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Why It’s Important To Let Your Dog Sniff During Walks

Getting your dog out the door for daily exercise will always be a step in the right direction when it comes to their health and happiness.  There is a way, however, for your dog to get even more enrichment from their regular walk around the block. While you’re busy looking at the scenery, your dog’s nose is working overtime. They walk a few feet before stopping to sniff, and then they take a few more steps to find something else … Read more

5 Ideas for The 83% Of Us Who Don’t Brush Our Dog’s Teeth

A few weeks back, we asked the iHeartDogs Facebook fans the following question: Be honest now. What is your status on brushing your dog’s teeth? The results didn’t surprise us. Over 1,500 people responded, and a full 83% reported that they are not brushing their dog’s teeth as much as they should. After all brushing a dog’s teeth ranks up their with getting a cavity filled!     The problem, of course, is that we all know that proper canine … Read more

What’s The Deal With Dog Water Additives & Dental Rinses?

In recent years, the importance of dental health for our beloved dogs has become more and more well-known. Not only does dental hygiene help keep your pup’s teeth clean and breath fresh, it’s a key to their overall health. Now,  for the hard part: how do you keep you’re dog’s mouth clean? Judy Morgan, DVM explained in a story by Dogs Naturally Magazine: “80% of dogs have dental disease by age 3. That’s a pretty staggering statistic. It’s actually the most … Read more

Shelter’s Longest Resident Of Over 3 Years Finally Finds The Perfect Pawrents

Dots the dog was transferred to the SPCA of Brevard in Titusville, Florida when he was just 6-months-old. The snaggle-toothed pup became a staff favorite, but for some reason, he was overlooked by adopters time and again. The days, weeks, months and years ticked by until Dots became the shelter’s longest resident. His friends at the SPCA went above and beyond to ensure Dots felt special and loved. They made him one of their “office dogs” to give him a much-needed … Read more

Short Film Gives A New, Unique Look At The Land Of The Strays

If you haven’t been living under a rock, you’ve heard of Territorio de Zaguates: the amazing “Land of the Strays” in Costa Rica. Lya Battle and husband Alvaro Saumet Martinez are living every dog lover’s ultimate dream – to rescue every dog in need that they see! iHeartDogs has featured their sanctuary before, and we are big fans of the work they do! The 375 acre farm is home to over 1,000 dogs, and looks like paradise. Who wouldn’t want … Read more

Ohio Hopes To Set National Standard For Puppy Mill Regulations

A new law that will impose restrictions and regulations on puppy mills is headed for the desk of Ohio Governor John Kasich. The legislation, which has already cleared Ohio’s House and Senate, is a compromise that aims to reduce the abuses high-volume puppy breeders can get away with while preventing a ballot that would aim to place puppy mill restrictions in the state’s Constitution. The Humane Society of the United States had aimed to push a ballot that would put … Read more

Here’s What To Do When You See A Dog In A Hot Car

Every summer, dog owners say things like, “I’ll only be a minute,” and, “It’s okay as long as the window is cracked.” They go on to leave their pets trapped in their vehicles while the temperature climbs. When it’s 78 degrees outside, the temperature inside a parked car can surpass 100 degrees in a matter of minutes. On really hot days, interior car temperatures are well over 110 degrees. Thousands of dogs a year suffer from heat stroke, and many … Read more

Here’s What To Do When You See A Dog In A Hot Car

Every summer, dog owners say things like, “I’ll only be a minute,” and, “It’s okay as long as the window is cracked.” They go on to leave their pets trapped in their vehicles while the temperature climbs. When it’s 70°F outside, the temperature inside a parked car can reach 113°F in only a half-hour. Thousands of dogs a year suffer from heatstroke, and many die because their owners don’t fully understand the dangers of a hot car. Many states have … Read more

5 Things People Should Give Their Senior Dogs To Make Them Happier And Healthier

Aging is difficult, whether you’re human or canine. Luckily, we live in a day and age where there are plenty of products to help our furry kids feel better as they age. At what age is a dog considered “senior,” anyway? It depends on your dog’s size and breed. On average, dogs are considered seniors at 7. Giant breed dogs are considered seniors at the age of 6. Toy breeds may not be considered senior until they reach 10 years old. … Read more

If Your Dog Is Under Stress, Consider Adding A Probiotic To Their Diet

With a dog bed in every room and no job or obligations to worry over, it’s hard not to be jealous of your dog’s care-free lifestyle. Their lack of responsibility seems blissful, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to stress. Dogs get stressed out just like humans do, and like us, high stress levels can seriously affect their health and well-being. Counting to 10 and meditating won’t work for a stressed-out dog, but adding probiotics to your dog’s diet is … Read more

UPDATE: Hero Police K9/ Netflix Star Succumbs To “Sudden, Untreatable Illness”

Updated 5/16/22 Just two months after a movie based on her life premiered on Netflix, Ruby the hero police dog has passed away. According to a Facebook post from the Rhode Island State Police, K-9 Ruby was put to sleep following a “sudden, acute, and untreatable illness.” The story of the remarkable pooch and her handler Cpl. Daniel O’Neil inspired the Netflix film, Rescued By Ruby. Before joining the force, Ruby, an Australian Shepherd and Border Collie mix, was an … Read more

9 Things Senior Dogs Know That Young Pups Don’t

Your aging dog might not be as endearingly silly or as sprightly as they were when they were young, but your love for them is stronger than ever. Senior dogs hold special places in our hearts, and it doesn’t matter whether you’ve had them since puppyhood or you recently adopted them from a shelter. Their years on this earth have earned them a special kind of intelligence that puppies simply can’t compete with. Here are the top nine lessons your … Read more

Boy Sells His Toys To Help Pay For Service Dog’s Care After An Unexpected Diagnosis

Copper may look “scary” to some, but according to his owner Jennifer Jayne, he has a heart of gold. The 4-year-old Doberman first proved this in 2016 when he alerted Jayne to the fact that her son Connor was suffering from nocturnal seizures. “One night Copper began barking at the door and I assumed the dog needed to go out, instead the dog ran to Connor’s room and I was actually able to see my son having seizure activity, I … Read more

Teaching Your Dog To “Drop It” Could Save Their Life

Dogs will put just about anything in their mouths, even if we humans understand that the object is dangerous, important, or disgusting. Whether your dog has a shoe, a chicken bone, or roadkill in his mouth, getting him to “drop it” could save his life. Thousands of dogs each year need emergency surgery after eating something unnatural that gets stuck in their digestive tract (and roadkill is just disgusting and full of bacteria). Luckily, teaching your dog to “drop it” … Read more

10 Dog Breeds That Can Be Extra Challenging For First-Time Owners

There’s no doubt that every dog has his or her own unique personality, but genetics play a partial role in determining different traits. While there are exceptions to every rule, in general, some high-energy working or guard dog breeds may be more challenging for first-time owners to manage. The dogs below (listed in no particular order) usually do best with strong leadership, boundaries, and lots of early, positive socialization with people and pets. If you’re looking for a pup who’ll … Read more

5 Tips For Helping A Dog That Doesn’t Like The Rain

When a rain-filled weather report interrupts your dog’s regular exercise and bathroom break routine, simple things become immensely more complicated. You prepare for pee stains on the carpet, stinky surprises in the hallway, and a rambunctious pet with too much energy for indoor activities. Refusing to go outside in the rain is common in dogs. Think about it, you don’t like getting soaked by the rain, and your dog is no different. They’re used to the good life of memory-foam … Read more

Hawaii Police Dog Stabbed, But His Life Was Spared Thanks To His Special Vest

The Honolulu Police Department on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu is proud to employ several working K9s as part of their team. The dogs accompany officers on dangerous assignments and have been an integral part in keeping the island safe. One of those working dogs is a Belgian Malinois named Zero. He first joined the department in 2014, and he’s earned a reputation for being a valuable asset on the field. When a call about a domestic dispute turned dangerous … Read more

How To Teach Your Dog The “Leave It” & “Drop It” Commands

We have all heard the horror stories of dogs choking on small items, getting into dangerous medications, or being poisoned by spiteful neighbors. Empower yourself and protect your pooch from these types of dangers by teaching the “Leave it” and “Drop it” commands that could one day save his life. Note: Professional dog trainer, Jess Rollins, recommends spending just 15 minutes a day in 5 minute sessions working on these skills to prevent your dog from becoming bored or frustrated. Teaching the … Read more

How To Teach Your Dog To Fetch & Retrieve

Like begging for food and rolling on their bellies, dog love playing fetch because it’s in their nature, right? Well, not necessarily. While some dogs, particularly retrievers (who were bred to, you know, retrieve things!) catch on to the game instantly, you may get frustrated when your pooch doesn’t participate. If she stares blankly at the soaring ball or refuses to return with it, don’t worry; there’s nothing wrong with her. But believe it or not, you can actually teach your … Read more

5 Reasons Dogs Eat Grass

Lots of dogs eat grass. Sometimes they eat and swallow it; sometimes they seem to just grab and spit it out or chew and spit it out. No one knows for sure why they do it, but there are some theories. THEORY #1 It seems to be a commonly held belief that dogs eat grass when they feel nauseated. There was a study that looked into this and found that only 8% of plant eating dogs showed signs of illness … Read more

Why The Death of a Pet Can Be Even More Painful Than The Death Of A Relative

Has a friend ever confided in you that the loss of their pet caused more grief than the death of a close relative? Have you ever felt this way yourself? Society has conditioned us to feel ashamed of such emotions, but research suggests we are more than justified when we deeply mourn the loss of a furry friend.     When our first family dog, Spike passed away, my father suffered terribly. He would come home from work and just … Read more

How Digestive Enzymes Can Help Your Dog’s Tummy Troubles

Thanks to technological advances, pet parents have the option to conveniently feed their pups pre-packaged food rather than having them hunt for meals themselves. While this makes life easier for us and our domesticated friends, there’s one small issue: prepared foods don’t contain all the digestive enzymes that they need for a balanced and healthy gut. What are digestive enzymes? According to Dr. Karen Becker in an article by Mercola Healthy Pets, these are the four major digestive enzymes: Protease – … Read more

A Leading Veterinarian Calls This “The Supplement Most Needed By Your Pet”

There are so many supplements being marketed toward dogs these days. How can you possibly know which one or ones are the best for your dog? While each dog has his own health, nutrition, and supplemental needs that you should discuss with your vet before adding supplements to your dog’s diet, one veterinarian believes that nearly every dog in the country would benefit from one supplement in particular. Which one would that be? Read on to find out! Dr. Karen … Read more

Delta Airlines Bans Pit Bull Service & Support Dogs From All Flights

Delta Airlines has announced they will limit passengers to one service or support animal per flight and ban “Pit Bull-type dogs” altogether effective July 10. According to the airline, the decision is part of a crackdown on fake emotional support animals as well as a safety precaution. “We must err on the side of safety,” Delta said in a statement Friday. “Most recently, two Delta employees were bit by a pit bull traveling as a support animal last week. We … Read more

Shelter Dog Becomes State’s First Rescue Pit Bull K9 & She’s Already Busting Criminals

For Pit Bulls who find themselves in shelters, the future often looks grim. But when an energetic Pittie named Officer Wildflower was given an important job to do, she proved that she’s so much more than an “unwanted pet”! According to Myrtle Beach Online, the pooch was picked up as a stray and spent 3 years at the North Myrtle Beach Humane Society. At one point, she was adopted, but then returned because of her bounding energy. “Lots of times with … Read more

Scientists Decode The Meanings Behind 19 Common Dog Gestures

Before they learn to speak, young children often point at an object they want. Any parent can tell you, it is their way of saying, “May I have that, please?” This type of communication is called “referential signaling” and it is relatively rare among non-primates. Since dogs have such a unique relationship with humans, the authors of a new study sought to discover if some of their many gestures qualify as referential signaling. They asked 37 dog owners to record their … Read more

Scientists Decode The Meanings Behind 19 Common Dog Gestures

Before they learn to speak, young children often point at an object they want. Any parent can tell you, it is their way of saying, “May I have that, please?” This type of communication is called “referential signaling” and it is relatively rare among non-primates. Since dogs have such a unique relationship with humans, the authors of a new study sought to discover if some of their many gestures qualify as referential signaling. They asked 37 dog owners to record their … Read more

Brain Scans May Eventually Help Determine Which Dogs Would Make The Best Bomb-Sniffers

It takes a special dog to be a focused, astute bomb-sniffer, and it should come as no surprise that pouring care and training into detection-dogs-in-the-making is a huge investment of both time and money. Despite being groomed since puppyhood, some pooches simply don’t possess the characteristics to be effective bomb-sniffing dogs, or to do so happily. So, what if there was a test that could determine whether a dog would make an ideal candidate before the investment was made? You may … Read more

The Best Way To Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Clean In Between Brushings

Brushing your dog’s teeth is the best way to keep them clean, but for some of us, this is easier said than done. Some dogs aren’t very cooperative when their pawrents try to brush those pearly whites, and if your pup is impatient — or an unapologetic toothbrush chomper — a teeth-cleaning chew could be a huge help. Adding a fun and delicious dental treat to your dog’s routine could be a big benefit for their oral and overall health, … Read more

Treat Your Dog To A Teeth-Cleaning “After Dinner Mint”

There’s nothing like puppy kisses right after your dog’s meal. They may be sweet, but they sure don’t smell that way! You can keep the kisses and lose the kibble-breath by treating your dog to an “after-dinner mint!” Project Paws® Dental Sticks are a fun treat that will turn your dog’s kibble-kisses into minty-smooches! The chews come in two sizes, so your dog can safely enjoy them whether they have tiny teeth or a big bite! They fight bad-breath bacteria … Read more

If You’re Not Feeding Your Dog A Raw Diet, They Are Likely Missing This Vital Nutrient

Commercial dog food companies would like you to believe that their food is nutritionally complete and provides everything your dog needs to be healthy. Sadly, the bar for a “nutritionally complete” meal for dogs is appallingly low. Sure, it will keep your dog alive, but it’s missing a variety of nutrients that are killed during the high heat processing and are, at best, sprayed down with synthetic vitamins at the end of the manufacturing process. If you aren’t feeding your … Read more

Is Your Dog a “Weekend Warrior”? Make Sure You’re Taking Care Of His Joints In These 5 Ways

You wish you could spend every day playing fetch and hiking with your dog, but weekday obligations get in the way. Between work, family, and everything else life throws at you, finding time to exercise your dog can seem impossible. While you’re at work Monday through Friday, your dog is lounging around the house. You both live for the weekends when it’s finally time to have some fun. If this sounds like you, your pup is a weekend warrior. You … Read more

The Top 6 Ways To Give Your Pup The Probiotics He Needs

Approximately 70% of a dog’s immune cells reside in the gut, so it is extremely important to their overall wellness that digestive health is maintained. For this reason, veterinarians often recommend probiotics for their canine patients in addition to a healthy diet. Related: 12 Best Probiotics for Dogs (+1 to Avoid) Probiotics balance the “good” and “bad” bacteria in the gut in order to protect the dog’s natural defenses, promote digestive heath, and keep the body working to its full potential. … Read more

The 5 Most Popular Anti-Aging Supplements for Dogs

As our dogs age, they undergo many of the same changes as humans. Their metabolism slows, potentially causing weight gain; the cartilage in their joints breaks down leading to osteoarthritis; their delicate immune systems become more susceptible to disease; and many experience the heartbreaking symptoms of canine dementia. While we cannot stop time, we can help slow its effects with the right combination of diet, exercise, preventive veterinary care and high-quality supplements. The following five supplements are among the most … Read more

This Is What Hot Pavement Can Do To Your Pup’s Paws

Warning: Medical image of burned paw pads below. June 21 is the first official day of summer, and with the U.S. already reporting record high temperatures, it looks like we are in for a hot one! Along with the risks of heatstroke and the dangers of hot vehicles, there is yet another hazard dogs face during the hotter months – scorched paw pads. On each paw, dogs have four digital pads (one for each toe), one large, heart-shaped metacarpal pad, … Read more

Vet Has Important Message After Dog Almost Drowns In Fast Moving Water

After an ordinary lunch break turned into a traumatic experience, Utah veterinarian Wynlee Decker has an important message for fellow pet owners. Decker almost lost her three-legged pup named Tobi in an area where they have visited countless times. The Pine View canal was moving fast that day, and now she wants to warn the dog-loving community about the dangers of fast-moving waters. Decker and Tobi regularly decide to spend lunch outdoors somewhere near Decker’s office at North Ogden Animal … Read more

Young Girl Helps Save Hundreds Of Dogs By Starting Her Own Rescue Project

Most kids love dogs, but 13-year-old Molly Wogan has taken her passion to a whole new level! She began volunteering at her local shelter at the age of 9, and for her 12th birthday she launched the Precious Animals, Wonderful Shelters (P.A.W.S.) Project to raise money and awareness for homeless dogs. Last week, Molly was honored for her incredible work by the crowdfunding site, GoFundMe who named her one of their Kid Heroes! The P.A.W.S. Project began as a one year … Read more

PSA Hopes to Inform Public What to Do if Approached by a Service Dog without Their Person

Most people know by now what to do when they see a service dog–leave it be. Service dogs have important jobs to do, and petting, talking, or otherwise trying to get their attention will distract them from whatever service they’re trained to perform. But what happens when a service dog approaches you without their handler? Some people assume the dog is neglecting their duties by wandering away from their handler, and other people that don’t like dogs get annoyed by … Read more

Anxious Veteran & Lonely Shelter Dog Become Each Others’ Heroes, Thanks To Customers Like You

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.  At the time of his adoption, Miller was a seven-year-old black Labrador mix who no one seemed to want. He spent most of his life in shelters and seemed destined to be homeless for the rest of his life – until William changed his world.   William is an Army veteran. Together … Read more

Is Your Dog’s Breed Listed Here? Then Make Sure You Clean Their Ears WEEKLY

According to Nationwide Pet Insurance, ear infections were the top reason people visited a veterinarian in 2016. This painful condition could be alleviated if dog owners were more consistent about caring for their dog’s ears, such as frequent inspections, and weekly cleanings. Which Dog Breeds Get The Most Ear Infections? If your dog has floppy ears, in other words, the ear itself folds down over the ear canal, they are at a higher risk than other dogs for infections. The following … Read more

10 Signs Your Dog Is Truly Happy

Our dogs bring so much joy into our lives, and we do everything we can to return the favor. They brighten up our darkest days, give us constant unconditional love, and give us more smiles and laughs than we ever could’ve imagined before they came into our lives. It’s only natural that we want to make sure we’re giving them the best life possible right back! Chances are, you know your dog so well that you can read your dog’s … Read more

10 Signs Your Dog Is Truly Happy

Our dogs bring so much joy into our lives, and we do everything we can to return the favor. They brighten up our darkest days, give us constant unconditional love, and give us more smiles and laughs than we ever could’ve imagined before they came into our lives. It’s only natural that we want to make sure we’re giving them the best life possible right back! Chances are, you know your dog so well that you can read your dog’s … Read more

4 Simple Tasks That Could Save You Thousands At The Vet

Most pets aren’t fans of the vet, and the truth is, we humans don’t love going either. Not only are we anxious to hear that our beloved friends have a clean bill of health, there’s another bill that we dread: the one that affects our bank accounts! Aside from our dogs’ annual exams, it’s no wonder that most pet parents would rather avoid unexpected expenses incurred at the vet. The good news is, there are certain things that we can … Read more

Pregnant Dog Wanders Into Fire Station, Delivers Puppies, & Finds A Forever Home!

When a pregnant stray dog was ready to give birth, she seemed to know that the big-hearted folks at the Apopka Fire Department in Florida would be happy to help her! The dog, now named Lady, wandered up to the station, where the crew was happy to take her in. “And so I went outside and saw her, and she was pregnant,” said Lt. Renee Beasley in a story by Fox 6. “Even though she was pregnant with her belly, … Read more

Shelter Dog That Survived Euthanasia Procedure Deserves A Forever Home More Than Ever

A Texas dog dubbed “Valor” is living up to his name after surviving a euthanasia attempt at a Texas shelter. It is believed the dog woke up in a landfill after the lethal drug failed to end his life. Frightened, confused, and partially blind from the botched procedure, he was left to wander the streets alone. Rescuers suspect Valor was one of many dogs scheduled to be euthanized on the same day and was accidentally given the wrong doseage before … Read more

SEARCHDOG: See the Impossible Things a Strong Dog & Human Bond Can Accomplish

There are no movies like dog movies, but there’s a definite difference when you’re watching a real bond between human and dog, not a scripted one. We found out when we watched SEARCHDOG, an indie film produced and directed by filmmaker Mary Healey Jamiel. SEARCHDOG is unlike any “dog movie” you may have seen before. The film follows K9 Search & Rescue team Matt Zarella and Maximus. We get to watch Matt and Max teach other humans and dogs to … Read more

What Is “Fospice” & Why Should You Get Involved?

Fostering an elderly or terminally ill dog is not a decision to be made lightly. It is often stressful, sometimes messy, and ultimately heart-wrenching. But it is also one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have.  According to the ASPCA’s Comprehesive Animal Risk Database System, the adoption rate for senior dogs is lower than that of all other ages combined. Just 25% of senior shelter dogs find homes, and the odds are even worse for dogs with life-shortening health … Read more

Senior Dog Receives A Special Spa Day To Help Her Get Adopted

After her owner passed away in February, Kisses, a 9-year-old Black Lab, found herself living at the Arizona Humane Society in Phoenix. Despite her sweet nature, playful spirit, and impressive repertoire of tricks, she has yet to find a new home. In order to help her chances, the generous folks at Dogtopia Arcadia treated the special senior to a complimentary spa day! The friendly groomers pampered Kisses with a bath, a special deshedding/conditioning treatment, and a relaxing brush out. They also … Read more

10 Things To Know About Adopting A Fearful Rescue Dog

Walk through any animal shelter in the country, and there will always be excited dogs begging for your attention. They hop and bark and paw at the gate hoping to catch the eye of the exact right person. But among all that excitement, there’s also a different type of rescue dog. They’re the dogs that would rather curl up and borrow in their beds than face well-intentioned strangers. For one reason or another, they’re afraid of the world. Fearful rescue … Read more

Dog Shot & Left for Dead Recovers & Goes Home With Soldier, Thanks To iHeartDogs Customers

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.  Formerly a stray, Aida was shot and had 14 wounds. Here is her story, told by her soldier: “One of the pilots discovered this girl laying on our base, near our housing area. She was on the ground, and she wasn’t moving. The pilot approached her concerned that she might actually be … Read more

Why Do Dogs Kick When You Scratch Them?

No dog lover can resist doling out a good belly rub when their pup flops onto the floor and shows their stomach. It’s always your goal to find that magic spot that gets their leg moving like Thumper in “Bambi.” When you find it, and your dog’s leg starts going crazy, you assume you’re giving them exactly what they asked for. The secret most dog owners don’t know, however, is that kicking their leg during a belly rub doesn’t always … Read more