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Recent Dog Deaths Spark Bill To Require Groomer Licensing

A stalled 2014 bill requiring New Jersey pet groomers to obtain licenses to practice their trade is being reconsidered by lawmakers. New attention was brought to the issue of groomer safety after recent dog deaths at NJ PetSmart locations. State Sen. Kip Bateman is reintroducing “Bijou’s Law“, named for a 6-year-old Shih Tzu who passed away in 2012 during a routine grooming appointment. Bijou’s owner, Rosemary Marchetto, settled out of court with the big box pet store company involved in … Read more

Viral Video Of Dog Dumping Convinces The Culprit To Turn Herself In

Thanks to a good Samaritan’s quick thinking, four dogs in San Antonio, Texas are on to better lives. They were dumped in a vacant lot by a woman who no longer wanted them. The woman lured them out of the car without leaving food or water, but she didn’t anticipate her act to be caught on video. The good Samaritan witnessed the scene and the resulting video later made it to social media. Since then, it’s gone viral, and it’s … Read more

Rescues Are Exposed For Spending Thousands Buying Dogs From Breeders At Auction

What started as rescuers paying $5 or $10 for dogs that breeders couldn’t otherwise sell has turned into a massive market, with rescuers willing to spend as much as $5,000 or more per dog from commercial breeders at one of two auctions held in Missouri every year. Some breeders now make more money selling dogs to rescuers than they do from other sources. Rescuers who buy dogs from these auctions claim that they are saving dogs from a lifetime of breeding, … Read more

Why Does My Dog Drool So Much?

When you live with a dog, drool is part of the package. You get used to the slobber that stains your clothes and accept the fact dog drool is an unavoidable part of your life. It’s usually not a big deal, but sometimes the liquid leaking out of your dog’s mouth gets out of control: there are puddles of it on the floor, wet stains on the couch, and you can’t look at your pup’s face without seeing strings of … Read more

Boston Marathon Bombing Survivors Pen Children’s Book About Their Service Dog

The afternoon of April 15, 2013 was perfect for a run or a romantic walk through the park. Boston newlyweds Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes were enjoying the latter when they found themselves on Boylston Street, near the finish line of the city’s 117th annual Marathon. The couple made the fateful decision to stop and cheer for the runners. At 2:49 P.M. two bombs detonated 12 seconds and 210 yards apart, claiming three lives and injuring more than 260 runners … Read more

Tiny Chihuahua Is Excited To Meet Her Newborn Baby Brother

Ready for a double dose of cuteness? A family in Dublin, Ireland recorded their Chihuahua, Quica meeting their newborn son, Nicholas, the day that they brought him home. Watching the video, it may seem like Quica is just trying to get a few belly rubs from dad, but according to Nicholas’ mother, that isn’t the case at all: “When I was pregnant my chihuahua Quica was very protective of my bump. Whenever my husband would attempt to rub my belly … Read more

Deaf Dog Surrendered 5 Times Shows Off His Skills With Sign Language

Poor Ivor had had his share of bad luck before he was even a year old. The deaf dog had been surrendered 5 times in his short life, and all because no one knew how to train and communicate with the young Staffy. “We suspect people couldn’t cope with him or understand why he wasn’t learning like a normal puppy without realising that he was in fact deaf,” Natalie Heaton of the RSPCA said in a story by Express UK. Luckily, … Read more

10 Clever Canine Enrichment Ideas You Can Easily Do At Home

Mental stimulation is essential whether your dog is a high-energy puppy or laid-back older dog. It doesn’t matter if they pick up on training quickly or need a little extra practice to learn new skills. New experiences and learning opportunities will always benefit their well-being. The best part is, canine enrichment doesn’t need to be expensive or hard to organize. Dog owners have put their minds together to come up with clever ways to keep their pups happy, healthy, and … Read more

Michigan Senate Votes To End Breed Bans Statewide

A Michigan bill to prohibit local governments from dictating breed specific legislations has taken another step towards becoming a law with a 22-13 vote from the Senate chamber. Supporters of Senate Bill 239 say breed restrictions violate the property rights of dog owners, and banning specific breeds has not proven effective in preventing dog bites. Related Post: The Ugly Truth About Breed Specific Legislation At least 27 local governments throughout the state of Michigan currently have breed-specific laws, most of … Read more

Volunteers Flocked To Rebuild Waterfowl Sanctuary After A Tornado, Aided By Greater Good’s Support

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.  In the spring of 2012, a tornado ripped through the grounds at the Carolina Waterfowl Sanctuary in Indian Trail, NC. The storm destroyed buildings on the property that were used to house injured waterfowl during inclement weather. Amidst the damage and chaos, many birds were either lost or re-injured. Thanks to 46 volunteers … Read more

11 Small Breeds That Love Being Lap Dogs

There’s a pup out there for just about every personality, and these lovable lap dogs are perfect for anyone who’s looking to add a snuggle bug to their family! Whether you’d prefer a social butterfly by day and a couch potato by night, a canine who’s content to live in an apartment, or a four-legged friend for the kids, there’s a petite pup on this list who’d make a wonderful companion. Based on information from the American Kennel Club website … Read more

The Bone Broth Trend: Why Are So Many Owners Giving It To Their Older Dogs?

Recently we ran a poll in our 50,000+ Member iHeartSeniorDogs Facebook group asking the following question, “Have you ever given your senior dog bone broth?”  We were surprised to find that 30% of our group’s respondents answered yes. What is behind the bone broth trend? What Our Senior Dogs Lack As our dogs age their appetites may begin to wane due to dental soreness, arthritis pain or decreased activity. Seniors that don’t take in adequate levels of essential nutrients like amino acids, … Read more

8 Ways To Improve Bath Time For You And Your Dog

Does the thought of giving your dog a bath make you cringe? Does the phrase “bath time” make your dog run and hide? It doesn’t have to be that way. Changing up your routine a little bit can make a world of difference in improving the entire bath time experience for both you and your dog. Eventually, your dog can learn that a bath is a rewarding experience, and you can enjoy bonding with your dog instead of struggling with … Read more

Kentucky Neighborhood Bans 11 “Aggressive” Dog Breeds

McConnell’s Trace in Lexington, Kentucky is an idyllic subdivision featuring a clubhouse with fitness center and tanning, and a large pool with a splash pad for the kids. Despite its attractive amenities, McConnell’s Trace now lacks one important feature: the freedom of its residents to choose their dog’s breed. Anderson Communities, the property’s developer, sent out letters to homeowners outlining a change in the existing dog restrictions. Previously, the policy referred only to “aggressive breeds,” but did not specify individual … Read more

Miracle Pup “Comes Back From The Dead” After Severe Reaction To Anesthesia

On Monday, March 26, a small, mixed breed pooch named Stupe arrived at South Africa’s Highveld Ridge SPCA for a routine neuter. Within seconds of the pre-anesthetic drug entering his bloodstream, Stupe went into cardiac arrest and died on the table. The veterinarians and staff refused to give up on their patient, administering CPR for over an hour until Stupe’s heart was beating regularly and he was breathing on his own. Unfortunately, the little pooch was not out of the … Read more

Proposed New Jersey Law Could Expand Legal Rights for Dog Families

In the wake of several dog deaths at New Jersey PetSmart locations, a new law could soon appear on the state’s books. “Scruffles’ Law” was introduced by Republican 12th District congressional candidate Daryl Kipnis on April 6. If passed, pet owners would have the option to sue for statutory and punitive damages in the event that negligence causes injury or death. The proposed law is named after Nicole DiNapoli’s 8-year-old Bulldog, Scruffles who died during a routine grooming appointment at a Flemington, … Read more

Pup With an Unusual Face Finds Someone Who Loves Him Just as He Is

Jamie Hulit is a dedicated animal lover in Texas. She works with and fosters with several rescues in the Austin and San Antonio areas, including the Heart of Texas Lab Rescue, Animal Care Services in San Antonio, and a few others. Keeping in touch with other rescuers and fosters through social media, Jamie’s “Dog Rescue World” casts a wide net, and brought to her attention a poor, deformed dog who desperately needed love. Beaux Tox was born with a facial … Read more

RECALL EXPANDED: Multiple Brands Of Dog Chews Recalled, 8 More Added To List

United Pet Group, part of Spectrum Brands, has recalled multiple nationally distributed rawhide dog chews due to chemical contamination. Updated – January 2022 (original recall – April 2018) Eight more brands of rawhide chews under United Pet Group have been added to last week’s four-brand recall. Below you’ll find the full list of brands that have been affected, which include products that are carried by big-name pet stores, grocery stores, and retailers. Reason for recall: The recall is voluntary and has been … Read more

Why It’s Ultra Important to Keep Your Dog’s Nose Moisturized

Our dogs depend heavily on their noses, and it’s no surprise: with a sense of smell that’s far superior to ours, this small organ plays a huge role in how they “see” the world! Smell is arguably the most important sense for dogs who are trying to gather information about the world around them. As their guardians, it’s our job to make sure that their noses are always in tip-top condition! A cool, wet nose is usually considered the healthy “norm” … Read more

Top 6 Natural Ways To Ease Your Dog’s Itchy Dry Skin

Dry skin happens, and when it does it’s definitely irritating. For a dog who explores his world with a wet nose and tough-but-soft paw pads, it can be an even bigger issue. Dry skin may start out as a flaky spot, become itchy, and eventually crack and cause your dog more pain than irritation. Luckily, it’s easily avoided, and can be relieved with simple remedies people have relied on for themselves and their dogs for ages! Related: Best Goat’s Milk Supplements … Read more

Thanks To Customers Like You, Puppy Survives Parvo And Awaits A Forever Home

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.  Rumor, a four-month-old Husky/red Doberman, and her Siberian Husky mom, Demi, came to Tina’s Bed and Biscuit Rescue from Texas. They were intercepted on their way to a kill shelter and flown to Tina’s in Michigan. Upon arrival, Rumor became deathly ill with Parvo. Her treatment cost $3,400, leaving this … Read more

Over 1,200 Dachshunds Create Quite The Spectacle All For A Good Cause

Unsuspecting park goers were in for an adorable surprise this weekend when they came across what’s thought to be the largest gathering of four-legged sausages to date. Over 1,200 Dachshunds donned their leashes and dragged their humans out of the house to participate in the mass gathering at Heaton Park in the UK. The group of dogs and dog lovers went on a 90-minute walk all together and raised money for two charities devoted to the breed’s health and well-being. … Read more

Is Your Dog’s Anxiety Causing His Health Problems?

You’ve probably felt some negative physical effects from stress or anxiety in your life. You start to have stomach problems or headaches; maybe you start chewing on your nails. Could your dog’s anxiety be causing some of his chronic health problems the same way stress and anxiety cause you to suffer from health problems? Dogs aren’t all that different from humans in the way that they process stress. And just like us, many of their health problems can be tied … Read more

New Certification Process Aims To Help Improve Safety Standards Of Pets On Airlines

After several months of bad news for pets flying on airlines, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced an optional certification program to help airlines improve the safety of their animal transportation. Although the program was in the works before the slew of bad press, the timing of its introduction couldn’t be better. Know as the Center of Excellence for Independent Validators for Live Animals Logistics (or CEIV Live Animals for short), the certification will be globally available for airlines who … Read more

The Dog Treat Cookbook That’s Dishing Up Healthy Snacks For Your Pooch

Are you tired of seeing dog food and treat companies make the news for yet another recall? One week it’s salmonella contamination, the next week it’s listeria. And you’re left asking the question: “Are my dog’s treats safe?” Trust me, I know the feeling. Over the past few decades, I’ve watched a couple of my close family members’ dogs suffer from health issues as a direct result of commercial snacks. One time it was an intestinal blockage, another instance resulted … Read more

Dog Have Floppy Ears? Neglecting This Weekly Task Will Mean Extra Trips To The Vet

  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 Breeds Are Most Prone to 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. … Read more

UPDATE: Pit Bull Saved From Horrific Life In Basement

People expect to find issues when they buy a new home – broken plumbing, holes in walls, bad wiring, etc. But nobody expects a house they just bought to already have a resident. A new homeowner in St. Louis was shocked when he opened the door to the basement of the house he just bought and saw two big brown eyes gazing up the stairs at back at him. Living in the basement of his new home was a Pit … Read more

11 Awesome Gift Ideas For The Dog Moms In Your Life

Now that Easter is behind us, Mother’s Day is right around the corner on May 13. Just because some children have fur doesn’t make somebody any less of a mother. Have you thought about what to get your favorite dog moms this Mother’s Day? If not, there’s no need to panic. We have plenty of ideas on how to show the dog moms in your life that they are appreciated. Have any ideas that we didn’t include here? Let us … Read more

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

Dog Parent Warns Others About Seeds That Can Put Pets at Risk

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

Dog’s Case Ends With Prison Sentence After Authorities Step In

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