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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

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

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