Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:
Every night at exactly the same time, your dog gives you “the look.” You don’t need to check the clock to know it’s time for dinner. For other dog owners, the same phenomenon happens when it’s time to leash up and go for a walk. No matter what you’re doing, the dog always knows when it’s time to go. And then there are dogs that know exactly when it’s time for their owners to come home. They pull off this … Read more
Jeremy Van Pelt of Austin, Texas often makes the drive to Galveston Bay on the weekends. This past Sunday, he steered his kayak onto the water and settled in for a relaxing afternoon of fly fishing. But instead of catching flounder or mackerel, Van Pelt ended up reeling in a wayward Black Lab! As Van Pelt rowed through the West Bay, he noticed a large object visible on the surface. “I was scanning the water horizon for fish that I … Read more
Finally, some good news about pets on an airline! You probably remember the tragic story of a French Bulldog who died on a United flight when his owner was instructed to keep him in the overhead compartment back in March. (You may also know that brachycephalic, or short-nosed breeds, are also especially prone to breathing and overheating problems.) But for a Frenchie named Darcy, the exact opposite happened: two cabin crew members may have very well saved her life! On … Read more
It’s tempting to think that our dogs can experience all the same emotions that we can, but unfortunately that’s not quite true. While it was thought for hundreds, if not thousands, of years that dogs experienced no emotions whatsoever, the answer is actually somewhere in the middle. Research has shown that dogs have the emotional and mental capabilities of a two and a half-year-old child. What does that mean, exactly? Churches decided that animals had neither souls nor emotions As … Read more
With temperatures surpassing 100 degrees in some parts of the country, animal experts are reminding pet owners of some simple ways to keep their dogs safe and healthy. It’s of utmost importance to be aware of how stifling heat affects our pets, often more than us humans. A little precaution can go a long way, preventing injury, vet bills — and most importantly, it can save a life. Head for the water In a story by abc 30, pet parents … Read more
Being an animal lover means that every life matters. That includes the furry family you have at home and every stray dog you find by chance. Whether they’re staggering along the side of a road, emaciated and afraid, or rummaging through the trash cans behind your favorite place to grab lunch, it’s your instinct to help. Helping, however, isn’t always a simple concept. Stray dogs can act unpredictably, and they don’t always recognize a helping hand. These guidelines will help … Read more
Two mischievous Lab/Mastiff brothers from Virginia have been publicly “shamed” on social media after climbing aboard a U.S. Postal Service truck and devouring the unsuspecting driver’s lunch. Their story has since gone viral, garnering attention from dog pawrents across the world. It all started with a handwritten note left in Carol Jordan’s mailbox. She told CBS News her first thought upon seeing the card from USPS was, “What did the boys do now?” The 6-year-old “boys” are brothers, Bear and … Read more
Dogs make the world a much better place than it would be without them. Imagine how much better a world could be if dogs were bigger! Photographer Chris Cline has been taking photos of that incredible world and sharing the view from it on social media. In the past few years he’s gained thousands of fans and had his work featured all over. The story of how his new career came to be is an interesting one, and he recently … Read more
Depending on size and breed, dogs generally become seniors when they are 7 – 9 years old. While “slowing down” can certainly be a part of the natural aging process, it may also be a sign of something more serious. If your older dog seems excessively lethargic, see your veterinarian to rule out the following problems. 1. Pain/Arthritis Arthritis is one of the most common ailments affecting older dogs. Painful, inflamed joints cause many seniors to sit on the sidelines … Read more
A senior star has been born! 12-year-old Bentley, nicknamed “Benny”, recently went on a trek across the southern United States with Mom and Dad. The sweet photos he took are enough to give us at home a case of FOMO! As the family made their way from Texas to Florida, they made sure to stop and snap a picture of Benny with a sign for each state, and he’s a natural! From Florida… Through Alabama Across Mississippi … Read more
Dogs shed. It’s just a fact of life that we’ve become accustomed to. But as many dog owners know, there are breeds that take shedding to a new extreme. When potential owners are looking for their next companion, this shedding is often a concern. Whether it’s just too high maintenance or you’ve got some minor allergies, figuring out which dog breeds that shed the most is an important part of your research for your next pet. If canine confetti 24/7 isn’t … 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. START Rescue pulled Paris from a shelter in Riverside, CA back in October 2017. She’d been found roaming the streets, literally starving. She was so weak she could barely stand. Thanks to some TLC, Paris healed and was ready for the next step along her journey to happiness. With help from the … 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. Dave, a United States Navy Veteran, served in Vietnam as a Navy Corpsman and is the recipient of a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He came to Canines for Veterans seeking greater independence after years of not feeling like himself, growing more and more isolated, less communicative and unhappy. Dave’s smile when he … Read more
We know what you’re thinking. What’s the first best bed? Well of course, it’s this! 😃 But for those times when you’re not home, or you’re in another room, we think you’ll love the new PACK&DEN line from iHeartDogs. So what’s so great about PACK&DEN? Here’s 4 reasons what’s it’ll instantly be your dog’s “second favorite bed” Reason #1: Includes 2 inches of high quality orthopedic foam layers: a stabilizing foam layer on bottom and a memory foam layer on top, creating … Read more
Veterinarians truly want to do what’s best for the pets in their care, but sometimes owners do things that make the otherwise rewarding career of being a vet frustrating or disheartening. You try to give your dog the best care possible while being a good person in the process, but sometimes your love for your dog may cloud your vision and cause you to say or do things that drive your veterinarian crazy. Are you guilty of doing any of … Read more
Keeping our dogs’ nails trimmed helps save our floors and sometimes, our skin. It is also good for the dog, as nails can grow too long, sometimes even curling back into the skin. But if it is for their own good, why do dogs hate having their nails trimmed so much? It is a question dog owners have pondered for years. Having their nails trimmed can be painful if done incorrectly. When trying to determine why dogs hate having their nails … Read more
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
With their unceasing optimism, our dogs have a special point of view, and one of the many reasons we love them is that they help us see things from a pure and innocent perspective! This means that our clever canines have their own ideas about how the world works, how to make the most of life, and the best way to score extra toys and treats! Below are a few hilarious examples of “dog logic” that most pet parents will … Read more
Dogs on the couch? Yes. Dog’s smell on the couch? No. Does your pup LOVE hanging out on your furniture? Are you tired of that doggy smell permeating your furniture? Or maybe you just want to provide a comfy spot for your dog on the couch? This throw has you covered – in fact, you’ll probably want to use it just as much as your furry family member! Our luxurious PACK&DEN throws are guaranteed to promote cuddling, here’s why: Luxurious … Read more
Do you believe that a dog can find true love in any home, or that there’s one perfect home out there for every dog? When we see a perfectly adoptable pup go so long without a home, it seems that there must be a home out there where she belongs that just hasn’t found her yet. That’s the case with Nicky, a young Pibble in California who has waited over a year for the right person to adopt her. … Read more
Home Is Where The Dog Is Does your pup LOVE hanging out on your furniture? Are you tired of that doggy smell permeating your furniture? Or maybe you just want to provide a comfy spot for your dog on the couch? This throw has you covered – in fact, you’ll probably want to use it just as much as your furry family member! Our luxurious PACK&DEN throws are guaranteed to promote cuddling, here’s why: Luxurious faux fur and faux suede … Read more
Seven years of separation have done nothing to weaken the relationship former Marine Nick Montez has with his bomb-sniffing dog named Mally. Their bond was forged on the battlefield, but back on the home-front, they’re happy to finally be family once again. When Montez first met Mally, he had never had a dog before. It didn’t take long, however, for him to realize Mally was going to be a significant part of his life. The duo was eventually deployed to … Read more
We’ve seen cakes shaped like dogs and latte foam resembling Fido, but the Dogs In Food Instagram page takes it to a whole new level! If you’ve ever sworn you’ve seen a pug in your chocolate chip cookie or a Dalmatian in your cup cookies and cream ice cream, you’re not the only one! According to Our Thinking, the genius behind a photo series called Dogs In Food is a Russian artist named Ksenia who creates hilarious mash-ups of adorable dogs and … Read more
Adopting a dog is a huge responsibility, but one that pays off ten-fold. The commitment you make is paid back in kisses, cuddles, companionship, and loyalty like no other. We love our dogs for the good and the bad, and even in the messy moments, we treasure the fur family we bring into our homes. Still, adoption isn’t for everyone. Humans considering adoption really SHOULD feel the weight of the decision they’re making. Adopting a dog is a promise you … Read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
Toledo, United States.