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5 Reasons To Talk To Your Dog On A Daily Basis

Do dogs like it when you talk to them? Of course they do! Talking to your dog might seem one-sided, but you don’t need a verbal response to know chatting with your furry best friend is a good idea. No matter how silly you think having a talk with your dog sounds, striking up a conversation while you’re out on a walk, cuddling on the couch, or preparing dinner has benefits you probably don’t know about. Yes, your neighbor might … Read more

10 Things We Should Do For Our Dogs Because They Can’t Do It Themselves

Dogs can learn to perform incredible tasks. Some safeguard our very lives by detecting explosives or alerting us to dangers in the home. But there are certain things our pups just cannot do without our help. When it comes to health and safety, they depend on us to make the best decisions on their behalf. Every pawrent should do the following 10 things for their dogs’ wellbeing because they do so much for us! 1. Watch their waistlines. Dogs cannot … Read more

UPDATE: Former Owner Of Puppy Found Written On With Permanent Marker Speaks Out

Update: The woman who abandoned Marvella, the pup covered in writing with permanent marker, spoke out about her actions. She claimed that after a dispute with her landlord, she tried to bring the pup to shelters but they were all full. “After I did that cringe-worthy moment where I was just like, ‘Oh my gosh, I messed up. She looks awful,” she admitted in a story by WHOtv. She added: “I knew with everything inside of me that she would … Read more

Can Probiotics Help My Dog’s Stinky Farts?

If your dog can clear an entire room with noxious flatulence, it’s time to do something about the stench. Their extreme gas assaults the senses, and it’s also giving your pup serious tummy troubles. The reason why your dog’s farts are especially nauseating could be due to diet or how fast they eat. Lucky for your sense of smell, dog probiotics are the secret weapon to help stop the stink. Probiotics are microorganisms also known as “good bacteria.” They’re essential … Read more

Houston Shelter In Desperate Need After Taking In 200 Surrendered Animals Memorial Day Weekend

The Harris County Animal Shelter in Houston, Texas took in over 200 surrendered pets over Memorial Day weekend, 100 on the Friday before the weekend alone. In a city of over 2 million, Houston’s shelters are frequently at or over capacity, but for a facility only designed to hold 150 animals, this is an extreme burden. Kennels are designed to hold only one or two animals, but at the moment there are some pets living four-to-a-kennel. Most were formally surrendered, … Read more

This Inexpensive Supplement Is Showing Promise for Dogs with Itchy Skin

More and more research is showing us the incredible impact that gut health has on all aspects of wellness. And although we don’t fully understand the mechanism, there does appear to be a link between the GI system and allergies or food intolerances in dogs. In 2015, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published by the NIH showed that the probiotic strain Lactobacillus sakei given for 2 months significantly reduced the disease severity of dogs diagnosed with canine atopic dermatitis.  (We’ve also … Read more

VA Hospital Welcomes Disabled PTSD Therapy Dog

Honor is a 2-year-old Golden Retriever raised from puppyhood to serve individuals with PTSD. Unlike other dogs trained by the non-profit organization, Therapetics Service Dogs of Oklahoma, Honor was born without metacarpals where her back right paw would be. Unable to place her as a regular service dog, Therapetics donated Honor to the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center. There, her prosthetic limb makes her all the more relatable to the heroes she comforts. “So devoted. She doesn’t know she’s handicapped. She’s the … Read more

Can Probiotics For Dogs With Allergies Help?

Dog Probiotics For Allergies Probiotics have exploded in popularity in recent years. In fact, a survey done by the NIH shows that they're now the 3rd most popular natural supplement taken by people. Related: 12 Best Dog Probiotics While most people and pets are first given probiotics for digestive reasons, recent human and animal studies have begun to show promise in use with patients suffering from allergies. Let's review some of the evidence to-date: What Do The Studies Say About ... Read more

6 Things To Consider Before Buying a Canine Probiotic

If you’re reading this, you’ve likely heard the benefits of giving your dog a probiotic. Studies on both humans and animals have suggested that these healthy bacteria have countless benefits to dogs, including balancing an upset digestive tract, alleviating allergies and itchy skin, managing stress, and much more. Based on our research, we believe the following 6 considerations must be made when choosing a probiotic product for your dog: #1 – Choose A Product That Contains Multiple Strains Of Probiotics … Read more

10 Times Probiotics Are Especially Beneficial To Your Dog

Up to 80% of a dog’s immune system is located in the gastrointestinal tract, so maintaining digestive health means far more than just preventing upset bellies and loose stools. Related: iHeartDogs Rates the Best Probiotics for Dogs Probiotics replenish the levels of healthy bacterial flora in the GI tract and prevent the “bad” bacteria from taking over. Dogs with unbalanced flora levels experience digestive problems and are more susceptible to illness. In general, probiotics are a healthy addition to your … Read more

Dog Rescuer Dies Unexpectedly, Leaving Her 25 Senior Dogs In Desperate Need Of Homes

Marline was loved by her friends and family, and known as an avid dog lover in the rescue world. She adopted 33 dogs, as well as horses, and had a particular soft spot for senior pooches who had a hard time finding homes. Once welcomed into Marline’s family, the pups were able to roam and play on her 10-acre property in Northern California. Sadly, Marline, who was in her 70’s, passed away unexpectedly, leaving her huge four-legged family behind. Thankfully, … Read more

Dozens Of Dog Flu Cases Diagnosed In Manhattan & Brooklyn

City canines beware: the dog flu has arrived in New York. Veterinarians in NYC are warning their clients that the H3N2 viral strain has sickened at least three-dozen dogs in Brooklyn and a handful in Manhattan since April. Approximately 500 West Coast pups have been affected by the dog flu this year, and it seems the virus has now spread east. Dr. Maxim Lotovsky of the Jacobson Veterinary Clinic in Brooklyn recommends dog owners become familiar with the facts and … Read more

Uncovering The Mystery Of How Some Lost Dogs Find Their Way Home

Sassy, Champ, and Shadow from the movie “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” are famous for their cross-country adventure to find their family, but they’re not the only four-legged family members to demonstrate an incredible ability to find their way home—no map or GPS involved. Not every dog has this seemingly supernatural gift, but every now and then, a story surfaces about a dog that travels miles through dangerous wilderness, rough countryside, or confusing city streets to be reunited with the … Read more

New Study Shows That Dogs May Be Better At Rationalizing Than Humans

Humans learn through imitation. From early lessons in walking and talking to more advanced tasks like operating a car; we tend to watch our peers, then mimic their actions. While dogs have evolved to parrot some of our facial expressions, one scientist suggests they may be the more free-thinking species. Laurie Santos, a cognitive psychologist at Yale University, demonstrated this theory at the 2018 Liberty Science Centre Genius Gala. Santos presented the audience with a box featuring a cylindrical handle … Read more

Your Purchases Support Dogs Like Russell, A Formerly Matted Stray Who Was Rescued & Adopted!

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.  Russell was a stray Shih Tzu found roaming the streets of Detroit. His fur was horribly matted and overgrown, and he had skin issues due to lack of care.   Russell had all but given up on life until NBS Animal Rescue (NBSAR) came into the picture and made all the difference. … Read more

This Deserving Veteran Was Paired With His “Best Buddy,” Thanks To Your Support!

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.  W.A. is a Vietnam veteran who served in the Army. He cannot drive any longer due to his poor vision and struggles with balance and dropping items, as well as PTSD. He lives on a ranch and enjoys the simple life. His family reached out to Patriot PAWS after W.A. was no … Read more

New State Bill Seeks To Ban Surgical Debarking

A Michigan lawmaker may have just become dogs’ best friend by introducing a bill to ban surgical debarking. State Representative Tim Sneller (D) has proposed this new ban based on the belief that robbing a dog of his bark is abuse, and hopes to prevent veterinarians from performing the surgery. Surgical debarking is a procedure that removes tissues from a dog’s vocal cords, softening a dog’s bark to a near whisper. Dogs use their barks for a variety of reasons, … Read more

The Digestible, Teeth-Cleaning Chew Your Dog Will LOVE

The right doggy dental chews can help reduce plaque and tartar, preventing tooth pain and staving off illness. They also freshen breath, making cuddle time far more pleasant! Sadly, not all dental chews are as safe and effective as Happy, Healthy Brushy Sticks. Many commercial dog chews are not readily digestible, meaning they could become lodged in the stomach or intestines. These situations can quickly escalate to a life or death emergency involving painful, expensive surgery. Caring for your dog’s teeth … Read more

20 Fruits & Veggies Your Dog Will Love!

They say that sharing is caring, and we love sharing yummy treats with our dogs! However, there are two potential problems with feeding Fido extra snacks. For starters, table scraps can contain ingredients that are safe for us, but dangerous for our dogs (for instance, onions and chocolate). Second, too many treats can make our pups pack on the pounds, which can lead to a host of health problems. The good news is, there are plenty of fresh, healthy “human foods” that … Read more

With The Help Of 20 Strangers, This Hitchhiking Hound Trekked 2,000 Miles To Get Back Home

It was just another day walking his dogs in Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania when Adam Herbaugh spotted a lonely Coonhound wandering along his route. He took the hound to a veterinarian where his chip was scanned, and an incredible discovery was made. Although he was in good health, this pup was long way from home — 2,000 miles to be exact — and the story of how he returned from Pennsylvania to Arizona is making headlines! Once Jake’s microchip was scanned … Read more

Senior Dog Who’s Called A “Burden” Escapes Euthanasia & Finally Finds A Loving Family

Coco is living proof that it is never too late to find your bliss! This 12-year-old cutie was picked up by animal services and brought to LifeLine Animal Project‘s Fulton County shelter an astonishing six times in one year! Finally, her owner had enough. He threatened to euthanize Coco.   “The last time she came in, her owner told us that she was a burden and he was going to have her euthanized by his vet,” LifeLine Animal Project’s Public Relations … Read more

9-Year-Old Boy Takes A Picture With Every Dog He Pets

It doesn’t matter whether they’re big, small, fluffy, young, or old—Gideon Kidd loves dogs. The nine-year-old loves their different personalities and the way they roll over on their backs for belly rubs. He even loves it when they lick his face. Gideon has one dog at home named Walter (along with three cats and two gerbils), but his love for furry friends extends to the entire canine kingdom. All he wants to do is pet dogs, and while he’s at … Read more

Can Dogs “Fake” Illnesses & Injuries For Attention?

First off: if your dog seems hurt or ill, he probably is. Canine instinct is to avoid showing signs of weakness, so take it seriously if something seems off. With that said, there are some crafty canines who seem to put on a cough or limp in order to score extra love and attention from their humans. The idea of dogs “faking” illnesses or injuries to gain attention is not only supported by countless pawrents, many veterinarians also back the … Read more

This Terminally Ill Pup Is Looking For A Family To Fill Her Final Days With Love

Foster and adoption aren’t the only ways to help a homeless dog in need. When you become a “fospice” (foster + hospice) parent to a terminally ill pet, you selflessly provide them with the love, care and comfort they so richly deserve in their final days. Akira is a sweet pooch in search of a fospice home to call her own.   She arrived at LifeLine Animal Project‘s DeKalb County Animal Services shelter in Atlanta, Georgia last June, and has … Read more

5 Herbs, Plants, & Spices For Soothing Your Dog’s Aging Joints

We love our dogs from puppyhood into their golden years, and we want to help ease them into this life stage with as much health and comfort as possible. Just like us, our pups’ joints get stiff and achey as they age, but unlike us, our dogs can’t reach for the pain relievers or supplements themselves. It’s a natural and inevitable part of life, and our dogs depend on us to take care of them and give them everything they … Read more

Dry Nose Is A Common Issue With Many Boston Terriers, Here’s How You Can Make Life Easier On Them

You have likely heard that a wet nose equals a healthy dog. In reality, the canine nose alternates between wet and dry in response to a variety of factors. Problems arise when the nose becomes so dry that it cracks or flakes. Overly dry noses are uncomfortable and can affect the way your dog experiences the world. Scent is arguably a dog’s most important sense. It’s how they first recognize the ones they love and explore the environment around them. … Read more

Dry Nose Is A Common Issue With Many Boxers, Here’s How You Can Make Life Easier On Them

You have likely heard that a wet nose equals a healthy dog. In reality, the canine nose alternates between wet and dry in response to a variety of factors. Problems arise when the nose becomes so dry that it cracks or flakes. Overly dry noses are uncomfortable and can affect the way your dog experiences the world. Scent is arguably a dog’s most important sense. It’s how they first recognize the ones they love and explore the environment around them. … Read more

Dry Nose Is A Common Issue With Many Pugs, Here’s How You Can Make Life Easier On Them

You have likely heard that a wet nose equals a healthy dog. In reality, the canine nose alternates between wet and dry in response to a variety of factors. Problems arise when the nose becomes so dry that it cracks or flakes. Overly dry noses are uncomfortable and can affect the way your dog experiences the world. Scent is arguably a dog’s most important sense. It’s how they first recognize the ones they love and explore the environment around them. … Read more

These 13 Dog Breeds Are The Worst Swimmers

All dogs have their strengths and weaknesses. While some pups glide through the water as gracefully and effortlessly as Michael Phelps, others flounder (pun definitely intended). The breeds on this list may still be able to enjoy the water, but they should definitely do so while wearing a life vest! 1. Basset Hound These sad-looking hounds have large heads, dense bone structure, long, thick torsos and disproportionately short legs, making swimming very difficult. In addition to their non-buoyant bodies, Bassets … Read more

6 Possible Reasons Why Your Dog Hates Their Harness

You expect your dog to jump for joy when they see you pull out their harness and leash. It means you're about to take them on an awesome adventure, and all dogs love going on walks, right? But what happens when instead of eagerly waiting for you to hook them up, your dog runs and hides? Or maybe they cower and tuck their tail between their legs. They might even get aggressive and try to nip the hand holding the ... Read more

Update: Senior Foster Dog Brings Happiness To 104-Year-Old Man’s Final Years

When asked if dogs are the secret to a long life, Milt Lessner tells Jen Reeder with BBC News, “I’d like to think so.” At 104 years old, he probably knows better than anyone. Milt grew up with dogs and had dogs in his home his entire life, until his wife and pets died several years ago. Once a psychiatrist (now retired), Milt would bring his dogs to work with him to help his patients relax. Even though he had … Read more

The Top 8 Strongest Dog Breeds

Whether they’re pulling you down the sidewalk during your daily walk or excelling at canine sports, there are more than a few brawny dog breeds known for their power and strength. You’ll recognize them as the dogs bred for things like farm work and protection, and they’ve also found places as prized family pets. They’re big and built with noticeable muscles, but they can also be sweet and silly. They’re the jocks of the dog world, and we can’t help … Read more

California Police Dog Makes Huge Drug Bust First Day On The Job

For six weeks, K9 Rye trained alongside his human handler, Officer Iside, to prepare for his future as a police dog. The two-year-old Belgian Malinois learned obedience and protection, and he also spent hundreds of hours learning the special skills he’d need to be a successful drug detection dog. The hours were long, yet rewarding, and at the end of the program, K9 Rye and Officer Iside received high marks in every category. It wasn’t an easy process, but K9 … Read more

The 10 Least Obedient Dog Breeds

All dogs need love, attention, and training – but some dog breeds need a little more than others. Every dog breed has their strengths and weaknesses. That doesn’t make any particular breed less loveable, but these 10 dog breeds may need a lot more patience and obedience training than others. These breeds tend to be intelligent, independent, and stubborn, making then the least obedient dog breeds. Successfully training one of these breeds should win you an award! #1 – Afghan Hound The … Read more

Soldier Finally Reunites With The Dog She Rescued In Iraq

Nine months have passed since Sgt. Tracy McKithern fell in love with a pitiful pup while deployed to Iraq. After caring for her overseas and battling to bring her home to the United States, McKithern’s efforts finally paid off with an emotional airport reunion.  Source: U.S. Soldier reuniting with dog she rescued more than a year ago in Iraq by WFTS McKithern is a combat photographer and a major dog lover. After arriving in Erbil, Iraq in April 2017, she … Read more

How To Protect & Soothe Your Flat-Faced Dog’s Sensitive Nose

If you have a flat-faced dog, you probably know how dry their nose can get. They are far more susceptible to dry noses than dogs with snouts of a regular length. Their dry, cracked nose can peel, bleed, and be extremely painful for your poor pooch. A moist nose is also necessary for your dog to properly process all the fascinating smells around them. If you’ve already been to your vet to rule out any serious health issues that could … Read more

Red Roof Inn: Where Your Dog Stays–For Free!

*Sponsored Content* With summer fast approaching, many of us our itching to hit the road. And if you’re a doting dog parent you’re planning on bringing Fido along for the ride, right? But where to stay?…Well, Red Roof Inn has a pawesome deal for you — and just in time for upcoming getaway. Not all hotels are pet-friendly, and many claim to be… but their policies aren’t always crystal clear and disguised with hidden fees. Bottomline: you may not always … Read more

Animal Abuser Slapped With 15 Year Prison Sentence In Dog Fighting Case

Warning: Some people may find the images in this post disturbing. Devechio Rowland has been sentenced to 15 years in prison and another 35 on probation for starving, abusing and abandoning more than 100 dogs in the woods of Polk County, Georgia last year. Approximately 30 animal rights advocates sat outside the courthouse with a few of the dogs that suffered at Rowland’s hands. Some cried when they learned the abuser’s sentence. “I’m not good at all,” one man told … Read more

3 Best Ideas In Animal Welfare Will Compete In The Innovation Showdown

When the nation’s top animal welfare experts announced they were looking for the best ideas on how to save more animal lives, over 200 animal shelters, rescue organizations, and animal welfare charities jumped into action. Whether they had an idea they once wrote down on the back of a napkin or something they’ve been thinking about for years, the 2018 Innovation Showdown is giving them the opportunity to bring it all together. Known as the “Shark Tank” of animal welfare, … Read more

Why Dental Hygiene for Dogs Is So Important

Ever get a whiff of puppy breath? It’s addicting to most dog lovers. There’s something about the puppy food, milk, and not sure what else combo that gets a human’s parental instincts in a dither. They need to sniff more and more. Soon enough the puppy breath goes away to be replaced by dog breath. While the average dogs breath is nothing to get in a frenzy over, in fact most people avoid smelling their dog’s breath if they can. … Read more

9 Best Essential Oils For Your Dog

In an effort to help your furry best friend live a more natural and healthy life, you may have considered essential oils for your dog. But when it comes to these potent plant oils, with so many out there, choosing safe essential oils for dogs can get a bit tricky. There’s a lot of information out there about the risks and benefits of using essential oils with pets, and everything revolves around one very important concept. It’s the understanding that … Read more

“Gender Reveal” Puppy Photoshoot Is Almost Too Cute For Words

If you’ve never experienced pure joy, your life is about to change. Lufkin, Texas photographer Carlye Allen recently shared photos from a puppy gender-reveal photoshoot that are guaranteed to put a smile on even the stoniest of faces! Puppy photoshoots are nothing new, but something about these adorable photos are definitely different. Newly adopted puppy Rey Dakota Stone is a natural-born model. The beautiful blonde has an unforgettable megawatt smile that is melting my heart and bringing tears to my eyes. … Read more

What You Should Know About Common Thyroid Problems In Dogs

Did you know that thyroid problems are fairly common in dogs? Do you know what symptoms to look for that could indicate that your dog is suffering from a thyroid problem? What type of problems can affect the thyroid, and how do those problems affect your dog as a whole? Here’s what you need to know about thyroid problems that your dog might face in his lifetime. What does the thyroid do? The thyroid is a gland in your dog’s neck that produces … Read more

Stray Dog Hit By Car Gets The Love He Needs, Thanks To Your Purchases!

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.  Roady is a young Great Dane mix who was hit by a car that did not stop. For a week, people saw him limping around in the heat, but no one stopped to help. Finally, a Good Samaritan got close enough for animal control to pick him up. They reached out to … Read more

Dog Displaced By Hurricane Harvey Gets Flown To His New Forever Family, Thanks To You

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.  Thanks to Greatergood.org, Wings of Rescue had the privilege of flying four large cargo flights carrying pets displaced by Hurricane Harvey to safety. They were taken to high-demand shelters, where they were quickly adopted.   One of those animals was Enzo. Joe L. from Washington adopted a pup named Archie from the Noah … Read more

Is Your Dog Suffering from a Hot Spot? This $13 Amazon Prime Item Might Help

You may have noticed your dog scratching and licking at an ugly, red oozing spot on his skin. A hot spot. Hot spots are a type of skin infection caused by bacteria. The spots will be red, moist, and irritated that started with your dog’s picking at it, and made worse by bacteria. The patch can get bigger in just a few hours and will be very painful for your pet. You’re likely to find them on your dog’s head, … Read more

City Passes Anti-Puppy Mill Law, But One Notorious Pet Store Isn’t Happy

As lawmakers across the country start cracking down on puppy mills and those that support them, a business in Florida is fighting for the right to stay open. Puppy Collection Inc. in Broward County has a controversial reputation when it comes to animal welfare. They specialize in selling “teacup puppies” for thousands of dollars, and celebrities and socialites seem to be their target audience. At least, that’s what their website claims. The business’s slogan is, “Where celebrities buy their puppies,” … Read more

Is Your Dog Suffering From Elbow Calluses? Here’s What You Need To Know & How You Can Help!

Having a large dog means bigger cuddles, bigger kisses, and unfortunately, a predisposition for elbow calluses. While these patches of dry, rough skin are typically harmless, some dogs experience itching, cracking, bleeding, and may even develop painful ulcers and infections. Sometimes referred to as pressure sores, elbow calluses form as a result of the dog’s body weight repeatedly pressing the limb against a hard surface like wood flooring, tile or concrete. Despite their unsightly appearance, these calluses do serve a purpose. … Read more

The Thoughtful, Personal Quick Gift Any Dog-Person Will Love!

There’s an unspoken adult rule about giving handmade gifts. After a certain age they just don’t wow like they once did. Unless you’re a professional artist, it’s best to leave the glittery macaroni necklaces, and glue-soaked popsicle stick frames to the kids and out of your office’s secret Santa exchange. Unless you really like hearing an underwhelmed “Oh… thanks.” Forget the rules, because there are occasions when a well-thought-out, handmade card can still really tug on the heartstrings. The crafty … Read more

Bucket List Buddies Are Making Their Last Days On Earth Worth Every Second

Hearing bad news is devastating, but it always helps to have a friend by your side. Two dogs, a Golden Retriever named Buckeye and a Bulldog named Harley Bruiser, both received the worst news possible; they only had a few months to live. Cancer is quickly taking over their bodies, but their respective families are determined to make their last months at home the best they’ve ever had. They’ve put together bucket lists for the dogs, and the two buddies … Read more

6 Signs Your Dog Would Benefit From A Daily Joint Supplement

There’s no step-by-step guide on how to ensure your pup lives a long and happy life, and it’s up to you to make decisions for their well-being. You have the support of your veterinarian and other pet professionals, but every question from what training technique to use to how often to trim their toenails is ultimately up to you. It’s a lot of pressure, but deciding whether or not your dog will benefit from a daily joint supplement doesn’t have … Read more