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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
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
Toledo, United States.