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18 Awesome Gift Ideas For The Pit Bull Lover In Your Life

Pit bull is a term that we have learned to associate with many different things. It's this umbrella term that is used to describe the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and sometimes even the American Bulldog. And regardless of the unfair things we hear people say about pit bull type dogs, we know that it's the owner, not the dogs, who are the ones that are mean. So for those of us who have had the ... Read more

Should I Worry About Cleaning My Dog’s Anal Glands?

Maybe you’ve noticed that your dog’s behind has been noticeably smelly. Perhaps you’ve seen your dog scooting. You may have even heard that the area needs some cleaning on a regular basis. Should you be concerned that his or her anal glands need to be expressed? We at iHeartDogs asked Dr. Michel Selmer, DVM, CTCVMP, about if and when we should consult a vet. Also known as “The Caring Vet,” Dr. Selmer is a Certified Veterinary Food Therapist (CVFT) who uses principles … Read more

Top 10 Gifts For Women Who Love Dogs

For women who adore dogs, certain gifts are just going to be more meaningful to them than others. We’d venture to say that for this special lady gifts that do double duty by also giving back are going to mean a whole lot more to her. She’ll probably love knowing that the gifts you’ve picked out for her have helped pups and individuals in need! We’re pretty sure that any of the following top 10 gifts for women who love … Read more

Why Dogs Love To Chew Your Stuff

It is extremely frustrating to come home and find a favorite hat, scarf or pair of shoes chewed beyond recognition. Worse still, this behavior can be a hazard to your pup’s health. Colin Tennant, chairman of the U.K. Canine and Feline Behaviour Association, has spent 30 years studying the behavioral motivations of dogs. He offers some interesting and relatable reasons for their love of chewing human items. “Chewing, for a dog, is like a human opening a door and looking … Read more

How To Help Your Dog Recover From Past Trauma

If you have an extremely fearful or reactive dog, especially one who was adopted, you may often wish you could ask, “What happened to you before you came into my life?” Unfortunately, our dogs can’t tell us what happened to them, so we may never know for sure why they act the way they do. The good news is that it is possible to help your dog recover to some degree from past trauma. Your dog will probably always be … Read more

The Best Gifts for Someone Who Loves Dogs

For someone who loves dogs, certain gifts are just going to be more meaningful than others. We’d venture to say that for dog-loving people, gifts that do double duty by also helping people and/or pets in need are going to mean a whole lot more. They’ll probably love knowing that the gifts you’ve picked out for them have helped dogs and individuals in need! Whether it’s your sibling, bestie, or the mail man, we’re sure they’ll appreciate the following gift … Read more

Do Dogs Remember Their Previous Owners?

If you’ve ever had a rescue dog, you’ve probably wondered if your dog remembers their previous owner. Dog memory doesn’t work the same as human memory, and it’s impossible to know for sure how much of what types of things dogs do remember throughout their lives. Still, there is evidence to suggest that dogs can remember previous owners, particularly if their experience with that owner was strikingly good or terribly abusive. Humans have “episodic memory,” which helps us understand past … Read more

Can Dogs Sense “Bad” People?

The internet is littered with anecdotes of people whose dogs knew somebody was bad news before they did. Is there any truth to claims that dogs can sense “bad” people? The short answer is yes, but only up to a point. Studies have shown that dogs notice people who are unkind to their owners and hold a grudge against them. In one study, dogs were reluctant to take treats from somebody who refused to help their owner open a container. … Read more

Strep Zoo Outbreak Forces Animal Shelter To Temporarily Close Its Doors

After a heartbreaking few days at the Lexington Humane Society, animal rescuers are hoping to control an outbreak of Streptococcus zooepedemicus. More commonly called Strep zoo, the deadly bacterial infection found in certain species of animal causes a sudden fever, lethargy, shallow breathing, and bloody discharges from the nose and mouth. The disease moves fast, and it’s been known to turn fatal in as little as 24 hours after first symptoms appear. So far, three dogs at the Lexington Humane … Read more

FINAL UPDATE: Sweet Senior Dog Finds A Loving Home To Spend His Last Holiday Season

Richmond Animal League in Virginia is hoping to find a special senior dog a home for what might be his last holiday season. Griswold is eight years old and was recently diagnosed with lymphoma. Chemotherapy is usually the recommended treatment for this common canine cancer, but a long-term solution doesn’t seem likely due to the severity of Griswold’s condition. The ailing Beagle also suffers from chronic dry eye and is recovering from a skin condition. Despite his medical condition, Griswold is … Read more

6 Ways To Improve Your Dog’s Health And Happiness

Wagging tails and slobbery kisses are always signs of a happy and healthy pup. You want that tail to wag as often as possible, but deciphering your dog’s specific needs isn’t always easy. They can’t tell you what they want, and you haven’t quite mastered those doggy mind-reading skills. If you’re worried your dog isn’t feeling as good as he should, there are steps you can take to improve their quality of life. Here are a few easy ideas that … Read more

RECALL ALERT: All-Natural Pet Food Gets Recalled

In a December 8th, 2017 announcement on Dog Food Advisor, raw food brand Darwin’s Natural Pet Food has issued its first recall listed on the site. The company is committed to selling whole, all-natural pet food, explaining on its website that the benefits of raw food diets include shinier coats, better energy, and relief from allergies. Unfortunately, no company is error-proof, and the following lots of food have been recalled due to possible Salmonella contamination: Natural Selections Turkey Meals for … Read more

Grieving Pet Parents Start Group To Provide Support Before, During, And After Pet Loss

In February of 2012, Kathryn Jennings and her family were becoming overwhelmed by the stress of managing the chronic or terminal health conditions of their 3 Miniature Schnauzers: Pookie Poo, Hallie Boo, and Sallie Lou. Kathryn knew her family needed emotional support during this trying time as they continued to make difficult decisions regarding their beloved pets’ care and found that nothing appropriate existed. Kathryn decided she needed to create a place where families like hers could get the support they … Read more

Special Needs Puppy Passes Miraculous Milestones, Thanks To Her Cat-Rescuing Foster Mom

On November 28, a very special puppy celebrated the latest in a series of extraordinary milestones. Her name is Sasha, and on that joyous day, she celebrated her 12 week birthday. For most puppies, turning three months old is a given, something taken for granted. But for Sasha – who was born with hydrocephalus, a cleft lip and cleft palate – each day is a gift.   From her very first day on earth, Sasha has been in the capable … Read more

13 Ways To Keep Your Dog Busy When You’re Stuck Indoors

Winter is rapidly approaching. In fact, for some areas of the world, it’s already here! Whether you are snowed in, housebound due to chilly rain, or simply feeling under the weather, these 13 activities will keep your pooch entertained when heading outside isn’t an option. 1. Play nosework games. Nosework is a wonderful bonding exercise and a fun alternative to basic fetch – plus your dog gets delicious snacks as a reward! If your pooch is new to nosework, you’ll … Read more

Emaciated “Grumpy Face” Dog Recovers With Healthy Food Provided By iHeartDogs Customers

Every purchase from the iHeartDogs store provides supports programs like GreaterGood’s RescueBank, providing healthy meals to rescues and shelters across the country. The following is a success story made possible from your support! – Sir Gideon was not always the distinguished, burly pooch he is today. He was found chained to an abandoned porch, weighing in at a death-defying 14 pounds. The photo below shows the emaciated Pit Bull mix a week after his rescue. At that point, he had … Read more

5 Paw-fect Gifts For Every Dog Personality

We know – and love – how every single pooch has his or her own unique personality. However, most people can agree that their dog’s general disposition falls into one (or more) major categories. Shopping for your pup and considering his or her personality can be fun for you and Fido/Fifi! Is your canine companion strong and independent? Mellow and low-key? A little high-strung? (This article explains 5 major personality types in more detail.) No matter how your purebred or mutt … Read more

A Pawesome Act Of Fate Brings Transplant Patient And Her Donor Together

Some may say it’s coincidence, but the story of how two women connected to change each other’s lives sounds a lot like fate. Sue Reale of Oakland, California had always wanted to adopt a dog, but an unexpected medical emergency put her plans off track. She needed a new kidney, but the odds of finding a donor diminished with each passing day.   Her hopeful sister thought of the plan to start a Facebook campaign to find a match. Despite … Read more

Crooked-Faced Rescue Dog Hopes To Find A Home For The Holidays

Courtney Bellew, director of Special Needs Animal Rescue (SNARR) in White Plains, NY has devoted her life to saving the broken, sick, elderly and unwanted dogs of New York, New Jersey and beyond. When she learned about a special dog with facial deformities abandoned at a Tennessee home by his former owners, she knew that he was just the kind of challenge she lives for. The puppy’s name is Woody and his uniquely shaped face is not a sign of … Read more

Rescue Workers Pull Dog Trapped In Frozen Creek To Safety

The Swift Current Fire Department in Saskatchewan, Canada is reminding residents of the dangers of thin ice after an off-leash dog broke through the brittle covering on a frozen creek. Firefighters responded to a call from the dog’s owner and were able to rescue the pup. The dramatic scene was captured on video and posted to the SCFD Facebook page as a warning to parents and pet owners. “STAY OFF THE ICE!!” Fire Chief Dennis Pilon wrote. “Yesterday afternoon, our … Read more

Canine Caught Red-Pawed: Clears Out Kibble Container And Falls Into Food Coma

It’s really hard for some of us to stick to a diet this time of year. You may have overdone it at Thanksgiving (and are already making excuses to do it again at Christmas), but you can feel better knowing that you didn’t go so far as this dog did. Reddit user Sunstoned1 caught his Great Pyrenees dog, Jack, red-pawed after having eaten a day’s worth of food in one sitting. Jack managed to open the storage bin, help himself … Read more

High School Students Gift Their Mourning Teacher A Pawesome Surprise

A group of teenagers at Clements High School in Alabama knew their history teacher, Troy Rogers, was going through a rough time. With no children of their own, Rogers and his wife doted on their senior dog. The 11-year-old Golden Retriever was blind, and one day the dog disappeared. After weeks of desperate searching, Rogers was forced to face an unwelcome truth. It was presumed the ailing dog wandered off to find a quiet place to take his last breath, … Read more

The Top Dog Names Of 2017

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: the time when we find out which dog names were most popular! The humans at MyDogsName.com put together this informative infographic compiled from user searches on their site. It’s no surprise Bella snags the top spot for female pups once again. It first appeared in the top 10 in 2009 and has remained at number 1 ever since, thanks to the popularity of the Twilight movies! The list for males gets all shaken up, … Read more

Where is the Brite Bite Made and What Testing Has It Undergone?

Our Brite Bite Brushing Stick has been a huge success. The most wonderful thing about this is that it means many dog parents are taking charge of their pup’s dental health! We partnered with Brite Bite’s inventor to make an impact in this exact way and we could not be more pleased to find out just how many paw-rents are motivated to keep their dog’s dental hygiene in check. We thought we’d make some things about the Brite Bite clear, … Read more

How Do I Keep My Dog From Peeing On The Christmas Tree?

Have you added a new dog to your family this year and you’re worried he’ll decide to “water” your Christmas tree? The good news is that most dogs who are well house-trained won’t suddenly decide that an indoor tree makes peeing inside acceptable. If you are still concerned or your dog has already proven himself untrustworthy around the tree, there are some steps you can take to keep your tree urine-free this Christmas. You might have success just picking one … Read more

5 Stocking Stuffers To Delight Your Pup & Brighten A Shelter Dog’s Holiday

‘Tis the season for giving, and your furry best friend deserves a top spot on your shopping list. Our noble pups ask nothing more from us than our love and affection – that’s why they deserve so much more. These 5 stocking stuffers will show your pooch how much you care and spread some joy to shelter dogs in need! For every toy you purchase from iHeartDogs, a durable toy – perfect for all sizes and breed mixes – will be donated … Read more

Watch Out For These Hidden Hazards This Holiday Season

The holidays are about family, friends, and food. Unfortunately, they are also a top time for visits to the emergency vet due to holiday hazards in the home. Sometimes bad things happen to good pets, but there are steps you can take to keep your fur children safe this holiday season. Here are the top 3 categories of hidden health hazards so that you can be better prepared to prevent disasters from striking. #1 – Decorations Christmas trees in particular … Read more

Kind Man Rescues “Amazon Girl” From The Jungle With Only Days Left To Live

David Foster is a busy man from the UK with a job that takes him all over the world, but first and foremost, he’s an animal lover. Although he enjoys the work he does, his real passion is bringing joy to shelter animals. David tells iHeartDogs, “All this travelling is boring, so I would go to local animal shelters wherever I may be and give a few toys or balls for their animals.” Eventually, David’s family and friends began giving … Read more

Woman’s Transformation From Wall Street Lawyer To Dog Rescue Warrior Saves Lives

Tania Isenstein was an unhappy Wall Street lawyer for many years. She wanted to find something more fulfilling, and the path she found led her to dedicate her life to dogs. She began boarding dogs who already had loving homes, fostering those who don’t, and leading the effort to save Puerto Rico’s street dogs, called “satos.” We were lucky enough to talk to Tania about her journey. Tania’s first steps out of Wall Street and toward dog rescue started with … Read more

This Dog’s Reaction To His First Snowfall Will Make Your Day

England’s east coast got its first taste of winter on Thursday. Traffic slowed and trains were delayed, but none of that mattered to a Cocker Spaniel named Truffle. Living with his parents in York, Truffle had never seen snow before. He’s a little pup with a big personality, and his first experience in the snow brought up a serious case of the snow zoomies. Little Truffle was so excited to see flakes falling from the sky and fresh powder on … Read more

6 Signs You’re Ready To Adopt Your First Rescue Dog

Raising a rescue dog is a rewarding experience, but it’s also a big commitment. Before you start adopting every rescue you see, sit back and think about what it really means to bring a dog into your life. It’s not like buying a new pair of shoes or even getting a new car. Adopting a rescue will change the dog’s life, and it’ll also change yours. Instead of rushing into it, make sure you can relate to these six statements … Read more

5 Fun Facts You Never Knew About Bloodhounds

With their massive layers of wrinkles, deep-set brown eyes, and “hang-dog” jowls, Bloodhounds look more like sleepy old men than energetic, life-saving heroes! But don’t let this ancient breed fool you, they are far from the lazy, porch-dwelling pups Hollywood often portrays them to be. While Bloodhounds are indeed gentle, affectionate family dogs, they also have the perfect anatomy and innate skill to do what no other breed can when it comes to nosework. The following 5 facts prove just … Read more

5 Ideas For Creating The Perfect Dog-Friendly Backyard

When your pup isn’t lounging on the couch or drooling on your bed pillows, they’re ready to have fun and be active. Indoor play means dodging end tables and hurdling over couches, but a dog’s backyard is their favorite place to blow off steam. You don’t need acres of outdoor space to create an area your dog will love. Even modestly-sized yards can meet all your dogs playtime requirements if you’re willing to get creative. Here are a few ideas … Read more

There’s A Surprising Emotional Reason Why Dogs “Mouth-Lick”

A recent study conducted by the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil and the University of Lincoln in the UK has revealed an interesting aspect of canine behavior. The researchers examined dogs’ responses to “emotionally significant” images and sounds and found that the “mouth-licking” often associated with hunger and uncertainty also appears to be used in an effort to communicate with humans they perceive as angry. The dogs were shown images of faces with positive and negative expressions – one each … Read more

This Themed Hotel Chain Welcomes Dogs & Doesn’t Charge A Pet Fee

If you’re looking for a dog-friendly hotel chain that’s more than just another drab room that looks exactly the same no matter what city you’re in, you should check out Graduate Hotels. Each Graduate Hotel looks unique and is tailored specifically to the college town it’s situated in, with individual education-themed touches throughout. They have no pet fees, and each dog is welcomed with a themed, complimentary BarkBox. Each dog is greeted in the room with a blanket for use … Read more

Is Growling During Playtime Normal For High-Energy Dogs?

We’re all taught a growling dog is bad news, but what if your beloved pup starts growling during playtime? It looks like they’re having fun, but you can’t help but worry about their angry-sounding growls. The truth is, dogs have several different kinds of growls. If your high-energy dog starts growling in the middle of tug-of-war or as you chase them across the yard, there’s usually nothing to worry about. Dogs have what behaviorists call a “play growl,” and it’s … Read more

New Study Finds That Dogs Have More Brain Power Than Cats

Dog people and cat people have long argued about which species is more intelligent. Scientists from Vanderbilt University believe that their latest research may settle the matter once and for all. They compared the number of cortical neurons – the “little gray cells” associated with thinking, planning and complex behavior – in the brains of several carnivores. When it came to dogs and cats, the pups won in a landslide! Their cortical neuron count was found to be more than double … Read more

How To Help Your Anxious Pup Banish The Holiday Blues

Dogs depend on a reliable routine in order to feel secure. Unfortunately, chaos tends to rule when the holidays roll around, leaving many pups feeling anxious and confused. We spend our spare seasonal hours cooking, cleaning, entertaining guests, wrapping gifts and decorating the home with strange objects (including a baffling indoor tree). All that holiday hullabaloo is enough to put any pooch into an emotional tailspin! Unfortunately, with the extra demands on our time, it can be easy to overlook … Read more

Why Does My Dog Roll In Weird Things?

If you have a dog, chances are, you’ve seen her drop and roll on the ground at some point in her life. It could’ve been on a walk, hike, or in the backyard, and the spot in question may have contained something repulsive, or (what appears to be) nothing at all. But whether your dog has rolled in a dead rodent or a seemingly normal pile of leaves, you’ve probably wondered: why did she just do that? Chances are, this quirky … Read more

Deputy Runs Into Traffic To Rescue Dog Who Went Missing Thanksgiving Day

Adorable, aptly-named Teddy Bear escaped from a relative’s home in Orlando, Florida during a visit on Thanksgiving Day. His family searched for him for days but didn’t have any luck until just yesterday. When Corporal Thorpe, an officer with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, spotted Teddy, he was in big trouble. Teddy was wandering along a busy highway during Monday morning rush hour, in danger of being hit by a passing car. Concerned for the dog, Cpl. Thorpe wasted no … Read more

Vet Asked To Euthanize Dog Decides To Transform His Life Instead

The moment Dr. Setzer met Debo, he knew he “had the ‘it’ factor”. The 7-year-old Pit Bull was emaciated and suffering from a variety of ailments including severe ear and eye infections, hookworms, and heartworm disease. Despite his obvious discomfort, Debo was full of joy and love. The kind of dog that “comes in and the whole room lights up.”   Sadly, his owners could not afford the multiple treatments he needed to get well. They asked Dr. Setzer to … Read more

FDA Warns About The Dangers Of “Bone Treats” For Dogs After 15 Deaths

The FDA has issued a warning to pet parents about treating their pups to certain types of bones. Most dog owners know that cooked meat and poultry bones should never be given to our furry friends they can splinter and pose a serious choking hazard or cause internal injuries with their sharp ends. But the warning explains that store-bought versions – even those made just for dogs – can pose the same threat. In fact, about 15 canines have perished … Read more

Police Dog Pumps Out Push-Ups With Fellow Officers In Adorable Viral Video

Nitro the 2-year-old Dutch Shepherd is a rookie K9 officer with the Gulf Shores Police Department in Alabama. The physically fit pup recently showed off his push-up skills in a viral video with two of his fellow officers. Just 7 seconds long, the clip has spread like wildfire with more than 1 million views since it was posted on November 18. Not only is Nitro’s video adorable, it also serves an important purpose as part of the #9PMRoutine movement. The … Read more

What Is Twisted Spleen In Dogs?

What is Twisted Spleen? It may be hard to imagine, but it’s possible for your dog’s spleen to wrap around the blood vessels near it – this is what’s known as splenic torsion, or, more commonly, twisted spleen. The spleen can then become painfully enlarged, cutting off blood flow in the area where it occurs. It’s more common in large dogs, and can be life-threatening. It should be considered an emergency, and the twisted, enlarged spleen will need to be … Read more

What Causes Muscle Spasms In Dogs?

Muscle spasms happen when your dog’s muscle contractions are interrupted. This is often caused by intense physical activity or a lack of sufficent fluids. These localized twitches can be a sign of muscle strain or damage, and though they aren’t life-threatening, they can be painful for your pet, especially if he’s been having them for a long period of time. They could point to a more serious condition like physical injury, slipped disc, pinched nerve, or even neurological damage that … Read more

This Themed Hotel Chain Welcomes Dogs & Doesn’t Charge A Pet Fee

If you’re looking for a dog-friendly hotel chain that’s more than just another drab room that looks exactly the same no matter what city you’re in, you should check out Graduate Hotels. Each Graduate Hotel looks unique and is tailored specifically to the college town it’s situated in, with individual education-themed touches throughout. They have no pet fees, and each dog is welcomed with a themed, complimentary BarkBox. Each dog is greeted in the room with a blanket for use … Read more

Vodka Company Encourages Pet Lovers To Get In The “Spirit” Of Giving

The turkey leftovers are almost gone, and your home’s decor has switched from harvest to holiday. But that doesn’t mean it’s time to stop giving thanks. Every year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, we celebrate a day dedicated to supporting the people, animals, and organizations doing their best to make the world better and brighter. Giving Tuesday is Nov. 28, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka is giving you the chance to make the most of the holiday season.   Famous for … Read more

Never Tried Bully Sticks? Find Out Why They’re The #1 Dog Treat

Most dogs enjoy chewing things to some extent, and as long as it’s not our furniture or favorite shoes, it can be a great way for them to stay occupied and burn energy. But this brings many pup parents to the next question: “What’s the best thing for my dog to chew that’s safe, healthy, and that they’ll go crazy for?” A post shared by Chelli Wade (@chelli.wade) on Oct 12, 2017 at 6:52am PDT Bully sticks, which are made from … Read more

Adventurous Dog & Cat Love Exploring The Outdoors Together

Cynthia Bennett and her boyfriend love hiking in the Colorado wilderness, and back in 2014, they added a four-legged friend to the family. A brown and white puppy captured the heart of Bennett at an adoption event, even though she had her sights set on getting a Golden Retriever mix. But when the 3 1/2 month old mutt trotted over to her, she knew he was meant to be theirs. “He just curled up into my lap and went belly … Read more

Shelter Gets A “Facelift” And Adoption Rates Skyrocket

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.  When Metro Animal Care & Control in Nashville, Tennessee contacted Rescue Rebuild, they were looking for ideas to help with the aesthetics of their shelter. They didn’t want it to look dark and dreary like some shelters, but rather, lively and inviting for prospective adopters. They had a lot of available room outside, … Read more

This Rescue Dog’s Nutritious Diet Was Provided By Your iHeartDogs Purchases

Rescuers from the Missouri-based group, Project SNaP, were searching for a lost dog when they came across a pitiful backyard pup. The little Red Heeler was lying on a torn, filthy piece of canvas in a small pen attached to the rear of a rundown house. The conditions were horrible, so the four rescuers set their sights on convincing the owner that his pup deserved better.   The Heeler was quite young and very friendly when approached, but the ladies from … Read more