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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

The Best Gifts for Dog Lovers

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

Would You Clone Your Dog If You Could Afford It?

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

New In-Home Amazon Delivery Option Poses Problems For Dog Owners

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

10 Gifts For People Who Love Dogs More Than People

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

The Holiday Shop

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.

How Much Do Dogs Understand About Death?

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

A Young Cancer Survivor & Amputee Finds A BFF In A 3-Legged Rescue Dog

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

School District Suspends Mom From Acting As Son’s Service Dog Handler

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

The Truth About Color Blindness In Dogs

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

Mastiffs Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

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

Should I Pluck My Dog’s Ear Hair?

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 Rescued From Puppy Mill In California

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

Sorority Sisters Fight Over Whether Assistance Dog Should Stay In The House

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

Family of Five Credits Their 150-Pound Dog For Stopping Home Invasion

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

Wife Banned Stinky Pup From The Bed So Pug Papa Camped Out On The Floor!

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

What You Should Know Before Your Dog Goes Under General Anesthesia

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

New Pet Food Label Changes Will Make Reading Nutrition Facts Easier Than Ever

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

Boy Who Lost Both His Legs Finds A Kindred Spirit In A Dog Who Lost All 4

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

Family Desperately Searches For Dog Who They Fear Was Stolen For Fighting

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

21 Gifts For Men Who Love Dogs

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

20 Gifts For Women Who Love Dogs

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

Sickly Dumped Dog Recovers When She Gets The Help She Needed

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

Up-and-Coming Country Musician Talks About Music, New Video, and Her Dog

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

Does My Puppy Need Booties In The Winter?

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

Could Your Dog Be Suffering From A Yeast Infection?

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

Why Do Female Dogs Hump?

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

New Hotel Chain Will Cater To Guests With Dogs

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

Man Gets The Ultimate Surprise After Weeks Of Grieving The Loss Of His Dogs

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

Dog In Labor Dumped On Ice Cold Doorstep Gets A Miracle

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

How To Determine Which Supplements Are Safe & Effective For Your Dog

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