop a cough and show signs of infection, but so far veterinarians have been unable to identify the illness or determine whether the infection is bacterial or viral. Both vaccinated pets … Read more
While no breed is immune to health problems, some have more than others and, most importantly, they have different kinds. The major health problems commonly found in large breed dogs are different than those found in small breeds, so it’s important to know what you’re up against should you decide to go with with a large breed. Here we’ll discuss some of the most common problems large breeds are susceptible to. #1 – Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is an orthopedic … Read more
We love our dogs, and in a perfect world, we’d spend every waking moment with them. But knowing that our dogs are comfy and cozy while we are away grants us peace of mind. The perfect little bed, a bowl full of their favorite chow, a basket overflowing of toys…but what else can we do to make things just right in our absence? Think about it: what is the most soothing sound to your dog’s ears? A human’s voice! This … Read more
The Parks and Recreation Department of Denver, Colorado closed out the city’s pool season this weekend with more than 100 water-loving pups! The fourth annual “Dog-A-Pool-Ooza” event welcomed pawrents to bring their fur kids for an end-of-summer splash at Cook Park pool before it is drained, cleaned and winterized. “It’s a fun way to cap off the whole summer and really just kind of end on a bang,” recreation director Leslie Pickard told Fox 31. “We know Denver loves its dogs, … Read more
The name you choose for your furry best friend is a very personal decision. Some pet parents choose the monicker of a beloved celebrity or fictional character. Others simply pick something short, snappy and cute. With endless options, it may surprise you to learn that many U.S. states share the same top dog names. In fact, according to a roundup from HomeAdvisor, only seven states have a unique name as their number one. Using data obtained from Packdog.com – a social media site … Read more
Remember that beautiful moment when you brought home your first bundle of joy? The whole world seemed to change, become smaller, and begin to revolve around your sweet, innocent – dog. Even if you are now the proud parent of a tiny human or two, you’ll never forget your very first pup. The one that first taught you the joy of loving another creature more than you love yourself. Here are 6 signs your dog is your firstborn child… 1. Your … Read more
Does an hour-long walk give your dog more energy instead of tiring him out? Some dogs seem to have endless amounts of energy. If you don’t want them bouncing around your house or becoming destructive, you need to find a way to tire them out. Walking around your neighborhood can get boring for both of you after a while. What can you do? Here are 10 simples tricks to tire out your active dog. #1 – Use a flirt pole You’ve … Read more
Does an hour-long walk give your dog more energy instead of tiring him out? Some dogs seem to have endless amounts of energy. If you don’t want them bouncing around your house or becoming destructive, you need to find a way to tire them out. Walking around your neighborhood can get boring for both of you after a while. What can you do? Here are 10 simples tricks to tire out your active dog. #1 – Use a flirt pole You’ve … Read more
Many of us wish that we could save every homeless dog we see. Paul Crowell took the most important step in making the wish come true – action. While walking to and from his job at a boarding kennel, Paul would see several homeless people out with their dogs. He noticed that though they did their best to keep their pups fed and healthy, it was difficult from their position. Homelessness makes everything uncertain, and many don’t know where they’ll … Read more
Angie Blumberg and Jayce Conway tied the knot on July 28 with an outdoor ceremony in gorgeous Big Sky, Montana. The couple knew from the start they would include their beloved Yellow Lab, Boone in their big day, but they had no idea the happy-go-lucky pooch would end up stealing the spotlight! Boone’s job was to serve as best man, standing between Conway and his brother during the ceremony. At first, he sat obediently by his dad’s side as the … Read more
22-year-old Casey Bruno recently earned her Bachelor’s degree from University of Central Florida – but she couldn’t have done it without her faithful service dog, Paisley by her side. So when it came time to pose for photos in her graduation cap, Bruno knew the 2-year-old Dalmatian deserved some recognition, too. The aspiring veterinarian decorated a cap for Paisley to complement her own. Bruno’s cap featured a paw print filled with a colorful floral pattern while Paisley’s cap was decked … Read more
Toledo, United States.