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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

Veteran Finds A Kindred Spirit Through Pets And Vets

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.  Army MSG Gregory (Greg) Jajo of Michigan served in the Navy and Coast Guard before retiring from the Army. Greg was wounded by a roadside bomb in 2007 while serving in Iraq. He has a traumatic brain injury resulting in mobility issues and a Post-Traumatic Stress diagnosis. At the April 2016 graduation held … Read more

Starving Dog Picked Up By Animal Control Is Now Healthy & Loved

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 Puppy Rescue 911 pulled Enzo from animal control, he was malnourished to the point of ribs showing. Any sign of the vibrant dog that he used to be was no longer there. Enzo had given up hope and needed help.   With assistance from Puppy Rescue 911, and high-quality pet food donated … Read more

Shelter Makeover Has Given Tens Of Thousands Of Dogs A Second Chance

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.  Sponsored by Mars Inc., during the Pedigree 48 See What Good Food Can Do campaign. “The location of Natchez-Adams County Humane Society is Adams County, Mississippi, just off the Mississippi River. They pride themselves on being very proactive in advertising and implementing programs to help find adopters and fosters. However, when they reached … Read more

Dog Rescued From Meat Farm Finally Gets A Chance To Be With A Family

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.  Pia entered San Diego Humane Society’s care in May 2016 after being rescued from a Korean dog meat farm. San Diego Humane Society staff immediately noted Pia’s curiosity about humans, but she remains shy and fearful around people and is working on her socialization. Pia is available for adoption at the San Diego … Read more

Compassionate Humans Helped Meat Farm Rescue Dog Learn To Trust

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.  Samba entered San Diego Humane Society’s care in February 2016 after being rescued from a Korean dog meat farm. When Samba first arrived at San Diego Humane Society, he avoided all contact with humans and did not allow handling. Slowly but surely, and with a lot of patience and compassion, behavior staff worked … Read more

Family Dog Escapes, Gets Adopted Out When They Can’t Pay Kennel Fee

A dog’s accidental escape landed him in the care of an animal control officer, and he was adopted into another home 4 days later. Now, his original family wants him back. When a German Shepherd named Karma escaped out of a window, local animal control officer Robin Gaydos-Behanna picked him up after receiving multiple phone calls. It was not the first time she had a run-in with the pup and his family, and she took him to her kennel, which she … Read more

Impatient Pup Blares Car Horn To Let Everyone Know He Is Ready To GO!

Dog lovers know the danger of leaving their pups in a hot vehicle. But there are other potential hazards that come along with unattended pooches in parked cars. For example, public shaming. The disgruntled doggo in this video is sick and tired of waiting for his humans to return. Perhaps he was promised a trip to the park or a puppaccino after the day’s errands. Whatever the case, he is done waiting! Facebooker, Elizabeth Herman posted this short video, taken … Read more

How To Get Your Pup To Pose For Holiday Photos

If your dogs are anything like mine, they seem to take pleasure in sabotaging your attempts at photography. Whether they blink, yawn, look away, or wander off, they can make a decent holiday photo seem impossible. Courtney Bayer, a Canine Behavior and Training Associate at the Louisiana SPCA, faces the same problem when photographing her clients’ dogs on graduation day. She recommends a three step process for capturing holiday pet portraits. 1. Train your pup to sit for an extended … Read more

Woman Who Used County Money For Dog Tuxedo Sentenced To 20 Years Probation

Kristi Goss was an administrative assistant for the Garland County judge in Hot Springs, Arkansas (about 45 miles southwest of Little Rock). In September, she pleaded guilty to using a county credit card for her own personal expenses, to the tune of $366,000. Some of the items she used the county credit card for include Arkansas Razorbacks sporting tickets, a diamond bracelet, utility bills and car payments, and our favorite purchase – a tuxedo for her Pug. Yesterday, she was … Read more

Dogs Evolved To Stare Into Our Eyes – Because It Makes Us Feel Good

New research done on dingoes – which are descended from the same common ancestor as wolves and domesticated dogs – shows that dogs gradually increased the amount of time they spent looking into our eyes over the last several thousand years because they could tell it made us feel good. In turn, that made them feel good as well. A dog looking deeply into a human’s eyes increases the amount of oxytocin (a feel-good hormone that also helps mothers bond … Read more

5 Signs Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety

You’ve probably heard the term “separation anxiety” before, but what does that really mean? Could your dog be suffering from separation anxiety? What are some of the factors that may lead dogs to develop it? Separation anxiety is the result of dogs becoming upset over their humans leaving them home alone. Severe separation anxiety can cause dogs to try to escape, leading to potentially serious injuries to your dog, not to mention destruction of your home. Some of the life … Read more

Double Donations Through Giving Tuesday – The Deals Go to the Dogs!

At iHeartDogs, it’s all about the dogs. We put them first with everything we do, because every dog matters. It’s the reason behind our promotion through Giving Tuesday, November 28th – 0% off and double meal donations.   While Black Friday is the day of the year to expect deals and discounts, we believe we can do better. We know our customers look for value in their purchases, that’s why they shop with us! They know we’ve put our stamp … Read more

Study Shows That Smiling, Gazing At Your Dog Makes Them Love You More

Dogs are incredible. Truly, they are. Not only do they recognize when we smile and gaze at them, they know that these are expressions of our love and affection! Our pups make us so happy, we can’t help but grin and look lovingly at them. And according to new research, our dogs understand the sentiment. (If you have a dog, you probably already had a hunch!)   According to Medical News Today: “Every time you gaze lovingly into your dogs’ … Read more

3 Dogs Help Injured Dog Walker Survive 2 Days In The Wilderness

Annette Poitras, a dog walker in Coquitlam, British Columbia, is lucky to be alive after falling and injuring herself on Monday. The 3 dogs she was walking helped keep her alive until her rescue on Wednesday. Annette’s husband, Marcel, talked to Global News about how the 3 dogs helped keep his wife alive: “One of them was cuddling [her] and one of them was on guard and the other one was looking for food…She happened to notice one of the dogs … Read more

6 Secrets For Better Communication With Your Dog

You may not be fluent in woofs, barks, and tail wags, but that doesn’t mean you and your pup can’t communicate. Even speaking different languages, people and dogs find ways to talk to each other. There will always be the occasional blunder when your message is lost in translation, but knowing the facts about canine communication will help both you and your dog; all you’ll need are keen observation skills and the willingness to put yourself in their paws. Here … Read more

A Wookiee Lookalike & An Underdog Score Big At National Dog Show

The winner of the 2017 National Dog Show is capturing the hearts of dog lovers – and Star Wars fans – across the internet. Newton, a red-rough variety of Brussels Griffon, bears a striking resemblance to Han Solo’s sidekick, Chewbacca the Wookiee. Newton took the Toy Group title before going on to beat the best of the hound, herding, working, terrier, sporting, and non-sporting categories. Newton’s adorably furry mug has also inspired references to another beloved Star Wars species – … Read more

Why Our Cyber Monday Special is 0% Off

This Year, The Cyber Monday Deals Go To The Shelter Dogs! – Dear Supporters, I know what you’re thinking. “Today is Cyber Monday, and you’re giving 0% off?!” That is correct. Please let me explain. Since our founding in 2014, our mission has been to raise awareness and funding for the millions of homeless pets across the country. Today, we are doubling down on that mission. Instead of giving discounts, between now and Tuesday, we’re doubling the amount of meals donated … Read more

Look For These “Calming Signals” When Your Dog Is Meeting New Friends

When woofs fail, dogs use body language as their main form of communication. Between all the tail wags and head tilts, there’s a special category of behaviors canine experts refer to as “calming signals.” A Norwegian canine ethologist first coined the term after observing dogs using specific behavioral signals to communicate their feelings of stress and to shut down potential aggression. It’s a dog’s method of resolving conflict and making friends in potentially high-strung situations. Know What to Look For … Read more

4 Natural Ways To Help Relieve Your Dog’s Seasonal Allergies

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

Mystery Mutt’s Huge Grin Helped Him Find A Forever Home

There’s no doubt that Milo’s looks are unique, in more ways than one. For starters, no one is sure where this bright-eyed cutie’s curls come from. Secondly, his huge, human-like grin is simply impossible to resist – just ask his mom, Ivy Rylander. “So many people just say that he smiles like a human,” Rylander told The Dodo. “A lot of dogs smile, but there’s something so big and happy about his grin.” A post shared by Milo the Mystery Mutt … Read more

If Your Dog Has Allergies, This Is Probably The Only Kind of Treats You Should Be Giving

If your dog suffers from allergies, you know how frustrating it can be to manage their diet and environment. Oftentimes, we don’t know exactly what ingredient causes the reaction. As a result, limited ingredients foods & treats have become all the rage these days with both careful pet parents and veterinarians. However, even limited ingredient foods & treats can be problematic. If your dog reacts, you still don’t know which ingredient caused the problem. Why “Single Ingredient” Treats Are The … Read more

Top 10 Gifts For Dog Lovers That Show You Care

If you’re a dog lover, you know that having a pup isn’t just owning a pet; it’s a lifestyle! Being a “dog person” means you simply couldn’t imagine spending a day without a canine by your side. If you have fellow pup parents on your gift list this holiday season, show them you care by getting them a gift that reflects their love of all things dog! Below are 10 gifts for the doting pooch parents in your life, including … Read more

This Pet Resort Offers Services For Dogs On Their Humans’ Wedding Day

If you live near Morristown, New Jersey, it’s now easier than ever to have your dog in your wedding! Morris Animal Inn, a luxury pet resort in Morristown, has added new wedding services to their arsenal of boarding, training, grooming, and transportation services. Now you can spend your big day focusing on your wedding and have your dog arrive freshly groomed for the ceremony. After, he or she can be brought back to their ultra-modern boarding facility when you leave … Read more

Military Dog Receives Medal For Bravery, Decides To Chew It

The PDSA Dickin Medal for bravery was instituted in 1943 as a way to honor the work of British animals during World War II. Special Forces dog Mali, an 8-year-old Belgian Malinois, recently became the 32nd canine recipient of the award, considered the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an animal for military service.   Mali and his handler Corporal Daniel Hatley visited BBC Radio 4 to discuss the honor where the hero pup mistook his prestigious award for … Read more

First Live-In Prison Dog Softens The Hearts Of Dangerous Criminals

A successful experiment at a Michigan prison is showing concrete evidence that dogs make everything better. Corrections Officer John Hassen thought of the idea to bring in a therapy dog to Woodland Correctional Facility earlier this year. Prison warden Jodie DeAngelo had her doubts, but the live-in service dog has changed the prison in more ways than one. https://www.facebook.com/Michigandogsofcorrection/photos/a.1973008532940142.1073741828.1957710091136653/1991738207733841/?type=3&theater Sadie is the first live-in prison therapy dog in the country, and with her handler by her side, she works directly … Read more

Dog Drags Child Into Kitchen, Then Minutes Later, Mom Sees Why

A very smart, very intuitive dog is being credited with saving the life of a baby and her mother in Ohio earlier this month. Amanda Novak and her 1-year-old daughter, Emma, had just gotten home on the night of November 10 and begun going about their day as usual: Amanda sent her daughter off to play with her toys, and she went to the kitchen. However, their 1 1/2-year-old Australian Shepherd and Rottweiler mix, Harley, was not behaving normally. As … Read more

Proud Little Girl Praises Her Pup For His Good Poop!

The apple of your eye. The light of your life. Your whole world. These are strong words with which to describe our dogs, but make no mistake – we mean it every time we say them. There’s a certain sense of pride we feel when we look at our dogs. Each and every one is a unique individual and there are just as many different dogs as there are reasons to love them. Some of us boast about how smart … Read more

The Top 30 Gifts Dogs Are Begging Santa for This Year

When it comes to holiday shopping, our dogs may be our favorite – and most deserving – recipients on our lists! So if you’re anything like us, you want to make sure you get your pup the perfect pile of presents, because they bring so much into your life all year long! If you’re wondering, then, what to give your pooch this holiday season, don’t worry – they already told us! We here at iHeartDogs used our expertise to decipher … Read more

6 Dog Training Myths Debunked

Dog training has changed a lot over the years. Unfortunately, myths and outdated training techniques still abound, and misinformation could wind up causing more problems than what you were trying to fix in the first place. In some cases, outdated information can actually injure your dog. Luckily, researchers are constantly helping us understand dogs better and how they think, so we can better understand how to train them. Here are 6 common training myths debunked. Related: Online Dog Training Classes … Read more

UPDATE: Staff Of No-Kill Shelter That Lost Funding Gets A Christmas Miracle

Update: This happy news is sure to get you into the holiday spirit! You may remember a story we shared last month about the Pickens County Humane Society, a no-kill shelter in Liberty, South Carolina, who lost their government funding. They were facing closure, and in a last-ditch effort, set up a GoFundMe page in hopes that they could raise the funds themselves. This story touch the hearts of animal lovers everywhere, including many of our readers. Today, they announced … Read more

New Law Limits Dog Tethering To 30 Minutes In Freezing Temperatures

A new portion of Pennsylvania’s Libre’s Law mandates that pet owners cannot leave animals outside in freezing temperatures without adequate shelter for more than 30 minutes. Area shelters are doing their best to warn citizens of the changes as temperatures begin to drop. Violations could result in fines and even jail time. Possible penalties include fines ranging from $50 to $750, and up to 90 days in jail for minor offenses. More serious cases involving neglect and abuse could result … Read more

Teacher Adds Blind Rescue Dog To Her Pack Of Special Needs Pugs

When Jessica Aliff saw the Craigslist ad for a blind, diabetic senior Pug named Cinderella in need of a new home, the animal rescuer within her took over. Although she was already the adoptive mama of three other rescue Pugs and three rescue cats, Aliff just could not bear the thought of the helpless pooch falling into the wrong hands. She contacted Cinderella’s owners, and soon the little old lady became the latest lucky resident of the Aliff house.   … Read more

Good News: Having A Dog Can Actually Increase Your Lifespan

Great news for dog lovers! A new study out of Sweden showed that single people between the ages of 40 and 80 who have dogs are 33% less likely to die than single people in that age range who don’t have any pets. Dog owners are also 11% less likely to suffer from a heart attack than those with no pets. The study included more than 3.4 million Swedes without any previous cardiovascular disease and it followed them for 12 … Read more