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Woman Creates Stunning Memorial Quilt Using Her Dearly Departed Dogs’ Scarves

The sorrow that we feel when we lose a pet can seem never-ending. But we often find comfort in the memories they leave with us for the rest of our lives. Rosalie Steiner recently shared the memories she has of her four passed Schnauzers with iHeartDogs, and the quilt she made in their honor. “All of my boys were rescues. Scruffy and Rascal were brothers and the only two from a litter of seven that remained at the Seneca County … Read more

Study Finds Small Dogs “Lie About Their Size” By Aiming Higher When They Pee

Dogs use urine to mark their turf and send messages to other pups in the area. In order to achieve this scent-based communication, male dogs often lift their legs to mark vertical objects like trees, poles and mailboxes. These urinary “messages” can tell other dogs a lot about those who left them behind, including gender, sexual status, health, and social status. However, not everything dogs learn from these scent marks is necessarily accurate. New research from Cornell University found that smaller … Read more

7 Reasons To Give Your 7+ Year Old Dog Turmeric

  Odds are, you’ve heard about the benefits of turmeric for both people and pets. And while turmeric would likely benefit dogs of any age, its benefits are particularly pronounced for senior pets. Turmeric (or Indian saffron) is the spice that gives curry it’s yellow color. Veterinary approved supplements for dogs often contain Curcumin – the active ingredient in Turmeric – because it acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Researchers and nutritionists are singing its praises as a medicinally … Read more

Michigan is Experiencing a Drastic Rise in Dog Flu Cases

Veterinarians are warning Michigan dog parents to protect their pups from the rapidly spreading canine flu. According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), 49 cases have been reported from six Lower Peninsula counties in less than three weeks. For comparison, the state had just nine cases of canine influenza in all of 2017. Residents of Huron, Kent, Macomb, Oakland, Ottawa and Wayne – the six counties that have reported cases of canine flu – should take particular care … Read more

Stray Dog Made Famous By Greek Wildfires Finds His Forever Home

On July 23, the seaside resort town of Mati, Greece was overcome by the country’s deadliest wildfire in decades. Along with approximately 90 human casualties, the fires claimed the lives of hundreds of pets and strays. One little survivor named Loukoumakis has become the poster-pooch for the rescue effort after surviving the blaze by hiding in an outdoor oven. Artemis Kyriakopoulou, a volunteer for local rescue organization, Dogs’ Voice captured the following video of the 4-year-old Poodle mix. She discovered him cowering inside a … Read more

10 Dog Breeds That Bark The Least

There are close to 200 dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Each is assigned to one of seven groups based on the traits they were bred for. While there is no such thing as a bark-free dog, the following 10 breeds are among the quietest, thanks to their inherent characteristics. 1. Pug Pugs were originally bred more than 2,000 years ago to serve as companions to Chinese emperors and their families. To this day, these loyal cuties … Read more

Why Does My Female Dog Not Like Other Female Dogs?

Aggression between females is an unfortunately common behavioral issue faced by countless dog owners. Households with more than one adult female dog often struggle with conflicting personalities that lead to dangerous fights. While every situation and every dog is different, aggression between female dogs has been linked to a few key causes. Living with a pair of feisty females disrupts the entire household, but continuous fights don’t have to be your everyday reality. Before you can solve the problem, you … Read more

5 Ways Loving A Senior Dog Will Transform Your Life

Some people may not understand the appeal of loving a senior dog. But we know that nothing compares to getting to share a good friend’s golden years with them. You’ll definitely notice changes in your dog as he turns grey, but have you seen any changes in yourself? The following may not apply to everyone, but these are some of the ways your life might change as you spend time with a senior dog.  1. Rules Go Out The Window … Read more

Dad Bods And Dogs Calendar Celebrates The Best Things About Dog Rescue

You not think you need a wall calendar, but you’re going to want to clear some wall space when you see Dad Bods and Dogs! Photographer Ricki Beason of Ricki Beason Rescue Photography photographs adoptable dogs in shelters to help them find their forever homes. Her 2018 calendar, “Heartthrobs and Hound Dogs” paired adoptable pups with buff, shirtless men flexing their muscles for the camera. The calendar helped raise money for her favorite local rescues, and her 2019 calendar will follow suit, … Read more

7 Essential Oils That Help Deter Fleas

Fleas may be small, but they cause big problems. They’re external parasites that cling to skin and survive by taking advantage of their unwilling hosts. Their bites leave behind itchy red bumps, they spread diseases, and they make dogs miserable with incessant scratching. Fleas love nothing more than finding an unprotected pet to live on, and getting rid of them is no easy feat. The best way to protect pets and people from fleas is to stop the pests from … Read more

11 Natural Ingredients To Help Keep Fleas Away

You definitely don’t want your dog and your home to be infested with fleas, but you might be a little concerned about using the hardcore chemicals and pesticides found in traditional flea repellents, whether they’re topical or ingested. Luckily, you don’t have to choose between using chemicals or not protecting your dog. There are lots of natural ingredients that can help repel fleas without exposing your dog to chemicals and pesticides. But first, if you live in a climate with … Read more

Rescue Dog Is A Natural Model For All The Bling At Owners’ Jewelry Shop

Belinda and Alex Leitch are the owners of Seaside Gems on New Zealand’s gorgeous London Quay and the parents of Maxwell, an adorable rescue pooch with a passion for fashion. The 11-year-old Pug/Japanese Chin serves as the shop’s unofficial mascot and jewelry model! Thousands of cruise ship tourists visit the town of Picton each year, and Maxwell makes sure they can’t resist stopping by Seaside Gems. “The amount of people he brings to the shop is amazing,” says jewelry designer, Amelia Pask. … Read more

8 Amazing Things Dogs Can Sense About Humans

Is your pooch ecstatic every time you come home, and act like your shadow whenever you’re in the house? That’s because you’re the center of his world, and he always wants to know where you are and what you’re doing. As it turns out, our dogs are such good observers that they can pick up on our emotions or even detect things about us that we don’t even know ourselves. Ever hear stories of pups who have alerted their people to … Read more

8 Amazing Things Dogs Can Sense About Humans

Is your pooch ecstatic every time you come home, and act like your shadow whenever you’re in the house? That’s because you’re the center of his world, and he always wants to know where you are and what you’re doing. As it turns out, our dogs are such good observers that they can pick up on our emotions or even detect things about us that we don’t even know ourselves. Ever hear stories of pups who have alerted their people to … Read more

Can I Give Human Hemp Oil to My Dog?

If you’re reading this article, you’ve no doubt heard of the benefits of Hemp oil for dogs. And while countless anecdotal success stories have circulated social media for years, scientific studies on Hemp are also beginning to show promise in helping dogs with many conditions from seizures to pain to anxiety. You may be taking Hemp yourself and wondering: Can I give human Hemp oil to my dog?  The answer is possibly yes, but we’d discourage it for 3 reasons: … Read more

RelaxMyDog Is A Surprisingly Simple Way To Soothe Your Pup

Dogs aren’t the only ones who get anxious  – you may already be feeling the heat as a pup parent with a dog who can’t stand fireworks. Fourth of July comes only once a year, and along with the flags, hot dogs and pool parties come the earth-shaking booms that send our dogs into a frenzy. There are tons of tips online about keeping your dog safe and calm when the Fourth comes, but not all dogs will respond the … Read more

Nonprofit Wolf Sanctuary Gives Rescued Wolf Dogs A Chance At A Real Life

If you ever find yourself in or around Houston, Texas, try your best to make a trip out to the Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary in Montgomery, about 50 miles outside of the city. Having lived in Texas the majority of my life, I was equally shocked and pleasantly surprised to find that one of the best, if not the very best, wolf sanctuary lies right here in the Lone Star State. Which, if you really think about it, is somewhat … Read more

Can Dogs Have Hairballs?

While hairballs are less common in dogs than in cats, dogs can get hairballs. What sort of dogs are more prone to hairballs? What causes hairballs? Should you be worried if your dog vomits one up? How can you prevent hairballs in your dog? Don’t worry, we have the answers you’re looking for. Here’s what you need to know about hairballs in dogs. What is a hairball? When a dog (or a cat) licks or chews on themselves, they may … Read more

Is Your Dog’s Breed Predisposed To Dental Disease?

Some of our most loved breeds have a natural predisposition towards dental disease. To manage the extent of the damage and prevent your pup from suffering, it’s important to learn about your dog’s individual dental needs. This starts with gaining knowledge on your dog’s breed and establishing a game plan with your veterinarian. Brachycephalic Breeds Prone to Dental Disease: Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Brussells Griffons The signature squish faces of brachycephalic breeds, like Pugs and English Bulldogs, are hard not to … Read more

3 Reasons Dog Dental Health Matters

When it comes to dog dental health, many pet owners are still behind the curve. Although more and more are checking in for yearly anesthetic dentals by their veterinarians, others are still hesitant to spend the money. Many of us find it difficult to keep up a tooth brushing routine. Whatever the reason, we need to remember that dog dental health is important. In fact, it’s probably more important to your dog’s overall health than you realize. Dog Dental Health … Read more

Why Hemp Oil Might Be Your Dog’s Best Friend During a Thunderstorm

There are few things more terrifying to a dog than a thunderstorm. There are also few things more frustrating to a loving owner than trying to make their terrified pup feel calm. In the last few years, many dog owners have stumbled upon Hemp or Hemp oil as a natural way to calm a nervous pup. I recently blogged about my personal story of how Hemp played a part in remedying my dog’s separation stress and fear of fireworks. Hemp … Read more

11 Tips To Help You Find Your Lost Dog Faster

The first 24 hours after a dog goes missing are crucial, but luckily the odds are in your favor. A survey conducted by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals found that 93% of lost dogs return home safely! In addition to creating fliers and scouring the neighborhood, these 11 tips will help bring your missing pooch home faster. 1. Bring along a taste of home. Most lost pups are found within 20 minutes during a regular neighborhood search. As soon as … Read more

What You Need To Know About Making Eye Contact With Your Dog

Human or canine, eye contact is a big part of communication. Eyes convey emotion, indicate intent, and they reflect individual personality in ways many people don’t realize. There’s a lot that’s the same when it comes to human and canine eyes—you and your pup can even share the same eye color—but the way dogs understand eye contact will always be slightly different than what seems normal for humans. Understanding how your dog feels about eye contact is important for your … Read more

What You Need To Know About Making Eye Contact With Your Dog

Human or canine, eye contact is a big part of communication. Eyes convey emotion, indicate intent, and they reflect individual personality in ways many people don’t realize. There’s a lot that’s the same when it comes to human and canine eyes—you and your pup can even share the same eye color—but the way dogs understand eye contact will always be slightly different than what seems normal for humans. Understanding how your dog feels about eye contact is important for your … Read more

I Finally Cured My Rescue Dog’s EXTREME Separation Anxiety. Here’s the Bizarre Steps I Took.

Curing Dog Separation Anxiety Quickly First off, if you're reading this, you're probably going through the excruciating process of dealing with canine separation anxiety. I know how hard this is. And I want you to know one thing: you can beat it.  The process I am going to share here contains pieces of advice you will hear other places, but also few very unique things that I stumbled upon that finally beat separation anxiety for good. In fact, I've shared ... Read more

Pregnant Foster Dog Is Treated To A Beautiful Maternity Photo Shoot

Ima is a 3-year-old Hound mix from North Carolina. After being abandoned by her owner, a kind neighbor took her in, but the stressed-out pooch ran away. When she returned a month later, she was pregnant. Soon after, Ima found herself in the shelter system, eventually being placed in a wonderful foster home where she is expected to deliver her pups any day now. Her doting foster mom, Sarah Freeman, told PEOPLE Pets: “The neighbor knew she couldn’t afford to take … Read more

Found Dog Is Claimed By Two Different Families — Who Should Take Her Home?

Five years ago, a dog named Molly went missing from her home in St. Louis, MO. Her owner, Jason Senseney, adopted her when she was a puppy, and he was devastated when weeks and months passed with no sign of his family dog. Eventually, he gave up hope and assumed he’d never see Molly again. But a few days ago, he received a surprising phone call. The call was from Avid, a company that manufactures and manages pet microchips, and … Read more

Rescue Pup Has Been Sleeping On His Brother Since He Was 6-Weeks-Old

Last summer, a very special pair of pals named Colt and Charlie arrived at Wisconsin’s Fox Valley Humane Association (FVHA). The best friends met at an Arkansas shelter when the staff placed a then-6-week-old Charlie in Colt’s kennel to cheer him up as he recovered from hip surgery. Despite their 7 month age difference, the two became inseparable. And when I say inseparable, I mean it quite literally – Charlie insists on being in physical contact with his best buddy at … Read more

4 Reasons Senior Dog Owners Are Flocking to Hemp Oil

Hemp oil from hemp is a medicinal herb many senior dog owners are looking into. In fact, its one of the most talked about topics in our 70,000 member senior dog community on Facebook. The benefits of Hemp oil are reaching more dogs every day. Here are a few reasons why senior dog owners are choosing it for their pets. 1. Hemp May Offer Significant Benefits To Brain Health In Aging Dogs Hemp has shown the ability to support normal … Read more

5 Dangerous Dog Habits & How To Fix Them

The other day, my neighbor’s dog darted out the front door and chased a young boy on a bike. She ended up biting the child’s foot, fracturing two of his toes. The dog now faces a mandatory 10-day Rabies quarantine and possible euthanasia. Sadly, the whole situation could have been avoided if her owners had provided the intervention, correction, and training to break her dangerous habits. As much as we love our dogs, there is no such thing as a “perfect” … Read more

5 Dangerous Dog Habits & How To Fix Them

The other day, my neighbor’s dog darted out the front door and chased a young boy on a bike. She ended up biting the child’s foot, fracturing two of his toes. The dog now faces a mandatory 10-day Rabies quarantine and possible euthanasia. Sadly, the whole situation could have been avoided if her owners had provided the intervention, correction, and training to break her dangerous habits. As much as we love our dogs, there is no such thing as a “perfect” … Read more

You Helped Find A Veteran A Best Friend, And A Shelter Dog A Forever Home!

Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good Charities, which helps support various charitable organizations. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings, like the one below, are made possible.  Richard served in the Army as a Specialist during Operation Enduring Freedom, and he received many ribbons and medals throughout his service. But after returning home, Richard suffered from PTSD, TBI, depression and anxiety. He asked Pets for Vets to find him a dog that would be his companion through … Read more

How Hemp Oil Can Help Your Dog’s Separation Stress

When you come home to find your perfectly house trained dog left you a stinky surprise (or two) on the carpet along with the remains of a couch cushion, expensive shoe, or maybe the TV remote, there’s a good chance they have separation stress. If the neighbors complain of your dog’s constant barking and whining when you’re not home, that’s another sign your dog has separation stress. And if you worry about your dog jumping through a screened window, chewing … Read more

Recent Study Suggests That Your Dog Does This For You When You’re Upset

There’s something about a dog’s soft fur and kind eyes that works like medicine when you’re feeling down in the dumps. Making you feel better seems effortless for them, but a new study suggests their mood-boosting powers aren’t as incidental as we used to think. The question of whether or not dogs feel empathy is still yet to be answered, but researchers recently published a study that suggests dogs are receptive to human emotional states and can choose to actively … Read more

Hemp Dosing Guide for Dogs

What Dosage of Hemp Oil Should I Give My Dog? Most veterinarians recommend starting low and slow to gauge how an individual dog will respond. As a guideline, the current suggested dosing is 1 mg – 5 mg per 10 pounds of the dog’s body weight for the first week.2 If the dog has never taken Hemp oil or anything similar in the past, it’s best to start at the lower end of that range. If there are no negative … Read more

5 Reasons Hemp Oil For Dogs Is Exploding In Popularity

It’s a dog owner’s priority to safeguard the well-being of their pets, and a new player in the world of veterinary science is opening all-natural doors of opportunity. Hemp oil from hemp is the medicinal herb dog owners are talking about. The benefits of Hemp oil are reaching more dogs every day. Here are a few reasons why dog owners are choosing it for their pets. Related: 10 Best Dog Doors 1. It’s Nontoxic and Not Psychoactive The first concern … Read more

Blind Senior Dog Is More Than Ready To Find His Forever Family

No dog deserves to spend their days in a shelter, but life in a kennel is harder on some than others. Montgomery County Animal Shelter in Conroe, TX goes above and beyond to make sure every rescue in their care is as happy as possible, but there’s no substitute to finding a forever family and leaving the shelter for good. A senior dog named Max is one of the many dogs currently up for adoption at MCAS. At eight years … Read more

Do Female Dogs Urine Mark Like Males Do?

Male dogs are notorious for start-and-stop walks that consist of them spreading their manly scent across the neighborhood, but they’re not the only dogs that mark their territory with urine. Female dogs also urine mark, and they usually have a good reason for it—at least if you’re a dog. You’ll know your girl likes to mark when you find yourself stopping frequently on walks to let her squat and let out a small amount of urine. In worst case scenarios, … Read more

Man Leaps Off Bridge To Save His Dog From Drowning

Al Trovinger, his family, and their dog River were traveling on Mobile, Alabama’s Jubilee Parkway when a massive accident stopped traffic. After more than 30 minutes at a standstill, Trovinger attached River’s leash to take her for a potty break outside the car. The dog became so excited she leapt off the bridge, snapping her collar, and splashing into Mobile Bay below. Trovinger watched helplessly for nearly 10 minutes before diving over the concrete barrier to lend a hand. “We … Read more

7 Things In Your Backyard That Could Be Deadly For Dogs

Your backyard is where your dog is free to run around and soak up the sun, but it’s your job to make sure that happy place doesn’t end up being a dangerous place. You’ll need to look at your yard with a critical eye to spot the things that might get a curious sniffer or mischievous mind into trouble. Most of the things on this list are everyday items you probably have in your yard right now. They’re safe when … Read more

10 Dog Breeds That Are Extra Clingy With Their Owners

Velcro dog breeds

While every dog loves being with their human, there are some that really, really love to be with you. Dogs are sensitive creatures, and their desire to be near you is very strong–but for some, it’s more than that. Do you like a dog that clings to your side, ready to be your pal wherever you go? Then one of these clingy dog breeds, or “velcro dog breeds,” might be just the one for you! #1 – Labrador Retriever Labs are … Read more

How Much Do Rescue Dogs Remember From Their Pasts?

You know your rescue dog had a life before you walked into the shelter, but how much of that time do they actually remember? Would your dog recognize their old owners or where they used to live? Can they recall specific experiences whether they were good or bad? For some rescues, forgetting a painful past might be a good thing, but is that even possible? Here’s a closer look at how your dog’s memory works and what scientists think they … Read more

How Much Do Rescue Dogs Remember From Their Pasts?

You know your rescue dog had a life before you walked into the shelter, but how much of that time do they actually remember? Would your dog recognize their old owners or where they used to live? Can they recall specific experiences whether they were good or bad? For some rescues, forgetting a painful past might be a good thing, but is that even possible? Here’s a closer look at how your dog’s memory works and what scientists think they … Read more

New B.A.R.K. Ranger Program Allows Dogs To Explore National Parks

Exploring the outdoors is always better when your four-legged hiking buddy is by your side. Dogs enjoy the exercise and fresh air as much as you do, but avid travelers know not every destination is dog friendly. The traditional rule is that U.S. National Parks do not allow dogs through their gates. The policy was put in place to protect natural environments and the wildlife that lives there. The National Park Service still prioritizes safeguarding the environment, but a new … Read more

Dog Swims 5 Miles To Safety After Jumping Off A Boat To Chase Ducks

On the evening of July 16, Scott Crewell and his Siberian Husky, Rosie hopped in their boat for a late night cruise on New York’s Great Sacandaga Lake. Rosie was wearing her life vest, but Crewell made the fateful decision to take it off to air-dry as they headed back to shore. It was then that the chase-obsessed pooch heard the quacking of ducks and dove overboard in pursuit. Crewell quickly lost sight of Rosie in the darkness. “I started moving … Read more

Bully Sticks Too Stinky? Your Dog Will Equally Love These Weird Cheese Chews

If you’re like me, you’re always looking for healthy ways to both entertain and delight your dog. My husky Splash has always been a bit picky when it comes to chews and treats. Most of them, she won’t touch. I’d heard about Himalayan chews but hadn’t tried them until about 9 months ago. The second I pulled it out of the bag, her blue eyes lit up. She was hooked. She barely put it down for 5 days! Here’s a video … Read more

Grateful Owner Is Still Thanking Homeless Man Who Reunited Him With Lost Dog

A loving owner’s gratitude knows no bounds when it comes to the return of a lost dog. The relief you feel when someone returns your pet can’t be expressed in words and a cash reward – no matter how big – doesn’t compare to the joy you feel when you get to hold your dog again. So we totally understand why Rick Darge is raising money for James, the man who returned his beloved rat terrier. Rick’s dog, Maya, went … Read more

Petco Foundation President Susanne Kogut Talks About How Fosters Save Lives

This July, the Petco Foundation is inspiring animal lovers to learn more about fostering rescue animals with their “Be a Lifesaver” initiative. iHeartdogs had the privilege of interviewing Petco Foundation president, Susanne Kogut, about how fostering is an important piece of the animal welfare puzzle. With a house full of rescue dogs and an influential career leading animal welfare organizations, Susanne is spreading the word about how everyone has a chance to “Be a Lifesaver.” We asked her a few … Read more

Woman’s Incredible Rescue Story Inspires Remarkable Project

Humans and dogs have a long, colorful history, and the bonds we build with the special dogs in our lives are like no other we experience with any other animal, or even any other human. Every single bond is unique, every story worth telling. For a person who has been saved by a shelter dog, or for a shelter dog who has missed out on real human love, the bond can be the most powerful thing in the world. Photographer … Read more

Loyal Dog Follows Owner When She Falls 300 Feet Down A Mountainside

When Brittany Fintel felt her feet slip on the snow covering Mount St. Helens, she thought she was going to die. She tumbled over boulders and fell over 300 feet until finally coming to a stop near another steep cliff. She was hurt and in tremendous pain, but she was alive. She also had something else to be thankful for—her loyal service dog named Indy. A Navy veteran, Fintel was traveling around the western U.S. with her dog and planned … Read more

9 Reasons Your Dog May Be Vomiting

Dogs vomit for a number of reasons; some are relatively insignificant, while others can be quite serious. If your dog’s vomiting is more than just an isolated incident, seek veterinary attention to rule out a critical health concern. Note: Since vomiting is such a broad issue with many possible causes, this post contains several links you can follow if you would like to learn more about a particular issue or condition. 1. Diet Related Issues Vomiting often results when a … Read more