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Akita Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Akita Dog Breed Major Concerns: canine hip dysplasia, PRA suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye Lifespan: 10–12 years Avg Size of Female: Height: 23 inches–26 inches Weight: 65 pounds–110 pounds Avg Size of Male: Height: 25 inches–28 inches Weight: 85 pounds–130 pounds Minor Concerns: Elbow dysplasia, sebaceous adenitis, gastric torsion, pemphigus Occasionally Seen: Patellar luxation, VKH-like syndrome, epilepsy, entropion, cataracts, polyneuropathy, renal cortical hypoplasia Akita Breed Appearance The Akita is a powerhouse, tall and imposing, with the stature suggestive of its Spitz family. … Read more

11 Pitbulls Who Have Something They Need To Tell You

Perhaps the most misunderstood dog breed around today, Pit Bulls are often assumed to be mean-spirited and dangerous animals. Check any preconceived notions at the door before reading further, though, because you’re about to meet 12 pits who would like you to kindly stop bullying their breed…and get to know them for what they really are! Spoiler Alert: what they are is awesome. 1.) “We don’t take ourselves too seriously.” 2.) “We will bring you gifts!“ 3.) “No matter their … Read more

Pitbull Shows Everyone Just How Happy He Is To Be Adopted

Ecstatic; happy; joyful; thrilled; delighted. We can use all the adjectives that allude to happiness, but that still will not come close to how Hooch, the pit bull felt when he finally arrived at his forever home! FINALLY! He has been adopted and will have a chance to live a life this sweet dog deserves – a loving family and wonderful home with a big, big yard to run around in too! 🙂 It is such a joy to watch … Read more

Dog Mom Gets Creative To Bring Out The Beauty In This Gorgeous Pit Bull Rescued From Dog Fighting

The more I read about dog fighting, the more disgusted I become. The story of Diamond is initially a sad one, but ultimately she gets a second chance at a happy life, like all dogs deserve. This brave pit bull was badly abused while being used as a bait dog within the dog fighting world. She was eventually rescued and put in a shelter, where she awaited her forever home. Soon, Diamond was adopted by a woman named Melinda, who … Read more

Small Dog Owners Report Striking Similarities In Their Dogs’ Behavior

The Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) is an online survey that asks owners to rate their dogs on nearly three dozen problem behaviors. The questionnaire also records the breed, size, and weight of each participating pooch. A study based on 8,301 C-BARQ profiles of dogs representing 49 breeds found that the owners of smaller dogs reported more behavioral issues than those with larger breeds. The study took into account various combinations of height, weight, and head shape, and found that … Read more

Family Dog Finds $85,000 Worth Of Drugs And Is Now An Honorary Narcotics K-9

A Golden Retriever’s mischievous habit of digging in the yard turned into a major public service when he unearthed something no one expected. Kenyon is an 18-month old pup who lives with his family in Yamhill County, Oregon. His family wishes to remain anonymous, but they ended up calling the police after their dog dug up 15 ounces of black tar heroin that had been buried in their backyard. https://www.facebook.com/YamhillCountySO/photos/pcb.1953861071562024/1953860764895388/?type=3&theater When the family first saw what Kenyon had found, they … Read more

Social Experiment Shows How Many Would Save A Dog In A Hot Car

Do you know what you’d do if you ever saw a dog trapped in a hot car? Do you, really? We would all like to say that we’d do whatever it took to free a dog in danger, but when the time comes do we really have the courage to do it, or do we just walk away, hoping the next person to come along is bolder? Confused.com, a car-buying website, recently held a sneaky-but-smart social experiment in the U.K. … Read more

Microchips Save Thousands Of Pets, But They Aren’t Always Effective

Microchips have become a standard addition to a healthy dog’s early veterinary routine. It is recommended that puppies and shelter dogs receive vaccines, heartworm testing, flea and heartworm medication, spay or neuter surgery and a microchip during their first year. Just like any technology, these chips sometimes fail. Despite their shortcomings, missing dogs with microchips are 30% more likely to be reunited with their owners than those without.   Microchips are tiny bioglass-coated cylinders that use radio frequency technology to … Read more

Pet Luxury: How Far Would You Go To Pamper Your Pet?

If you love spoiling your pets, you’re certainly not the only one. Demand for luxury items and services continues to increase as unabashed animal lovers search for more ways to spoil their deserving companions. Dogs and cats are widely accepted as family members among loving pet owners, and many people even consider them to be their children. With that being said, it’s no surprise that some pawrents treat their “fur babies” like kids, too!   An example of the lengths that … Read more

Why Does My Female Dog Not Like Other Female Dogs?

Aggression between females is an unfortunately common behavioral issue faced by countless dog owners. Households with more than one adult female dog often struggle with conflicting personalities that lead to dangerous fights. While every situation and every dog is different, aggression between female dogs has been linked to a few key causes. Living with a pair of feisty females disrupts the entire household, but continuous fights don’t have to be your everyday reality. Before you can solve the problem, you … Read more

Surrendered Dog Recovers With The Help Of Rescue Bank

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.  Minnie was surrendered to Castaway Pet Rescue after her owner moved and was unable take her along. When Castaway received Minnie, she was severely overweight, and her allergies were not under control. She had scabs covering her body and rashes all around her skin. Minnie is currently in a foster home that is … Read more

5 Reasons You Should Adopt Your Next Dog

There are so many factors to consider when you start to think about adding a dog to your family, whether it’s your first dog or your tenth. Do you have the time and money to properly care for a dog? What size or breed of dog would best fit in your home and lifestyle? And where should you get your dog from when you’re ready? While there are many places you can get a dog, here are 5 great reasons … Read more

15 Dogs That Totally Hijacked Their Humans’ Photos

Dogs have a way of stealing our thunder. Mere humans simply can’t compete with all that floofy, wagging adorableness – and the dogs of the world seem to know it! The selfie-snappers, loving couples, and celebrating families in this post are simply no match for their spotlight-hungry pups. These doggos are so determined to hijack every available photo-op that even innocent babies are fair game! 1. Maybe she’s born with it. Maybe it’s Maybelline. “Nice job on the eyeliner. Mine’s … Read more

New Study Reveals Which Sense Best Helps Dogs Notice People

We’re constantly reminded of what an amazing sense of smell dogs have, but they also have great hearing and vision. Which of these senses gives the best cues for our dogs to notice us? A study by Megumi Fukuzawa and Marina Watanabe from Nihon University’s College of Bioresource Sciences at Fujisawa, Japan set out to answer that question. The researchers set up a room with a booth at one end and a door for the dogs to enter on the … Read more

10 Ways To Help Your Senior Dog Feel Like A Puppy Again

Getting older can be ruff! Natural aging changes like achy joints, dental disease, and an increased risk of certain illnesses often plague our beloved senior pooches. But just because they are a little slower, calmer, and wiser than they once were doesn’t mean that older dogs can’t recapture their puppyhood! Note: If you aren’t sure whether your pooch has reached his twilight years yet, consider this: small and toy breed dogs live to be about 15 to 20 years old, while … Read more

5 Signs Your Dog Is Bored And How To Beat It

Dogs may not be able to use words to get their point across, but they’re always communicating. If you know a little about their body language and behaviors, you’ll realize that your pup’s message is loud and clear! When our companions are bored, they tend to drop some not-so-subtle hints, although it can manifest itself in many ways. Remember that no matter what behavior your dog is exhibiting, some extra physical and mental stimulation should help cure the spell. But … Read more

Widow Goes Into Shelter & Decides To Give A Home To Their “Hardest To Adopt” Dog

Although Melani Andrews endured her share of heartbreak last year, she still has a ton of love to give. According to Buzzfeed, she lost her husband in January. Then, a month later, she said goodbye to her beloved dog Lola. With encouragement from her granddaughters, Andrews decided to head to the Front Street Shelter in Sacramento, California to find a new companion. But she wasn’t looking for a pup that was particularly young or beautiful; she wanted the one that … Read more

Unlikely Bonded Pair Who Refuse To Be Separated Find Their Forever Home Together

Bonnie, a 7-year-old Lab mix, and Clyde, a 1-year-old Chihuahua/Terrier mix, were found wandering the streets of Phoenix, Arizona together and were brought to the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC) shelter. The staff quickly realized how bonded the two dogs were and stipulated that they must be adopted together. Pictures like the one above of Clyde sitting on Bonnie quickly spread across the internet, bringing fame to the pair. Luckily, the Hayes family, which includes 3 daughters, saw the pictures and … Read more

How This Bracelet Raised Over $400,000 To Provide Veterans with Service Dogs

As many of you know, iHeartDogs is a veteran owned company with a passion for supporting our troops, especially those deeply affected physically and emotionally by war. In November of 2020, we launched a new product, our Never Forgotten USA Flag Bracelet. Each purchase of this bracelet provided funds to help GreaterGood provide service dogs and shelter dogs to US veterans. Little did we know how popular it would become, and one year later we’re incredibly humbled to announce that … Read more

Cross-Country Flight Gives 160 High-Risk Dogs New Hope For The Future

With 160 dogs in the cargo hold, a small plane made the long trip from Arizona to Delaware. The dogs were anxious and nervous after a long flight, but they’re now on their way to better lives thanks to Brandywine Valley SPCA and Wings of Rescue. Wings of Rescue is an all-volunteer organization that is dedicated to moving homeless animals out of overcrowded shelters and into areas where they have better chances of being adopted. This is the second time … Read more

Selma Blair Posts Heartbroken Farewell After The Unexpected Death Of Her Rescue Dog

According to actress Selma Blair’s Instagram, a “terrible accident” led to the unexpected death of her 13-year-old Chihuahua/Pug named Ducky. PEOPLE explains that the family had adopted the pup in 2015 from Best Friend Animal Shelter, a no-kill facility. In an interview from earlier this year, Blair expressed the close bond shared by the pooch and her 6-year-old son, Arthur. She’d said: “They love each other very much, but it’s very much brother and sister. My boy just wants to squeeze her as tight … Read more

3 Tips For Better Dog Dental Health

Dog dental health has become a big topic in the past few years. Good dental health doesn’t just keep doggy breath at bay. It can save you thousands at the vet, helps your dog have better quality of life, and can even help them to live longer lives. Did you know that an infection in your dog’s mouth can spread to other organs – even the brain – and cause death? The following are 3 tips for better dog dental … Read more

8 Great Products To Clean Your Dog’s Teeth

Keeping dogs’ teeth clean is absolutely critical to their health and longevity. As many as 4 out of 5 dogs over the age of 3 may be suffering from canine periodontal disease, or tooth decay and inflammation and infection of the gums. Periodontal disease is very painful and extremely dangerous for pets as the infection could travel to other areas of their body, eventually causing organ failure if the loss of appetite doesn’t get them first.   They won’t tell … Read more

5 Tips To Help Your Anxious Dog Meet New Pups

The approach of another dog piques the attention of most pups, but that doesn’t always mean they’re thrilled about making new friends. While some can pooches happily meet and greet newcomers, others steer clear or become aroused for a different reason – because they’re anxious. If your companion is quiet and tends avoids canine confrontation, there is nothing wrong with steering clear of dog parks and day cares, if you can. But if she loves the company of other pups … Read more

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