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When It Comes To Health, Mixed And Purebred Dogs Aren’t Always The Same

Whether you choose a purebred dog or a mix, there are always potential health concerns. Many people contend that purebreds are more likely to have serious health problems due to their higher risk for certain genetic conditions. Others argue that mixed breed dogs often come from unknown backgrounds where they may be exposed to an array of viruses, parasites, etc. There are a few ways you can acquire a new furry friend: select a breeder or rescue group that specializes … Read more

5 Key Things To Consider When Adopting Your Next Dog

If you’re a natural dog lover, resisting the big eyes, floppy ears, and wagging tails you meet at the shelter will be tough, and you’ll be tempted to go home with the first furry friend you meet. You’re already doing a good deed by choosing to adopt, but there’s more to adopting a rescue than picking out the cutest pup in the pack. Too many hopeful dog owners end up returning their recently adopted rescues to the shelter because they … Read more

Dog’s Ashes Are Stolen, Then Returned Weeks Later With A Heartfelt Note

Gloria Johnson, a grandmother from Staten Island, NY, suffered the loss of her husband Arnold just last year. She managed to pull through thanks to her Yorkie, Dakotah, who she said was her emotional support. This summer, he passed as well, having lived to the ripe old age of 14, travelling with and being loved by Gloria. She had Dakotah cremated, purchased a crystal urn for him, and picked a spot in her home where his ashes could rest next … Read more

6 Tips to Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Healthy Between Cleanings

As a responsible pet owner, you’re concerned with making sure your pup’s teeth are in top shape. Periodontal disease is extremely dangerous for our furry friends. A regular cleaning, typically once a year, is the best way to wipe out dangerous tartar buildup. In between cleanings there are steps you can take to minimize or maintain the buildup. The following 5 tips will help you keep your pup’s teeth healthy between cleanings.   1. Brushing You’ve heard that brushing your … Read more

Lonely Boy Transforms Into The Happiest Pup On Earth Once He Catches A Lucky Break

Frank the Tank, formerly known as Mack the adoptable Pit Bull mix, has found his forever home. Imgur user, Narya9 came across his massive mopey mug on Facebook and shared his photo to the r/aww sub-reddit page. Frank’s huge hippo-body, soulful brown eyes, and pouty jowls instantly captured the hearts of all who saw him.   Frank, formerly known as Mack, was up for adoption at BARCS Animal Shelter in Baltimore, MD. Just one week after her first post, Narya9 … Read more

Family Dogs Nearly Sacrifice Their Lives Guarding 2 Toddlers From Poisonous Snake

Dogs may be the most selfless beings on Earth, and this story proves that they’d take a bullet for the ones that they love – or in this case, a snake bite. Pups Slayer and Paco, who belong to Melissa Butt, were in their Florida backyard with Butt’s two grandkids, ages four and one. The dogs suddenly became fixated on something in the grass, and refused to come when called, which is uncharacteristic, according to Butt.   As it turned … Read more

5 Natural Ways to Clean Your Dog’s Teeth

Dogs’ teeth get plaque and tartar just like ours do, however, unlike us they aren’t concerned about it. That’s where you come in as a responsible pet owner. Dog breath and discolored teeth are often a result of dental health neglect. Besides those more cosmetic concerns, if we do not try to keep our dogs’ tooth tartar build-up at a minimum our poor pups could develop painful, deadly periodontal disease. Regular teeth cleanings are recommended to wipe out plaque and … Read more

Resource Guarding In Dogs: What Is It & What Can You Do To Stop It?

Is your dog possessive of his toys, bones, treats, beds, or even his favorite humans? Behaviorists refer to this as resource guarding and it can be very a serious problem. Some dogs are so intent on protecting an item that they become aggressive towards other pets or people in the home. Although the reasons behind this behavior are unclear, professional trainers have methods that can help you prevent accidental bites and rehabilitate your possessive pup. Robin Bennett is a knowledge assessed … Read more

Game Of Thrones Star Peter Dinklage Urges Fans To Stop Buying Huskies As A Fad

Game of Thrones has birthed numerous trends since the show started airing in 2011. In 2012, over 160 baby girls were legally named “Khaleesi” after Emilia Clark’s character. Merchandise has popped up all over the internet and the books are selling like crazy. Not all Game of Thrones-inspired trends have been harmless, though. Clueless fans who fell in love with the Stark’s gorgeous direwolves have decided to buy purebred Siberian Huskies in droves over the last few years – but … Read more

The Fun, Easy Way To Bond With Your Pet & Discover Something New

Life is busy, but it’s important for us pet owners to make a little time each day for our fuzzy friends. The bond we share with them is unbreakable, and we love them so much, we want it to stay strong – and get even stronger! Lucky for us, building a solid relationship with our loyal pals isn’t hard to do. One of the easiest, most effective ways to show our companions how much we love them is through play! … Read more

26 Dogs Freed From The Dog Meat Trade In China

Animal activists in China celebrated another win last week! A warehouse containing several dogs meant for the dog meat trade was discovered in an abandoned greenhouse in Changping, China, a suburb of Beijing. 26 dogs, including 4 newborn pups were found and reported to police by members of the China Animal Protection Power, a coalition of rescue groups working to end animal abuse in their country. It is believed that many of the dogs were strays found wandering and taken … Read more

If Your Dog Swallows Any Of These Common Items, Head To The Vet

Dogs “see” the world through their noses, and taste is closely tied into their sense of smell. Some veterinarians and animal behaviorists feel that this may be why pups snag items that are most certainly not food. Whether they swallow a dangerous substance out of curiosity, excitement or just by accident, seeking veterinary help quickly can make all the difference. Here are some common materials that pups have been known to gobble that definitely warrant a visit to the vet. … Read more

You Helped Nurse This Sweet Stray Back To Health!

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.  Noelle, a 9-year-old Yorkie, was found as a stray in terrible condition by a Good Samaritan. She was taken to Grafelman Farms Rescue, where it was discovered that she had a microchip. Her former owners were found, but they said she had run away a year before, and they didn’t want her back. … Read more

Judge Judy Lets Dog Tell The Truth In A Canine Custody Battle

We love people who stand up for our four-legged companions, and when they’re able to serve up some real justice, it’s even sweeter. Pet advocates everywhere admire Judge Cicconetti, the judge who dishes out creative sentences to animal abusers. As it turns out, the TV-famous Judge Judy also has a soft spot for our furry friends. In a recent custody battle over a curly-haired canine, two families each claimed that the pup was theirs. The mother-daughter defendants purchased the dog … Read more

Dog Mom Honors Her Pup By Photoshopping Her Into Famous Movie Posters

Imgur user, iamirenes enjoyed 14 wonderful years with her dog, Lucy Van Pelt. During that time she snapped countless photos of the adorable pup’s every activity and expression. A few years back, the doting dog mom took to Photoshop with the goal of turning Lucy’s lovely likeness “into art…of some kind.” The results are this miraculous collection of movie poster parodies featuring Lucy and her lifelong passion for tennis balls – and Kongs!   The project was actually inspired by fine … Read more

A Farewell Letter From Your Beloved Pet — A Must Watch For Anyone Who Has Said The Hardest Goodbye Of All

Our dogs and cats are more than just pets to us. They are our best friends, they are part of the family. They’re our secret keepers and playmates. Nobody loves us more than our companions. That is why we give them everything they need to make them happy and to make their lives comfortable. We make sure that they feel our love and that they get the utmost care when they get sick. But their lives are short, and unfortunately … Read more

12 Dog Breeds Prone To Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety isn’t really exclusive to specific breeds, but there are some dog breeds prone to separation anxiety more than others. While there are also many factors to separation anxiety, some dogs seem to fall victim to it without any rhyme or reason. If you’re currently struggling with separation anxiety or want to try to avoid the problem at all costs when searching for a new dog, it might be best to avoid these breeds or adopt adults with a … Read more

Do You Really Need To Walk Your Dog?

The answer to this frequently asked question is: It depends. All dogs need exercise and mental stimulation, but that does not mean that a daily trek around the neighborhood is the answer. The amount of physical activity each dog needs depends on several factors including age, breed, size and overall health. There are many different ways that they can get their daily workout, whether it’s a walk, a play session, canine agility, or training games. On average, dogs should get between 30 … Read more

Hundreds Of Innocent Dogs Are Being Rescued In The Face Of BSL

In the wake of a world-wide pet population problem, breed-specific legislation (or BSL) renders thousands more dogs – who’d make perfectly suitable pets – homeless and on death row. Pit Bulls are banned in several Canadian cities, and are completely outlawed in the province of Ontario. Last December Montréal (in the province of Québec) was added to the list as another law went into effect that outlaws “Pit Bull-type” dogs in the city. People are no longer allowed to adopt … Read more

3 Amazing Stories of Mass Rescues From High-Kill Shelters

At iHeartDogs our motto is “Every dog matters.” Over the years we have shared countless stories of rescue from all over the world. Sometimes the heroes we write about save one precious life. Other times they rescue dozens – if not hundreds – of helpless animals from horrible circumstances like backyard breeding operations, hoarding situations, and dog meat farms.   The animal advocates in this post devote their time and talents to liberating dogs from high-kill shelters and transporting them … Read more

One simple alternative to the horrible practice of euthanasia in overcrowded shelters

There is a terrible pet population problem in the United States, but it’s not what you’d think. The population issue is more of a population distribution problem. In high pet population areas, resources for stray or abandoned animals are often limited, leading to euthanasia for millions of innocent dogs and cats a year. However, some shelters are mostly empty as they are located in areas that tend to have fewer strays and unplanned litters. In these locations, there are plenty of families … Read more

This Method For Emptying High-Kill Shelters Is Saving Lives Across The U.S.

It’s no secret that there is a pet population problem in the United States. The sad truth is that resources for homeless animals are limited, leading to euthanasia for millions of dogs and cats a year – at no fault of their own. While some shelters overcrowd quickly due to overpopulation and lack of resources, others are mostly bare as they are located in areas that tend to have fewer strays and unplanned litters. What’s more, in some places, there’s no … Read more

The Most Impactful Way to Save Lives

Many shelters euthanize adoptable, loving pets each day just because there isn’t enough room for them. Overcrowded, underfunded shelters are faced with the problem of too many pets and not enough demand. Whereas, in other parts of the country there is too much demand. Families are left waiting for their local shelters and rescues to have new pets available for adoption. This is a depressing dilemma for any animal lover to learn about. Yet, there is one straightforward, impactful way … Read more

Photographer Does Adorable Newborn Photo Shoot For Foster Puppies, World Melts

Kelly Frankenburg specializes in newborn and infant photography at her home-based studio, 11 Sixteen Photography, in Richmond, Virginia. Usually those newborns are human, but when she started fostering a rescued Chihuahua and her 3 puppies, she knew a photo shoot was in order. Frankenburg and her family recently started fostering for Richmond Animal Care And Control. When she brought mama Paris and her three 2-week-old puppies home to foster, she knew she wanted to take professional pictures of them to help … Read more

The 10 Dog Breeds That Give The Most Affection

#1 – Labrador Retriever No surprise that this breed made this list. Labrador retrievers are known for their sweet, loving disposition. No wonder they make sure great service dogs. #2 – Golden Retriever Also known for its loving nature, the golden retriever is commonly used for therapy work due its friendly attitude toward everyone, even strangers. Photo Credit: @AndrewMorrell via Flickr #3 – Bedlington Terrier While terriers are often thought of as independent, this high energy breed has a real soft side. They … Read more

The 100 Best U.S. Cities For Pups And Their Parents

When dogs are part of your family, they play a huge role in where you consider living. Whether it’s finding a pup-friendly apartment or a city with pooch perks, pet lovers know that they’ll only be happy at home if their dog is, too. If you’re thinking about relocating, you may be doing some research on pet-friendly places. Or perhaps you already live in one of them – and don’t even know it! Whether it’s time to pack or explore … Read more

5 Quirky Things Dogs Do And Why They Do It

  Dogs have lots of unusual behaviors that make us laugh. Sometimes it’s pretty easy to guess why they do what they do, but sometimes their behavior is baffling. You know why they jump all over you when you’ve been gone for too long, but why do they tilt their head at unusual sounds or chase their tail? Here are 5 quirky things dogs do and why they do them. #1 – Chase their tails   Why do dogs chase … Read more

Mail Carrier Caught Taking A Break To Pet Pups

We’ve all heard the old myth about dogs and mailmen, but one Texas dog dad is helping to bust that misconception wide open! Aaron Hernandez has five happy-go-lucky Labradors – four yellow and one black. While perusing his CCTV home security footage, he noticed that a new mailman had taken over his neighborhood. To his delight, Hernandez observed the heartwarming bond the postal worker forged with his beloved pups! He decided to share the adorable footage with the world and tweeted … Read more

Canine Influenza: Things All Dog Owners Should Know

News of canine influenza has been spreading – much like the the virus itself. It’s causing quite the stir among dog owners, but is the illness really as big as all the hype? Are we panicking over nothing? Should we panic MORE? Dr. Kathryn Primm is a trusted veterinarian and owner of Applebrook Animal Hospital in Ootelwah, Tennesee. She has contributed hundreds of articles to iHeartDogs and iHeartCats answering common (and not so common) questions about our pets and has … Read more

Dog Dies After Playing With Popular Brand Pet Toy

Warning: video below contains image that may be difficult for some to see.  Toys are a great way to keep your dog stimulated, their mind active, and they make exercise fun. However, a story from 2015 has recently been making its rounds on social media, causing dog owners to second-guess their toy purchases. This particular story hits close to home for many pet lovers, because it could happen to any of us and it could happen in an instant. In … Read more

5 Ways To Help Your Dog Snore Less

You’re about to fall asleep with your pup curled up by your side, but all of a sudden, a huff, wheeze, and snore scares away those much-needed Z’s. Listening to your sleepy pup let out soft little snores is cute at first, but it soon loses its appeal when it starts to keep you up at night. As with humans, there are a number of reasons why dogs snore. Snub-nose dog breeds like Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Bulldogs are more … Read more

Shelter Puppy With Unusually Large Head Sparks DNA Debate

When a litter of four stray puppies arrived at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley (HSSV) in June, the staff instantly noticed that one of the pups was not like the others. While his three littermates bore the characteristics of mini Border Collie mixes, the pooch they named “Bighead” had short, chubby legs like a Basset Hound – and, you guessed it, a very big head! Lauren Gallagher works in the HSSV finance department and has fostered countless dogs for … Read more

This Bizarrely Accurate Quiz Matches Your Personality With a Shelter Dog

Here at iHeartDogs, we think there’s a dog out there for anyone who wants a companion. Maybe you’re a homebody who loves to hunker down. Maybe you’re more of an outdoor type who’s in search of an exercise buddy. Perhaps you’re somewhere in between. Whether you’re looking for a pooch that’s large, small, fluffy, short-haired, active, lazy, whatever, there’s a dog in a shelter who’d be perfect for you – you just have to find him or her. And that’s why … Read more

5 Strategies For When Your Dog Doesn’t Listen

Everyone wants their furry companion to be a well-mannered member of the family, but like people, dogs have minds of their own. Whether they’re 10 weeks or 10 years old, dogs respond to training and commands in different ways. Sometimes, their response is to not respond at all. Dogs that don’t listen aren’t necessarily defiant, disobedient, or dumb. They might be choosing not to listen to you on purpose, but they also might not know what you want from them. … Read more

Puppy Mill Surivor Turns Out To Be A Little Dog With A Big Heart

Today, Cheddar is a happy, playful, and well-loved pup living with his family near Honolulu, HI. His big eyes and floppy ears give him a carefree expression he never seems to shed, but the little dog’s life wasn’t always this good. In May 2016, the Hawaiian Humane Society got a tip from someone who had seen their neighbor throw what looked like a dog into a trashcan. The man in question was James Montgomery. In 2005, 64 dogs were taken … Read more

10 Pieces Of Evidence That Prove Your Dog Is Your REAL Best Friend

Everyone has that one go-to friend they can always call when they need an understanding ear or a shoulder to cry on. Maybe he or she was a college roommate or perhaps you’ve known each other since kindergarten. It’s a bond you cherish, but the human BFFs of the world are faced with some stiff competition. Two-legged companions just can’t compare to a furry, wagging package of pure loyalty and devotion! These 10 pieces of evidence prove beyond a resonable … Read more

This Dog Was Tossed Out Like Garbage, But Got A Second Chance With Your Help

Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good, which helps support various charities. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings, like the one below, are made possible.  In September 2016 a citizen witnessed a small dog abandoned, discarded like trash on the street corner. What was described to the staff and volunteers at the rescue, is a woman pulled up to the corner with her car, got out of the car, took a blue basket out of the vehicle, laid … Read more

How This Key Bracelet Started a Movement And Is Saving The Lives of Shelter Dogs

Why are so many pets euthanized in shelters? The answer is simple: it’s a problem of supply and demand. In many areas, such as Southern California, the supply of shelter pets is high, leading to overcrowding in underfunded animal shelters. Because the demand for shelter pets is not high enough in these areas, euthanasia is very common. This is tragic, because these are perfectly good pets with many years of love left to give. A Simple Solution to a Complex … Read more

6 Simple Ways To Keep Your Dog Cool During The Hot Summer Months Without AC

The summer heat can be hard on everybody, especially if you don’t have air conditioning. Since dogs wear a fur coat year round and can only sweat through the pads of their feet, they are more prone to overheating than humans. Luckily, there are many things you can do to help your pooch beat the summer heat. Here are 6 simple ways to keep your dog cool during the hot summer months. #1 – Avoid mid-day walks If your dog … Read more

5 Reasons Playtime Is Vital For Your Dog’s Health, No Matter Their Age

Letting your dog indulge in a long game of fetch or a romp through the park may seem like it’s all fun and games, but doggy playtime is about a lot more than that. No matter what kind of play your pup likes to participate in, encouraging playtime will have a big impact on your canine friend’s overall health and well-being. Dogs of all ages benefit from daily play sessions. From puppies still learning to control their limbs to senior … Read more

The 12 Dog Breeds With The Highest Cost of Ownership

There are many things to consider when considering getting a new puppy. (we at iHeartDogs.com believe adoption is the best option!) Many of us are dead-set on certain breeds. Others aren’t quite sure. Regardless, cost is always a factor when deciding to add a dog to your home. There are many things that bring up the cost of the dog outside of the purchase price – and these include crates, toys, beds, kennels, food, and health issues. While health testing is … Read more

5 Mistakes You Don’t Want To Make When Socializing Your Dog

Socialization is a key part of raising a happy and well-mannered canine citizen. From the time they’re puppies all the way through old age, dogs are continuously learning about the world around them. Without proper socialization, dogs can be unnecessarily stressed or fearful, and they need social interaction for both mental enrichment and physical exercise. Socializing your pup can be as simple as taking them on regular walks and introducing them to other dogs, but there’s also a wrong way … Read more

What Happens After You Unlock These Cages Will Make You Cry

dog in cage

Numerous dogs locked up in cages with more coming in daily, awaiting certain death – this is the reality for many shelters in the U.S. where there are too many stray and abandoned dogs for the amount of families able to adopt. These are healthy, hopeful dogs trapped behind cages, sentenced to death. Those cages are the last “home” they will know before being put down. They are euthanized for no other reason than there just wasn’t someone nearby able … Read more

Today Is National Spoil Your Dog Day

August 10 is National Spoil Your Dog Day! We here at iHeartDogs believe that every day is Spoil Your Dog Day, and since Americans spend more than $60 billion a year on their pets, we think most people agree with us. Still, spoiling your dog too much every day can lead to health and behavioral problems, so it’s never a bad idea to pull back on extra snacks and toys on most days, then splurge a little extra on August … Read more

The Single Easiest Way You Can Save Shelter Animals’ Lives

Puppies to be transported to loving homes

It’s a sad truth, but many pets are murdered every day simply for taking up space for too long in a shelter. These pets are adoptable, loving animals who just want to find a home. Meanwhile, in other parts of the country there are families waiting and waiting for their local shelter to have new pets available for adoption. We animal lovers don’t have to stand by the wayside, heartbroken that we can’t do anything. There is a particular way … Read more

The Super Simple Method That Will Help You Monitor Your Dog’s Dental Health

Learning about our pets’ health is a double-edged sword. The more we know about what could happen, the more we worry. But more importantly, this knowledge helps us take preventative measures to avoid illness and injury in the long run. One of the things we need to be cognizant of is our dog’s dental health. It may be easy to overlook, but the fact is, a lot of painful and dangerous issues can start right in your pup’s mouth. Many dogs … Read more

Why Does My Dog Ignore Me?

Every pup parent has been ignored when trying to give their dog commands. Maybe your companion won’t “sit” or “lie down,” especially when there are distractions. Perhaps your dog doesn’t listen to “come” (which can be dangerous, given the situation). You may be wondering why your dog’s obedience is inconsistent (or non-existent!), and what you can do about it. As it turns out, there are a couple reasons why your pup may be disregarding your commands, even if he’s eager … Read more

How The Solar Eclipse Might Affect Pets

It’s been all over the news lately just how important it is for you to wear special glasses to watch the upcoming total solar eclipse on August 21st. Regular sunglasses, even if you wear two pairs, are nowhere near strong enough to allow you to look directly at the sun without risking your vision. And it’s important to find solar eclipse glasses that have been certified – ripoff eclipse viewers could steal your vision permanently. But what about your dog? … Read more

7 Dog Breeds That Demand Your Undivided Attention

While every dog breeds needs human interaction, there are some that are a little bit more independent than others. Every dog is an individual, but certain dogs were bred to work alongside humans all day long, such as herding and hunting dogs, and others were used for solitary work, such as guard dogs. Many breeds do fine with regularly amounts of human love and attention, but some are a little bit more high-maintenance in this area. #1 – Australian Shepherd … Read more

What This Airplane Pilot is Doing In This Pic Will Blow Your Mind

Yes, there’s a puppy in that pilot’s lap and yes, they are in the air – but this is not just any flight. Although this plane has room to seat lots of people, it’s cargo is of a different, but precious, variety.  The pilot in this picture is transporting shelter pets from kill shelters to no-kill shelters in other areas of the country where loving families are waiting to adopt them. These pilots volunteer their time, expertise and airplanes to … Read more

Study Shows Pups Raised With “Tough Love” Make Better Guide Dogs

Researchers at The Seeing Eye training school in New Jersey have discovered that puppies whose mothers are less attentive tend to have more success as guide dog candidates. A seeing eye dog must be calm in the face of loud noises and ever-changing stimuli in order to help its master navigate the world. In a study of 98 puppies from birth to adulthood, those more intensely mothered tended to be more reactive and therefore less suited to guide dog work. The … Read more