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TSA Canine Meets The Son Of The 9/11 Hero He Was Named For

September 11, 2001 brought the world some of the most tragic scenes in recent history. Many families were broken, and many heroes stepped forward, willing to lay down their lives to search for survivors. One of those heroes was George Howard, a Port Authority police officer who was off-duty when the World Trade Center North Tower was attacked. He immediately leaped into action as a volunteer firefighter – one of the first to arrive on the scene that day to … Read more

How To Manage An Overprotective Dog

overprotective dog

You know the difference between someone trying to give you a hug versus a chokehold, but your overprotective dog isn’t willing to take the risk. When your friends come to visit, they can’t get close without your dog growling and barking. Your dog might even decide to bite. Being overprotective isn’t a behavioral trait to take lightly, and it’s time to do something about it. RELATED: The Best Online Dog Training Courses How Dogs Become Overprotective For most dogs, the … Read more

Could Your Dog’s Water Bowl Make Him Sick? Here’s What You Need To Know

Did you know that your dog’s water bowl could make him sick? There are actually several different ways you could be putting your dog’s health at risk with his water bowl. From the material the bowl is made from to how often you wash it, there are a lot of different ways your dog’s water bowl can affect his health. Here’s how. Infrequent washing If you’re like most dog owners, you just rinse and refill your dog’s water bowl once … Read more

The Way Dogs Choose Their Favorite Person May Surprise You

You would think that a dog’s favorite person would be whoever gives them the most food and attention, right? While that is often the case, it’s not always that simple. Maybe you have a friend or family member that your dog loves so much they would knock you over to get to them. Why is that? It turns out that there are several factors that can influence your dog’s decision about who their favorite person is. Here are a few … Read more

This Might Be The Best Coffee You’ve Ever Tasted, And Has an Awesome Twist Dog People Love

Need a reason to justify that next cup of coffee? Look no further. A new line of coffee called “Drink Coffee. Feed Dogs.” makes a striking promise: Every single cup you drink provides a meal for shelter dog. Teaming up with charity partners GreaterGood.org and RescueBank, iHeartDogs donates a full 25 meals to animal shelters with each bag sold, corresponding to one meal per cup of coffee (it’s a 12 oz. bag of beans). And if you think this is … Read more

These “Brothers From Another Mother” Have Been Waiting Over A Year For Their Forever Homes

Lover Boy and Colonel Snazzypants have been at LifeLine Animal Project‘s Dekalb County Shelter for 442 and 381 days respectively. Last year, during a stressful move to a new facility, staff members noticed the two dogs’ physical similarities and decided to see if they would make good roommates. The boys became fast friends and have been inseparable ever since! “These two were paired together because Lover Boy was one of the few remaining dogs after we held an event to … Read more

Dogs Are More Than Just Welcome At This Apartment Complex – They’re Required!

Depending on where you live, it can be difficult to find rental housing that accepts dogs. To solve this problem, Danish entrepreneur Niels Martin Viuff, decided to create apartments for pup-lovers only! The 18-unit complex is set to be built in the Frederikssund Municipality on the island of Zealand in eastern Denmark. Viuff came up with the idea for the dog-friendly apartments after learning of the need from local residents. “There is demand from some dog owners who are tired of there … Read more

Do You Look Like Your Dog? Side-By-Side Photos Compare Humans And Their Pets

They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery – but no one said we had to keep it between humans! Photographer Gerrard Gethings has recently released photos from a series comparing the appearance of owners with their dogs. It doesn’t surprise us too much that these people love their pets so much that they’ve adopted a little of their style – seems like a fantastic idea to us!   Gerrard Gethings grew up in rural Lancashire. Living near the … Read more

Dog With Grapefruit-Size Tumor Hopes To Find A Forever Fospice Home

Pinto recently lost his family, ended up in a kill shelter, and was diagnosed with two different kinds of cancer. He also has a grapefruit-size mass protruding from his head. Despite these challenges, Pinto is one lucky pooch. Why, you ask? Because he has been rescued by the Mr. Mo Project, an incredible organization based in Clifton Park, New York. MMP founders, Chris and Mariesa Hughes vowed to provide Pinto with the very best veterinary care, no matter the cost. … Read more

Blue-Green Algae May Be Responsible For Liver Failure In Florida Dogs

Residents along the Florida coast have been dealing with some pretty awful algae this year. The problem has become especially bad near the St. Lucie river, where people say the dying algae “smells like death” and is causing respiratory issues, itchy eyes, runny noses, and nausea. The blue-green algae is so much of a nuisance that it has caused the closure of beaches and even local businesses. But humans aren’t the only ones who can be negatively affected by blue-green … Read more

5 Herbs To Help Soothe Your Dog’s Tummy Troubles

No one likes an upset tummy, and that includes your dog! While our four-legged friends can’t tell us if they have a belly ache, pet parents know when something isn’t right. Whether your pup vomits, has a bout of diarrhea, or just seems under the weather, loving pet parents will do just about anything to help. While you should consult with your vet if there are any noticeable changes in your dog’s health or habits (especially if they’re prolonged), sometimes … Read more

How Many Calories Does My Dog Need?

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

5 Signs You’re Dealing With A Flea Infestation

dog has fleas

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

What You Need To Know About Kidney Stones In Dogs

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

Do I Still Need To Worry About Fleas During Cooler Months?

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

UPDATE: Dog Found With Shoelace Embedded Into Neck Finds Hope With Houston Rescue

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

Three-Legged Dog Helps Middle School Boy Conquer Bullies

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

If Your Dog Is Lethargic, It’s Time To Figure Out Why

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

Rescue Rebuild Helped This Shelter Play Area Become Parvo-Free

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

This Golden Spent Her Life Unloved Until A Rescue Stepped In

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

5 Ways You May Be Hurting Your Dog’s Feelings Without Even Knowing It

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

6 Reasons Why Dogs Pant

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

Utah Firefighter Gives Home To Dog Rescued From California Wildfire

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

England Officially Bans Electric Shock Collars

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

Teenager Wakes From Coma After Visit From A Therapy Dog

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

Atlanta Organization Helps Strays While Keeping Kids Out Of Gangs

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

Top 10 Dog Friendliest Cities of 2018

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

Why Do Some Dogs Shake?

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

How To Help Keep Your Dog Calm In Public

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

Pittsburgh Hotel Owner Rescues Thousands Of Pets And Encourages Guests To Adopt!

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

Mom Investigated By Child Services For Letting 8-Year-Old Walk The Dog Alone

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

First Case Of Dog Flu Confirmed In Massachusetts

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

How A Dog Carrier Sling Can Keep Your Dog Safe & How To Use One Safely

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

Contagious Strain Of Dog Influenza Reported In Connecticut

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

New TSA Adoption Program Gives K9 Dropouts A Chance To Find Good Homes

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

Pit Bull Loses Chance To Protect And Serve Because of Breed Discrimination

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

Shelter Gets Crazy and Creative To Get Pets Adopted

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

“Fun Size” Rescue Dog Beats The Odds Thanks To Her Devoted Foster Mom

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

21 Things You Didn’t Know About The 7 Dog Breed Groups

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

9 Expert Tips To Make Nail Trims Easier On Your Dog

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

Lucky Dog Saved From Breeding Has Amazing Recovery

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

This Shelter’s “Face-Lift” Is Helping Adoption Rates

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

You Funded 48 Pet Adoptions For Veterans Last Year!

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

Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

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

For A Small Number Of People, A Dog Lick Could Be Deadly

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

Superpower Dogs Showcases The Hardest Working Canines With Uplifting Documentary

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

Viral Tumblr Post Explains How Fake Service Dogs Make Life Difficult For The Genuinely Disabled

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

New TSA Adoption Program Gives K9 Dropouts A Chance To Find Good Homes

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

A Simple Daily Hack That Can Improve Your Dog’s Terrible Gas

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

11 Small Breeds That Love Being Lap Dogs

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

Vets Warn Dog Owners About Unknown Respiratory Infection Affecting Dogs In North Carolina

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