Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:
While hairballs are less common in dogs than in cats, dogs can get hairballs. What sort of dogs are more prone to hairballs? What causes hairballs? Should you be worried if your dog vomits one up? How can you prevent hairballs in your dog? Don’t worry, we have the answers you’re looking for. Here’s what you need to know about hairballs in dogs. What is a hairball? When a dog (or a cat) licks or chews on themselves, they may … Read more
Some of our most loved breeds have a natural predisposition towards dental disease. To manage the extent of the damage and prevent your pup from suffering, it’s important to learn about your dog’s individual dental needs. This starts with gaining knowledge on your dog’s breed and establishing a game plan with your veterinarian. Brachycephalic Breeds Prone to Dental Disease: Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Brussells Griffons The signature squish faces of brachycephalic breeds, like Pugs and English Bulldogs, are hard not to … Read more
When it comes to dog dental health, many pet owners are still behind the curve. Although more and more are checking in for yearly anesthetic dentals by their veterinarians, others are still hesitant to spend the money. Many of us find it difficult to keep up a tooth brushing routine. Whatever the reason, we need to remember that dog dental health is important. In fact, it’s probably more important to your dog’s overall health than you realize. Dog Dental Health … Read more
There are few things more terrifying to a dog than a thunderstorm. There are also few things more frustrating to a loving owner than trying to make their terrified pup feel calm. In the last few years, many dog owners have stumbled upon Hemp or Hemp oil as a natural way to calm a nervous pup. I recently blogged about my personal story of how Hemp played a part in remedying my dog’s separation stress and fear of fireworks. Hemp … Read more
The first 24 hours after a dog goes missing are crucial, but luckily the odds are in your favor. A survey conducted by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals found that 93% of lost dogs return home safely! In addition to creating fliers and scouring the neighborhood, these 11 tips will help bring your missing pooch home faster. 1. Bring along a taste of home. Most lost pups are found within 20 minutes during a regular neighborhood search. As soon as … Read more
Human or canine, eye contact is a big part of communication. Eyes convey emotion, indicate intent, and they reflect individual personality in ways many people don’t realize. There’s a lot that’s the same when it comes to human and canine eyes—you and your pup can even share the same eye color—but the way dogs understand eye contact will always be slightly different than what seems normal for humans. Understanding how your dog feels about eye contact is important for your … Read more
Human or canine, eye contact is a big part of communication. Eyes convey emotion, indicate intent, and they reflect individual personality in ways many people don’t realize. There’s a lot that’s the same when it comes to human and canine eyes—you and your pup can even share the same eye color—but the way dogs understand eye contact will always be slightly different than what seems normal for humans. Understanding how your dog feels about eye contact is important for your … Read more
Ima is a 3-year-old Hound mix from North Carolina. After being abandoned by her owner, a kind neighbor took her in, but the stressed-out pooch ran away. When she returned a month later, she was pregnant. Soon after, Ima found herself in the shelter system, eventually being placed in a wonderful foster home where she is expected to deliver her pups any day now. Her doting foster mom, Sarah Freeman, told PEOPLE Pets: “The neighbor knew she couldn’t afford to take … Read more
Five years ago, a dog named Molly went missing from her home in St. Louis, MO. Her owner, Jason Senseney, adopted her when she was a puppy, and he was devastated when weeks and months passed with no sign of his family dog. Eventually, he gave up hope and assumed he’d never see Molly again. But a few days ago, he received a surprising phone call. The call was from Avid, a company that manufactures and manages pet microchips, and … Read more
Last summer, a very special pair of pals named Colt and Charlie arrived at Wisconsin’s Fox Valley Humane Association (FVHA). The best friends met at an Arkansas shelter when the staff placed a then-6-week-old Charlie in Colt’s kennel to cheer him up as he recovered from hip surgery. Despite their 7 month age difference, the two became inseparable. And when I say inseparable, I mean it quite literally – Charlie insists on being in physical contact with his best buddy at … Read more
Hemp oil from hemp is a medicinal herb many senior dog owners are looking into. In fact, its one of the most talked about topics in our 70,000 member senior dog community on Facebook. The benefits of Hemp oil are reaching more dogs every day. Here are a few reasons why senior dog owners are choosing it for their pets. 1. Hemp May Offer Significant Benefits To Brain Health In Aging Dogs Hemp has shown the ability to support normal … Read more
The other day, my neighbor’s dog darted out the front door and chased a young boy on a bike. She ended up biting the child’s foot, fracturing two of his toes. The dog now faces a mandatory 10-day Rabies quarantine and possible euthanasia. Sadly, the whole situation could have been avoided if her owners had provided the intervention, correction, and training to break her dangerous habits. As much as we love our dogs, there is no such thing as a “perfect” … Read more
The other day, my neighbor’s dog darted out the front door and chased a young boy on a bike. She ended up biting the child’s foot, fracturing two of his toes. The dog now faces a mandatory 10-day Rabies quarantine and possible euthanasia. Sadly, the whole situation could have been avoided if her owners had provided the intervention, correction, and training to break her dangerous habits. As much as we love our dogs, there is no such thing as a “perfect” … Read more
Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good Charities, which helps support various charitable organizations. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings, like the one below, are made possible. Richard served in the Army as a Specialist during Operation Enduring Freedom, and he received many ribbons and medals throughout his service. But after returning home, Richard suffered from PTSD, TBI, depression and anxiety. He asked Pets for Vets to find him a dog that would be his companion through … Read more
When you come home to find your perfectly house trained dog left you a stinky surprise (or two) on the carpet along with the remains of a couch cushion, expensive shoe, or maybe the TV remote, there’s a good chance they have separation stress. If the neighbors complain of your dog’s constant barking and whining when you’re not home, that’s another sign your dog has separation stress. And if you worry about your dog jumping through a screened window, chewing … Read more
There’s something about a dog’s soft fur and kind eyes that works like medicine when you’re feeling down in the dumps. Making you feel better seems effortless for them, but a new study suggests their mood-boosting powers aren’t as incidental as we used to think. The question of whether or not dogs feel empathy is still yet to be answered, but researchers recently published a study that suggests dogs are receptive to human emotional states and can choose to actively … Read more
What Dosage of Hemp Oil Should I Give My Dog? Most veterinarians recommend starting low and slow to gauge how an individual dog will respond. As a guideline, the current suggested dosing is 1 mg – 5 mg per 10 pounds of the dog’s body weight for the first week.2 If the dog has never taken Hemp oil or anything similar in the past, it’s best to start at the lower end of that range. If there are no negative … Read more
It’s a dog owner’s priority to safeguard the well-being of their pets, and a new player in the world of veterinary science is opening all-natural doors of opportunity. Hemp oil from hemp is the medicinal herb dog owners are talking about. The benefits of Hemp oil are reaching more dogs every day. Here are a few reasons why dog owners are choosing it for their pets. Related: 10 Best Dog Doors 1. It’s Nontoxic and Not Psychoactive The first concern … Read more
No dog deserves to spend their days in a shelter, but life in a kennel is harder on some than others. Montgomery County Animal Shelter in Conroe, TX goes above and beyond to make sure every rescue in their care is as happy as possible, but there’s no substitute to finding a forever family and leaving the shelter for good. A senior dog named Max is one of the many dogs currently up for adoption at MCAS. At eight years … Read more
Male dogs are notorious for start-and-stop walks that consist of them spreading their manly scent across the neighborhood, but they’re not the only dogs that mark their territory with urine. Female dogs also urine mark, and they usually have a good reason for it—at least if you’re a dog. You’ll know your girl likes to mark when you find yourself stopping frequently on walks to let her squat and let out a small amount of urine. In worst case scenarios, … Read more
Al Trovinger, his family, and their dog River were traveling on Mobile, Alabama’s Jubilee Parkway when a massive accident stopped traffic. After more than 30 minutes at a standstill, Trovinger attached River’s leash to take her for a potty break outside the car. The dog became so excited she leapt off the bridge, snapping her collar, and splashing into Mobile Bay below. Trovinger watched helplessly for nearly 10 minutes before diving over the concrete barrier to lend a hand. “We … Read more
Your backyard is where your dog is free to run around and soak up the sun, but it’s your job to make sure that happy place doesn’t end up being a dangerous place. You’ll need to look at your yard with a critical eye to spot the things that might get a curious sniffer or mischievous mind into trouble. Most of the things on this list are everyday items you probably have in your yard right now. They’re safe when … Read more
While every dog loves being with their human, there are some that really, really love to be with you. Dogs are sensitive creatures, and their desire to be near you is very strong–but for some, it’s more than that. Do you like a dog that clings to your side, ready to be your pal wherever you go? Then one of these clingy dog breeds, or “velcro dog breeds,” might be just the one for you! #1 – Labrador Retriever Labs are … Read more
You know your rescue dog had a life before you walked into the shelter, but how much of that time do they actually remember? Would your dog recognize their old owners or where they used to live? Can they recall specific experiences whether they were good or bad? For some rescues, forgetting a painful past might be a good thing, but is that even possible? Here’s a closer look at how your dog’s memory works and what scientists think they … Read more
You know your rescue dog had a life before you walked into the shelter, but how much of that time do they actually remember? Would your dog recognize their old owners or where they used to live? Can they recall specific experiences whether they were good or bad? For some rescues, forgetting a painful past might be a good thing, but is that even possible? Here’s a closer look at how your dog’s memory works and what scientists think they … Read more
Exploring the outdoors is always better when your four-legged hiking buddy is by your side. Dogs enjoy the exercise and fresh air as much as you do, but avid travelers know not every destination is dog friendly. The traditional rule is that U.S. National Parks do not allow dogs through their gates. The policy was put in place to protect natural environments and the wildlife that lives there. The National Park Service still prioritizes safeguarding the environment, but a new … Read more
On the evening of July 16, Scott Crewell and his Siberian Husky, Rosie hopped in their boat for a late night cruise on New York’s Great Sacandaga Lake. Rosie was wearing her life vest, but Crewell made the fateful decision to take it off to air-dry as they headed back to shore. It was then that the chase-obsessed pooch heard the quacking of ducks and dove overboard in pursuit. Crewell quickly lost sight of Rosie in the darkness. “I started moving … Read more
If you’re like me, you’re always looking for healthy ways to both entertain and delight your dog. My husky Splash has always been a bit picky when it comes to chews and treats. Most of them, she won’t touch. I’d heard about Himalayan chews but hadn’t tried them until about 9 months ago. The second I pulled it out of the bag, her blue eyes lit up. She was hooked. She barely put it down for 5 days! Here’s a video … Read more
A loving owner’s gratitude knows no bounds when it comes to the return of a lost dog. The relief you feel when someone returns your pet can’t be expressed in words and a cash reward – no matter how big – doesn’t compare to the joy you feel when you get to hold your dog again. So we totally understand why Rick Darge is raising money for James, the man who returned his beloved rat terrier. Rick’s dog, Maya, went … Read more
This July, the Petco Foundation is inspiring animal lovers to learn more about fostering rescue animals with their “Be a Lifesaver” initiative. iHeartdogs had the privilege of interviewing Petco Foundation president, Susanne Kogut, about how fostering is an important piece of the animal welfare puzzle. With a house full of rescue dogs and an influential career leading animal welfare organizations, Susanne is spreading the word about how everyone has a chance to “Be a Lifesaver.” We asked her a few … Read more
Humans and dogs have a long, colorful history, and the bonds we build with the special dogs in our lives are like no other we experience with any other animal, or even any other human. Every single bond is unique, every story worth telling. For a person who has been saved by a shelter dog, or for a shelter dog who has missed out on real human love, the bond can be the most powerful thing in the world. Photographer … Read more
When Brittany Fintel felt her feet slip on the snow covering Mount St. Helens, she thought she was going to die. She tumbled over boulders and fell over 300 feet until finally coming to a stop near another steep cliff. She was hurt and in tremendous pain, but she was alive. She also had something else to be thankful for—her loyal service dog named Indy. A Navy veteran, Fintel was traveling around the western U.S. with her dog and planned … Read more
Dogs vomit for a number of reasons; some are relatively insignificant, while others can be quite serious. If your dog’s vomiting is more than just an isolated incident, seek veterinary attention to rule out a critical health concern. Note: Since vomiting is such a broad issue with many possible causes, this post contains several links you can follow if you would like to learn more about a particular issue or condition. 1. Diet Related Issues Vomiting often results when a … Read more
Dogs vomit for a number of reasons; some are relatively insignificant, while others can be quite serious. If your dog’s vomiting is more than just an isolated incident, seek veterinary attention to rule out a critical health concern. Note: Since vomiting is such a broad issue with many possible causes, this post contains several links you can follow if you would like to learn more about a particular issue or condition. 1. Diet Related Issues Vomiting often results when a … Read more
I spent nearly half my life working as a veterinary technician. During that time I helped many dogs cross the Rainbow Bridge and witnessed others coping with the loss of a beloved human or a fellow pet. While they absolutely understand the concepts of pain and illness, do dogs grasp the finality of death? And if so, do they know when that moment is approaching and adjust their behavior accordingly? Scientific research on the subject is scarce since it is … Read more
All dogs shed. Now, dogs that have hair that grows continuously such as Poodles, Bichons, Shih Tzus, and Yorkies shed very little, and what they do shed tends to get trapped in the rest of their hair instead of winding up on your sofa, but they do shed a little bit. Some breeds of dogs shed A LOT, usually with the change of the seasons, such as Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Shelties, and German Shepherds. Other dogs just shed … Read more
Every dog parent wishes for their dog to live a long and healthy life. We feed them quality food. Schedule regular check-ups. Make it a point to consult the vet over any lumps, bumps, or changes in behavior. But did you know that one of the things you should monitor the closest is the condition of your dog’s mouth? Dog dental health is vital to your dog’s overall well-being. We’re here to tell you why–and how to keep it in … Read more
Brushing our dog’s teeth. We all know we should be doing it, but if only our pups didn’t hate it so much! Sadly, over 80% of dogs over the age of 3 have some form of periodontal disease. Not only does dental disease cause mouth pain and bad breath, but bacteria that originally starts in the gums can spread to other vital organs and cause life threatening illnesses. One of the biggest barriers to brushing is, well, the brush! Who … Read more
Atlanta’s Hartford-Jackson International Airport had some explaining to do to their city council when they handed over a bill for nearly 4 million dollars – for doggy bathrooms! The airport recently finished construction on 7 new bathrooms for dogs that it is required by federal law to have. The requirement only states that the airport have a place for service dogs to “relieve themselves,” but the area is pretty cute! Probably much swankier than the bushes your pup is used … Read more
A Brooklyn-based business created by a loving dog mom is being compared to successful ventures like Uber and Airbnb. Chelsea Brownridge came up with the idea for DogSpot while living through the dog days of summer in New York with her rescue pooch, Winston. “He has a ton of energy so to get him out of the house on as many walks as possible was really important,” she said. “I started to realize how many times he couldn’t come with me … Read more
Losing a dog can be just as painful and devastating as losing a beloved human family member or friend. Many of us go through the exact same grief process as we would with the loss of a human loved one. There are many constructive, positive ways to deal with your grief. Memorializing and celebrating the life of a deceased pet can help those who have experienced loss cope with the effects of grief. Whether you’ve lost your pet or someone … Read more
Avid mountain biker, Jarrett Little was cycling with some friends near Columbus, Georgia when they stopped near a copse of trees to rest. Upon hearing their voices, an injured, emaciated puppy hobbled out from the woods and approached the group in search of help. “We stopped to regroup and he came out of the woods to greet us. He was really thin, ribs showing and had a lot of road rash and a broken leg,” Little told CBS News. Little … Read more
Discerning dog parents know that the corn, wheat and grain fillers used in many commercial dog foods provide little nutritional value to their pups. In fact, many cheap, unnecessary additives contribute to food sensitivities, allergies, obesity, and digestive problems. Grain-free diets offer an alternative more closely resembling what a wild canine might eat – high animal protein, low carbohydrates, and an array of nutrients. The reasoning behind going grain-free is fairly straight forward, and over the past decade, the number … Read more
When Alec Karcher’s 10-year-old dog named Cody was diagnosed with cancer two months ago, the veterinarian said he had only 1-3 months to live. It was devastating news for Karcher’s family, but they decided to make Cody’s remaining time with them as positive as possible. As part of that plan, they devised a way to make Cody happy while also making it easier to give the senior dog his medication. They gave him a plain cheeseburger every day, and they … Read more
The popular Swedish retailer IKEA launched a line of pet supplies in 2017, but one of their popular products is now being recalled. A water dispenser complete with refillable water tank has been deemed a suffocation hazard, and the company is urging customers to stop using the product immediately. Sold for $7.99, the product in question was advertised as a convenient way to keep pets hydrated throughout the day. But after two dogs reportedly died from getting their heads stuck … Read more
A heartbroken Florida dog dad hopes his tragic story can help raise awareness to the risks of saltwater poisoning. This lesser-known summer hazard claimed the life of Chris Taylor’s beloved pooch, “O.G.” after a fun-filled day at a local dog beach. Last Monday, Taylor and the 7-year-old water-loving Labrador spent hours romping on the beach. Later that evening, O.G. began vomiting and suffering from diarrhea. He was lethargic on Tuesday, but drinking water and eating some of the chicken and rice Taylor … Read more
You may recognize Akira’s sweet face from a previous post detailing LifeLine Animal Project‘s quest to find her a loving fospice (foster + hospice) home. We are happy to announce that she has found a wonderful human to share her final days with – and she’s got a few life lessons to teach him before she goes! At first glance, 25-year-old Lawson Chambers may seem like an unlikely choice to take in a dog like Akira. The sweet pooch was recently … Read more
After years of selfless service to their communities, two police dogs with the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) are ready for their next assignment—retirement. MSP announced on Facebook that while retired police dogs typically go on to live with their handlers, some are made available for adoption due to specific circumstances. K-9s Klauss and Alex will soon be up for adoption, and their human employers are looking for the perfect families to take them home. At five and a half years … Read more
When I was 10-years-old, my parents finally got me a dog. Spike changed my life in an instant. I was in charge of walking, feeding, training, and bathing him – and I adored every second of it! Not only did the experience reinforce my passion for dogs, it taught me empathy, responsibility and unconditional love. Dogs do so much more for developing young minds than just provide a waste receptacle for unwanted broccoli. They have countless lessons to teach, moments to … Read more
A new study published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases is warning pet owners and pet professionals about a previously uncharted risk. A strain of bacterium that affects dogs called Brucella canis can be spread to humans. The infection referred to as brucellosis is most often spread by livestock, but new research shows dogs that have not been neutered are responsible for passing the bacteria on to humans. In adult dogs, the infection often goes unnoticed. According to VCA Hospitals, … Read more
Toledo, United States.