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4 Ways Your Dog Might Benefit from a Probiotic

Our bodies contain microorganisms that live in our stomachs and intestines, and our dogs have them too. They benefit our dogs by breaking down the food they eat into vitamins and minerals they can absorb. These microorganisms also keep their digestive tracts healthy and working properly. There are different kinds known commonly as “good” and “bad” microorganisms, but really, a healthy digestive tract will contain all of them in amounts that are balanced in a way that keeps everything running … Read more

Terrified Shelter Dog Comes Out Of Her Shell When She Makes A Friend

It’s incredible what a big transformation can be made with just a little love. Zelda was abandoned at Pet And Wildlife Rescue (P.A.W.) in Chatham-Kent, Ontario overnight. She was tethered to a pole, riddled with fleas and in overall bad shape. According to BlackburnNews.com, she was so severely underweight that her entire ribcage was visible through her skin. When a shelter employee tried to untie her, she became aggressive and wouldn’t let anyone close enough to free her. P.A.W. did … Read more

Why Do Veterinarians Take Your Dog To “The Back”?

Chances are your veterinarian has asked to take your dog to “the back” at one time or another. While having your beloved pup out of your sight is understandably stressful, there are several legitimate reasons your vet may choose to do this – and none of them are as scary as you may think! I worked as a veterinary technician for more than 15 years. In my experience, tending to a pet without the owner present is often safer and … Read more

Dog Camera Company Tracks “Bark Alerts” To Determine Naughtiest And Nicest Breeds

The makers of a popular treat-dispensing dog camera, Furbo, made a list, and you know they checked it twice. Whether or not they pass on their findings to the big guy up north is yet to be determined, but their data collectors have put together a list of the naughtiest and nicest dog breeds. Which list does your dog belong on? The naughty and nice lists were made based on how often each dog breed barks when their families aren’t … Read more

What Florida’s Greyhound Racing Ban Means For The Dogs

Amendment 13 to the Florida constitution passed 69-31 in Tuesday’s midterm elections, effectively banning greyhound racing throughout the state. While it is a victory for animal rights, many dog lovers are concerned about what will become of the nearly 15,000 greyhounds involved in the Florida racing industry. According to SBNation, rescue groups across the country are “working tirelessly” to ensure the dogs find forever homes by the time the law comes into effect in 2020. The problem is the sheer volume of … Read more

Dog Left To Die On Beach Finds Someone To Love Him

You might not guess by looking at him, but Murray is a Weimaraner. His unusual looks are the product of rough circumstances, but he and his family haven’t let it bring him down. While still just a pup, Murray was dumped by his family on a beach in Puerto Rico. The spot they chose to leave him is such a popular dumping spot it’s known as Dead Dog Beach. Though the area is populated mostly by dogs, there are good … Read more

Georgia Shelter Celebrates ‘Adopt A Senior Pet Month’ With Waived Adoption Fees

adopt a senior dog

November is for football and feasting, but it’s also about senior rescue pets looking for new homes. Shelters across the country spend the month of November celebrating their aging dogs and cats while promoting Adopt a Senior Pet Month. These are the pets that have graying fur and walk a little slower than their younger counterparts, but senior dogs and cats need good homes just as much as puppies and kittens. To celebrate Adopt a Senior Pet Month, Gwinnett County … Read more

Why Do Dogs Destroy Their Toys?

You know the drill—you scour every aisle and thoughtfully consider what toy your dog will like best. You pick out what you think is the perfect squeaky duck or oinky pig, but within minutes of presenting it to your dog, you’re picking it off the floor in pieces. There’s a pile of fluff over there, the squeaker somehow made it under the couch, and the culprit—your dog—seems completely satisfied with her crime. Some dogs carry around their toys like precious … Read more

“Every Dog Day” On November 15th Seeks To Change Breed Stereotypes

Countless shelter dogs are overlooked because of situations beyond their control, and animal rescues are overwhelmed fighting for their welfare. The day when animal shelters have only empty kennels is a long way off, but the online pet adoption community called Get Your Pet is determined to make a difference. This year, Get Your Pet has designated November 15 as “Every Dog Day” to show that all dogs—regardless of breed or background—deserve to be loved. They’re having a photo contest … Read more

How To Stop Your Puppy From Biting

Puppy nibbles may seem cute at first, until your puppy gets overexcited and her needle-sharp teeth sink into your skin. Nipping is normal puppy behavior, but it’s important to teach your puppy not to bite. Otherwise, they’re likely to grow up thinking that biting is acceptable behavior. Here are a few tips on how to stop your puppy from biting. What’s the difference between teething, nipping, and biting? Just like humans, puppies start life with a set of baby teeth … Read more

5 Reasons Your Dog Won’t Eat And How To Help

dog won't eat

When it comes to the canine appetite, most people are used to dogs gobbling everything in sight. They rush to eat their meals and taste test things you’d never dream of putting near your mouth. But on the opposite side of that spectrum, it’s not uncommon for dogs to be picky eaters or suddenly stop eating altogether. These are the dogs that barely nibble on their kibble and turn their wet noses up at everything in their dishes. Not eating … Read more

Shelter Dog With Cancer Finally Finds The Perfect Home

Since August, a little Beagle named Pistachio has gone through a whirlwind of life changes. Everything was turned upside down when he was dropped off at an animal shelter in Ohio, and he’s experienced both highs and lows on his journey to find a family. He was diagnosed with cancer, but that hasn’t stopped the sweet pup from making the most out of life. He’s become a local celebrity and has learned there are a lot of perks to being … Read more

Florida Family Has Heartwarming Reunion After Losing Home To Hurricane Michael

When Hurricane Michael hit the Florida panhandle, thousands of people and pets lost their homes. The winds tore away roofs while pounding rain sent floodwaters rushing through neighborhoods. People had to pack what they could to find safety, and amidst the chaos, many were separated from loved ones. For Patrick Burns and his family, Hurricane Michael almost ripped them apart. For days, they didn’t know what happened to their beloved dog, Quinn, but a kind stranger and diligent animal rescuers … Read more

Dream Job Alert: Make $100 An Hour “Petting Puppies”

Is your current job boring, uninspiring, and devoid of dogs? Well then, you may want to apply for the new “Pup-tern” position at MUTTS Canine Cantina’s newest location in Fort Worth, Texas! Responsibilities include petting dogs and…that’s it! MUTTS shared a post via Instagram earlier this week asking interested applicants to post a video showing their “puppy petting skills” by November 12.   View this post on Instagram   Show us your puppy petting skills! Do you have what it … Read more

Senior Rescue Dog Surprises New Family, Now His Story Is A Children’s Book

Once upon a time Bear was a lonely, tired stray. He had been found laying in a ditch by a passing driver who took him to the Humane Society for care. Bear was dirty, and weak, and did not want to move. He had a list of health issues – common for a dog his age, but still extreme. His teeth were bad and he had arthritis, impaired eyesight, and a serious case of heartworms. The Humane Society was able … Read more

30 Top Gifts for a Senior Dog

#30 – The Perfect “Toy” for an Anxious Pup ($9.99) If your pup spends part of the day away from you, odds are they crave your smell. In fact, its been found that your smell has a calming effect on your dog. This toy, known as the Comfort Cuddler, allows you to leave a small article of clothing or your pillow case with your dog. #29 – Joint relief for older dogs: Contains joint lubricating glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and turmeric … Read more

Shelter Pups Get A Big Surprise Thanks To iHeartDogs And Gene Simmons

Maybe you can’t take every shelter dog home, but you can help every shelter dog find a home! iHeartDogs believes that there’s a loving home out there for every dog, and one of our favorite ways to get dogs out of shelters and enrich their lives is through Project Play™. It’s been proven that dogs have a better chance of finding homes if they’re seen playing, so by donating toys, we’re helping to showcase them and their unique personalities to … Read more

“How I Taught My Dog to Brush His Own Teeth” (this invention could save your dog’s life!)

When Petros lost his first dog to canine oral disease, he was inspired to not let his rescued pit bull suffer the same fate. Watch his inspiring story and learn about the invention that might just revolutionize canine dental care. When we met Petros, we were inspired by his story and his passion for canine dental care. Sadly, Petros’ story isn’t unique, as nearly 80% of dogs over the age of 5 suffer from some kind periodontal disease. Advanced cases … Read more

Is Bone Broth The Ultimate Superfood For Older Dogs?

As our dogs age their appetites may begin to wane due to dental soreness, arthritis pain or decreased activity. Seniors that don’t take in adequate levels of essential nutrients like amino acids, potassium, zinc, and calcium are at a higher risk for illness. Bone broth for dogs is an easy and delicious way to give your older dog a power punch of nutrition and the calories she needs to keep her active and feeling great! Physicians and veterinarians have long … Read more

Scent Detection Dogs Are The Newest Technology In Stopping The Spread Of Malaria

Thanks to a Labrador named Sally, a Labrador-Golden mix named Lexi, and a Springer Spaniel named Freya, how the world manages disease prevention might soon change. It’s no secret a dog’s nose is powerful, and scent detection dogs are already trained to detect everything from fruits and vegetables to low blood sugar in humans. Sally, Lexi, and Freya won’t tell you when someone is smuggling illegal ivory, but they’ve been trained to help with a worldwide health issue. They’re proving … Read more

Local Shelter Helps Broken-Hearted Disabled Man Find A New Best Friend

Six months ago, Pete Cole lost his Pug, Gizmo to cancer. He recently decided to open his heart to a new dog, but fell victim to an elaborate puppy-selling scheme instead. Cole was out $500 and ready to give up when the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland reached out to help him find his new best friend. The shelter learned of Cole’s plight after local news station, WGME exposed the scam.  With the help of shelter staff and WGME’s … Read more

Wilson’s Estate Donates Over $30,000 In Luxury Jewelry To Philadelphia Rescue!

UPDATE: All pieces have since been sold! It’s been said that dogs are man’s best friend, and diamonds are a woman’s – but why not have both? Wilson’s Estate Jewelry loves diamonds and dogs – and they’re showing their love in a big way! They’re donating 12 pieces of fine jewelry to a worthy rescue in Philadelphia! Street Tails Animal Rescue will receive 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the jewelry.   And we’re not talking about stick-on … Read more

New Netflix Series Celebrates The Bond Between Humans And Dogs

Humans have bonded with dogs in ways that we have not with any other animal. Some might argue that cats and horses and other creatures are similar – but we’ve reached an entirely new level of love and understanding with dogs. Netflix is bringing us a new series that explores some of the truly unique relationships some people have built with their pups. We all enjoy a certain bond with our dogs, but these are pairs that have gone through … Read more

Rescue Rebuild Makes Lives Better For Tennessee Shelter Dogs Through Outdoor Play

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.  From Rescue Rebuild: “Whether you have two or four legs, we all love sunshine! In 2017, Rescue Rebuild was able to positively transform many of the dogs’ lives at Maury County Animal Shelter. Placed in a rural area of Tennessee, this shelter has only a few staff members and volunteers, limiting the amount … Read more

You Helped Save Over 600 Greyhounds With Rescue Bank

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.  From The Greyhound Inmate Experience: “Scotty came to us skinny, stinky with fleas and ticks and cuts and scrapes. He is one of the 600 greyhounds that have gone through the prison program. He came off a hauler after a long trip from Mobile, AL. He was shy and afraid, yet affectionate and loving. … Read more

Why Your Senior Dog Needs One Of These Weird Looking Mats!

What do weird looking mats have to do with your senior dog? As your sweet pup ages, you may find that you both have a lot more time on your hands. Walkies get shorter and chew toys will tire out sensitive teeth faster. But we won’t let the good times end without a fight. Just because your dog is older, it doesn’t mean he has to settle for sitting around watching the grass grow all day. Your days together may … Read more

Terminally Ill Pooch Becomes An Honorary Police Dog For A Day

On October 1, the Miller family of Wilmington, NC received heartbreaking news. Their beloved 14-year-old Parson Russell Terrier, Jack has terminal cancer. But until his final day comes, the Millers have vowed to fill Jack’s days with fun and adventure. This weekend they checked a big item off his Bucket List with a ride in a police car – plus plenty of extras courtesy of the Wilmington PD! In addition to his exciting ride in Sergeant Lisa Kittrell’s police cruiser, … Read more

This company invented a dog bed that never goes flat and smells like you!

If you’ve ever had to throw away a dog bed that went flat too soon, you know how frustrating it can be. Dog beds vary greatly in quality, and many flatten out in only weeks, leaving your dog with thin, worn out padding and allowing their elbows and paws to rub on the hard ground. In addition, you’re out the money! This new stuffable dog bed solves this problem and then some. The design allows you to put old pillows … Read more

Tired of Wasting Money on Beds That Go Flat? You And Your Pup Will Love This Invention

If you’ve ever had to throw away a dog bed that went flat too soon, you know how frustrating it can be. Dog beds vary greatly in quality, and many flatten out in only weeks, leaving your dog with thin, worn out padding and allowing their elbows and paws to rub on the hard ground. In addition, you’re out the money! This new stuffable dog bed solves this problem and then some. The design allows you to put old pillows … Read more

Researchers Hope To Identify Successful Working Dogs Through Cognitive Testing

There are a wide variety of working roles available to dogs. From detecting drugs, bombs and bedbugs, to guiding the blind and sniffing out signs of illness, there are more jobs than there are qualified dogs to fill them. Although many dogs are specifically bred to perform these assistance roles, Science Daily reports only about 50% successfully complete their training. The rest go on to be loving family pets while people in need wait up to two years for qualified … Read more

This Amazon Prime Find is a Great Way to Protect Your Dog From Fleas in the Fall & Winter 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

Conductor Stops Train To Rescue Lost Dog From Tracks

A New Jersey Transit conductor is being hailed a hero after stopping train traffic and taking off in pursuit of a lost dog on the tracks. Howard Kempton says he was simply “in the right place at the right time,” but the dog’s family and thousands of social media users insist his actions were far more valiant. “This past weekend, NJ TRANSIT Conductor Howard Kempton halted train traffic to sprint after a lost dog on the tracks, then forfeited his … Read more

Time Is Running Out For Shelter Dog Who Has Less Than A Week To Find A Home

UPDATE: Save Them Dog Rescue & Training is taking Rex in! Thank you for helping spread the word. You can be a part of Rex’s happy ending – Austin Animal Shelter has a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for Rex’s transport, training, and care. iHeartDogs recently received an urgent plea from Kayla Murray with Austin Animal Shelter on behalf of Rex, a dog with only days left. If you, a friend, or a rescue can give Rex the time he … Read more

Troubled Shelter Pit Bull Becomes Indiana’s First Police K9

The small town Kennard, Indiana has welcomed the state’s first Pit Bull K9 onto it’s team! K9 Jasper is a handsome boy who had a rough start, but thanks to shelters who refused to give up on him, is now right where he belongs! Jasper was found as a stray by the Prince William County Animal Shelter, who believed that he had been hit by a car. Though he was smart and loyal, Jasper wasn’t easy to place. With his … Read more

Vancouver Police K9s Star In Calendar To Fight Cancer

The Vancouver Police Department loves their dogs! Every year, the VPD releases an annual VPD K9 calendar, and this year’s is something really amazing! With the help of 4 photographers the VPD was able to capture a side of their dogs that we don’t always get to see. The photos show that they’re more than just working dogs – they have a bond based on trust and friendship with their handlers, and they’re a real treasure to the city of … Read more

Rescue Dog Pays It Forward To Save Another In Need

Saving a dog on the brink of starvation was all about teamwork for a group of rescuers in Dallas, Texas. Brady, an eight-month-old Mastiff, was found on the streets so weak he could barely lift his head. He needed help from staff at the Dallas Shelter, volunteers at DFW Rescue Me, veterinary professionals, and one very special pup. Without eight-year-old Rose, Brady wouldn’t have survived his first night off the streets. https://www.facebook.com/DFWRescueMe/photos/pcb.2334717549902184/2334710306569575/?type=3&theater As a rescue dog herself, Rose is no … Read more

UPDATE: Shelter Dog Returned By Adopters For Being “Too Good”

Binx is a gorgeous mixed breed pooch with one blue eye and one brown eye. He loves to run, play, hike, and enjoy the Arizona outdoors. In addition to his good looks and adventurous spirit, he is potty trained, sits and shakes on command, and loves kids and other dogs. Despite his perfect resume, Binx was recently returned to the Arizona Animal Welfare League after just 48 hours with his new family. The reason? He is just TOO GOOD! Binx’s … Read more

The Color Of Your Labrador’s Coat Could Help Predict His Lifespan

A recent study published in the journal, Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, has worrying news for a third of the world’s lab lovers. Researchers at the University of Sydney found that chocolate labs have significantly shorter lifespans than their black and yellow brothers and sisters. Labrador Retrievers (of all coat colors) are the long-standing favorite breed in the United States and Australia. The researchers collected and analyzed electronic patient data from more than 33,000 black, yellow and chocolate labradors in the U.K. They … Read more

Four Years Later, This Sweet Dog Is Still Looking For The Perfect Home

It’s been four long years since sweet Ginger was first introduced to Responsible Pet Care of Oxford Hills. The no-kill animal shelter in Paris, Maine was built from the ground up by a small group of people dedicated to improving the lives of lost, abandoned, and stray animals in their community. They see several heartbreaking cases a year, but they never turn down an animal in need. In 2014, Ginger came to them as a stray. She needed a good … Read more

How To Teach Your Dog To Play Nice With Other Dogs

teach your dog

The idyllic picture of dogs playing together at the park is something every pup parent wants. You can see the joy on your dog’s face as he makes new friends and stimulates his body and mind. That vision is shattered, however, at the first sign of rough play. Your dog growls, bites, tackles, and chases in a way other dogs don’t appreciate. Instead of making new friends, your dog tries to dominate his playmates. If his rough play hasn’t led … Read more

How To Teach Your Dog To Play Nice With Other Dogs

teach your dog

The idyllic picture of dogs playing together at the park is something every pup parent wants. You can see the joy on your dog’s face as he makes new friends and stimulates his body and mind. That vision is shattered, however, at the first sign of rough play. Your dog growls, bites, tackles, and chases in a way other dogs don’t appreciate. Instead of making new friends, your dog tries to dominate his playmates. If his rough play hasn’t led … Read more

10 Things To Think About Before Bringing Home A Big Dog

big dog

Bringing home a dog—regardless of size—will always take planning and forethought. There are toys to buy, a house to dog-proof, and sorting through potential vets can be a job within itself. Your new family member will always require special attention and care, but there’s no denying the fact a 120-pound Newfoundland is not the same as a 12-pound Chihuahua. The more dog you have, the more there is to think about. Great Danes, Mastiffs, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers—if you can’t … Read more

Atlanta Considers Bill To Ban Sale Of Pets From Puppy & Kitten Mills

This week, three Atlanta City Councilmembers introduced a bill to ban stores from selling animals from “puppy and kitten mills.” The legislation will move to the Public Safety Committee for consideration at the meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 23. Councilmember Amir Farokhi spearheaded the proposal, and it was co-sponsored by Councilmembers Carla Smith and Natalyn Archibong. Farokhi told First Coast News the ordinance is close to his heart. “Atlanta is a humane city and our policies toward animals should reflect that,” he said. “My … Read more

Photographer Finds His Calling In Nature With His Canine Companion

Czech photographer Jan Řeháček took a winding, bumpy road to find his passion – and coincidentally, it happened to be off the beaten path, with a dog by his side. Řeháček, known to his over 2 million Instagram followers as @Kopernikk, studied business and held a few jobs, but never settled into a career he loved. He worked in insurance sales, and then retail, but had little light in life. On top of his job woes, he also dealt with … Read more

Special Needs Golden Retriever Puppy Has His Own Day Out While Waiting For His Forever Home

Jalapeno is 5 months old and all Golden Retriever! He has a happy-go-lucky personality, a big smile, beautiful brown eyes and is smart as a whip – he has it all! But believe it or not, this lovable little guy has yet to find a forever home. Sweet little Jalapeno was born as a product of breeding, and as often happens with commercial breeding, he was born with a birth defect. A family bought him but quickly realized something was … Read more

Study Suggests Letting Dogs Sleep In Bed Is Good For Chronic Pain Sufferers

Healthcare providers often recommend removing pets from the bedroom in order to improve a patient’s sleep quality. While dogs can certainly be disruptive bed hogs, a study conducted by the University of Alberta suggests their presence may be “overwhelmingly positive” for pet parents suffering with chronic pain. “When you ask people to remove an animal they are in the habit of co-sleeping with, it could have consequences the health-care provider hasn’t considered,” says Cary Brown of UA’s Faculty of Rehabilitation … Read more

How To Adopt Any Dog Breed Without Buying From A Shop Or Breeder

It may not be our official motto, but we say it often enough that it could be: “Adopt, don’t shop.” It’s a great thing to do, but it might dampen your spirits if you have your heart set on a specific breed. Some might argue that any dog deserves love, and it’s true, but not every dog fits every lifestyle. There are several good reasons you may be determined to have a specific breed. If you’re a couch potato, you’re … Read more

6-Year-Old Boy Sells Pumpkins To Raise Money For A Diabetic Alert Dog

6-year-old Ian Unger has Type I Diabetes and relies on an insulin pump and a 24-hour glucose monitor. More than anything, he wants to ride the schoolbus with his fellow kindergarteners. Recently his condition prompted the school district to insist he have a personal aide with him if he is to ride the bus. However, when the family requested an aide be provided, their plea was denied. “Their plan was to put him on an empty bus by himself and take … Read more

4 Things NOT To Do If Your Dog Gets Bitten By A Snake

There are venomous snakes out there and your dog is a nosy character. Let’s face it, he might just borrow some trouble and bug a snake. If you suspect that your dog has been bitten by a snake, here are some important things NOT to do.  #1. Never risk yourself. It is important to try to identify the snake, but not if it puts you in harm’s way. After all, who will take care of your dog if you are … Read more

Grieving Family Warns The Public After Dog Dies From Eating Chewing Gum

Canon was a gorgeous 3-year-old Husky that loved to eat, chase cats, and snuggle. His owner, Christy Figlio of Nashville, Tennessee, says he was perfectly healthy until Saturday night when he stopped eating and began drinking excessively. By Sunday afternoon, Canon was vomiting and unable to walk. Figlio rushed him to the local vet. “He started vomiting the water, and so, that kind of was the red flag that made us decide to take him to the hospital,” the dog … Read more

Trendy Dog “Beer” Is Both Delicious & Nutritious

Megan and Steve Long are dog lovers, but they had no idea their passion for pups would lead them to open one of the country’s first canine breweries. It all started when their Rottweiler mix, Rocky began having digestive issues. In order to ease his symptoms, Megan began experimenting with his diet and searching online for ideas. Soon she found herself brewing non-alcoholic “beer” to pour over Rocky’s food.  One year and a good deal of experimentation later, Good Boy … Read more