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Your Dog’s Cousins May Surprise You…Regardless Of Breed

New genetic research has shown some surprising connections in the ways dog breeds are related to each other. Genetic information from 1346 dogs representing 161 breeds was compiled over 20 years to put together a new “family tree” showing what dog breeds are related to each other and how closely they are related. Almost all of the dog breeds fell into 23 groups, or clades. Each clade, while grouped by genetic similarities, also shared similar characteristics within the breeds represented in … Read more

How Changing Your Dog’s Diet Can Transform Their Life 

Dr. Michel Selmer, DVM, CTCVMP, is a true believer in the power of food. Also known as “The Caring Vet,” Dr. Selmer is a Certified Veterinary Food Therapist (CVFT) who uses principles from Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) to treat his patients. Here’s what he had to say about the impact of diet on your dog’s life. In the words of Dr. Selmer:  If you were to take away all of my other tools as a veterinarian — all other modalities, … Read more

This Adorable Labrador Has Located 53 People, Including 12 From Recent Mexican Earthquake

Meet Frida, a Labrador Retriever in the Mexican Navy’s (SEMAR) Canine Unit. So far in her career, she has rescued 53 people, including 12 survivors from the recent earthquake in Oaxaca. ¡Frida al rescate!: la perrita que salva vidas. Es una leyenda en la @SEMAR_mx https://t.co/LLO11pJAWn pic.twitter.com/XP69KHwxwE — La Silla Rota (@lasillarota) September 14, 2017 “Frieda to the rescue! The dog that saves lives. She is a legend in SEMAR.”   She was recently recognized by the news show A Primera … Read more

World Falls In Love With Little Girl and Her Special Needs Great Dane

Almost overnight the internet has fallen in love with these two gorgeous girls! 18-month-old Jennie and her Great Dane Echo just walked into internet fame – and stylishly, in sunglasses! Like any happy mom, Marion Dwyer took to sharing photos of her daughter, Jennie and dog, Echo with family and friends on Facebook. The media caught sight of a video of the two walking down the street wearing sunglasses and it has since been shared millions of times! The spectacle … Read more

12 Easiest Dog Breeds To Train

Most people looking for a dog want a breed that’s easy to live with. Easily trained breeds typically fall under this description. While all dogs can be trained, there are some that are easier than others. All dogs are individuals, of course, so this list is a broad generalization of which breeds are usually fairly easy to train basic obedience and house manners. If you’re looking for a breed for advanced and competition obedience, these are some of the easiest … Read more

Rescue Dog Becomes The First Ever Friend Of A Boy With Special Needs

With his umbilical cord wrapped three times around his neck, Johnny was born with Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy. The lack of oxygen to his brain caused permanent damage, and breathing complications make it impossible for him to sit up for too long. With no control over his upper or lower extremities, Johnny suffers painful muscle spasms and spends his life lying in bed. Despite his disabilities, Johnny has always been aware of his surroundings. The frontal lobe of his brain is … Read more

Rescue Dog Wakes Parents To Save Baby From Hurricane Irma Flooding

Jason Hensley and Kym Rose of Oceanway, Florida are eternally grateful to their dog, Chase, for waking them up at 5 am on Monday, September 11. Flood waters caused by Hurricane Irma had entered the house and were nearly as high as baby Jude’s bassinet when Chase jumped on the bed soaking wet. Rose told First Coast News: “I was sleeping right here, Jude was sleeping in his bassinet, his swing. Chase ran and jumped on the bed, it startled … Read more

10 Flowers & Plants That Are Highly Dangerous To Dogs

Some dogs live for Spring; they love digging in the garden alongside their human. More accurately, some dogs love to dig after their human has painstakingly planted a stunning array of flowers. Some well known flowers can be deadly for the dogs if they’re consumed. If any of these flowers are eaten by the dog, contact the vet or local animal hospital immediately. Autumn Crocus Otherwise known as Meadow Saffron these little beauties are poisonous from their colorful buds to … Read more

10 Dog Breeds Who Are Absolute “Drama Queens”

Which dogs breeds have the most tendency to be drama queens (or kings?) We put this question to our fans recently on Facebook, and you responded with no shortage of answers! The below list is a result of our own research and your votes, along with a few stories from our community users! Would you add any to our list? Tell us in the comments on Facebook. #10 – Pomeranians Community user FabiolaJM loves her “diva” Pomeranian Peluche – but … Read more

Orlando Hotel Welcomes 900 Family Dogs Displaced By Hurricane Irma

The Hyatt Regency in Orlando, Florida is proud to be a pet-friendly hotel, but they took hospitality to a whole new level in the wake of Hurricane Irma. With thousands of displaced families seeking shelter from the damage and catastrophic flooding this past weekend, Hyatt opened their doors to nearly 900 four-legged friends! A post shared by MK Marasco (@mkmarascophotography) on Sep 11, 2017 at 1:25pm PDT Their typical pet policy involves a $150 cleaning fee and restricted access to … Read more

5 Big Jobs For Small Service Dogs

Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and German Shepherds are the first breeds that come to mind when you think about service dogs, but they’re not the only kinds of canines trained to work. Smaller breeds, like Chihuahuas, Miniature Poodles, Shih Tzus, and terrier mixes also excel in the working world. They might not fit the preconceived image of what a service dog should be, but to their owners, these pint-sized dogs offer invaluable assistance. Here are a few of the jobs small … Read more

11 Signs Of Aging Every Dog Owner Needs To Look For

Age creeps up on all of us, even our dogs. The signs can be subtle and easily missed while we go about our daily lives. However, being aware of and paying attention to the signs of aging in your dog could help you catch health issues early, which may make treatment easier and less expensive–not to mention save your dog discomfort. Brent Lotz, a vet assistant at Berry Hill Vet Clinic in Oregon City, Oregon, gave us 11 things to watch out for … Read more

Gorgeous Golden Heals 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.  The Golden Retriever Club of Greater Los Angeles Rescue is one of the shelters that benefits from your donations through Greater Good’s Rescue Bank. They shared with us this story about Tahoe, a dog whose life was changed because of your help. “In a car versus dog battle, the dog usually comes out … Read more

Formerly Stray Dog Adopts Rescue Piglets

Spectrum Plants in Australia’s Gold Coast isn’t your everyday, garden-variety garden center. Along with the plants on the property, you’ll also find several farm animals, including lambs, chickens, guinea pigs, and a formerly stray Boxer dog named Treasure. Wes Trevor, who owns Spectrum Plants, recently received a new litter of teeny pink piglets, but the babies arrived muddy and sunburnt, in overall poor shape. He knew they’d need some extra care to regain their health, but luckily, it wasn’t a … Read more

Man Caught On Camera Dumping Dog Turns Himself In

Surveillance video of a Texas man abandoning his sister’s “uncontrollable” dog by the side of the road has led to a momentous animal cruelty arrest. The cameras were installed by the Dallas Marshall’s Office in an effort to crack down on animal cruelty in the Dowdy Ferry area, known as a common dumping ground for unwanted pets. This is the first incident of animal cruelty captured by the cameras that has led to an arrest.   The suspect, Gorge Spears, … Read more

This State Might Be The First To Ban All Puppy Mill Pet Store Sales

Crammed into kennels and raised with minimal  human contact, hundreds of thousands of puppies and dogs suffer because of puppy mills. They operate all across the country, but one state has set out to make an official stand against the cruelty of the puppy mill industry. Walk into any pet store that sells animals, and there’s a good chance those puppies with the big price tags were born and raised in puppy mills. Puppy mill owners make their profits by … Read more

Lost Dog Found Wandering With Heartbreaking Note On Collar

Update: Roxy’s original owner was never found, but after a short time with a foster, Roxy found a new home with people who love her! https://www.facebook.com/SPCAFRIENDS/posts/10154840033131790?__xts__[0]=68.ARB6HSJCd2Z3GRboqoucAMBoRdE6XE0yv4VMxSWGGrmQWHkCLsefZiYPQTn1MyXicx616MYKCZek5Bo0JxXLv1Q2lXtrInpEV7_fFHDYiKe_ovAzZeE4B3EGPNfMa0bJqzY9M6PVyshebEbMFDtfgzR8Cn3dM5ETJVns2pNJQ1ee_2eMTiFs8ooZhtdHY___PYiWqDvuFft5y94KNHYaN6B8R2ZfFG4UiH6ApV4qE6w4NmkkSIFpwEmdh2ZE-nwNcTtHnz5shbPc0KWtx5fgbllZ9xVRkmj22LOluv_zhrBDcJPEzPSLpgTzh2jvOYBUDUnrT5Vtexhi_8RL9Q&__tn__=-R ASPCA Auckland is asking the public for information after a Jack Russell Terrier was found running around shops near Uxbridge in Howick. The small white dog was found wearing a green collar with a tag attached that reads: “Hi my name is Roxy my owner can’t look after me can you?” A member of the public … Read more

Why Is My Dog So Excited After She Poops?

Does your dog get “the zoomies” after relieving herself? Maybe she looks like she’s practicing a touchdown dance. Whatever the case, why does your dog get so excited after she poops? It turns out, there are many possible explanations for this funny behavior. Here are the 4 most likely reasons your dog races away from her poop as if it’s on fire. #1 – She feels rewarded One of the best ways to potty train a dog is to reward … Read more

Bacterial Infections In Humans Linked To Store-Bought Puppies

The CDC is investigating an outbreak of Campylobacter, a bacterial infection that is being linked to puppies bought in Petland stores. 39 cases of Campylobacter have been reported since September of 2016, most in Ohio and Florida, though people in Pennsylvania, Kansas, Tennesee, and Wisconsin have be infected as well. Nine people have been hospitalized but there have been no deaths reported. Of the 39 people infected, 12 were employees of Petland stores, and all others had either purchased a … Read more

8 Big Dog Breeds Who Are Actually Big Lap Dogs

When it comes to lap dogs, most people think of a dog that fits comfortably in the shape of your lap. Not too heavy, not taking up too much space, just fitting snugly right in. If you ask dogs, however, you’re going to get some different answers. Size doesn’t matter, these gentle giants say–because they want nothing more than to be big lap dogs. They’re ready to snuggle into your lap, or onto your entire couch, at the drop of … Read more

Sneaky Dog Thief Steals Tasty Treat During TV Interview

The most famous dog on the internet might be this adorable, empanada-loving thief. During an interview with a food vendor on a TV program in Chile, a very brave, very sneaky dog very carefully removed a treat from the grill – and NOBODY noticed. The smoothest of the smooth criminals, it would have been the perfect crime if not for the camera just barely catching him in the frame! You can watch the master at work in the clip below. … Read more

How Your Hurricane Relief Donations Are Making A Difference Through Rescue Bank

Your donations through iHeartDogs and iHeartCats have provided much needed support to groups in the areas affected by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma. The impact has been incredible! We’ve been overwhelmed by your generosity, and we’re incredibly thankful to have the support of fantastic people like you! Greater Good is the same organization we partnered with to provide much needed food and supplies for shelter dogs. When disaster struck, we knew that they would do everything they could to make … Read more

Rural Shelter Gets Makeover To Help Get Pets Adopted

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.  Tishomingo Animal Shelter is a rural animal shelter located near Texoma Lake and about an hour north of the Texas border. All animal shelters have many struggles, but rural shelters have more than most.   Due to location and community population, they don’t have as many potential adopters, donations, volunteers, and opportunities. So … Read more

5 Tips For Determining Your Rescue Dog’s Age

Rescuing a homeless dog is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have. In order to provide the best care for your family’s new addition, it is important to determine their age – or at least an approximate range. Vaccination schedules, testing for common diseases like heartworms, and optimal diet are all dependent on age. Your veterinarian can assist you with this estimation and these five tips will help you narrow down your pup’s age range. 1. Study … Read more

Colorado Woman Is Suing Starbucks For The Death of Her Dog

Deanna Salas-Solano, a 58 year old woman from Colorado is suing Starbucks for injuries and the death of her dog. While ordering a grande hot tea through the drive thru window of a Starbucks in Denver, Solano claims that her dog, Alexander, was in her passenger seat as the employee handed the drink off. The lid was not put on properly and came loose, and as the drink spilled over the top, it caused second degree burns to her legs … Read more

Mom Converts College Freshman’s Room Into A Luxury Dog Suite

Empty Nest Syndrome is all too real for millions of parents each fall as their college-age children head out into the world for the first time. One mom has apparently found an effective way to cope with her daughter’s absence – by converting the teen’s room into a stylish puppy pad for the family’s beloved dog! this is nina. and i love nina. A post shared by maddalena miniscalco (@maddiemini4) on Nov 23, 2016 at 3:12pm PST Maddie is a … Read more

9/11 Rescue Dog Honored With Statue On 16th Anniversary Of The Attacks

Bretagne (pronounced Brittany), the last surviving search and rescue dog who worked at Ground Zero in New York City after the terrorist attacks of 9/11,  passed away last year at the age of 16 1/2. Yesterday, she was honored with a statue in the Houston-area neighborhood she called home. It’s fitting that Bretagne’s statue was erected in Texas on the heels of Hurricane Harvey. Her longtime owner-handler, Denise Corliss, just spent two weeks working with her current search dog, Taser, searching … Read more

Does Your Dog Get “The Zoomies”? Here’s What It Means

Dog zoomies

When your dog goes from standing still to a full-speed sprint, you’re dealing with a case of “the zoomies.” Look out for crazy eyes, a bent-over running posture, and repeated play bows (elbows down, butt up). Dogs with zoomies lose all control of their body and mind, and they race around you with no concern for what’s in front of them or what you say. If you’re worried your pup has suddenly gone mad, take a deep breath. Zoomies are … Read more

People Who Abandoned Pets During Hurricane Irma Could Face Felony Charges

Despite the emergence of more and more pet-friendly shelters, attempts at preparation, and public service announcements, it never fails: with every natural disaster there’s an influx of surrendered and abandoned pets. Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control in Florida rescued around 40 pets before Hurricane Irma swept the area, and according to USA Today, “some were tied up, others were in pens or in enclosed yards, unable to escape.” Thanks to rescuers, these animals were brought to safety, but … Read more

Aaron Rodgers’ Canine Co-Star Steals Spotlight in New State Farm Commercial

Just in time for football season, State Farm’s newest ad features Green Bay Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers and linebacker Clay Matthews, but the real star of the commercial is the adorable dog, Rigsbee! If you follow Rodgers on Instagram, you may have caught his behind-the-scenes snap with Rigsbee back in June. A post shared by Aaron Rodgers (@aaronrodgers12) on Jun 19, 2017 at 7:34pm PDT The State Farm commercial, called “Together” takes Rodgers and Rigsbee through the happy memories they … Read more

Photo Of Florida Cop Napping With His K-9 Partner Reminds Us Of Their Sacrifice

Heartwrenching photos of imperiled animals, huddled survivors, and property destruction continue to surface as Hurricane Irma assaults Florida. One image seems to perfectly capture an often overlooked group affected by such disasters – first responders. The photo depicts an exhausted officer catching a quick nap on a cot. He has no blanket and only a thin towel for a pillow, but what he does have is his beloved partner by his side. The image, posted to Twitter by the Fort … Read more

Sweet Dog Saves Worms From Hot Pavement

Dogs are the kindest, gentlest creatures on the planet – it’s just one of the many qualities that make them so easy to love! Their friendly nature has made them man’s greatest companion from a time before recorded history, and they’ve been known to befriend all sorts of other creatures, big and small. This dog has even gone so far as to befriend the worms she meets on the street! Most of us forget about the tiny creatures or think … Read more

6 Things That Make Your Dog Feel Unloved

You do everything you can to show your dog how much you love them. Would you be surprised if I said you might be doing things that make your dog feel unloved without even realizing it? We all know life just gets in the way sometimes, but with a little bit of effort, your dog will finally realize and appreciate the full extent of your love for them. Here are 6 things you might be doing that can make your … Read more

Which States Have The Most Overweight Pets – The Answer May Surprise You!

It would be logical to assume that the states with the highest levels of human obesity would also have the highest rates of pet obesity. Banfield, a large national chain of veterinary hospitals, produced a report based on the animals they saw in their clinics in 2016 and determined that there was no such correlation between states with high amounts of human obesity and states with high levels of pet obesity. In fact, there was a little bit of a … Read more

10 Popular Dog Breeds That Need Room To Run

When choosing a dog, it’s imperative to make sure that the breed you’re considering–or even the mix of breeds in the mutt you’d like to adopt–has traits that will blend with your lifestyle. Of course there are exceptions to every rule; like humans, every dog has its own unique personality. But in general, these 10 popular dog breeds need room to roam to live their happiest, healthiest lives. This list is by no means extensive, but if you live in an active household and … Read more

Man & His Dog Refused Flight Out Of Hurricane’s Path Because He Didn’t Have A Carrier

Even though many airlines dropped their pet fees in order to help Floridians evacuate the state with their pets ahead of Hurricane Irma, Matt Varga of Kendall, Florida was denied access to his flight because he didn’t have a carrier for his dog, Meeka. Varga had been to 10 different stores in order to try to buy a carrier, but they were all sold out. In 2006, Congress passed the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act, which requires federal evacuation plans … Read more

Dog With No Name Waits 8 Years To Be Rescued & Proves He’s Still Full Of Life

Elderly dogs and those that have special needs often get looked over in shelters, and many end up spending years waiting for somebody to love them. Howl of a Dog is a rescue in Romania dedicated to giving dogs that need a little extra care a genuine shot at life, showing people that they are just as lovable as any others! The video below is about one of the dogs who was fortunate enough to find his way to Howl … Read more

How To Create A Disaster Plan That Includes Your Pets

On the heels of Hurricane Harvey, with Hurricane Irma barreling toward Florida, and with the western United States ablaze in forest fires, it’s time to think about creating a disaster plan if you don’t already have one. You never know when an emergency may come knocking on your door, and a lack of preparation could force you to leave your pets behind or lose them during an evacuation. Here are 3 things to keep in mind while creating a disaster … Read more

10 Hilarious Signs You’re THAT Dog Parent

The following photos are reprinted with permission from Rupert Fawcett. You can follow all the fun on his website and Facebook page. Enjoy!! #1 – Your dog come before anyone else, even the spouse #2 – You treat your dogs like kids…everything has to be fair #3 – You let the dogs have most of the bed…your spouse can sleep somewhere else right? #4 – Your schedule revolves around your dog #5 – The dogs get the best lounging places … Read more

Website Helps Families Find Temporary Fosters For Pets In Hurricane Affected Areas

2017 has brought a very busy hurricane season. The Gulf Coast is still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Harvey, and Florida is bracing itself for an even stronger hurricane that is already leaving a path of extreme destruction through the Eastern Caribbean. During this time, thousands of homes have been damaged or lost entirely, and the animal shelters in the affected areas have been overwhelmed by both the storms and the influx of pets that are suddenly homeless. The … Read more

Self-Funded Rescue Gives Stray Dogs Hope In A Country That Shuns Them

There are plenty of places in the United States, Canada, Europe, and beyond where thousands of rescue groups and organizations work to save as many stray and unwanted pets as humanly possible. If you live in one of these places, consider yourself lucky. Even though the thought of “kill shelters” hurts our hearts – sadly, there are more homeless pets than there are resources to support them – we should consider ourselves fortunate to be in countries where there are … Read more

Does Your Dog Have Separation Anxiety–Or Is She Just Clingy?

When your dog is your best friend, you can’t help but smile when they follow you from room to room. They sit as close to you as possible when you’re watching TV, they lay at your feet when you’re making dinner, and they sleep in your bed at night. You’re basically attached at the hip, but when does that need to be near you take an unwanted turn? Separation anxiety is a serious problem for many dogs, but it’s not … Read more

Former Military Working Dog Enjoys Finding Lost Pets In His Retirement

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.  Contract Working Dog (CWD) Charlie is one of the brightest working dogs Mission K9 Rescue has returned to the United States through funding from GreaterGood.org’s Pets & Vets program. His specialty is explosives detection. Charlie searched for explosives hidden in international cargo and baggage in Kuwait. His skills saved lives, and he was … Read more

7 Common Mistakes People Make When Storing Their Dog’s Food

How you store your dog’s carefully-chosen pet food may be just as important as what the diet contains. Improper storage techniques can lead to bacterial infection, contamination and infestation. The following 7 mistakes are made by even the most informed and well-meaning pet owners. Breaking these habits will help ensure that your pup gets the freshest, healthiest food every meal time! 1. Dumping kibble into containers. Storage containers are excellent for keeping your dog’s food fresher longer. The mistake that … Read more

5 Tips to Keep in Mind When Brushing A Dog’s Teeth

We tend to overlook our canine companions’ oral hygiene, don’t we? However, we know it is important. Brushing dogs’ teeth regularly can reduce their risk of oral diseases as well as ailments related to their respiratory, pulmonary, digestive, and even urinary systems. If you’ve got a young pup and are looking for some help in getting started, or even an older dog that is completely against getting his teeth cleaned, the following helpful tips can make the process a bit … Read more

Delta Waives Pet Fees For Passengers Fleeing Hurricane Irma

Delta Airlines is showing support for passengers and their pets traveling to or from cities affected by Hurricane Irma through September 12th. Additionally, they will waive baggage fees. According to their website, pet parents who board the flight with animals in tow (and in the cabin) will not be charged the usual $75-200 fee to bring their companions with them. The only caveat is that the perk applies to small animals (with the exception of service dogs) who are able … Read more

5 Signs Your Dog Is In Pain

Seeing your dog in pain is something every dog parent dreads! Whether from a fresh injury or the pain of aging, knowing a dog hurts tears at the heart and sends us running to make an appointment with the vet. We want nothing more than to help them and assure them its going to get better. But it’s also important to remember dogs are tough. They don’t always cry out to us when in need. Dogs aren’t humans, so we … Read more

Texas Dog Rescuers Ride Out The Storm With Their 14 Dogs

Lisa First and her husband live in Galveston County, Texas. When word came that Hurricane Harvey was going to cause massive devastation to their area, many of their friends and neighbors evacuated. But for the Firsts, that was not an option. The couple are animal rescuers and foster pawrents with an ever-rotating cast of pups in their home. At the time of Harvey’s arrival, they were caring for an impressive brood of 14 rescue dogs! “They are all Houston street … Read more

5 Ways You And Your Dog May Be Harming Wildlife

You love the great outdoors, and you especially love bringing your dog into the wilderness with you. Certainly, you would never do anything to hurt the wildlife – that could ruin the area for future generations. The problem is, you and your dog may be damaging the wilderness you love without even realizing it. While dogs are permitted inside many state parks, national parks, and national forests, they are usually required to be on a leash that is no longer … Read more

Taiwan Coffee Shop Creates Incredibly Realistic Latte Pup Portraits

Latte art is all the rage in coffee shops around the world, but you’ve never seen anything like the extraordinary portraits-in-foam created by the baristas at My Cofi café in Taiwan. Many shops have invested in gadgets that allow them to turn your photos into intricate latte images, but the artists at My Cofi don’t need a machine to design their masterpieces. All of their three-dimensional portraits are created entirely by hand!   Local patrons of My Cofi describe it … Read more

10 Things We Do That Our Dogs Just Don’t Understand

Our dogs are intelligent, soulful, emotional, and deeply entwined in every aspect of our lives. With all that in mind, it can be easy to forget that dogs are not just furry humans! They have their own canine customs and codes of conduct. Despite our best intentions, we often exhibit behaviors that can be confusing, stressful or downright threatening to our pups. In order to maintain a healthy, respectful relationship with your dog, do your best to avoid these 10 … Read more