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Southwest Airlines Connects Dogs With Veterans Who Need Them

While more and more American soldiers are struggling to cope with depression, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety after returning home from service, Southwest Airlines has teamed up with a non-profit determined to help. Freedom Fur was founded with the objective to give back to the veterans who are winning the war overseas but at a disadvantage on the homefront. Returning soldiers cope with physical injuries, disabilities, and mental disorders, and Freedom Fur recognizes their need for loyal, caring support. https://www.facebook.com/161109787265421/photos/a.655611217815273.1073741826.161109787265421/800726396637087/?type=3 Dogs … Read more

Dog Surprises Her Favorite UPS Driver By Dressing Like Him For Halloween

A kindly UPS driver named Paul always makes sure to keep his truck stocked with dog treats just in case that day’s route calls for a stop at his friend Lucy’s house. In honor of Halloween, Lucy’s owner, Stephanie Heer decided to surprise Paul by dressing the 10-year-old Pit Bull mix in her own mini-UPS costume! Lucy has adored Paul ever since they first met five years ago – so much so that Heer orders packages as often as possible … Read more

What Is Staph Infection In Dogs?

Staph infection is caused by the bacteria S. aureus, which can infect almost any part of the body. These infections have been known to be resistant to antibiotics, depending on where they’re located, and can be a serious threat to your dog’s health. The most common infection is that of the skin, where a cut, wound or scratch has let bacteria enter the body. If left untreated, serious Staph infections can progress to blood poisoning and death.   Symptoms of … Read more

What Is A Perineal Hernia In Dogs?

Your dog has a pelvic floor, same as you do. These are the muscles between his anus and genitals that support the organs in his lower body. A rupture in these muscles can lead to a perineal hernia – this is when the organs protrude through the rupture, appearing as a swollen area between his tail and scrotum. This happens most often in older dogs who weren’t neutered. A perineal hernia can affect your dog’s ability to “go,” and may … Read more

Two Women Survive Five Months Lost At Sea With Help From Their Faithful Dogs

Jennifer Appel and Tasha Fuiava have the kind of loyal friends who stick with them through thick and thin – they have dogs! The two women left Honolulu for Tahiti on May 3 on Appel’s 50-foot sailboat, the Sea Nymph. The trip should only have taken 18 days, but things quickly went awry when they found themselves out at sea in the middle of a storm. The mast of the sailboat took serious damage, and they spent nearly 5 months … Read more

Allergies In Dogs: How Benadryl Or This Natural Alternative Could Help

Many pup parents know all too well: it’s not just humans who can suffer from seasonal allergies. Our dogs’ health and happiness is our top concern, and seeing them uncomfortable – from gnawing at itchy paws to bouts of sneezing – breaks our hearts. Luckily, once the allergies are identified, they can be easily remedied; but we do need to know a little bit about the cause and treatment in order to help our loyal friends. We at iHeartDogs asked Dr. … Read more

Service Dog Chooses A Wounded Veteran To Devote His Life To

While stationed in Guam on board the USS Frank Cable AS-40, Michael, a Navy machinist, was nearly killed when a boiler tank exploded. Two of his shipmates died in the blast. Michael endured fifty surgeries and countless hours of therapy as a result of the injuries he sustained in the explosion. He lives with visible scars as well as those we cannot see, including PTSD and Depression. On April 28, Michael joined three other disabled veterans at a very special … Read more

Canine Flu Outbreak Has Pet Parents & Businesses Taking Extra Precautions

An outbreak of canine influenza has struck its fourth state this year. The virus is known for causing a cough, runny nose, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite and eye discharge, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The dog flu swept through Kentucky, Florida and California before arriving in central Ohio where there are currently 87 confirmed cases. While rarely deadly, canine flu is highly contagious, causing veterinarians, groomers, boarders, and shelter operators to fear an epidemic. Several … Read more

Sick Sea Lions Are Putting Local Dogs At Risk

An outbreak of leptospirosis spreading through a population of sea lions in coastal Oregon has health officials warning dog owners about the contagious disease. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease associated with serious symptoms including kidney failure, liver damage, and death. Since late September, officals have recieved an alarming number of reports of sick and dead sea lions on beaches in Lincoln, Tillamook, and Clatsop counties. A researcher at Oregon State University’s Marine Mammal Institute said there are at least eight … Read more

Skinny Dog Saved From High Kill Shelter Finds A Home

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.  Rescue ME Clifford rescued Sheriff from a high kill shelter. At the time, he was extremely thin and tested heartworm positive. Sheriff clearly came from a tough place, and his rescue from the shelter was the start of a great recovery. Before treating Sheriff, Rescue ME Clifford had to “fatten him up.” Using … Read more

Rescue Dog Falls In Love With His Human’s Blanket & Nothing Can Keep Them Apart

When dogs love, they love with their whole heart. There’s no better feeling in the world than being loved by a dog. In fact, some of the best love stories involve dogs. Hank was abandoned as a pup in 2010. The shelters were full, so his previous owner took Hank and a sibling to a vet to be euthanized. Of course, the vet refused, and rehomed the pair instead. Fate put Hank into Alix Tolley’s home – where he would … Read more

Crafters Repurpose Furniture To Make Amazing “Bedrooms” For Dogs

If people tease your for spoiling your pooch, you can tell them to stop now. You haven’t even begun spoiling your dog until you get him one of these chic, up-cycled dog beds! Calling these incredible creations “dog beds” isn’t doing them the least bit of justice – these are full-on dog bedrooms! They’re all handmade from unwanted dressers by the mother-daughter duo at Sheltie Shacks. These are more than just a cushion-in-a-dresser. They’re lovingly painted, some include lighting, and they’ll even … Read more

Animal Shelter Gets An Upgrade In Order To Save More Lives

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.  The City of Rayne Animal Shelter in Rayne, Louisiana, had a lot of room for expansion. The better they can utilize their available space, the more animals they can take in and find the pets’ adoptive parents. There was also a safety concern that needed work—the perimeter fence had barbed wire strewn on … Read more

Shelter’s ‘Feature Films’ Have Folks Lining Up To Adopt The Furry Stars

A picture is worth a thousand words, but a video is worth a million pictures! Kaitlyn Garrett quickly figured this out when she began working as the social media coordinator for Atlanta’s DeKalb Animal Services in 2014. After posting photos of the shelter’s sweetest, silliest dogs, Garrett realized many were being overlooked because their amazing personalities just didn’t come across in still images. With the help of DeKalb’s wonderful staff and volunteers, Garrett began shooting short videos of the adoptable cuties … Read more

What To Do For Dogs With Luxating Patella

Patellar luxation – sometimes referred to as dislocated or floating kneecaps – is usually a genetic condition that occurs in small breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, and Pomeranians, but it can also result from a knee injury. While surgical correction is the most effective treatment, it may be possible to make changes to your pup’s routine and prevent patellar luxation from becoming a life-altering affliction. The genetic cause of patellar luxations are shallow femoral grooves that do not adequately cup the … Read more

Couple Finds Stray Dog During Road Trip & Refuse To Leave Her Behind

Emily Trost and her boyfriend Nick Mazzone had always dreamed of embarking on a cross-country road trip. So when they graduated from college and Emily left her office job, they knew it was the perfect time to have a 10-week adventure! Emily told iHeartDogs: “We hit the road, his truck loaded with supplies, and our lives soon became much simpler than they ever had been. We slept in a tent every night, made all of our meals on a Coleman stove, washed … Read more

Texas Firefighter Makes A Life-Saving Deal To Help A Man And His Dog

When a man’s love for his dog interfered with his ability to get the help he needed, Sam Berry from the Amarillo Fire Department made a life-saving deal. According to a Facebook post made by Warren Beach, Berry responded to an emergency call about Beach’s brother, Wes, needing immediate assistance.  Wes needed to go to the hospital, but he refused to leave his best friend behind. Beach said Wes’s dog, Emma, was his whole life. ABC 7 Amarillo described Emma … Read more

Noticed Your Dog Slowing Down? These 5 Things Could Add 1-2 Years To Their Life

We all slow down as we age, and that includes our beloved pets. The most difficult part of having pets is that they don’t live nearly long enough. So of course, we want to do everything we can to improve and extend their quality of life, and hopefully we can squeeze in one or two more happy years with them. If your dog is already slowing down, it’s not too late to start implementing things that can help improve their … Read more

Hip Dysplasia In Dogs

Hip dysplasia is a concept that strikes fear for dog lovers. It is an important and common source of pain for many dogs. Dogs suffering from hip dysplasia can act stiff and sore in the rear legs. They may have a harder time on slick surfaces or when rising from lying down. You might notice an affected dog seems reluctant to jump up onto furniture or climb into cars. Related: Best Elbow & Hip Dysplasia Supplements for Your Pup Even … Read more

Diarrhea In Dogs

It is very alarming to notice blood in your pup’s stool. It is even more alarming if the stool is loose, foul smelling, and everywhere. Diarrhea (or runny stool) is a common complaint among dogs and most cases are not an animal ER type emergency, but there are times when it is smart to be extra concerned. Blood tinged or bloody diarrhea is one of these times. Believe it or not, dogs can get stomach bugs just like people. These … Read more

What Is A Bone Infection In Dogs?

An inflammation of the bone or bone marrow can be caused by bacterial or fungal contamination from a wound or fracture, or spread through the bloodstream from another part of the body. Bone infection is very serious and your dog should be taken to a vet immediately.   Symptoms of Bone Infection in Dogs Symptoms can vary depending on where the infection is. Some of the first signs you may notice are: – Pain – Swelling – Fever – Lethargy … Read more

Stolen Service Dog Taken 1,700 Miles Away Returns Home After 3 Years

Ladybird the Staffordshire Terrier has had a difficult life. She was originally trained to be a service dog for a woman who suffered from narcolepsy and seizures. When that woman’s health issues led to her becoming homeless on the streets of Austin, TX, Ladybird was by her side, pulling her wheelchair. Ladybird’s owner asked her friends Sharon Henderson and “Miss Jane” to care for Ladybird after she passed away. Unfortunately, a fellow homeless man got to her first, stealing her … Read more

Dog Diabetes: A Comprehensive Guide To Symptoms, Care & Management

Dog diabetes can be a frightening diagnosis, and up to 1% of domestic dogs will face it in their lifetime.  Managing the disease can be complicated. However, with love and vigilance, you can ensure your diabetic dog lives a full, happy life.  The key to a positive outcome is twofold. First, it is essential to pick up on the signs and symptoms early, to prevent a life-threatening emergency. And second, careful monitoring and long-term treatment adjustments will help ensure your … Read more

Maternal Rescue Dog Welcomes Kitten Into Her Litter Of Foster Puppies

Pirate was rescued with two of her own puppies from a Michigan hoarder in June of last year. After she had weaned her own babies, she spontaneously started producing milk for the foster puppies her mom brought home from the Dallas Animal Services and Adoption Center, where she serves as a public information coordinator. Since then, Pirate has nursed more than 9 puppies – and now she’s added a kitten to her current crop of foster pups! Pirate’s owner, Gabi Vannini, … Read more

Mourners Find Comfort In Funeral Home Therapy Dog

The death of a loved one is a heartbreaking event in itself, and even attending a funeral can be stressful. Of course, the people who run funeral homes know that their guests are grieving, and more and more funeral homes are turning to dogs to help people get through a very difficult time. Of all the important jobs dogs have, working as a comfort dog in a funeral home might be what comes most naturally. They provide emotional support for … Read more

Study Shows That Dogs Will Remember If You’re Generous To Them

A new study published in the journal PLOS One proves that adult dogs remember who is generous versus selfish, and they prefer generous people. The most interesting part of the study actually showed that puppies have no preference, indicating that dogs must learn over time how to determine these things, that it’s not an innate skill. The study concluded that “adult subjects (both family and shelter dogs) developed a preference for G [generous] over S [selfish].” The study used a mix of … Read more

13 Fun Facts About Your Dog’s Paws!

You see them every day, and perhaps haven’t given them much thought–but what’s up with your dog’s paws? For starters, there are all sorts of different types: big and small, webbed, wide, and dainty, and there’s reasons behind why certain traits belong to certain breeds. Here’s a baker’s dozen of fun facts about your dog’s furry feet, ranging from why they don’t need shoes (usually) to the source of that corn chip smell. High-fours to learning! 1. The pads of your dog’s … Read more

Why Losing A Dog Can Be Even More Painful Than The Death Of A Loved One

Has a friend ever confided in you that the loss of their dog caused more grief than the death of a close relative? Have you ever felt this way yourself? Society has conditioned us to feel ashamed of such emotions, but research suggests we are more than justified when we deeply mourn the loss of a furry friend. When our first family dog, Spike passed away, my father suffered terribly. He would come home from work and just sit in … Read more

The 10 Most Common Breeds Found In Shelters

Did you know 25% of shelter dogs are purebred? Why are some breeds more likely to be in shelters, and how can it be prevented? Let’s look at the 10 breeds most common in shelters and reasons they end up there. #1 – American Pit Bull Terrier With more breed specific legislation popping up, “pit bulls” are the most common breed found in shelters. Even where they’re legal, many apartments forbid them. Dangerous in the hands of bad people, they … Read more

New Allegations Shed Light On Famous Dog Race As Form Of Abuse

A week ago, officials from the Iditarod Dog Sled Race announced that 4 dogs from one musher’s team tested positive for a banned substance. The substance used was tramadol, an opioid pain reliever that could help dogs run through the pain and push themselves harder and farther than they should. While they initially refused to release the name of the musher on the grounds that they couldn’t prove he had intentionally doped his dogs, yesterday they announced that 4-time winner Dallas … Read more

Quadruple Amputee Pup Survives Meat Trade And Becomes A Therapy Dog

When a dog walks into a room, the whole room lights up. The same happens when Chi Chi enters a room – only, she does it on her four prosthetics. Chi Chi’s story starts in South Korea: she was born into the dog meat trade, raised from a puppy to someday be sold for food. Before turning 3 years old, she was abused so badly that her legs became infected and she was considered unfit to sell. She was found … Read more

Rescue Pup Is Adopted In Record Time Thanks To His Adorably Toothy Grin

Cheech the rescue pup is the hottest commodity to come out of Texas since Dr. Pepper! The adorable pooch was brought into the City of Waller Animal Shelter and Rescue on Friday and his heart-melting dog smile was shared via Facebook. The new shelter is not yet open to the public, but nevertheless, inquiries and adoption applications poured in for Cheech. By Monday, he was off to his forever home! At first, volunteers mistook Cheech’s display of pearly whites for … Read more

Senior Rescue Dogs Dress As “Harry Potter” Characters For Halloween

The pups at the Vintage Pet Rescue in Rhode Island live a good life. All enjoying their Golden Years, each of the senior residents were pulled from shelters and welcomed into the loving home of Kristen and Marc Peralta to enjoy their retirement. (You may remember Nougat and Clarence, two members of the pack who became best friends!) This Halloween, things are going to get festive for the Peralta pets. The dozen dogs who live there will be donning their “Dogwarts” … Read more

What Is High Blood Sugar In Dogs?

Your dog’s blood glucose level could change for several reasons – diet, stress, medications, etc. Moderately elevated blood glucose can be indicative of an infection, hormonal imbalances, or inflammatory conditions. Persistent high glucose levels can mean Diabetes Mellitus. The normal blood glucose level for a healthy dog falls between 75 mg to 120 mg. Anything above that is considered hyperglycemia. It could be temporary, stress-induced, or a sign of a serious underlying disease like diabetes. It’s more common in female … Read more

Dog-O’-Lanterns Are All The Rage This Halloween – Here Are 20 Of Our Favorites

According to a 2015 survey conducted by Rover.com, 95% of dog owners purchase Christmas gifts for their pets, so it is no surprise that our puppy love has spread to other holidays. This Halloween, a fun new trend is taking the world by storm – Dog-O’-Lanterns! Rather than carving spooky faces or haunted houses on their pumpkins, dog lovers are paying homage to the cuddly cuties in their lives. A post shared by Rebecca Pivarnick (@beccapiii) on Oct 8, 2017 … Read more

Puppy Is On The Mend After Losing Her Leg In Near-Fatal Alligator Attack

There is nothing like the resilience of a happy-go-lucky puppy. Seven-month-old Chloe lives in Florida, and the yard of her home faces a wildlife sanctuary. Due to elevated waters following Hurricane Irma, the swamp rose, pushing the alligators that live there further onto land. The young mutt was in her yard when her human, Jo Ellen Kleinhenz, heard “this terrible yelping noise, just this awful, awful sound,” she described in a story by Florida Today. Kleinhenz ran outside to find Chloe … Read more

Update: Obese Rescue Dog Who Shed 25 Pounds Has Her Forever Home

7-year-old Strudel was severely obese when the Virginia Beach rescue group Hearts for Hounds pulled her from a local shelter. Once the pet of an elderly owner, she found herself homeless and hopeless when that person passed away. On top of her poor diet and lack of activity, Strudel was diagnosed with a thyroid problem and joint inflammation. She needed some serious help if she was to regain her health. Hearts for Hounds posted the pitiful pup to Facebook in hopes … Read more

Your Dog And Separation Anxiety: What You Can Do To Help

Most dogs don’t like being left home alone, but sometimes they make leaving the house unbearable for their humans – but what’s even worse is knowing that they’re suffering. Luckily, there are things we can do to help. We at iHeartDogs asked Dr. Michel Selmer, DVM, CTCVMP, about some ways to help out pups with separation anxiety. Also known as “The Caring Vet,” Dr. Selmer is a Certified Veterinary Food Therapist (CVFT) who uses principles from Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) … Read more

What Do Eye Injuries In Dogs Look Like?

Eye injuries can range from mild to severe, and need a vet’s attention the moment you notice your dog showing symptoms to determine the cause and severity, as they can lead to permanent scarring or blindness if ulcerative lesions develop. Even if you can see what might be bothering your dog, your dog’s eyes are very sensitive and important, and you shouldn’t try to treat the issue at home. Eye injuries include foreign bodies in the eye, scratches, chemical exposure … Read more

France’s First Dog Makes A Big “Splash” During A Palace Meeting

Nemo, a black Lab/Griffon mix, was adopted from a shelter in August by France’s President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte. On Sunday, he thanked them by peeing on a fireplace in the Élysée Palace during a meeting between Macron and junior ministers Brune Poirson, Benjamin Griveaux, and Julien Denormandie. Macron laughed about the incident with his guests, joking: “You have triggered completely unusual behavior in my dog.” Nemo, named after the captain in Jules Vernes’ Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, is far from the … Read more

K-9 Officer Shot In The Line Of Duty Is Honored With The Purple Heart

7-year-old Tess has served the Washington County, Utah Sheriff’s Office for over four years. On the evening of August 29, the brave K-9 officer was shot twice in the mouth while attempting to apprehend a carjacker. This week Tess was honored with a Purple Heart by Vietnam Veterans of America, an organization that recognizes military and police dogs as well as the men and women they serve with. “She did her job. She saved our life, absolutely saved our life,” Tess’ longtime handler, … Read more

What Causes Swollen Gums In Dogs?

Poor dental care can cause plaque to build up on your dog’s teeth. If it’s not removed with regular brushing, the plaque will harden into tartar. Tartar is porous, and can harbor bacteria that can cause pain, inflammation and redness in your dog’s gums – gingivitis. Gingivitis is only the first step down the very painful road that is dental disease. Eventually, toxins and bacteria entering the bloodstream could cause complications with organs like the heart and liver, and more … Read more

Runaway Dog Spends The Day Touring NYC Before Being Reunited With Owner

Gwen Wunderlich was on the tarmac at LaGuardia airport at 7 am on Friday when she received a call from her dog walker that her Chow mix, Cash, had slipped out of his collar and run away. Recalling the conversation, Wunderlich told CBS New York: “’Oh my god, we’ve lost the dog, we lost him, he escaped, we’re so sorry.’ And they were crying.” Wunderlish was able to convince the airline staff to turn the plane around so she could … Read more

What Is Kidney Cancer In Dogs?

Your dog’s renal system removes waste from his blood and helps produce red blood cells. Kidney cancer can lead to acute renal failure, so early detection and treatment is important and will lead to a better prognosis. Kidney tumors are not often found in dogs, but when they are, they’re usually found in middle-aged and older dogs and require the affected kidney to be removed. Malignant renal tumors can be found in one or both kidneys, either developing in the … Read more

What Can I Expect If My Dog Has Ear Cancer?

No one knows what, exactly, causes ear canal tumors, but some believe that long-term inflammation of the ear canal can lead to abnormal tissue development, and the formation of tumors. They can develop from any of the structures along or supporting the ear canal, including the outer layer of skin, the glands that produce earwax and oil, or any of the bones, connective tissues, or middle layers of skin. If your dog has an inflamed ear that doesn’t respond to … Read more

UPDATE: Rescue’s Longest Resident Lost Her Eyes But Not Her Spirit

A beautiful rescue dog named Nikova has been waiting nearly three years – 3/4 of her life – for her loving forever family to come along. During that time, she has overcome past mistreatment, battled glaucoma, adjusted to sudden blindness, and endured surgery to remove her eyes. Despite her courageous soul and gentle, affectionate nature, Nikova is yet to be adopted. When she was just a year old, Nikova found herself in a Santa Clarita, CA shelter. She was quite … Read more

How Does High Cholesterol Affect Dogs?

The word hyperlipidemia means “excessive fats,” and is a condition in which your dog has higher levels of fats in his blood than he ought. Fats like cholesterol and triglyceride are commonly found in the blood, but in excessive amounts can be dangerous to your dog’s overall health and longevity. Hyperlipidemia is pretty common in dogs. After a meal the triglycerides and cholesterol levels in your dog’s blood rise, but come back down to normal after a few hours  (3 … Read more

10 Dog Breeds That Are Social Butterflies

There is a dog personality for just about every lifestyle, and if you’re a person who enjoys going out and meeting new people, you may want to consider a pup who’d love to tag along. (Just know that this means they’re going to hate being left alone!) Or, perhaps you’re looking for a friend for the shy or anxious dog that you already have at home. An outgoing companion may be just the friend she needs to get her out of her shell! If you … Read more

What Causes Red Eye In Dogs?

What’s causing your dog’s eyes to turn red? It could be something as simple and easily remedied as allergies, or it could be much more serious, like in cases of glaucoma. There are several things that might cause the whites of your dog’s eyes to turn red, even cases of disease in other places in the body can lead to an inflammation in the eye. The best way to get a diagnosis is to see your vet, especially if you … Read more

What Are Ear Hematomas In Dogs?

Should something cause the vessels in your dog’s ears to rupture, the bleeding can form fluid-filled sacs called hematomas. Hematomas are common in dogs with floppy ears, but dogs of any breed can get them, regardless of what kind of ears they have. They’re usually pretty easy to see, and a quick trip to your vet can confirm whether or not they’re hematomas. Ear hematomas come in various sizes on the concave (inside) surface of your dog’s ear. Doctors aren’t … Read more

Skipping This Weekly Chore Can Mean Extra Trips To The Vet And Unnecessary Pain For Your Dog

When you’ve finished brushing your dog’s fur and cleaning her teeth, there’s still one more task you need to accomplish… Cleaning your dog’s ears is something that is often forgotten but always important. Like humans, dogs rely on this basic form of hygiene to prevent serious medical issues. Wax, dirt, and other types of debris can build up in your dog’s ear canals. Continually missing out on cleanings could lead to a painful situation for your pup. Bacterial Infections The … Read more