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New Study Shows That Dogs May Reduce Risk Of Childhood Eczema And Reduce Asthma Symptoms

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

Dog Shown Being Dumped In Viral Video Now Ready For Adoption

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

5 Ways To Make Bath Time More Enjoyable For Your Dog

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

How To Help Your Nervous Dog Get Through Grooming Sessions

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

Why Has Bone Broth Become So Popular With Dog Owners?

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

Does Your Dog Have a Gnawing Problem? Try These 4 Tips

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

Woman Posts Heartbreaking Tribute To Her Dying Dog On Twitter

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

Unlikely Friends Max And Quackers Bring Joy To A Small Town

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

Canine “Old Married Couple” Is Searching For A Lovenest To Call Their Own

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

Abandoned, Hairless & Hopeless Dog Finds The Perfect Family To Rescue Him

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

3 Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your Dog’s Walk

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

New Study Shows People Like Dogs More Than Humans

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

Greater Good Works Hard To Help Feed America’s Veterans

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

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

5 Tips For Raising A Friendly Dog

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

Lawmakers Across The Country Are Cracking Down On Fake Service Dogs

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

Southwest Airlines Connects Dogs With Veterans Who Need Them

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

Dog Surprises Her Favorite UPS Driver By Dressing Like Him For Halloween

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

What Is Staph Infection In Dogs?

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

What Is A Perineal Hernia In Dogs?

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

Two Women Survive Five Months Lost At Sea With Help From Their Faithful Dogs

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

Allergies In Dogs: How Benadryl Or This Natural Alternative Could Help

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

Service Dog Chooses the Veteran He Wants to Stay Beside

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

Canine Flu Outbreak Has Pet Parents & Businesses Taking Extra Precautions

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

Sick Sea Lions Are Putting Local Dogs At Risk

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

Skinny Dog Saved From High Kill Shelter Finds A Home

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

Rescue Dog Falls In Love With His Human’s Blanket & Nothing Can Keep Them Apart

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

Crafters Repurpose Furniture To Make Amazing “Bedrooms” For Dogs

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

Animal Shelter Gets An Upgrade In Order To Save More Lives

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

Shelter’s ‘Feature Films’ Have Folks Lining Up To Adopt The Furry Stars

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

What To Do For Dogs With Luxating Patella

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

Couple Finds Stray Dog During Road Trip & Refuse To Leave Her Behind

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

Texas Firefighter Makes A Life-Saving Deal To Help A Man And His Dog

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

Noticed Your Dog Slowing Down? These 5 Things Could Add 1-2 Years To Their Life

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 In Dogs

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

Diarrhea In Dogs

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

What Is A Bone Infection In Dogs?

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

Stolen Service Dog Taken 1,700 Miles Away Returns Home After 3 Years

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

Maternal Rescue Dog Welcomes Kitten Into Her Litter Of Foster Puppies

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

Mourners Find Comfort In Funeral Home Therapy Dog

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

Study Shows That Dogs Will Remember If You’re Generous To Them

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

13 Fun Facts About Your Dog’s Paws!

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

Why Losing A Dog Can Be Even More Painful Than The Death Of A Loved One

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

The 10 Most Common Breeds Found In Shelters

Did you know 25% of shelter dogs are purebred? Why are some breeds more likely to be in shelters, and how can it be prevented? Let’s look at the 10 breeds most common in shelters and reasons they end up there. #1 – American Pit Bull Terrier With more breed specific legislation popping up, “pit bulls” are the most common breed found in shelters. Even where they’re legal, many apartments forbid them. Dangerous in the hands of bad people, they … Read more

New Allegations Put Famous Dog Race Under Scrutiny

A week ago, officials from the Iditarod Dog Sled Race announced that 4 dogs from one musher’s team tested positive for a banned substance. The substance used was tramadol, an opioid pain reliever that could help dogs run through the pain and push themselves harder and farther than they should. While they initially refused to release the name of the musher on the grounds that they couldn’t prove he had intentionally doped his dogs, yesterday they announced that 4-time winner Dallas … Read more

Rescue Pup Overcomes Incredible Odds and Finds His Calling as a Therapy Dog

When a dog walks into a room, the whole room lights up. The same happens when Chi Chi enters a room – only, she does it on her four prosthetics. Chi Chi’s story starts in South Korea: she was born into the dog meat trade, raised from a puppy to someday be sold for food. Before turning 3 years old, she was abused so badly that her legs became infected and she was considered unfit to sell. She was found … Read more

Rescue Pup Is Adopted In Record Time Thanks To His Adorably Toothy Grin

Cheech the rescue pup is the hottest commodity to come out of Texas since Dr. Pepper! The adorable pooch was brought into the City of Waller Animal Shelter and Rescue on Friday and his heart-melting dog smile was shared via Facebook. The new shelter is not yet open to the public, but nevertheless, inquiries and adoption applications poured in for Cheech. By Monday, he was off to his forever home! At first, volunteers mistook Cheech’s display of pearly whites for … Read more

Senior Rescue Dogs Dress As “Harry Potter” Characters For Halloween

The pups at the Vintage Pet Rescue in Rhode Island live a good life. All enjoying their Golden Years, each of the senior residents were pulled from shelters and welcomed into the loving home of Kristen and Marc Peralta to enjoy their retirement. (You may remember Nougat and Clarence, two members of the pack who became best friends!) This Halloween, things are going to get festive for the Peralta pets. The dozen dogs who live there will be donning their “Dogwarts” … Read more

What Is High Blood Sugar In Dogs?

Your dog’s blood glucose level could change for several reasons – diet, stress, medications, etc. Moderately elevated blood glucose can be indicative of an infection, hormonal imbalances, or inflammatory conditions. Persistent high glucose levels can mean Diabetes Mellitus. The normal blood glucose level for a healthy dog falls between 75 mg to 120 mg. Anything above that is considered hyperglycemia. It could be temporary, stress-induced, or a sign of a serious underlying disease like diabetes. It’s more common in female … Read more

Dog-O’-Lanterns Are All The Rage This Halloween – Here Are 20 Of Our Favorites

According to a 2015 survey conducted by Rover.com, 95% of dog owners purchase Christmas gifts for their pets, so it is no surprise that our puppy love has spread to other holidays. This Halloween, a fun new trend is taking the world by storm – Dog-O’-Lanterns! Rather than carving spooky faces or haunted houses on their pumpkins, dog lovers are paying homage to the cuddly cuties in their lives. A post shared by Rebecca Pivarnick (@beccapiii) on Oct 8, 2017 … Read more

Puppy Is On The Mend After Losing Her Leg In Near-Fatal Alligator Attack

There is nothing like the resilience of a happy-go-lucky puppy. Seven-month-old Chloe lives in Florida, and the yard of her home faces a wildlife sanctuary. Due to elevated waters following Hurricane Irma, the swamp rose, pushing the alligators that live there further onto land. The young mutt was in her yard when her human, Jo Ellen Kleinhenz, heard “this terrible yelping noise, just this awful, awful sound,” she described in a story by Florida Today. Kleinhenz ran outside to find Chloe … Read more