Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:
You may notice your dog’s nose running – and whatever is coming out of it could be watery, thin and clear, or may be thicker and contain blood or pus. Whatever it is, it’s a discharge from your dog’s upper respiratory organs, and although runny noses and sneezing are normal for dogs, you should be concerned if it becomes severe or happens frequently, as it could be a sign of a serious health issue. A mild runny nose will be … Read more
Tink is a silver Labrador Retriever suffering from a genetic condition known as megaesophagus. Basically, the tube that delivers food from her mouth to her stomach is enlarged, and the muscular contractions are inefficient, meaning food gets stuck and can be regurgitated. In order to give Tink the most normal life possible, her devoted pawrents feed her four times a day using a special doggy highchair called a Bailey Chair. According to owner Tom Sullivan, outside of mealtimes, Tink is … Read more
Katie and John Black are volunteer foster pawrents for Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue in Raleigh, NC. They recently took in a heavily pregnant Golden mix named Rosie. When the big day arrived, the Blacks got quite a shock. Not one of Rosie’s four babies look the slightest bit like a Golden Retriever. In fact, as Katie wrote on Reddit, they look more like baby cows! A post shared by Leroy, Annie & Winchester (@ourgoldenyears) on Nov 3, 2017 at … Read more
While South Florida has its fair share of dangerous wildlife including alligators and venomous snakes, bears aren’t the first threat that come to mind. Bear sightings in Broward County, Florida are rare, but that didn’t stop a three-year-old pit bull named Mary Jane from being attacked by a mother bear and her two cubs. Mary Jane was walking with her owner at the Big Cypress Indian Reservation of the Seminole Tribe this past Friday. It was 9 p.m., and Mary … Read more
Have you ever noticed that your pup prefers to nap on your discarded sweater rather than his own dog bed? Does he enjoy romping with one of your dirty socks more than an expensive toy? There are several reasons why dogs enjoy playing and snuggling with our personal effects. While it may not seem like a major problem, keep in mind that pups who ingest clothing could be at risk for serious, life-threatening illnesses. Socks, underwear, and pantyhose are among … Read more
While any dog with an owner and willingness to stand still for the camera can have his own Instagram and Facebook, it takes something special to build a professional platform. For a French Bulldog named Manny, it didn’t happen overnight or even purpose. Manny’s humans, Amber Chavez and Jon Huang, liked sharing pictures of their adorable dog with family and friends, so they thought it’d be fun to give him his own social media accounts. They started with a few … Read more
If you identify yourself as either a “dog person” or “cat person,” chances are, there are multiple reasons that you feel this way. It goes beyond which type of companion you currently live with (or maybe it’s both!); it tends to be viewed as a reflection of – well – you! In the Business Insider video below, Dr. John Bradshaw, Anthrozoologist (“which is basically a biologist who studies interactions between humans and animals,” he says in the clip) and author, explains … Read more
A 7-month-old Border Collie named Rocky has quite a passion for his new career as a sheepdog! His owner, Rosalyn Edwards of Devon, England was working in her kitchen on October 25 when a strange sound caused her to turn around. There, standing behind her, were nine sheep and one very proud herding-dog-in-training! It turns out Edwards’ husband and son had gone out into the fields and forgotten to close the gate behind them. The efficient young sheepdog took advantage … Read more
While a dog’s fur coat can sometimes be problematic for individuals with allergies, new studies have shown prenatal and early exposure to dogs may stave off certain health issues in children. Eczema, an itchy inflammation of the skin, affects babies as young as a few weeks all the way up to adults. It’s treatable with prescribed medication, but there is no permanent cure or relief from the itching. A study recently presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and … Read more
Back in August, dash cam video of a dog being dumped by his owner in Tampa, Florida went viral. It may have taken nearly 3 months, but that dog, an American Staffordshire Terrier named Tiger, is now available for adoption and his former owner has been identified and added to Hillsborough County’s “enjoined list” by a judge. That means the person can never again own any animals in that county. Here’s the original video: Jerrit Gaddis is the one who … Read more
Does your dog run and hide every time you tell them it’s bath time? Do they spend the entire bath trying to climb out of the tub? Do you wind up wetter than them by the end of it all? While some dogs will never like getting a bath, there are things you can do to help your dog adjust to the process so they at least tolerate it better. Here are 5 ways to make bath time more enjoyable … Read more
A fresh haircut and a relaxing mani-pedi is a welcome change from the stresses of our day-to-day lives, but grooming services can have the opposite effect on our dogs. There are several reasons why a dog may experience fear and anxiety during grooming. The pet salon is full of strange sights, sounds, and smells, not to mention other animals giving off their own auras of stress. Some dogs may have had a negative experience in the past such as a … Read more
Health food trends come and go, and when something suddenly becomes popular, the smart consumer is right to be a bit skeptical. No one wants to put all their faith in an unproven craze, and now that bone broth seems to be the new hit thing for a healthy dog diet, it’s time to learn the facts. More and more dog owners are learning about the benefits of bone broth, and evidence shows it’s not just a passing fad (in … Read more
Chewing is an important part of a dog’s life – it keeps their teeth healthy, it’s fun for them, and it’s a big part of how they explore their environment. But there’s “good” chewing and then there’s “bad” chewing, which can involve things like shoes, wires, furniture, even walls. Your dog is going to need to chew, but it’s up to you to teach him the difference between the good and the bad, for his health, safety, and your relationship. … Read more
When 21-year-old Amy Thompson found out her family’s beloved Golden Retriever, Archie, was losing his life to cancer, she started posting a touching tribute to him on her Twitter feed. Soon, people around the world were tuning in to see Thompson’s love for Archie and to give her their condolences. Over the course of several days, Thompson posted 19 tweets in a thread about Archie. Hello everyone my dog has cancer and doesn’t have very long left so … Read more
There are only 25 people who live in the small town of Strout, Minnesota, and they all know Max and Quackers. Adopted by Patrick and Kirsten Riley when he was five years old, Max is a laid-back Husky. He became friends with the Riley’s other Husky, Sasha, but was left alone when Sasha passed away. The Rileys say Max was obviously affected by his friend’s death, but a new addition to the family changed his life for the better. A … Read more
Nate and Princess each came from painful backgrounds before finding salvation with Bastrop Animal Rescue (BAR). Nate was abandoned, emaciated, and covered in painful, infected injuries. Princess was hit by a car and required emergency surgery. After overcoming their physical wounds, Nate and Princess were ready to heal their hearts. That’s where BAR community outreach director and experienced foster mom, Anne Ford comes in. She welcomed both pups into her home and is caring for them as they await their … Read more
Perhaps Phil sensed kindness radiating from the car as it drove toward him on a rural Pennsylvania road last Memorial Day. Maybe he caught a whiff of Danielle Finley’s Boston Terriers, or the kibble she packed for them. Whatever lured the pitiful pup onto the road that day, it likely saved his life, because Finley and her boyfriend pulled the car over to investigate. https://www.instagram.com/p/BbAArVLgD5C/ The hairless creature sprinting toward them looked more like a sickly racoon or a bald … Read more
Walking is something all dog owners do (or at least should do), regardless of the breed or size of dog they have. While it used to be that walking the dog was seen more as a chore for some, more and more people are looking forward to taking their dogs out longer and more often. But not all walks are equal and some owners seem to have a much harder time enjoying the exercise and quality time together with their … Read more
It’s no secret dog owners love their dogs, and a new study takes a look into exactly how far that love goes. The Times of London published an experiment meant to compare a person’s empathy toward dogs as opposed to other humans. A medical research charity in the UK staged their study around two fake advertisements asking for donations. In the first ad, readers were told the sad story of a man named Harrison. It read, “Would You give £5 to … Read more
Feed our Vets is an incredible program that is affiliated with GreaterGood.org. Their mission is to ensure that the brave men and women who serve their country never have to experience the pain and shame of hunger. Marcenia, a former Airforce Personnel Programs Officer, contacted Feed our Vets for emergency food assistance after an unexpected incident drained her bank account. The organization received the following statement from Marcenia: “On 5 Aug 2017, my car was caught in a hail of gunfire with … Read more
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
The first few months your new puppy or rescue dog spends in your home will set the tone for your life together. It is important to establish rules and provide plenty of socialization during this time. Although the following 5 steps can help you raise a well-rounded, friendly pooch, some dogs require more training than others. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a trainer or behaviorist for help! 1. Do not take a dog from its mother and … Read more
19 US states now have laws making it a misdemeanor offense to pass off a pet as a service animal. The movement to stop this unethical and surprisingly harmful practice has gained steam over the past few years, spurring new legislation. Virginia enacted their law in 2016, with Colorado following suit this year. Massachusetts is currently considering a similar proposal. “Today, any pet owner can go online and buy a vest for a dog to pass it off as a … Read more
While more and more American soldiers are struggling to cope with depression, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety after returning home from service, Southwest Airlines has teamed up with a non-profit determined to help. Freedom Fur was founded with the objective to give back to the veterans who are winning the war overseas but at a disadvantage on the homefront. Returning soldiers cope with physical injuries, disabilities, and mental disorders, and Freedom Fur recognizes their need for loyal, caring support. https://www.facebook.com/161109787265421/photos/a.655611217815273.1073741826.161109787265421/800726396637087/?type=3 Dogs … Read more
A kindly UPS driver named Paul always makes sure to keep his truck stocked with dog treats just in case that day’s route calls for a stop at his friend Lucy’s house. In honor of Halloween, Lucy’s owner, Stephanie Heer decided to surprise Paul by dressing the 10-year-old Pit Bull mix in her own mini-UPS costume! Lucy has adored Paul ever since they first met five years ago – so much so that Heer orders packages as often as possible … Read more
Staph infection is caused by the bacteria S. aureus, which can infect almost any part of the body. These infections have been known to be resistant to antibiotics, depending on where they’re located, and can be a serious threat to your dog’s health. The most common infection is that of the skin, where a cut, wound or scratch has let bacteria enter the body. If left untreated, serious Staph infections can progress to blood poisoning and death. Symptoms of … Read more
Your dog has a pelvic floor, same as you do. These are the muscles between his anus and genitals that support the organs in his lower body. A rupture in these muscles can lead to a perineal hernia – this is when the organs protrude through the rupture, appearing as a swollen area between his tail and scrotum. This happens most often in older dogs who weren’t neutered. A perineal hernia can affect your dog’s ability to “go,” and may … Read more
Jennifer Appel and Tasha Fuiava have the kind of loyal friends who stick with them through thick and thin – they have dogs! The two women left Honolulu for Tahiti on May 3 on Appel’s 50-foot sailboat, the Sea Nymph. The trip should only have taken 18 days, but things quickly went awry when they found themselves out at sea in the middle of a storm. The mast of the sailboat took serious damage, and they spent nearly 5 months … Read more
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
While stationed in Guam on board the USS Frank Cable AS-40, Michael, a Navy machinist, was nearly killed when a boiler tank exploded. Two of his shipmates died in the blast. Michael endured fifty surgeries and countless hours of therapy as a result of the injuries he sustained in the explosion. He lives with visible scars as well as those we cannot see, including PTSD and Depression. On April 28, Michael joined three other disabled veterans at a very special … Read more
An outbreak of canine influenza has struck its fourth state this year. The virus is known for causing a cough, runny nose, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite and eye discharge, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The dog flu swept through Kentucky, Florida and California before arriving in central Ohio where there are currently 87 confirmed cases. While rarely deadly, canine flu is highly contagious, causing veterinarians, groomers, boarders, and shelter operators to fear an epidemic. Several … Read more
An outbreak of leptospirosis spreading through a population of sea lions in coastal Oregon has health officials warning dog owners about the contagious disease. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease associated with serious symptoms including kidney failure, liver damage, and death. Since late September, officals have recieved an alarming number of reports of sick and dead sea lions on beaches in Lincoln, Tillamook, and Clatsop counties. A researcher at Oregon State University’s Marine Mammal Institute said there are at least eight … 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. Rescue ME Clifford rescued Sheriff from a high kill shelter. At the time, he was extremely thin and tested heartworm positive. Sheriff clearly came from a tough place, and his rescue from the shelter was the start of a great recovery. Before treating Sheriff, Rescue ME Clifford had to “fatten him up.” Using … Read more
When dogs love, they love with their whole heart. There’s no better feeling in the world than being loved by a dog. In fact, some of the best love stories involve dogs. Hank was abandoned as a pup in 2010. The shelters were full, so his previous owner took Hank and a sibling to a vet to be euthanized. Of course, the vet refused, and rehomed the pair instead. Fate put Hank into Alix Tolley’s home – where he would … Read more
If people tease your for spoiling your pooch, you can tell them to stop now. You haven’t even begun spoiling your dog until you get him one of these chic, up-cycled dog beds! Calling these incredible creations “dog beds” isn’t doing them the least bit of justice – these are full-on dog bedrooms! They’re all handmade from unwanted dressers by the mother-daughter duo at Sheltie Shacks. These are more than just a cushion-in-a-dresser. They’re lovingly painted, some include lighting, and they’ll even … 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. The City of Rayne Animal Shelter in Rayne, Louisiana, had a lot of room for expansion. The better they can utilize their available space, the more animals they can take in and find the pets’ adoptive parents. There was also a safety concern that needed work—the perimeter fence had barbed wire strewn on … Read more
A picture is worth a thousand words, but a video is worth a million pictures! Kaitlyn Garrett quickly figured this out when she began working as the social media coordinator for Atlanta’s DeKalb Animal Services in 2014. After posting photos of the shelter’s sweetest, silliest dogs, Garrett realized many were being overlooked because their amazing personalities just didn’t come across in still images. With the help of DeKalb’s wonderful staff and volunteers, Garrett began shooting short videos of the adoptable cuties … Read more
Patellar luxation – sometimes referred to as dislocated or floating kneecaps – is usually a genetic condition that occurs in small breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, and Pomeranians, but it can also result from a knee injury. While surgical correction is the most effective treatment, it may be possible to make changes to your pup’s routine and prevent patellar luxation from becoming a life-altering affliction. The genetic cause of patellar luxations are shallow femoral grooves that do not adequately cup the … Read more
Emily Trost and her boyfriend Nick Mazzone had always dreamed of embarking on a cross-country road trip. So when they graduated from college and Emily left her office job, they knew it was the perfect time to have a 10-week adventure! Emily told iHeartDogs: “We hit the road, his truck loaded with supplies, and our lives soon became much simpler than they ever had been. We slept in a tent every night, made all of our meals on a Coleman stove, washed … Read more
When a man’s love for his dog interfered with his ability to get the help he needed, Sam Berry from the Amarillo Fire Department made a life-saving deal. According to a Facebook post made by Warren Beach, Berry responded to an emergency call about Beach’s brother, Wes, needing immediate assistance. Wes needed to go to the hospital, but he refused to leave his best friend behind. Beach said Wes’s dog, Emma, was his whole life. ABC 7 Amarillo described Emma … Read more
We all slow down as we age, and that includes our beloved pets. The most difficult part of having pets is that they don’t live nearly long enough. So of course, we want to do everything we can to improve and extend their quality of life, and hopefully we can squeeze in one or two more happy years with them. If your dog is already slowing down, it’s not too late to start implementing things that can help improve their … Read more
Hip dysplasia is a concept that strikes fear for dog lovers. It is an important and common source of pain for many dogs. Dogs suffering from hip dysplasia can act stiff and sore in the rear legs. They may have a harder time on slick surfaces or when rising from lying down. You might notice an affected dog seems reluctant to jump up onto furniture or climb into cars. Related: Best Elbow & Hip Dysplasia Supplements for Your Pup Even … Read more
It is very alarming to notice blood in your pup’s stool. It is even more alarming if the stool is loose, foul smelling, and everywhere. Diarrhea (or runny stool) is a common complaint among dogs and most cases are not an animal ER type emergency, but there are times when it is smart to be extra concerned. Blood tinged or bloody diarrhea is one of these times. Believe it or not, dogs can get stomach bugs just like people. These … Read more
An inflammation of the bone or bone marrow can be caused by bacterial or fungal contamination from a wound or fracture, or spread through the bloodstream from another part of the body. Bone infection is very serious and your dog should be taken to a vet immediately. Symptoms of Bone Infection in Dogs Symptoms can vary depending on where the infection is. Some of the first signs you may notice are: – Pain – Swelling – Fever – Lethargy … Read more
Ladybird the Staffordshire Terrier has had a difficult life. She was originally trained to be a service dog for a woman who suffered from narcolepsy and seizures. When that woman’s health issues led to her becoming homeless on the streets of Austin, TX, Ladybird was by her side, pulling her wheelchair. Ladybird’s owner asked her friends Sharon Henderson and “Miss Jane” to care for Ladybird after she passed away. Unfortunately, a fellow homeless man got to her first, stealing her … Read more
Pirate was rescued with two of her own puppies from a Michigan hoarder in June of last year. After she had weaned her own babies, she spontaneously started producing milk for the foster puppies her mom brought home from the Dallas Animal Services and Adoption Center, where she serves as a public information coordinator. Since then, Pirate has nursed more than 9 puppies – and now she’s added a kitten to her current crop of foster pups! Pirate’s owner, Gabi Vannini, … Read more
The death of a loved one is a heartbreaking event in itself, and even attending a funeral can be stressful. Of course, the people who run funeral homes know that their guests are grieving, and more and more funeral homes are turning to dogs to help people get through a very difficult time. Of all the important jobs dogs have, working as a comfort dog in a funeral home might be what comes most naturally. They provide emotional support for … Read more
A new study published in the journal PLOS One proves that adult dogs remember who is generous versus selfish, and they prefer generous people. The most interesting part of the study actually showed that puppies have no preference, indicating that dogs must learn over time how to determine these things, that it’s not an innate skill. The study concluded that “adult subjects (both family and shelter dogs) developed a preference for G [generous] over S [selfish].” The study used a mix of … Read more
You see them every day, and perhaps haven’t given them much thought–but what’s up with your dog’s paws? For starters, there are all sorts of different types: big and small, webbed, wide, and dainty, and there’s reasons behind why certain traits belong to certain breeds. Here’s a baker’s dozen of fun facts about your dog’s furry feet, ranging from why they don’t need shoes (usually) to the source of that corn chip smell. High-fours to learning! 1. The pads of your dog’s … Read more
Has a friend ever confided in you that the loss of their dog caused more grief than the death of a close relative? Have you ever felt this way yourself? Society has conditioned us to feel ashamed of such emotions, but research suggests we are more than justified when we deeply mourn the loss of a furry friend. When our first family dog, Spike passed away, my father suffered terribly. He would come home from work and just sit in … Read more
Toledo, United States.