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7 Tips For Successfully Introducing Dogs To Each Other

Introducing dogs to each other for the first time can be an exciting, but stressful event for all involved. Luckily, with a solid plan in place you can help things go smoothly and facilitate a lifelong friendship. The more you know about each dog’s personality, the better equipped you will be to anticipate their reactions to one another and prevent an unfortunate encounter. Worrying over how to introduce dogs to each other? We’ve got tips!  If both dogs are easygoing … Read more

6 Tips For Successfully Introducing Dogs To Each Other

Introducing two unfamiliar dogs can be a stressful event for all involved. Luckily, with a solid plan in place, you can help things go smoothly and facilitate a lifelong friendship. The more you know about each dog’s personality, the better equipped you will be to anticipate their reactions to one another and prevent an unfortunate encounter. If both dogs are easygoing and social with other pups, introducing them should be smooth and uneventful. However, if either dog is not highly … Read more

Hikers Are Surprised When A Friendly Dog Follows Them But His Tag Explains Everything

When Scott Brown, his wife, and their hiking group decided to hike Teneriffe Falls in Washington State last week, they were surprised to meet a new friend along the way — a four-legged one, that is! As they embarked on the trail, the hikers noticed a large black dog and assumed he was the pet of someone in the nearby neighborhood. The pup soon joined the group on their adventure, even leading the way to the waterfall. Brown told iHeartDogs: … Read more

Pup Parent Warns Others Of The Toxic Seeds That Nearly Killed Her Dog

This post was first shared April 2018. Easter almost turned tragic for dog mom Sharon Newton when her Chihuahua started nibbling on a toxic seed. During an Easter egg hunt, the pooch, named Max, ate a seed from a sago palm that was in the family’s yard. Three hours after ingesting it, the pup started throwing up and was rushed to the emergency vet.   In a story by KTRK, Dr. Diane Wilkie explains that the walnut-sized seeds (or beans) … Read more

6 Incredible Things Dogs Can Sense Before They Happen

Our dogs can be so intuitive that it’s almost like they have a sixth sense. But while you may wonder whether they have the supernatural gift of prediction, it’s more likely that their keen five senses give them their remarkable abilities. A dog’s ears can hear four times (or more!) better than a human’s, while their noses are up to tens of thousands of times better than ours. In addition, they’re incredibly in-tune with their environments and their favorite people, so it’s really no wonder … Read more

Door-To-Door Searches Could Lead To Fines For Unlicensed & Unvaccinated Pups

Dog wardens in Pennsylvania have planned a door-to-door canvassing schedule to check Rabies vaccination records and dog licenses in 26 of the state’s 67 counties. Residents with unlicensed or unvaccinated pets will face fines up to $300 per animal – including cats – as well as court costs. According to the PA Department of Agriculture, dogs three months or older must be licensed by January 1 of each year per Pennsylvania law. Licensing fees are $6.50 each for spayed and neutered … Read more

Senior Shelter Pit Bull Waits For Fairytale Ending

Once upon a time, in a shelter not so far away… That’s how many shelter stories start for dogs waiting for their forever home – this one is no different. This pretty princess is Jada. She’s a nine year old pit bull at Good Karma Dog Rescue in River Vale, New Jersey. Like most princesses in fairy tales, Jada has had her share of hardship, but she remains the same sweet, kindhearted girl she has always been. For the first … Read more

5 Tips For Calming Your Anxious Senior Dog While You’re Away

Separation anxiety is common in dogs, and can develop or worsen as they age. Pup parents may be especially surprised if their once-calm companion starts stressing out in their senior years, even if they never seemed to have a problem before. Related: The 10 Best Calming Supplements for Dogs Older dogs may become more dependent on their owners as their joints stiffen and their senses start to dull, leading to nervousness while they’re all alone. They may also become more … Read more

Dog Nightmares

If you sleep with a dreaming dog, don't be surprised to wake up to your pooch quietly whining and kicking you as their legs twitch in their sleep. If you turn the light on, you can even see their eyes moving behind their closed eyelids. It's nice to picture them frolicking through fields and chasing squirrels in Dreamland, but as with humans, not all unconscious images are pleasant. Science has made it clear that since dogs can dream, they can ... Read more

Training Service Dogs Take An Adorable Field Trip To Disneyland

Visitors to Disneyland on March 29 were even more delighted than usual when they caught sight of some very special guests – a handful of service dogs in training from Canine Companions for Independence! The pups, decked out in a variety of the park’s famous mouse ears, enjoyed a well-deserved day of fun, complete with rides, character meet-and-greets, and plenty of precious photo ops! The dogs had a grand old time experiencing Disney’s slow-moving attractions, including the Teacups, Pirates of the … Read more

Do Dogs Really Hold Grudges Like Humans Do?

There’s a certain look dog owners know too well. It’s that unhappy glance you get when you leave for work in the morning or take away the trash your pup found discarded on the sidewalk. It can happen when you step on your dog’s tail or take them to the vet for a check up. In worst case scenarios, “the look” also comes with obvious signs of distress like cowering and trembling, and some dogs resort to ignoring the offending … Read more

Community Joins Together To Help Boy With Autism Reunite With Lost Therapy Dog

Twelve-year-old Jacob Calloway from Austin, Texas took to social media this week to ask his community for a special favor. Last Thursday, Jacob’s four-legged best friend and therapy dog named Munsta Boi got out of his family’s yard. Not willing to give up looking, Jacob tearfully asked his friends, neighbors, and the entire Austin community to help him bring Munsta home. It took almost a week and over 1,400 shares on social media, but Austin came through for Jacob in … Read more

Massive Therapy Dog Wears A Stethoscope & Tie To See His “Patients”

Dr. Quincy March had to earn his title just like every other professional healer. As an 8-week-old puppy, his owner, Karen could already sense something special in him. Quincy had a calming effect on everyone he met. With lots of training and hard work, he earned his certification from Therapy Dogs International just two days after his first birthday! From that point on, Quincy has devoted himself to brightening the lives of hospital patients and nursing home residents, as well … Read more

Man Who Tortured Dog Sentenced To 8-10 Years Prison, Deportation

Polish national Radoslaw Czerkawski, who was convicted of abusing “Puppy Doe” – a Pit Bull mix named Kiyah – was sentenced to 8-10 years in prison and deportation for the torture of the dog, who was forced to be euthanized due to the horrific extent of her injuries. He was also sentenced to two years of probation and forbidden from ever having contact with, much less owning, another animal. Once he has completed his prison sentence, he will be deported … Read more

Your Input Could Help Scientists Bust Breed Stereotypes

A now-famous 2012 study conducted by the Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida demonstrated just how inaccurate the average human – and most canine experts – are at identifying a dog’s breed mix by sight alone. Now, a team of scientists from Darwin’s Dogs is searching for volunteers to help further their research on the same subject. They hope to gain insight into how superficial perceptions affect our lives with dogs.  Darwin’s Dogs is a project … Read more

Treating Nasal Hyperkeratosis: How To Help Your Dog’s Dry Nose

While nearly all dogs can experience mild dryness of the nose, nasal hyperkeratosis is a more intense form of nasal dryness experienced by some dogs. Nasal Hyperkeratosis (also known as Nasodigitalis) an idiopathic condition, meaning that its origin or cause is unknown. Nasal hyperkeratosis is marked by the excessive formulation of nose crust called keratin, which is a type of protein overgrowth. This condition isn’t life-threatening and most veterinarians consider Nasal hyperkeratosis as merely a cosmetic issue. However, dry nose may … Read more

Dogs Have These 5 Major Personality Types

Just like people, dogs have different personalities that can fall into different personality types. A dog may display more than one personality type, but usually one will be more dominant than the others. Understanding your dog’s personality type can make a big difference in how you train your dog and react to their behaviors. Just like trying to push a shy introvert to become the life of the party is bound to be a difficult task, trying to force your … Read more

Tiny Dog Survives 6 Nights Missing In Alaska & Finally Returns Home

A happy family has been reunited with their missing Maltese after she spent six days lost in Anchorage, Alaska. According to KTUU, Luna was out for a walk when she saw another dog on the trail and took off. Kennedy Webster and her boyfriend Laudon chased after Luna, but were unable to catch up to her. The couple spent over an hour retracing their steps, searching the area, and calling out for Luna, but were not able to find her. … Read more

Do Dogs Dream Like We Do?

Anyone who’s watched a pup wag her tail, bark, or even move her paws as if running in her sleep probably doesn’t need convincing that dogs can dream. But are our companion’s nocturnal experiences similar to ours…  and what exactly do they dream about? How do we know that dogs dream? A 2001 study by MIT determined that rats dream by measuring their brainwaves while completing a maze while they were awake. After measuring similar patterns while they slept, it … Read more

UK Travel Company Seeks Adventurous Pooch To Review Dog-Friendly Vacations

The UK-based company, Canine Cottages is searching for the perfect pooch to fill the position of Canine Critic. The hours are “between the time of sleeping, naps and more sleeping,” benefits include four paid vacations per year with their favorite human, and the salary is a highly competitive mix of “treats and surprises from top dog brands.” Does your pup have what it takes to land this doggy dream job? The property managers at Canine Cottages are devoted to helping vacationers … Read more

Dog Who Visited Dying Owner In Hospital Gets Groomed Before Attending The Funeral

The story of a terminally-ill grandfather who was allowed a final visit from his beloved Border Collie, Shep, has captured hearts around the world this week. Shauni Piggott, the owner of the House of Howlers Dog Grooming service, was just one of those hearts that was touched. She told The Courier: “I’ve groomed Shep a couple of times in the past and I could see how much he meant to Mr Robson and the family. When I saw the video of them in … Read more

Coffee for a Cause: Never Feel Guilty About That Extra Cup Because It Feeds Shelter Dogs

Need a reason to justify that next cup of coffee? Look no further. A new line of coffee called “Drink Coffee. Feed Dogs.” makes a striking promise: Every single cup you drink provides a meal for shelter dog. Teaming up with charity partners GreaterGood.org and RescueBank, iHeartDogs donates a full 25 meals to animal shelters with each bag sold, corresponding to one meal per cup of coffee (it’s a 12 oz. bag of beans). And if you think this is … Read more

Dog Walker Watch Programs Are Helping Keep An Eye On Crime

There are more than 75 million people who own dogs in the United States, according to the Humane Society of the United States and the ASPCA. Most of those people walk their dogs on a regular basis. Therefore, they probably know their neighborhoods better than most and are more apt to notice when something – or someone – is out of place and potentially causing a problem. That’s the idea behind Dog Walker Watch programs that are springing up around … Read more

Family & Rescue At Odds Over Lost Dog That’s Found Unspayed & Unvaccinated

When a rescue group took a lost pup into their care and told her family she needed medical treatment before being released, the owners described it as a “hostage” situation. However, the Korean K9 Rescue says it was a matter of responsibility and following the law. The Cipia’s dog, a 4-year-old Shiba Inu named Lily, got loose and a pair of good Samaritans turned her in to the Korean K9 Rescue (KK9R) in Queens, New York. From there, the group … Read more

American Dog Is Stuck In Germany After Airline Refuses To Let Him Fly

Joey, a 9-year-old Beagle/Australian Shepherd mix, has such bad separation anxiety that a German airline twice refused to board him on a plane home to the United States. They were afraid that he would hurt himself during the flight after he had already destroyed 2 airline-approved dog carriers and lacerated his nose in his attempts to escape and find his family. Now, Joey’s dad is back in Germany with no idea how to get him back to the United States. … Read more

Shelter Dog Gives Birth The Day She’s Brought To Safety & Her Transport Was Funded By 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.  Liberty came from the Lancaster Shelter in California. She was not only petrified and shaking in her kennel, but she was also pregnant. This was a special rescue for the Shelter Transport Animal Rescue Team (S.T.A.R.T.), as it took a great deal of teamwork to get Liberty out of the shelter and to … Read more

Dog Rescued From Abandonment Gets The Nourishment He Needs, Thanks To You!

Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good Charities, which helps support various programs. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings, like the one below, are made possible.  Someone found Micka in a garage with six other dogs. He was skin and bones before Almost Home rescue took him in. There, he able to learn to trust and love people, probably for the first time in his life.  Micka had been abused and had no socialization skills. But the … Read more

Your Purchases Helped Pair This Veteran With His Beloved Dog

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.  Elmer is an Army veteran who needed a companion to make life a little less stressful. He is certainly not alone: lots of veterans, especially, benefit from the love and loyalty of a pet or service animal when transitioning back into civilian life. It’s something they most certainly deserve after serving our … Read more

10 Signs Of Canine Cancer Every Dog Owner Should Know

The National Cancer Institute’s Center for Cancer Research reports that around six million dogs in the U.S. are diagnosed with spontaneous cancer every year. While a better understanding of canine nutrition and advanced veterinary technology is prolonging the average dog’s lifespan, the risk of developing cancer increases as a dog ages. Recent reports indicate about half of dogs over 10 years old are diagnosed with some type of cancer.1 We must take it upon ourselves as concerned pet parents to know … Read more

Thanks To Your Purchases, This Rural Shelter Got A Much-Needed Makeover

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.  Geary Animal Shelter in Junction City, Kansas, was a rural animal shelter that just needed a little help with building maintenance. Typically, rural shelters have fewer donations due to location, so whatever money comes in, they spent on the animals. With volunteers from the local community and a local U.S. Army Base, Rescue … Read more

6 Must-Have Items To Put In Your Dog’s Easter Basket

One of the best parts of celebrating Easter with our furry family is putting together the basket! We love giving our pets gifts, and Easter is just one more excuse to spoil our dogs. Even if they can’t eat candy, we can still share the fun of a great Easter basket with our pets! It’s important to remember not to include chocolate or other snacks high in sugar and fat in your dog’s basket – but there are “cheats” and … Read more

9 Reasons Why Male & Female Dogs Hump, Even If They’ve Been “Fixed”

For us humans, it’s not exactly socially acceptable to go up to an acquaintance — or even an old friend, for that matter — and start humping them. Nor is it appropriate to go to town on a toy or pillow with onlookers nearby. However, our canine companions don’t have these kinds of social inhibitions, but for us humans, our pups’ frisky behavior can be pretty embarrassing! Sometimes, a mount can even lead to an altercation between two dogs. So … Read more

Old Sad-Eyed Shelter Dog Gets a Second Chance, Finds Forever Family Thanks to iHeartDogs Customers!

Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good Charities, which helps support various charitable programs. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings, like the one below, are made possible. Mickey was already 10 years old when he was dumped by his former people at a high-kill shelter in California. A senior dog with sad eyes, Mickey was confused as to why he had been left there at all. He only wanted to be loved, and … Read more

This Shelter Defies Dog Breed Labels By Throwing Them Out The Window

The folks at the Arizona Welfare League (AAWL) know that every dog’s personality is different, shaped by its history, experiences, and temperament. Following a study conducted by Arizona State University, this organization wanted to give all the dogs in their care a fair chance at winning over potential adopters with nothing but their good looks and shining personalities. Michael Morefield, Marketing and Communications Manager at the AAWL, weighed in on the issue in an article by Life With Dogs.  “Breeds are an aspect of … Read more

Is Your Dog’s Breed On This List? Make Sure You’re Cleaning Their Ears Once a Week

  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 … Read more

Why Is My Dog Aggressive Towards Some Dogs But Not Others?

Some dogs are happy-go-lucky with every pooch they meet. They have never encountered a furry face they didn't want to befriend. Unfortunately, these social butterflies are the minority in the dog world. Most only enjoy spending time with certain pups and some seem to have no use for their own kind at all. The reasons behind your dog's choice in companions often comes down to basic canine communication.  “Dogs communicate with each other in ways that we don’t get, that ... Read more

6 Ideas To Help Your Dog Sleep Through The Night

Parents of small children know sleepless nights are bound to happen, but what about pup parents? Many dog owners learn the hard way that like babies, dogs don’t always respect your desired sleep schedule. You love them, but that doesn’t mean you love waking up multiple times a night to deal with their crying and acting out. Puppies don’t sleep through the night because they’re still working on house training, but it’s also a common problem for adult and senior … Read more

Dog Gives Birth In Motel Room During Her Dramatic Cross-Country Rescue

Zoe, an extremely pregnant Terrier mix, was slated for euthanasia at an Alabama animal shelter when Sandi Paws Rescue, based out of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, heard about her and knew that they had to rescue her, no matter what. A regular rescue transport was already scheduled, but mama Zoe wasn’t fit for the traditional transport since she was so close to delivering her puppies. That’s when Sandi Paws Rescue volunteers Laura McCauley and Jamie Orr decided to drive 13 … Read more

Joplin Humane Society Gets New And Improved Play Yard Thanks To Your Help!

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. Animal shelters know the key to keeping their dogs happy is to give them plenty of play time. Joplin Humane Society had play areas for their dogs, but the hot Missouri sun made it difficult for the dogs to be outside when summer temperatures can exceed 100 degrees. They were in need of … Read more

Science Says Dogs Recognize Happiness Better Than Any Other Human Emotion

When you’re in bed with the flu or grieving the loss of a loved one, your dog seems to understand your emotions in a way that doesn’t require words. Dogs are experts at making us feel better when we’re sad, but scientists believe sadness isn’t the emotion dogs respond to best. On the opposite side of the spectrum, dogs love it when their humans are happy. Happy humans play games, give praise, and pass out treats. Some of the reasons … Read more

Couple Spends The Morning Of Their Wedding Day Walking For Rescue Dogs

When Matthew and Mara Dudley of Clarksburg, West Virginia were first set up through a mutual friend, they each had a specific prerequisite for their blind date: must love dogs! Luckily, they both turned out to be pup lovers, and on March 24, they tied the knot in historic Williamsburg, Virginia – but not before celebrating with a fundraising dog parade to benefit Heritage Humane Society! The couple fell in love with Williamsburg while dating and decided it would make the … Read more

Why Do Some Dogs Hate The Rain?

It’s raining, it’s pouring, and the dog refuses to go outside. While some dogs seem drawn to water whether it’s a muddy puddle or a springtime rainstorm, others do everything in their power to stay perpetually dry. The threat of getting wet keeps them inside no matter how full their bladder, and even a slight drizzle on their daily walk is enough to launch them into panic. If this sounds like your dog, you already know how challenging an aversion … Read more

Dog Park Doodles Capture Every Pup’s Unique Character

On the rare bright and sunny day in Portland, Oregon, dog owners and their pups come out in droves. They flock to local off-leash parks to soak up the sun while the furrier members of the crowd get the chance to run and play with their fair weather friends. Behind the big dogs and little dogs having fun at one particular park, there’s also Mike Bennett. Mike doesn’t have a dog; he’s there for a different reason. By day, Mike … Read more

Science Tells Whether Or Not Dogs Really Pick Their Owners Over Strangers

Every dog owner wants to think that in a test of favorites, their pet would pick them every time. It’s that classic game of who belongs to who where two people stand on opposite sides and the dog picks who they want to go with. TV characters do it to determine who the dog’s real owner is, but does it work in real life? A study in the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior suggests something dog owners don’t … Read more

3,000 Golden Retrievers Are Paving The Way For Cancer Research

A groundbreaking lifetime study of 3,044 Golden Retrievers is hoping to find some answers about what sort of factors may lead to cancer, not only in that breed, but in all dogs and even people. In-depth record keeping of each dog in the study aims to find common factors in dogs that do or don’t develop cancer in their lifetimes. Scientists think it is probably some combination of genetic and environmental factors that make some dogs – or people – … Read more

Texas Bakery Sets The World Record For Biggest Dog Cake!

Everything is bigger in Texas – and that includes dog cakes! This weekend at the Mighty Texas Dog Walk in Austin, Texas a local bakery not only raised the bar for the Guinness World Record for Biggest Dog Cake, they SHATTERED the previous record! Set by Petmania of Ireland just last year, the largest cake (before this) weighed 202 lbs. and served over 150 dogs. The people at Elly’s Sweet Shop of Austin spent time breaking down their regular-sized pupcake … Read more

2 Dogs Die, 4 Become Ill From Poisonous Mushrooms

Spring is in the air, and along with milder temperatures and fresh blooms, pet parents should be aware that some of the season’s new growth may also be poisonous for their pets. In Wake County, North Carolina, a dog mom of six is mourning the tragic loss of two of her pups after they all ingested poisonous mushrooms from her yard.   Janna Joyner, who works at a nonprofit group that fosters dogs, came home to find four of her … Read more

7 Reasons Why Your Dog May Be Scooting

You may have seen a dog – maybe your own – dragging his bum along the carpet or ground, commonly referred to as “scooting.” While some may find it gross and others funny, the fact is, it’s not funny at all; it’s a sign that there’s something wrong. A dog’s scooting likely has to do with his anal sacs, the glands located on either sign of his rectum that secrete scents used to mark territory. If you see your pup … Read more

Horribly Abused Pit Bull Puppy Is Recovering And Awaiting Forever Home

DISCLAIMER: Some readers may find pictures and videos in this story to be disturbing. Please continue with that in mind. In the early-morning hours of February 23, a 9-month-old Pit Bull was found tied to a fence by her muzzle in Philadelphia. She was taken to a Philadelphia animal shelter, and her name, Emerald (Emmie for short), was on a list of dogs scheduled for euthanasia that was emailed to Outcast Rescue. The rescue immediately came and got her and … Read more

The Ugly Truth About Cloning Your Dog

The first successful dog cloning took place in 2005 when Snuppy, an Afghan Hound puppy, was created from the ear skin of a dog named Tai. The pup was named one of the most amazing “inventions” of the year by Time Magazine. Due to differences in their reproductive process, dogs are more difficult to clone than other mammals, but the science has progressed considerably since Snuppy came into the world. However, this remarkable technology comes at a price, one that extends … Read more

10 Misconceptions About Animal Shelters

Animal shelters across the country do their best to care for the millions of pets that come through their doors every year, but prevailing misconceptions are interfering with their life-saving efforts. Shelters are part of every community, but not everyone understands exactly what they do and what they’re all about. These issues of confusion are hurting adoptable animals, and it’s time to set the record straight. Here are a few myths about animal shelters that simply aren’t true. 1. Shelters … Read more