Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:
Looking for the PERFECT gift for someone you care about who loves dogs? From hilarious tops to high-quality jewelry, this list has you covered. The following products are not only made for dog lovers, they help dog lovers help shelter pups! Each item has a unique donation value that helps shelter dogs in some way. So your gift is more than just a thoughtful present – it has a positive impact on dogs’ lives, the gift recipient is going to … Read more
The hardest part of having furry family members is eventually being forced to say goodbye. It’s a sad fact that our pets lead much shorter lives than we do, and their death affects us as much as, if not more than, the deaths of the people in our lives. But what if you could bring your beloved pet back to life, generation after generation? Technology has advanced to the point that there are at least 2 companies in the world … Read more
Amazon shoppers are excited to test out the newest idea in online shopping that lets the company drop off packages inside homes. The system works by using a combination of a smart door lock and an in-home security camera. There have been mixed reviews so far from people testing out the service, but dog owners are having trouble getting on board. https://www.facebook.com/Amazon/photos/a.10150354146103124.344011.9465008123/10154087810713124/?type=3 After spending between $250 and $320 on the necessary technology and downloading the Amazon Key mobile app, the … Read more
You know that person who would rather get their exercise at the dog park than the gym? The one who wears the dog fur clinging to their shirt with pride and throws birthday parties for their pup? Lucky you! If you’re looking for that perfect gift to surprise your favorite crazy-dog person, iHeartDogs has you covered! Bonus: doing your holiday shopping through iHeartDogs supports shelter dogs with food and toys through Greater Good! And while you’re at it, no reason not … Read more
We believe the holidays can be about both the fun of gift-giving and the joy of giving back. The wonderful gifts below have the added bonus of providing a meaningful impact in the lives of shelter dogs! Whether it’s filling bellies, rebuilding a shelter, preventing abuse, or providing transportation to safety, each piece has a purpose. Click on a piece below to find out what donation your purchase will provide.
I spent nearly half my life working as a veterinary technician. During that time I helped many dogs cross the Rainbow Bridge and witnessed others coping with the loss of a beloved human or a fellow pet. While they absolutely understand the concepts of pain and illness, do dogs grasp the finality of death? And if so, do they know when that moment is approaching and adjust their behavior accordingly? Scientific research on the subject is scarce since it is … Read more
Quinn is a young teen who has gone through more in his life than anyone should – and he’s proved himself to be a warrior. That’s why, when his mom learned about a special dog named Logan, she knew that her son deserved a companion – one that could understand him better than anyone else. When Logan was just a baby, his family received heartbreaking news: he had cancer. Thankfully, the treatments put him in remission… until years later, a … Read more
Mickey Stewart of Redmond, Washington has acted as her son, J.T.’s in-school service dog handler for six years. Her position has always been voluntary and unpaid. Now, the Lake Washington School District has suspended Stewart for a third time and ordered the family to pay for a professional handler for J.T.’s dog, Curly. In response, Stewart has filed a lawsuit against the district to appeal her suspension. J.T. has autism and having Curly by his side at school helps … Read more
There was a time when dogs were thought to be completely colorblind, unable to see anything but shades of grey. While their range is limited compared to the spectrum we see, our pups do perceive color. Basically, dogs are able to distinguish between yellows, blues, and violets; but cannot distinguish between reds, greens, and oranges. These colors appear somewhere on their yellow to blue spectrum. A new study conducted by Italian researchers at the University of Bari’s Department of Veterinary Medicine sought to … Read more
Average Size of Female: 119.05 pound (54 kg) – 200.62 pound (91 kg) Height: 29.92 inch (76 cm) Major concerns: hip dysplasia, gastric torsion Minor concerns: obesity, osteosarcoma, and cystinuria Occasionally seen: cardiomyopathy, allergies, vaginal hyperplasia, cruciate ligament rupture, hypothyroidism, OCD, entropion, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and persistent pupillary membranes (PPM) Average Size of Male: 149.91 pound (68 kg) – 242.51 pound (110 kg) Life span: 10-12 years Brief History on English Mastiff Origin Stories suggest that these dogs were … Read more
Ear plucking. It’s one of those things that nobody can seem to agree on. If you have a dog breed with hair that grows inside its ear canal, you may be wondering whether or not you should be plucking that ear hair. Maybe you’ve received conflicting advice. A quick Google search for “Should I pluck my dog’s ear hair” pulls up results ranging from always to never. What’s a new dog owner supposed to do? It used to be thought … Read more
78 French and English bulldogs were recently found in a hoarding situation at a home in Westminster, California. Instead of living the lives of pampered pets, the poor dogs were neglected and spending their days in filth. Police were told that the homeowner ran a puppy mill operation out of there home and sold the dogs on Instagram. Many of the female dogs showed signs of having given birth to multiple litters, and some were found to have infected C-section … Read more
At Ohio State University, two sorority sisters have gone to court in order to settle a dispute over a dog. Madeleine Entine, a sophomore, shares her room with Cory, an 8-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who helps her cope with her panic attacks. Entine claims that the episodes render her unable to function and the pup has been trained how to calm her down. “Cory’s presence on Ms. Entine’s torso helps relieve her panic attacks and restore her ability to … Read more
Derek Thomas’ wife and three children were sound asleep in their beds when a leering shadow caught his attention. Thomas was still up after watching a late-night football game, and he knew it wasn’t paranoia that drove him to take his gun from the cabinet. Barefoot and armed, he exited his home and found an intruder rummaging through the cab of his truck. Homeowner holds off robber with gun and 150-pound dog named Tank https://t.co/kUtZXGpIAY pic.twitter.com/wjZtDFcqVr — WMTW TV (@WMTWTV) … Read more
Anyone lucky enough to have shared their life with a Pug knows that they are incredibly cuddly. Unfortunately, they also have a tendency to smell quite doggish – or Puggish – if you prefer. One particular Puglet named Violet recently found herself banned from her favorite night-time snuggle spot due to her funky aroma. In a chivalrous act of protest and solidarity, Violet’s dad gave up his own place in bed to share the floor with his precious pug Interestingly, … Read more
Everyone worries when their dog has any type of surgery, even if it’s as routine as a spay, neuter or teeth cleaning. Just like with humans, vets put our pups under general anesthesia in order to relax their muscles and prevent them from experiencing pain during the procedure. While giving dogs anesthesia is commonplace in veterinary hospitals, there are still some things that pet parents should know in order to help avoid complications. So while administering the medication should be … Read more
A task force convened by the Pet Food Institute (PFI) has been working for more than two years on a comprehensive project to improve the current pet food labeling system. They were inspired by 2013 consumer research conducted by Mars Petcare showing that pet owners find several sections of the current label confusing – and ignore other sections alltogether. The PFI task force is divided into four sub-groups, one for each of the areas identified by Mars research and chosen by … Read more
Owen Mahan has been through more in his 10 years than most of us could endure in a lifetime. At the age of 2 he fell into a bath of scalding hot water and suffered burns over 98% of his body. He has undergone countless surgeries since, including the amputation of both legs earlier this year. This past weekend, Owen flew from Indiana to Arizona to meet one of his online heroes. “It made me really happy,” Owen told ABC … Read more
Paul and Lorraine Moores, who live in the town of Marple in England, cannot wake up from a nightmare: almost two weeks ago, their gorgeous blue Staffordshire Terrier disappeared from their backyard. “When I came back to let her in I thought it was unusual as I can normally hear her grunting and when I found she was gone there was panic,” Mr. Moores described in a story by Manchester Evening News. After noticing that some of the panels in their … Read more
We know that most guys don’t like to shop, so sometimes, we have to do the shopping for them…especially when it comes to clothes. Does your man love dogs? Well, why not let them sport their love for the canine kind with a fun t-shirt. With several options to choose from, there’s something perfect here for the leading man in your life–who just happens to be a dog lover, too. Oh, and the best part? Every shirt feeds 7 shelter dogs. … Read more
Whoever said diamonds are a girl’s best friend clearly never had a dog. I love diamonds too, after all, they do sparkle, but there is nothing better than the feeling you get inside when you are with your dog. They understand you, they love you just as much as you love them, and they are always there for you after you’ve had a long day and just want to crash, watching guilty pleasure television on the couch. So basically they’re … Read more
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. Betty was approximately three years old when she was found dumped on a county road by Dogs Etc of Texas. This lab mix had apparently been homeless for quite a while. Her condition was severe. Although she was friendly she was anemic, covered in parasites, had a bacterial infection and demodex mange (complete … Read more
Hayley Wilson is an up-and-coming singer/songwriter who was raised in Australian Outback and now resides in Brisbane. Incredibly talented, Hayley sings and plays guitar on her debut album, Further Than Forever. The album features songs written by Hayley herself, and includes several earworms you won’t mind having stuck in your head! Hayley recently released her third music video for “On and On,” an upbeat song about moving forward in life. Her dog, Cody, a handsome Border Collie, played a big … Read more
Have you gotten your first puppy over the last few months, and now you’re wondering if you should buy them booties to protect their feet this winter? Wolves don’t need booties, but have our domesticated dogs lost some ability to protect their feet from the snow and cold? The truth is that most dogs are just fine without booties, but there are some situations where booties are recommended to protect your pup’s paws. Consider investing in some quality booties for … Read more
Are you familiar with the signs and symptoms of yeast infections in dogs? Fungal yeast occurs naturally on all dogs’ bodies, but an overgrowth of Malassezia pachydermatitis or Candida can cause serious problems. The many different forms of yeast infections can cause not only discomfort and intense itching for your dog, but your dog scratching the itch can cause secondary infections. Yeast infections, which can affect the ears, urinary tract, mouth, or skin, are treatable as long as you follow the … Read more
The behavioral issues of mounting and humping can be awkward and uncomfortable for pooch parents – especially if their pup happens to be a female. For our dogs, however, this behavior is a perfectly normal form of self expression – and it isn’t limited to intact males. Both male and female dogs mount and hump for several reasons. As you might expect, humping is often a sexually motivated behavior, even in female dogs. Sexually motivated humping tends to occur during … Read more
Canopy by Hilton is a new boutique hotel chain which just announced that all of its North American locations will offer “Paws in the Neighborhood,” a new dog-friendly check-in policy. Canopy partnered with Planet Dog, which makes environmentally-friendly pet products, to create the Paws in the Neighborhood welcome kit, which includes a cinch pack, a Planet Dog Orbee ball, a house-made or locally-sourced dog treat, a dispenser with pickup bags, and a guide that highlights neighborhood parks, vets, groomers, pet supply … Read more
James Xuereb of Guelph, Ontario was heartbroken after he and his family lost their two dogs, Lucy and Nemo, within 3 weeks of each other this past summer. He had been mourning the deaths of the dogs, who passed due to congestive heart failure and old age, for many weeks. That’s when his wife, Wanda and daughter, Jaleen decided to surprise him with a puppy in order to lift his spirits. They gave him a birthday card first, and he … Read more
In the late hours of November 2, Fenland Animal Rescue in Cambridgeshire, England received a call from the local police. A homeowner had discovered a Chihuahua/Terrier mix in active labor abandoned on their doorstep. The dog and the single puppy she birthed were exposed to the near-freezing elements in an uncovered wire crate. The mama dog was crying out in agony and distress. Joshua Flanagan of Fenland Animal Rescue described the situation as “absolutely tragic”. “She was in all this … Read more
Not all supplements are created equal, and unlike the pharmaceutical industry, their safety and efficacy are not regulated by the FDA. How do you know which supplements actually make good on their claims? And more importantly, which ones are safe to give to your best friend? Unfortunately, when it comes to many of the supplements on the market, there is simply no way for a pet owner – or even a veterinarian – to tell if they will promote positive … Read more
Average Size of Female: 39.68 pound (18 kg) – 55.12 pound (25 kg) Height: 18.11 inch (46 cm) – 22.05 inch (56 cm) Major concerns: Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, luxating patella, prone to tearing/rupturing the cruciate ligament, bloat, atopic dermatitis, allergies Minor concerns: Familial Shar-pei Fever, tumors and cancers, thyroid disease, inflammatory bowel disease Average Size of Male: 55.12 pound (25 kg) – 63.93 pound (29 kg) Life span: 8-10 years Brief History on Shar Pei Origin The Shar Pei … Read more
Average Size of Female: 30.86 pound (14 kg) – 59.52 pound (27 kg) Height: 16.93 inch (43 cm) – 22.05 inch (56 cm) Major concerns: hip dysplasia, cataracts Minor concerns: valve malformations and irregularities in heart rhythm, allergies Average Size of Male: 35.27 pound (16 kg) – 66.14 pound (30 kg) Life span: 8-15 years Brief History on Pit Bull Origin Formal breeds often considered in North America to be of the Pit Bull type include the American Pit Bull … Read more
Average Size of Female: 14.11 pound (6.40 kg) – 18.08 pound (8.20 kg) Height: 9.84 inch (25 cm) – 14.96 inch (38 cm) Major concerns: hereditary cataracts, ectopia lentis, congenital deafness, patellar luxation, ataxia, myasthenia gravis, Legg–Calvé–Perthes syndrome Minor concerns: epilepsy, vonWillebrand’s disease, cerebellar Ataxia Average Size of Male: 14.11 pound (6.40 kg) – 18.08 pound (8.20 kg) Life span: 13 years – 16 years on average Brief History on JRT Origin The small white fox-working terriers we know today … Read more
Average Size of Female: 24.25 pound (11 kg) (Female, Show condition) · 22.05 pound (10 kg) – 28.66 pound (13 kg) (Female, Peak athletic condition) Height: 9.84 inch (25 cm) – 11.81 inch (30 cm) Major concerns: monorchidism, Von Willebrand’s disease, hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy (DM), and inherited eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy Minor concerns: Obesity Average Size of Male: 33.07 pound (15 kg) (Male, Show condition) · 24.25 pound (11 kg) – 30.86 pound (14 kg) (Male, … Read more
Average Size of Female: Height: Males 15 – 17 inches (38 – 43 cm) Height: 14 – 16 inches (36 – 41 cm) Major concerns: Canine hip dysplasia (CHD), progressive retinal atrophy, liver disease, obesity, deafness, congestive heart failure Minor concerns: Cardiomyopathy, ectropion, urinary stones, otitis externa, hypothyroidism, seborrhea, phosphofructokinase deficiency, entropion, “cherry eye,” ear infections, allergies Average Size of Male: Weight: Males 28-34 pounds (13 – 16 kg) Height: Males 15 – 17 inches (38 – 43 cm) Life … Read more
Average Size of Female: Height: 18 – 21 inches, Weight: 30 – 45 pounds Occasionally seen: Cerebellar abiotrophy, ceroid lipofuscinosis, deafness Major concerns: CHD Minor concerns: PRA, lens luxation, CEA, PDA, OCD, PPM Suggested tests: Hip, eye Average Size of Male: Height: 20 – 23 inches, Weight: 30 – 45 pounds Life span: 10 – 14 years Brief History on Border Collie Origin There was a large variety of sheepdogs in Great Britain around the 1800s, each of which had … Read more
Crystalluria is the presence of crystalized, concentrated minerals naturally found in your dogs’ urine. There are different types of crystals, and they can lead to different types of bladder stones or kidney stones. Identification of the type of crystal in your dog’s urine is important as it can indicate an underlying disease, but even healthy dogs can have crystals in his urine. Some breeds are more susceptible to certain crystals: Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, Lhasa Apsos and Miniature Poodles to … Read more
An umbilical hernia occurs when the lining, fat, or organs of the abdomen pass through an opening in the abdominal wall. It’s seen in newborn pups, as it’s caused by a failure of the umbilical ring to close after birth. Genetic conditions are often to blame but there are other causes. They’re often found in Airedale Terriers, Pekinese, and Basenji breeds. Symptoms of Umbilical Hernia in Dogs The hernia will be visible on the dog’s abdomen, and looks like … Read more
Pup parents know that mental stimulation is crucial for their dog’s overall health and well-being, as is being physically active. Luckily, there’s an easy solution for both these things: playing with toys! Most dogs love toys, and some may even have a favorite. But after awhile, you may notice that your pup gets a little bored of the same pile of playthings. And as many pup parents know, boredom can lead to destruction, depression, and even weight problems in dogs. In … Read more
Safety should always be a concern when heading to the dog park. Pups are at risk for anything from parasites to injuries and over-exertion. But visitors to Bicentennial Park in Ormond Beach, Florida had no idea their dogs could also be in danger of intentional sabbotage. This Tuesday, two park-goers discovered several fish hooks embedded in raw meatballs when one of their dogs ingested part of the tainted meat. The woman, identified only as Rita, rushed the pooch to Tomoka Pines … Read more
Yesterday was a very special day for the staff at Boston’s MSPCA Adoption Center. Thanks to their efforts, a pooch named Brandy found her forever home just four days before her one year anniversary at the shelter. Brandy’s friends at the MSPCA took to social media and reached out to their local CBS station last week, spreading the word about the pup who had been overlooked for 355 long days. The wonderful news came yesterday afternoon via Facebook and Instagram. … Read more
Anal gland cancer is fairly uncommon, but is very serious when it occurs as it produces malignant tumors. Should your dog have an issue with his behind, it’s more likely to be a blockage, infection or impaction of his anal sac. Regular yearly check ups with your vet will include a rectal examination, which can detect a tumor early on. Your dog’s anal glands are small sacs that are found on either side of his anus. They produce a little … Read more
Your dog’s stomach contains acid and digestive enzymes to break his food down. Acid reflux is when these enzymes and acid enter the esophagus, which can cause damage to the tissues. It can be caused by a weak lower esophageal sphincter, improper emptying of the stomach, or obesity. Some medications, like prednisone can also make a dog more susceptible to acid reflux. If you have acid reflux, you know that it’s uncomfortable and can even be dangerous. The tissues of … Read more
Learned behavior allows dogs to figure out the cause and effect of their actions. For example, some pups learn that pawing the backdoor will result in being let outside. It’s quite useful for training, but certain savvy pups – like Kennady Longhurst’s pooch, Sullivan – learn to use it for more devious purposes. A post shared by Kennady Longhurst (@kennaughty) on Oct 7, 2017 at 11:19am PDT Sullivan – Sully for short – is admittedly quite spoiled according to Longhurst … Read more
For one family in Pennsylvania, a routine grooming appointment at a local PetSmart turned into a nightmare. Betty Miller, who lives in Scranton, brought her 12-year-old Bichon named Brewster to the pet store chain and dropped him off to get groomed. Soon after, she received a phone call that would change her life forever. She was told that her beloved pup had been attacked by another big dog, and he was at the Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center. According to … Read more
You may have heard of Aadya – the 2 ½ year old starving pup who made headlines when she was found abandoned with a corn cob lodged in her intestine. Since her rescue, Aadya’s story has taken a bizarre twist, but she and her foster family have managed to take the bad and turn it into something good. Good Samaritan Vincent Currie heard the cries of a dog coming from the alley behind his house in early October. He happened to … Read more
Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good, which helps support various charities, including Pets for Vets. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings, like the one below, are made possible. In the words of an Army veteran: “I will never be able to express how much having Mojo fully means to me. It goes way beyond words. Pets for Vets is one of the best benefits for having served my country. My dog, Mojo, is now responding to … Read more
There was never any doubt four-year-old Jake was meant to do something special. When he was a puppy, the Labrador mix from Tennessee started training to be a search and rescue dog. He learned how to sniff out bodies trapped under collapsed buildings, and he excelled during training. He had the nose for the job, but sensitive paws meant Jake couldn’t scramble over collapsed walls and debris without putting himself in danger. https://www.facebook.com/112690202698843/photos/a.112701546031042.1073741828.112690202698843/114167285884468/?type=3&theater When his career as a search and … Read more
According to neighbors in the Los Angeles community where Stewie was rescued, the pitiful senior pup once had a family. After falling on hard times, they moved away, leaving the puzzled pooch behind. Ever the faithful companion, Stewie waited at his abandoned home for more than a year for his humans to return, eating rocks when his hunger became too much to bear. Source: Homeless dog was so hungry he ate rocks! Thanks to your support, we saved his … Read more
Toledo, United States.