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6 Tips For Interacting With Service Animals

Service dogs are usually the best-behaved, friendliest, and most well-trained dogs you’ll ever meet. While that may make it extra tempting to run over and start petting them, there are certain things you should know about interacting with service dogs. They are, after all, there to provide a service to their owners, and you don’t want to interfere. With that in mind, here are 6 tips for interacting with service dogs. #1 – Never touch, pet, or give treats to … Read more

Former Siberian Husky Breeder Faces Felony Charges For Abandoning Her Dogs

Deborah L. Hosler of Hosler’s Huskies in Michigan plead guilty to abandonment of animals, a felony that is punishable by up to four years in prison. For now, however, she was placed on a five year probation, ordered to pay a $2,500 fine and will complete 200 hours of community service. She is also prohibited from owning, possessing or caring for any animals during the five year period. Although she did plead guilty, we’d like to see a bit harsher … Read more

Highly Contagious Dog Flu Spreading Across Southern US

UPDATE: Dog flu is spreading. Cases have been confirmed in Texas, Louisiana, and Kentucky as well as Florida and Georgia. Check with your vet to see if dogs in your area may be affected. AVMA.org has more information and tips for prevention and control. Florida has confirmed 7 cases of dog flu – the first ever in the state. The flu is highly contagious, and there have been dozens of confirmed cases in just the last few weeks, many in participants after … Read more

“Loved and Cherished” Dog Abandoned In Tiny Crate At Animal Shelter

On May 21, a volunteer dog walker for Henry County Humane Society spotted a small crate outside of an unfinished shelter currently being built. The new shelter is across the street from their older facility but since it isn’t yet occupied, nobody really knows how long the crate was there. Inside the tiny crate was a Labradoodle named Buddy, according to a note he had with him. It seems that Buddy was loved and cared for until recently when his … Read more

Dog With Dwarfism Defies Expectations

Michaelangelo Augustine, nicknamed “Mikey Gus” is just like any other German Shepherd. Just like any other dog, he loves to play, explore, and cuddle. He lives in Indiana with two other dogs, Temperance and Spartacus, and his human family. There is something different about Mikey Gus, though – he’s a miracle. A post shared by Amy Carkuff (@practicallyperfectineveryway_) on May 2, 2017 at 6:26am PDT Diagnosed at only 4 months old with dwarfism, Mikey Gus’ family was told to expect … Read more

Los Angeles Proposes “Finders Keepers” Bill Regarding Lost Pets

With Los Angeles looking to become a no-kill city by the end of this year, Animal Services General Manager Brenda Barnette has proposed a plan to keep lost pets out of the shelters and from taking up needed space. On the surface, this sounds like a positive, but many pet owners are very concerned with the idea. Essentially, anyone that finds an animal in Los Angeles is encouraged to keep it and foster it for a month. Finders are asked to notify … Read more

Rescuers Swoop In To Save Shelter Dog As He’s Being Euthanized

A big-eared pooch named Tiny reached the conclusion of his harrowing rescue story just one week after he narrowly avoided euthanasia at a Philadelphia shelter. A couple read his incredible story and were reminded of their previous dog who was also rescued just before being put to sleep. They fell in love with Tiny’s goofy face, and together the three of them have embarked on their new lives together. It’s a heartwarming happy ending that almost never happened. Tiny found … Read more

Bloat Kills Nearly Half The Dogs It Affects; Here’s What You Can Do About It

You may have heard of dogs getting “bloat,” but do you know what it actually is? How about it’s mortality rate? What about warning signs and ways to prevent it? We hate thinking about our dogs getting sick, but in life, some things are inevitable. All we can do is try our best to prevent certain conditions and know warning signs for early detection and treatment. We are our dogs’ advocates, and when it comes to keeping them healthy, knowledge is power! Read … Read more

The Best Toys Ever or Pure Evil? Dogs Decide About Fidget Spinners

Fidget spinners are the country’s newest obsession, and it’s not just kids who are jumping on the bandwagon. People of all ages are catching fidget fever, and dogs never want to be left out. The human reaction to these ingenious plastic toys has been mostly positive, but dogs aren’t so sure. There’s something about fidget spinners that has canines cautiously confused. This pup goes for an intimidation factor when presented with the mysterious object. Too bad the puppy barks are more … Read more

Service Dog Gets Included In High School Year Book And It’s The Cutest Thing Ever

Alpha is only 4-years-old, but the black Labrador Retriever is in high school already. He attends alongside his human companion, junior A.J. Schalk. When Alpha came to live with A.J. and his family at just 4-months-old, he had an important job to do. A.J. suffers from diabetes and Alpha is there to let him know when his blood sugar is getting too low. It’s a crucial task that can help save A.J.’s life. So when it came time for yearbook … Read more

Egg Experiment Demonstrates The Danger Of Leaving A Dog In A Hot Car

Despite the increased news coverage, celebrity videos and updated laws relating to pets in hot cars, cases continue to pop up across the country. The issue may be that many people simply do not grasp the extremity of the heat and the speed at which life-threatening temperatures can be reached in a parked vehicle. One Imgur user decided to create a visual demonstration of the phenomenon using an egg and a frying pan.   The first image shows a cracked … Read more

Dog Is Rescued After Family Locks Him In Pen & Moves Away

Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good, which funds its various charities. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings, like the one below, are made possible. A young Crawford County, Indiana dog named Buddy was abandoned in a particularly cruel manner. The family moved out, and left him locked in a chain-link pen in the blazing summer heat with no water or shade. A neighbor contacted River Valley Humane Society, and they began the process of saving Buddy. Seeing … Read more

5 Reasons Why Bully Sticks Are Now The #1 Most Popular Dog Chew in the World

Bully sticks are becoming more and more popular and with good reason. These long-lasting treats are loved by almost every dog and they’re full of benefits. Unlike rawhide, which is made with different chemicals and some unnatural ingredients, bully sticks are full of healthy perks. Many owners are often turned off by bully sticks when they find out they are made from beef pizzle (penis). But rest assured, they are more valuable than you might imagine. Here’s 5 reasons they’re … Read more

The Safer Alternative to Rawhide That Dogs Go Absolutely Nuts For

Bully sticks are becoming more and more popular and with good reason. These long-lasting treats are loved by almost every dog and they’re full of benefits. Unlike rawhide, which is made with different chemicals and some unnatural ingredients, bully sticks are full of healthy perks. 5 Reasons Bully Sticks Are the #1 Most Popular Dog Chew Many owners are often turned off by bully sticks when they find out they are made from beef pizzle (penis). But rest assured, they … Read more

Your Purchases Through iHeartDogs Are Making A Difference

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. GreaterGood.org partner, Pets for Patriots, helps military veterans adopt a new pet friend while giving the most overlooked shelter animals hope and a home. The project goal is simple: to fund as many veteran-pet adoptions across the country as possible, saving the lives of both person and pet. David is a Navy veteran … Read more

Owner Finds Razor Blade-Stuffed Hot Dogs In Her Yard

Emma Medeiros of Regina, Saskatchewan was letting her dogs out as usual on Tuesday when something completely unexpected happened. Had it not been for her diligence in checking what her pups are getting into, things may have ended up very differently. Pandora and Ophelia, her two dogs, were supposed to be enjoying a regular bathroom break when Ophelia stopped to eat some hot dogs on the ground. “It was super nice out so I decided to sit on the front patio while … Read more

Rescued From A Life Of Horror, This Dog Now Explores The World With Her Best Friend

As the Editor of iHeartDogs, I come across so many stories that make me feel something inside. Sometimes they are sweet, other times tragic, but when you find a story with a beautiful and happy ending that brings you to tears, it touches your soul. The story of Penni the dog is one of those stories. Penni is one of those dogs that you see in pictures and know that she is loved. But it wasn’t always this way for … Read more

K9 Helps Find Child’s Missing Hearing Aid On The Playground

We love K9 officers for their bravery, hard work, talent, and dashingly good looks (no one  can resist a pup in uniform, right?). When K9 Haro of the Macedonia Police Department in Ohio was asked to help find a child’s hearing aid, he proved his commitment to helping the community in all ways, big and small! https://www.facebook.com/MacedoniaPoliceDepartment/photos/a.395606527217442.1073741832.374051656039596/1225541077557312/?type=3&theater   After a student lost the very expensive and very important hearing aid at recess, staff searched the playground for the flesh-colored device but it … Read more

7 Safe & Natural Ways to Calm Down Your Dog

When it comes to anxious and excitable dogs, we often don’t know the direct cause. Just like people, some dogs suffer from anxiety disorders. Unlike people, dogs can’t really go to talk therapy or try many different medications. Since we often don’t know what causes the issues, however irrational it may seem, we sometimes have to get creative when it comes to helping our dogs find relief. Whether your dog is afraid of fireworks, has separation anxiety, or is just … Read more

Viral Video Captures Dog’s Heartbreak When She Realizes She’s Been Abandoned

So many people don’t see the faces of their pets when they’re surrendered. Once they turn their back on their former-friend, that’s the end of the story for them, and there are little to no consequences. But what about the poor animal they’ve left behind? For them, the loneliness, confusion and fear is the start of a new reality that they had no choice in. The video below recently went viral – and with good reason. The look on this … Read more

The Simple And Powerful Way You Can Help Shelter Dogs Get Adopted

Many dogs arrive at animal shelters after years of abuse or a lifetime on the streets. That kind of neglect can cause many severe health problems, which may in turn affect the dog’s personality and their ability to get adopted. Have you ever considered the importance of a bath and maybe a haircut for a dog that’s been neglected for so long? Dog breeds that have continuously-growing hair tend to suffer the worst consequences from years of neglect. Their hair … Read more

What Dietary Supplements Should I Consider Giving My Senior Dog?

Although dietary supplements can be beneficial at any stage of life, many people don’t start thinking about giving them to their pets until they reach their senior years. This is the time when we are reminded of their mortality as we notice signs of arthritis and that telltale gray muzzle. With so many products on the market making different promises, it’s hard to know which ones are safe, let alone helpful for your senior pooch. Dr. Marty Becker has been … Read more

Helpful Infographic Shows Just How Over the Counter Medications Can Hurt Your Dog

Nobody wants to see their furry friends in pain. Sometimes when it’s something like a minor ache or cough, it can be temping to reach into the medicine cabinet and give your dog the same pain relievers you’d take instead of dragging him all the way to the vet. As easy as it seems to be, you could be taking a bigger risk with your dog’s health than you realize. Although we’re all flesh and blood, a dog’s body is not the same, and human … Read more

Bonded Senior Sisters Want To Live Out Their “Golden” Years Together

Staff members at the Atlanta Humane Society recently discovered a pair of unexpected visitors in their play yard. Sophia and Rose had clearly been dumped over the fence. They were abandoned, but safe and unharmed. AHS had them checked out by a veterinarian and placed them in separate kennels to undergo medical treatment. Rose is a sprightly chocolate Chihuahua of about 8-years-old. She’s an old gal, but healthy and happy as can be. Poor Sophia, on the other hand, is … Read more

90-Year-Old Woman Facing Jail Time Over Barking Dogs

Dolly Dentz of Phoenix, Arizona adores her Terrier mixes, Fluffy and Boots. The dogs were a gift from her son, Bob and they are excellent company for the independent 90-year-old. Sadly, Fluffy and Boots have been spending most of their time at Bob’s house these days due to a neighbor’s complaints about their alleged barking. In fact, Dentz is facing up to 6 months in jail on misdemeanor charges in the case! “I’m heartbroken,” Dentz told ABC 15. “It’s almost … Read more

Ambitious Dog Crashes Live Newscast For 15 Seconds Of Fame

A newscaster in Moscow, Russia was giving a live report when she heard a strange sound coming from underneath her desk. The woman’s eyes widened when she saw the unwanted intruder, but like a true professional, she continued on with her story. Refusing to be ignored, the wannabe news anchor – a boisterous Black Lab – popped up and placed his paws on the desk as if preparing to deliver some important breaking news! After her initial panic, the journalist … Read more

Woman Turns Her Home Into A Rescue For Injured Street Dogs

Lima, Peru is a major Latin American metropolis overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It harbors a large population of stray dogs that wander the city throughout the day in search of food. Sadly, many are subject to injuries, often due to being hit by cars. Sara Moran has devoted her life – and her home – to creating a safe haven for these injured and paralyzed pups. Moran calls the refuge “Milagros Perrunos” which translates to Doglike Miracles. All of the … Read more

Veteran With PTSD Claims Service Dog Contributed To Anxiety

Whether or not their dog has formal training, most pup parents would say that their canine companions ease their anxiety by providing joy and comfort. But for a Marine veteran named Stacey Thompson, her new service dog only contributed to her stress. Thompson suffers from PTSD after being raped by her sergeant while she served. After the ordeal, the wife and mother of three frequently travels to give motivational speeches.   Following one of her events, a representative from Labs for Liberty, a non-profit … Read more

Photo Series Gets Creative With Cones To Get Shelter Dogs Adopted

Erin Einbender is a photographer from Illinois – you might be familiar with her dog Rocco if you happen to be one of his almost 55,000 Instagram followers! Erin has been volunteering with One Tail at a Time Dog Rescue in Chicago since last October and has truly made a mark in the lives of some of the adoptable pets there with her photography project, “Cones of Fame.” “I realized I could use photography and my knowledge of social media … Read more

Humane Society Of Central Texas Needs Fosters & Adopters NOW!

The Humane Society of Central Texas is in dire need of fosters and owners for their dogs. Although they normally receive 10-20 animals per day, they were inundated with 137 animals in the last week alone. The problem is that there isn’t enough room for everyone. Employees have not only seen a higher intake number, they’ve had less people claiming lost animals and fewer adoptions. According to the shelter’s Associate Executive Director April Plemons, “Normally, we say if you can come … Read more

Therapy Dogs Tie The Knot At Children’s Hospital

Marriage is a big step, but these two couldn’t have been more ready. Hope and Hunter have been a pair since the two met through work at Children’s Mercy Hospital of Kansas City two years ago. As part of CMH’s Facility Dog program, they work as therapy dogs, helping patients relax and smile as they receive pats and cuddles. Its important work, and both do a fantastic job. Staff at the hospital wanted to give the dogs a nice, memorable … Read more

Dog Demands Dip With His Chip

This dog is a picky eater. He knows what he likes and he is NOT willing to settle for anything else. When asked, “Do you want a chip?” he says it all with his eyes – NO. It’s loud and clear in just a glance. No, he doesn’t want a plain chip. He wants queso. There’s no hesitation when the chip comes back covered in gooey, cheesy goodness. He’ll crunch his chip happily so long as it’s hidden under a … Read more

How To Teach Your Shetland Sheepdog To Sit & Stay

Shetland Sheepdogs are intelligent dogs and are fairly easy to train. The hardest part of the sit and stay for a Sheltie is the stay. Whether they can’t bear the thought of you leaving them behind or because they want to chase anything that moves – it’s a challenge. But, teaching them a stay can really help you make sure they won’t bolt out your front door after a cat (or in countless other situations). It also helps teach self-control, … Read more

How To Teach Your Jack Russell Terrier To Sit & Stay

Jack Russell Terriers are intelligent dogs that are more than capable of learning a sit and stay. Of course, their intelligence also means you may have to negotiate with them to get them do what you want done – versus just doing what they feel like. When it comes to a sit and stay, it’s worth the effort as it can save your dog’s life – for example preventing him from bolting out the front door. It also helps teach … Read more

How To Teach Your Schnauzer To Sit & Stay

Teaching your Schnauzer how to sit and stay can be a challenge, but it’s a great behavior for any dog to learn – even if they are just the family pet. A sit-stay can keep your Schnauzer from bolting out the door or chasing a cat into the street. It also helps teach self-control, which can then make behaviors like “leave it” easier to teach. The following is a great way to teach stay that makes it easier on your … Read more

4 Things To Do When Your Jack Russell Terrier Is Stressed

Now that you know how to tell when your Jack Russell Terrier is stressed, anxious or fearful about something or someone, it’s time to learn what to do in those situations. Why is this important? Because if you handle the situation correctly, she will learn to be confident and conquer her fears. Handle it incorrectly, however, and his fears or anxiety could stay the same or even get worse. If it gets worse, it can lead to fear biting. The … Read more

4 Things To Do When Your Schnauzer Is Stressed

Now that you know how to tell when your Schnauzer is stressed, anxious or fearful about something or someone, it’s time to learn what to do in those situations. Handle him correctly, and he can learn to be confident and conquer his fears. Handle her incorrectly, and her fears or anxiety could stay the same or even get worse. If it gets worse, it can lead to fear biting. The following are four things to do when your Schnauzer is … Read more

Top 3 Health Concerns For Your Yorkie

Yorkshire Terriers have quite a few health issues that can cost a pretty penny at the vet. Before adding one to your household, be sure you are able to take care of one financially, should any of these issues arise. Pet health insurance is also a great idea for this breed. Whether you have a Yorkie already, or are thinking of adding one to your family, you should be aware of the common medical issues. The following are the top … Read more

Top 3 Health Concerns For Your Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus, like all small dogs, have quite a few health problems. Some are unavoidable because they are caused by their size and shape. Others are genetic, which means choosing a good breeder may help you avoid large veterinary bills and heartache down the road. Whether you have a Shih Tzu already, or are thinking of adding one to your family, you should be aware of the common medical issues. The following are the top three health concerns for your … Read more

How To Teach Your Pit Bull To Sit & Stay

A sit-stay can be very useful for any Pit Bull owner, regardless of whether yours is just a family pet or a future obedience champion. It can help you get nice pictures, sure, but it really can save your Pitty’s life. For example, a properly trained sit-stay can stop your Pitty from bolting out your front door or chasing the cat into the street. It also teaches self-control, which will make teaching behaviors such as “leave-it” much easier. The following … Read more

4 Things To Do When Your Shetland Sheepdog Is Stressed

Now that you know how to tell when your Shetland Sheepdog is stressed, anxious or fearful about something or someone, it’s time to learn what to do in those situations. Shelties are a sensitive breed – how you handle it will affect whether your Sheltie gets over her fears or anxiety, stays the same or gets worse. If it gets worse, it can lead to fear biting, so you need to make sure you know how to handle it. Here … Read more

Boy With Autism Gets “Pug-tastic” Birthday Surprise Thanks To Kind Strangers

As Andrew Vaughan’s 14th birthday approached, he told his sister McKenna he did not want a party. Andrew is autistic and he feared no one would come out to celebrate with him. Knowing how much her brother adores Pugs, McKenna set out to plan the most “Pug-tastic” surprise party ever. With the help of social media and lots of local Pug parents, Andrew’s 14th birthday turned out to be a smashing success! McKenna created a public event on Facebook, inviting anyone … Read more

7 Dog Breeds That Are More Prone To Cancer

Cancer. It’s one of the scariest words any pet owner could hear in relation to their beloved fur child. Unfortunately, some dog breeds are far more likely to get cancer than others. Any dog owner should be vigilant about their dog’s health, but owners of dog breeds on this list should be aware of any symptoms that could point to cancer, since early detection is crucial for any hope of successful treatment. Here are 7 dog breeds that are more … Read more

5 Places To Check For Foxtail Grass On Your Dog

It’s foxtail season in the western United States (and some other places too) and many dog owners that live around these pesky plants know exactly what that means. As if having diligence in checking for fleas and ticks after being outdoors, checking your dog for foxtail spurs is a necessary part of doggy maintenance. Foxtails can be very dangerous and veterinarians see hundreds of dogs every year for foxtail-related injuries. The spurs are built in such a way that they … Read more

Soul Survivor Of A Dog Fight Operation Learns To Love Again

When Elvira was found, she was the only survivor of a horrific scene. Surrounding the pup were the decaying bodies of dogs who had been victims of the nightmare. Elvira was alive, but barely hanging on. The emaciated pup was taken to a shelter, but they knew they didn’t have the proper resources to care for the dog who so desperately needed a second chance. So, they reached out to Dogs Deserve Better, a rescue that is dedicated to the … Read more

How To Teach Your Husky To Sit & Stay

Stay is one of those behaviors that is so useful for any dog to have, but can also be tricky to train. Especially for a Siberian Husky, who loves to run and pretty much go where they please. However, a sit stay is not just a nice thing to have to get a beautiful photograph, it is handy in a variety of situations. For example, it can prevent your Husky from bolting out your front door when you open it. … Read more

Unadoptable Dog Becomes Ohio’s First Pit Bull Police K9

When Leonard arrived at the Union County Humane Society in Ohio, the staff were concerned about his chances for adoption. Not only is he a Pit Bull-type dog, he also displayed “very high hunt, ball, and possessiveness drives.” Luckily, shelter director, Jim Alloway recognized Leonard’s potential. He has an extensive background with police dogs and saw that those very behaviors could make Leonard an ideal candidate for narcotics work! Leonard is a dog that came to us about 7 months … Read more

Do Pet Owners Have The Right To Call Themselves Parents?

Not long ago, an article entitled, “Pets Are Not Children, So Stop Calling Them That” appeared on The Cut. The post garnered 929 comments directly to the page, not to mention the countless readers who weighed in on the issue via social media. While many expressed their ability to understand both sides of the argument, the majority of responses drew clear battle lines between the two poles of opinion. We live in a world where the definition of “parent” has … Read more

The Crazy Looking, Safer Alternative to a Tennis Ball That Dogs Are Going Nuts Over

Fetch! Go get it! Bring it back! If you have a dog, you’ve exclaimed one or all of these phrases at some point. Dogs love to play, and we love our dogs. So it’s only natural that we want to interact with and exercise our pups as often as we can. I’ve always been a fan of tennis balls. They bounce. They roll. And my dogs seem to like them. But if your dogs are like mine, you’ve been witness … Read more

Senior Dog Makes Miraculous Recovery After Being Shot In The Face

Polo is a sweet, gentle 12-year-old black Labrador Retriever with an amazing story to tell. According to Greenwood Village Police Department, Polo was home when a burglar broke into her family’s home. Instead of leaving the poor girl alone, the perpetrator shot her in the face. Polo’s recovery is nothing short of a miracle. She was rushed to VRCC Emergency Hospital around 9:00am on Tuesday, May 17th. There, she was treated for her extensive wounds. The bullet completely shattered her jaw, … Read more

Life Is A Lot Sweeter For This Dog Who Once Lived In A Crate

While we like to think every dog has her day, some have to make the most of just a moment. For Chloe, that moment came four years ago, when police officers paid a visit to a house in Lyndhurst, Ohio. They found Chloe, among four dogs languishing inside crates, likely spending most of their days there. The officers would free them all from their crates. But Chloe wasn’t the kind of dog to let even a moment pass her by. … Read more