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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
The number of coyote attacks across the country is steadily increasing. Once known for living exclusively in remote areas of brush and mountains, these canids are now wandering suburban and even metropolitan areas. They’re braver and hungrier than in the past, and it’s causing problems for pet owners. Attacks on humans are rare, but many dogs have already been seriously injured and killed. A coyote attack can happen in seconds, and these clever, elusive animals are known to scale backyard … Read more
If you have a fenced in backyard, you probably just let your dog out to do their business, then turn your back to do something else until they’re ready to come back in. After all, your dog can’t escape from your yard – yet this is a very dangerous practice. Related: 10 Top Rated Virtual Fences for Dogs Did you know that a 6-foot-tall fence isn’t enough to keep predators out of your yard? Coyotes are becoming a big problem … Read more
When you picture a coyote, you probably see him standing in some dusty, empty desert, but coyotes are found in every state, and not just in tiny, outlying towns or along empty highways chasing roadrunners. Coyotes are incredibly intelligent, adaptable creatures, and though they’re wary of humans, they’re also fond of eating what we throw out and are capable of surviving in urban environments – near our families and our pets. You may feel safer living in a city with … Read more
You’ve probably seen us discuss why it’s important to teach your dog a strong recall. And you may have rolled your eyes at us because even after begging… …and pleading… …and calling his name until you’re hoarse, your dog is still anywhere that you aren’t. Across the street. Across the park. He could be across an ocean, because that’s how much attention he’s giving you when you call him. It may seem impossible, but don’t lose hope! iHeartDogs’ Master Trainer Jesse Ciletti … Read more
Catching your dog chowing down on their own waste is enough to make your stomach churn, especially when you think about the big slobbery kiss they’re bound to give you later. The technical term for consuming feces is coprophagia, and it’s a condition that almost always has to do with a problem in your dog’s digestive system. Related: Best Probiotics for Dogs It could be a general lack of nutrition that has your dog searching the yard for an unsanitary … Read more
There’s no denying the fact an aggressive dog is potentially dangerous. It’s a problem that requires attention from a professional dog behaviorist, but there’s a lot more to canine aggression than most people realize. Aggression is one of the most common behavioral issues seen in dogs, and it’s one of the top reasons why dogs are euthanized and surrendered to shelters. Coincidentally, it’s also one of the most misunderstood topics in the dog world. We’re here to clear the air … Read more
Every girl deserves to have at least one day to feel special. Like she’s the most important dog in the world! Lupita Conchita, a senior Chihuahua from Corpus Christi, Texas had her day this summer. The sassy Chi celebrated her (almost) 15th birthday with loved ones and other pups at her very own Quincenera! Doting owner Miranda Sanchez invited friends, family and pups, then decorated with glittery streamers and pink paper flowers, and decked out the birthday girl in … Read more
It might have taken him 15 years, but senior Chihuahua Tito found a best friend who was worth the wait! When Tito’s owner was hospitalized, he found himself in the care of a shelter in New Jersey. This wasn’t his first time homeless, but at the age of 15, it was likely to be his last. The kind people at Wise Animal Rescue were determined to bring his health up to par and make him comfortable – particularly Adoption Foster … Read more
If your dog sheds a lot, you’ve probably thought about shaving them to reduce the amount of hair left around your house. Maybe you thought shaving your dog would keep them cooler in the summer. Perhaps you think your dog would look cute shaved. Generally, dogs whose hair only grows to a certain length and then stops, and specifically double-coated dogs – dogs that have an undercoat that sheds out – should not be shaved. Here are three reasons why … Read more
We’ve all been that person frantically calling our dog’s name only to have them do everything possible to pretend we don’t exist. Not only is this scenario frustrating and embarrassing, it’s also dangerous. The first thing people do when bringing home a new dog is play the name game. They think long and hard about the perfect names for their prized pooches, but most spend significantly less time working on name recognition. Copper, Bailey, Luna, and Jewels are at a … Read more
Veterinary clinics in Virginia are warning pet owners of a mysterious new threat to their furry family members. In the past month, more than 150 dogs in the Charlottesville area have received veterinary attention for a type of respiratory condition similar to whooping cough. The disease is highly contagious, and local vets are officially calling the issue an “epidemic.” Autumn Tails Veterinary Center in Charlottesville, VA is one of many veterinary clinics that has seen a huge intake of dogs … Read more
Veterinary clinics in Virginia are warning pet owners of a mysterious new threat to their furry family members. In the past month, more than 150 dogs in the Charlottesville area have received veterinary attention for a type of respiratory condition similar to whooping cough. The disease is highly contagious, and local vets are officially calling the issue an “epidemic.” Autumn Tails Veterinary Center in Charlottesville, VA is one of many veterinary clinics that has seen a huge intake of dogs … 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. Rescue Rebuild has built and renovated numerous animal shelters and dog parks and helped more animals get adopted than an accountant could easily count. However, helping animals find their permanent home isn’t the only avenue they use to help animals—they also care about their owners. Recently, Rescue Rebuild came off of a successful … 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. Chris served in the Army and the Army National Guard as a Calvary Scout. During Operation Iraqi Freedom he was deployed to Iraq. Since returning home, Chris has suffered from PTSD, anxiety and depression. He found GreaterGood.org partner, Pets for Vets® online and after talking with his caseworker he decided to apply. The … Read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Toledo, United States.