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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

How To Tell If Your Dog’s Panting Isn’t Normal

Like chasing tennis balls and wagging their tails, panting is one of those classic canine behaviors we’ve all learned to expect. It’s completely normal in many situations, but there are also times when a dog’s panting isn’t quite right. They do it for a number of perfectly natural reasons, but it could also be a sign your dog is suffering either emotionally or physically. It’s up to you to know the difference, but that’s harder than it sounds. Normal Panting … Read more

5 Signs Your Dog Is Jealous And How To Deal With It

Do dogs get jealous?

Do dogs get jealous? Animal experts and dog behaviorists don’t always agree on whether or not dogs experience jealousy in the same way humans do. A 2014 study suggests canines do indeed feel envy, but it might be based on other more instinctual emotions, like resource guarding. Whether it’s the exact same emotion humans feel or not, when you get down to it, dogs really do get jealous. They become attached to people and even objects, and it’s a natural … Read more

Breaking News: Popular Dog Treat Brand Announces Recall

Yesterday, the J.M. Smucker Company announced a voluntary recall of specific lots of their Milo’s kitchen dog treats due to the possibility of elevated levels of beef thyroid hormone. High levels of beef thyroid hormone can cause symptoms such as increased thirst and urination, weight loss, increased heart rate and restlessness. While these symptoms will usually disappear when they stop consuming contaminated products, long-term use may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and rapid or labored breathing. It is recommended that you take your … Read more

Photographer Captures The Heart & Soul Of “Perfectly Imperfect” Dogs

Growing up in the South Australia outback, Alex Cearns learned to love and care for all creatures great and small. Aside from her family’s own dogs, rabbits, horses, guinea pigs and sheep, she also helped her mother care for orphaned and injured wildlife. As an adult, Cearns was inspired to combine her passion for animals with her love of photography.   She left her job as a police officer in 2010 to focus on photography full-time and started Houndstooth Studio, helping adoring … Read more

Common Causes Of Dry Paw Pads + Natural Remedies

dry dog paws remedies

Socks, slippers, sandals, boots… we humans have many ways of protecting our feet, but our dogs don’t! Sure, you can try to put booties over your pup’s paws, but even if they don’t kick them off, those precious pads can still get dry and cracked. For this reason, home remedies for dry dog paws are essential. Related: What is Paw Pad Hyperkeratosis aka “Hairy Dog Paws”? In addition to coming into direct contact with all types of surfaces and terrain, … Read more

Top 4 Tips For Avoiding Dementia In Your Senior Dog

As dogs age, their muzzles grow grey, their bodies slow down, and some are at risk of developing dementia. Also referred to as canine senility or Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), dementia is a condition that can cause stress, anxiety, confusion, and puts a dog’s safety at risk. It’s heartbreaking to watch a senior dog suffer from the effects of dementia, but it’s a painful reality everyone who loves an aging dog needs to prepare for. The exact cause of dementia … Read more

Why Do Dogs Lick The Air?

A dog’s quirky behavior can be entertaining to watch, and sometimes it’s about nothing more than them expressing a unique personality. Other times, however, there’s an underlying issue leading them to do seemingly strange things. One of those things is licking the air. A dog that licks the air sticks their tongue out of their mouth and appears to lap up imaginary liquid. They’re not licking their lips like how some dogs do after dinner or when they’re nervous—they’re literally … Read more

Hear What Bill Murray Has To Say About His New Animated Movie, “Isle of Dogs”

If you love legendary actor Bill Murray, and you love dogs (well, of course you do!) then the new animated movie, Isle of Dogs, is a must-see! It poses a question that makes us shudder: what would life be like without dogs? The film is about a crooked mayor who banishes all the dogs in the city to an island full of garbage. Refusing to abandon his best friend, one brave boy sets out to bring his best friend back! In the … Read more

6 Reasons Why Your Dog Should Walk On A Harness Instead Of A Collar

The question of whether to use a collar or harness when walking your pup is an important one. It’s hard to resist the limitless colors and designs of personalized collars, but choosing what’s best for your dog should be about more than style. Collars are great for identification and holding your dog’s name tag and registration, but they’re not right for every situation. For many dogs, a harness is the best way forward when it comes to a daily walk. … Read more

Ohio May Join 12 Other States That Have A State Dog

12 states already have a state dog, and Ohio is trying to join them by adding the Labrador Retriever as theirs. Jeff Rezabek, the Republican representative who proposed House Bill 539, said he wanted to propose a fun bill in his last term. His family has owned Labrador Retrievers for many years and they have been named the most popular breed in the country for the last 26 years, according to the American Kennel Club . He told CNN: “I saw that the Labrador … Read more

United Airlines Suspends Flying Dogs In Cargo

After a week that saw United Airlines try to manage 3 separate dog-related incidents on their flights, they have decided to suspend the PetSafe program that allows dogs to ride in the cargo hold of the plane. Small dogs will still be allowed in the cabin as carry on luggage in approved carriers. While the airline will not accept any new reservations for pets flying in cargo, they will honor reservations that were made prior to this decision. The suspension … Read more

Specialty Pet Food Company Faces Lawsuit For “False Advertising”

Recently, a class action lawsuit has been filed against Champion Pet Food, makers of specialty dog and cat food brands ACANA and Orijen. The lawsuit, which represents consumers in Minnesota, California and Florida, claims that these products exhibit “false advertising” among other violations. These brands are advertised on their website as providing “biologically appropriate” diets of the highest quality for both dogs and cats, as well as using “fresh regional ingredients” that are packaged in high-tech Dogstar Kitchens. That’s why consumers … Read more

Delta Mixes Up Puppies Shipped By Breeder More Than Halfway Across The U.S.

Another mix-up in canine “cargo” occurred this week, but luckily, these pups are alright. Still, they had one heck of a journey – one that was likely stressful, uncomfortable, and terrifying. A breeder from Virginia shipped two puppies via a plane headed for Idaho. There was supposed to be a layover in Minneapolis, but instead, the flight landed in Detroit for the night. Meanwhile, Josh Schlaich, one of the pups’ new owners, got a call from Delta saying the flight would … Read more

Activists Gather At La Guardia, Demanding “Justice For Kokito”

Animal rights activists gathered at La Guardia on Sunday in order to express their concerns over animal safety in airports. The protesters had a message —  “Justice for Kokito” — referring to the French Bulldog puppy that died on a United Airlines flight last week.  The death occurred after the passenger was told by a flight attendant to put the pup (in his carrier) in the overhead bin, where he likely suffocated. United Airlines defended the flight attendant by … Read more

Dog Won’t Stop Itching? Why Pet Parents Are Turning to Neem Oil for Relief

Between allergies, fleas, mites, and standard dry skin, an itchy dog is a miserable dog. There are several reasons why Fido might be scratching more than usual, and it’s not always easy for dog owners to find the kind of relief they need. You can try bathing them and ask your veterinarian for medication, but there’s an all-natural way to stop the itch. Neem oil is something humans have been using for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. It can … Read more

Are Your Dog’s Paw Pads Hairy? It Might Be Hyperkeratosis. Here’s What To Do.

  What Exactly is Paw Pad Hyperkeratosis in Dogs? The prefix “hyper” refers to overstimulation, and “keratosis” comes from the word “keratin.” You most likely recognize that word from your shampoo bottle, and that’s a good place to start. Keratin is a type of fibrous protein used as one of the main ingredients in hair, claws, and the outer layer of skin. Dogs naturally produce their own supply of keratin, but hyperkeratosis means they produce much more than they need. … Read more

United Faces Another Dog Dilemma After Dog Placed On Wrong Flight

A United Airlines flight was diverted from its intended destination of St. Louis, Missouri to Akron, Ohio when it was discovered that a dog in cargo had been loaded onto the wrong plane. Flight 3996 left from Newark, New Jersey on its way to St. Louis when the airline discovered there was a canine passenger aboard who was not bound for St. Louis, but was intended to be on a flight to Akron, Ohio instead. The airline decided that the best course … Read more

Rescue Dog Hilariously Invents His Own Agility Routine At Crufts Dog Show

The world famous Crufts Dog Show just celebrated its 127th year. A very different show than it was in 1891, it now features working dogs and rescue dogs alongside traditional show dogs. Baron Kratu von Bearbum is one of the fabulous pups that participated in the Rescue Dog Agility event. Described by owner, Tessa Eagle Swan as “a natural clown,” Kratu decided to put his unique stamp on the course and create his own routine. The resulting footage became instant internet gold … Read more

Every Purchase Of Good Reasons Dog Treats Helps Those Living With Autism And Developmental Disabilities

Do you have Good Reasons for choosing the treats you give your dog? Vicki Sylvester has been working with people with disabilities as the CEO of Community Based Services, a non-profit in Westchester, New York, for over 35 years. Community Based Services (CBS) helps those with autism and other developmental disabilities learn life skills, find assistance, and get involved in their communities through volunteer work and recreation. One of their most exciting initiatives has been Good Reasons – a business … Read more

How To Heal Your Dog’s Tight, Uncomfortable Elbow Calluses

What Is An Elbow Callus and What Causes Them? Sometimes called pressure sores, dog elbow calluses can appear as a result of your dog’s body protecting the bone (the ulna) that protrudes from the leg. Continual trauma caused by your dog laying down on hard surfaces causes the skin to thicken in order to protect the bone. As a result of the thickening skin, the fur often falls out and the surface becomes coarse. Tile, concrete, and hard dirt surfaces … Read more

The WOOFF Act Will Keep Dogs Out of Airplane Overhead Bins

One day after a dog died on a United Airlines flight, U.S. congress began making moves to better protect pets when they board planes. The Welfare Of Our Furry Friends (WOOFF) Act was officially filed on Thursday to prohibit animals from being placed in overhead bins. While United has a reputation for dismal service when it comes to transporting pets, the most recent incident prompting this new law has reached a new level of reproach. Catalina Robledo and her daughter boarded … Read more

Dog Is Stolen From Shelter Moments Before Being Adopted

Brad, a 5-pound Yorkie, was stolen right out of his kennel at PAWS Atlanta while his hopeful future mom was signing his adoption paperwork. He had only been at the shelter for a week and had already had several people inquire about him. Kay Kenimer had seen Brad’s picture online and had her heart set on adopting him. She’d just lost her 14-year-old Maltese earlier this month and was ready for a new companion. As she was paying the fee and … Read more

Glee Actor Matthew Morrison Expresses Outrage Over Animal Abuse On Movie Set

The producers of a Chinese science fiction movie called Crazy Alien are being accused of animal abuse toward a German Shepherd who was appearing in the film. The movie stars Matthew Morrison, who played Will Schuester on the show Glee, however he was not on set when the alleged abuse occurred. According to PEOPLE, an unidentified whistleblower contacted PETA in hopes that they could take action on the incident. On their blog, PETA reports: “In a log of the incident, the whistleblower states, ‘On November 28th, … Read more

Dog Showers: The Latest Home Trend Every Pup Parent Needs

We’ve all been there. You get caught in the rain while walking your pup or take a particularly messy romp on the beach. It’s all fun and games until it comes time to bring your muddy, stinky pooch back into the house. Luckily there is a stylish solution to this very problem. According to a recent New York Times report, dog showers are the latest home decor trend among pet parents. Ken Malian, co-owner of GreenRose Fine Homes & Design in … Read more

The Top 5 Issues Affecting Senior Dogs According To Our Survey & What Owners Can Do

Earlier this month, we shared a poll on our iHeartSeniorDogs Facebook page to identify the most common health problems facing older dogs. Five ailments stood out overwhelmingly above the rest: joint pain, hearing loss, skin allergies, vision loss, and dental problems. It’s heartbreaking to see your best friends suffer, so read on to find out how you can improve their quality of life when it comes to these issues! 1. Joint Pain/Arthritis More than 1,000 responders noted that their senior … Read more

A Story Of Love: A Little Brown Dog And His AgriChew

Ike’s a chocolate-colored Chihuahua Dachshund mix (so we think), I call him my lil’ choco-chi-weenie. We got him from a local shelter in November 2016. Like plenty of dogs, Ike likes toys. He’s pretty excited when I bring a new toy home, but for the most part the toy is a big hit for a bit and then is forgotten in a corner after a few days. It’s fine, and I actually try to rotate his toys so that I … Read more

2 Simple Ways To Protect Your Dog Against Painful Springtime Ear Infections

Every veterinarian knows spring has arrived through one simple indicator: a dramatic rise in dogs battling painful ear infections. 🙁 In fact, ear infections are in the top 2 most common reasons that owner’s take their dog to the vet. Ear infections in dogs are not something that should be taken lightly. They are painful and uncomfortable for your dog, and if you have a breed prone to ear infections, it can be difficult and time consuming having to treat … Read more

11 Dog Breeds That Make Great Running Partners

Waking up for an early morning run and spending weekends improving your endurance will be a lot more fun when you have a running partner matching your pace. You can cajole your two-legged friends into being your mental motivation, but dogs have long since been prized partners when it comes to everyday exercise. They’re athletic and enthusiastic, and the right dog will push you toward achieving your goals. They won’t bail on your early morning runs, and you’ll never hear … Read more

How To Help Your Dog Recover From Surgery

No two post-operative recoveries are exactly alike. Age, overall health, and type of surgery all play a role in the length and quality of a dog’s recovery period. While the specifics may vary, there are several things you can do before, immediately after, and in the days post-op to ensure your dog recuperates as quickly and painlessly as possible from any procedure.   Before Surgery The best indication of how your dog will behave after surgery is his or her … Read more

Check Out The Campus At Amazon’s Dog-Friendly Headquarters

Amazon is a notoriously dog-friendly workplace, but it was only recently disclosed exactly how dog-friendly they really are. In a recent blog post, Amazon announced that as many as 6,000 dogs come to work with their owners at their Seattle headquarters every day. That’s a lot of dogs! A post shared by The Life of a Coporate Dog (@dogsofamazon) on Aug 21, 2015 at 2:12pm PDT The doggy culture was started early on when a husband and wife who both … Read more

Petition To Airlines Goes Viral After Dog Dies Shoved In Overhead Bin

You may have seen recent reports of the death of a pup while aboard a United flight from Houston to New York earlier this week. A flight attendant told a family that their dog, who was in a TSA approved carrier, would need to be put in the overhead bin. After some argument, the attendant assured the family that their dog would be safe, but three hours later when they arrived at their destination, he was dead. This isn’t the … Read more

DNA Test Reunites Littermates Displaced By Hurricane Harvey

DNA testing is all the rage these days. With a simple cheek swab, curious humans can learn all about their own cultural heritage or unlock their beloved mutt’s unique blend of breeds. When two families living nearly 1,000 miles apart submitted DNA tests to Embark Veterinary, they expected to learn the genetic makeup of the rescue pups they adopted in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. They had no idea they would discover their dogs’ long-lost littermate in the process! Ollie was … Read more

Facebook Message From A Stranger Returns Stolen Husky To Rightful Home

6 months after Feather the Siberian Husky was stolen right out of her own backyard in Moline, Illinois, her mom, Briana Martin, received a Facebook message from a stranger. The stranger said that he had just found out from his cousin that his parents – whom he is estranged from – had stolen Feather and taken her to live with them in Cedar Rapids, Iowa – nearly 90 miles away from where they had stolen her. https://www.facebook.com/525456724510533/photos/a.525461044510101/711824685873735/?type=3&theater Martin passed along … Read more

Picasso, The “Perfectly Imperfect” Celebrity Dog, Is Being Honored For His Courage

One year ago, a crooked-faced pooch named Picasso was rescued from a kill shelter along with his brother, Pablo. Liesl Wilhardt, the executive director of Luvable Dog Rescue in Oregon, welcomed the bonded pair with the intention of finding them the perfect adoptive family. But when tragedy touched both Wilhardt and Picasso, the veteran rescuer realized that Picasso was already home. Check out our original story on Picasso! A post shared by Picasso (@picassothewonkyfaceddog) on Feb 20, 2018 at 6:31am PST Last week, The … Read more

Man Keeps Promise By Re-Adopting The Dog He Was Forced To Surrender 4 Months Ago

Lewis Jiminez adopted Titus as an 8-month-old puppy from the Austin Animal Center in 2013, never imagining that fate would force him to return the pup in November of 2017 over a dispute with a landlord. On February 25, Jiminez finally found new housing that allowed Pit Bulls and he was able to adopt Titus again. Thankfully, he hadn’t been adopted by anybody else while Jiminez searched for affordable housing that would allow Titus to come home again. Shelter staff, who … Read more

10 Signs It’s Time To Switch To A New Vet

Having a good relationship with a veterinarian is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. From annual check-ups to emergency situations, you need to know your chosen vet will give your pup the best possible care. Trust, respect, and confidence all come into play, and unfortunately, you can’t always find the ideal person with the first office you schedule appointments with. If a recent experience has you doubting whether or not you’ve found “the one,” pay attention to … Read more

Dog Rescued From Burning Home Reunites With The Heroes Who Saved Him

Alex Collins, a single mother living in northern California, was out interviewing for a new job when she received a devastating phone call. Her neighbor called to say her house was in flames, and her dog was still inside. Thankfully, the woman’s toddler was safe at daycare, but when she arrived home, she had no idea whether her dog named Boo would live or die.   Thanks to the dedicated work of the Chico Fire Department, Boo was rescued from … Read more

England Plans To Join The Rest Of The UK In Banning Shock Collars

With both Wales and Scotland prohibiting electric shock collars used for animal training, England was the only country in the UK not on board with the ban. A group of lawmakers and animal advocates, however, are pushing to change that. A plan is in the works to bring about a ban that will unite the UK in a stance against the unnecessary suffering caused by shock collars used for dog training. Environment Secretary Michael Gove announced on Sunday the government’s … Read more