Page 607 – iHeartDogs.com

Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:

Learn More

Breed: Bulldog Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Avg Size of Male: Height: 12 – 15 inches, Weight: 50 pounds Note: It is prone to skin fold dermatitis unless the wrinkles are kept clean and dry. It cannot tolerate heat. Special precautions must be taken when anesthetizing a bulldog. Caesarian deliveries are commonly needed. Hip radiographs show most bulldogs to be dysplastic but few show overt symptoms. Occasionally seen: Urethral prolapse, vaginal hyperplasia Avg Size of Female: Height: 12 – 15 inches, Weight: 40 pounds Major concerns: CHD, … Read more

Breed: Boxer Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Average Size of Female: Height: 21 – 23.5 inches, Weight: 50 – 65 pounds Note: Sensitive to heat and anesthesia; white boxers may be deaf. Suggested tests: Cardiac, hip Major concerns: Cardiomyopathy, SAS, CHD Occasionally seen: None Life Span: 12 – 14 years Minor concerns: Gastric torsion, tumors, intervertebral disc degeneration, corneal erosion, colitis Average Size of Male: Height: 22.5 – 25 inches, Weight: 65 – 80 pounds Brief History on Boxer Origin Sources claim that the boxer originally was … Read more

Man Follows BSL Law & Registers Pit Bull, Still Receives Letter Saying Dog Must Go

We’ve covered Montreal’s recent Pit Bull ban, which was put into effect earlier this year, and could get even worse. We’ve touched on the hoops the current Pittie owners have to jump through to keep their pets, and the resulting onslaught of surrenders, which is now a virtual death sentence. (Meanwhile, there are rescue efforts from people desperate to help). While Pit-type dogs are no longer allowed to be adopted by the city’s residents, current owners can keep their pups … Read more

Breed: Boston Terrier Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Note: This breed does not tolerate the heat well and is sensitive to anesthesia. It is prone to corneal abrasions. Caesarian deliveries are commonly needed. Average Size of Male: Height: 15 – 17 inches, Weight: 10 – 25 pounds Occasionally seen: Deafness, hydrocephalus, esophageal achalasia, distichiasis, persistent right aortic arch Major concerns: none Minor concerns: Cataract, PDA, patellar luxation, stenotic nares Average Size of Female: Height: 15 – 17 inches, Weight: 10 – 25 pounds Life span: 10 – 14 … Read more

Breed: Bichon Frise Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Major concerns: Patellar luxation Occasionally seen: None Average Size of Male: Height: 9.5 – 11.5 inches, Weight: 11 – 16 pounds Average Size of Female: Height: 9.5 – 11.5 inches, Weight: 10 – 15 pounds Suggested tests: Knee, eye Life span: 12 – 15 years Minor concerns: Tooth loss, cataract Brief History on Bichon Frise Origin Many suggest that the Bichon Frise was a result from the barbet or water spaniel, and perhaps the poodle somewhere along the line as … Read more

Bernese Mountain Dog Dog Breed Conditions, History and Temperament

Bernese Mountain Dog Average Size of Male: Height: 25 inches–27.5 inches, Weight: 90 pounds–120 pounds Average Size of Female: Height: 23 inches–26 inches, Weight: 70 pounds–100 pounds Lifespan: 7–9 years Major Concerns: Canine hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, histiocytosis, osteochondritis dissecans Minor Concerns: Fragmented coronoid process, gastric torsion (bloat), progressive retinal atrophy Occasionally Seen: Hypomyelination Note: Extra care must be taken to avoid heatstroke in this large breed. Brief History of the Bernese Mountain Dog The Bernese Mountain Dog was an essential part … Read more

American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Breed Conditions, History and Temperament

American Staffordshire Terrier aka “Amstaff” Average Size of Male: Height: 18–19 inches, Weight: 57–67 pounds Average Size of Female: Height: 17-18 Weight: 57–67 pounds Lifespan: 12–14 years Suggested Tests: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, Cardiac Major concerns: Canine hip dysplasia Minor concerns: None Occasionally seen: Patent ductus arteriosus – a heart condition. Note: Their high pain threshold may mask problems. Brief History of the American Staffordshire Terrier The Amstaff, as it is affectionately known, originated in Staffordshire, England, in the early 1900s. The … Read more

Hurricane Harvey Could Prove Deadly For Tethered Dogs

As the Gulf Coast prepares to be hit by Hurricane Harvey – currently at a Category 2 hurricane, but expected to reach a Category 3– police in the New Caney area are reminding dog owners that it is cruel, inhumane, and illegal to keep dogs tethered outside during extreme weather. The Roman Forest Police Department posted a warning to Facebook this morning with a cautionary tale regarding a dog presumably lost in the flooding that occurred in the area last … Read more

5 Things Dog Owners Should Know About Giving Benadryl To Dogs

Caring dog owners are always super cautious about what they let their dogs ingest, from the food they eat to the medicines they take. While you should never give your pup medication without being advised by your vet, there are a few over-the-counter drugs, marketed to humans, that your canine may benefit from in certain instances. You may have heard of pooch parents giving their dogs Benadryl for seasonal allergies, or even to make them drowsy and stave off nausea on … Read more

Senior Stray Dog With Hardly Any Fur Gets Rescued, Rehabilitated, & Grows A Gorgeous Coat

Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good, which helps support various charities like Rescue Bank. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings, like the one below, are made possible. As told by Dog It Dig It Rescue: “Miss Opra was found as a stray in horrible condition in the busy city of Indianapolis. She had a hunched back, protruding spine, was full of parasites, mammary tumors, rotten teeth and had little hair. The rescue coordinator texted me photos while I was … Read more

7 Ways Your Dog Talks To You Through Body Language

We all wish our dogs could talk to us – it would make life soo much easier! But did you know your dog does try to speak to you? While it might not be in your language, your dog most definitely communicates with you. The following are a few of the main ways your dog talks to you about things that are important. Teaching your kids your dog’s language can also help to prevent bites from happening. #1 –  Brings … Read more

Rescue Dog Becomes The Best Medicine For Woman Battling Cancer & Her 2 Children

Once a homeless dog living in a shelter, Stella is now an important part of a loving family. The one-year-old Boxer mix was at Best Friends Animal Society in Salt Lake City desperately waiting to be adopted when Jeneanne Lock and her two children walked through the door. Stella’s exuberant personality and joyful demeanor instantly attracted the family, and what was supposed to be a trip to “just look” turned into a loving family connection.   Battling stage 4 breast … Read more

Foster Dog’s ‘Resume’ Will Certainly Land Her The Perfect Role With A Family

According to Mowgli’s resume she is 75% German Shepherd, 25% Rwandan Street Dog, and 100% Loveable! The four-year-old California pooch is in search of a new long-term position as a foster pup. Her reason for leaving her previous “job”? Her “current foster mom is becoming a pilot and has to move!” In order to help Mowgli get a leg up on the competition, a friend compiled her many qualifications into a concise, but thorough professional resume.   Megan Frantz, a … Read more

If You’ve Noticed Your Dog Is Slower to Get Up, Begin This Routine Immediately!

Is your dog beginning to have trouble with everyday activities like rising after sleeping, climbing stairs, and hopping in and out of the car? Pain caused by the degeneration of joint tissue is very common in aging dogs. Sadly, in some larger breeds joint destress can begin at a very young age. While pharmaceutical drugs can offer relief, they also carry the risk of serious side effects leading many vets and pet parents to seek out natural supplements like Glucosamine, … Read more

You and Your Pup are Invited to Spend Your Summer at This European Beach & Bar

If you think a day on the beach with your pooch is the best way to celebrate summer, Monty’s Dog Beach & Bar in Crikvenica, Croatia should be on your travel list! The beach is perfect for both people and dogs, whether you prefer laying on the beach or swimming in the Adriatic Sea. You can rent 2 sunbeds and an umbrella for around $13 for the entire day. https://www.facebook.com/montysdogbeach/photos/a.430935473784460/1091733447704656/?type=3&theater The bar, which is shaped like a dog house, serves dog beer … Read more

Nearly A Thousand Stray Dogs Live Near Chernobyl – And Need Our Help

The Chernobyl disaster probably brings to mind images of a nuclear wasteland completely devoid of life. While it is true that most of the area in the Exclusion Zone is not inhabited by humans full-time, around 3,500 people still work at the power plant. Perhaps more surprisingly, around 1,000 dogs live in the Exclusion Zone, with about 250 of those roaming the grounds of the reactor site. These dogs are the descendants of dogs that were left behind when 120,000 people … Read more

Homeless Man Sleeps Outside Shelter Hoping To Reunite With His Lost Dog

A kennel technician at Atlanta’s DeKalb County Animal Services spotted a man huddled up asleep on the sidewalk in front of one of the rescue’s two shelters. Upon speaking with him, the employee learned that the man was searching for his missing dog and had come to the shelter in hopes of finding her. The man’s little dog, Tata had been picked up two weeks earlier as a stray and taken to DCAS’ new shelter on the other side of … Read more

Restaurants In This State May Soon Welcome Doggy Diners

Nearly half (47%) of US households are home to at least one dog. Savvy business owners across the country are cashing in on our puppy love by welcoming dogs to their establishments and offering little extras like complimentary treats or special menu items. But the eatery owners of Ohio are currently unable to benefit from the canine crowds. State law bans dogs from restaurants, bars and coffee shops – even on the patios. Two local lawmakers have recently proposed bills … Read more

Chained Dog Gets A Taste Of Freedom & A Brand New Life

Peanut’s entire three years of life were spent languishing at the end of a heavy chain in an isolated corner of his owner’s property. This lonely existence may have been his ultimate fate if not for a wonderful woman named Russelline Steinbuhler. With the help of two Pennsylvania rescue groups, Hope for Erie Animal Wellness and Critter Camp & Cuts, Steinbuhler completely transformed Peanut’s life and gave him hope for a beautiful future! Peanut was spotted chained to a filthy, … Read more

Canine Ring Bearer Goes For A Swim, Loses Wedding Rings

Jeff Brines’ dog, Tucker is his constant companion and partner in crime. Together they hike, bike, ski and swim their way through Colorado’s picturesque terrain. So when Brines’ sister announced that her wedding would take place in Denver’s Wash Park, he volunteered Tucker to play the role of ring bearer. The big day arrived this past Saturday, but things did not quite go as planned! https://www.facebook.com/wonerocks/photos/a.353954244801/10155784800674802/?type=3&theater Brines fitted Tucker with a festive blue bandanna and tied the rings to his … Read more

Grocery Shopping Dog Wows Us With New Trick

Is there anything dogs can’t do? We’ve seen dogs perform all kinds of amazing acts. There are dogs that surf, dogs that skateboard, open doors, rescue children. Dogs that save lives, befriend ducklings, and find their way home after years of being missing. These aren’t old episodes of Lassie – dogs are genuinely amazing! So  much so that though we’re still grateful for them, we’re rarely shocked anymore when we hear that they’ve done something heroic or adorable. But every … Read more

Woman Swears Image From The Solar Eclipse Matches Her Dog

We all think our dogs are heavenly, but one family in New Jersey now has proof that their dog actually is! An eclipse like last Monday’s solar event hasn’t happened since 1918, so it’s no wonder that people were so excited to experience it! People fought clouds and rain to take pictures to memorialize the moment, and photos took over social media as people from all around the country shared the snapshots they captured from their unique viewpoints. One man … Read more

9 Things Humans Do That Our Dogs Wish We Didn’t

When we love our dogs like family, we sometimes forget that they don’t understand us quite like our human relatives. Sometimes we try to have full-on conversations with them or unknowingly send them body language signals that are interpreted differently in the animal kingdom. For these reasons, we’ve compiled a list of 9 common things that humans do that stress dogs out. If you’ve done any of these things, don’t worry–we all have! But by being more aware, we can try to communicate with our … Read more

5 Signs That Your Dog Actually Loves You

We love our dogs as if they are members of our families – because to us they really are! We show our dogs we love them in so many ways outside of just their regular care and maintenance, by doing things like buying them special treats and toys. But how do our dogs tell us they love us? We have a good feeling that they do, but it would be awesome to know for sure. Sometimes it might feel like … Read more

The 10 Dog Breeds That Live The Longest

Most dogs seem to generally share a common lifespan, bringing us roughly 10-13 of the best years we’ve ever had. But some breeds make the list for having an abnormally long life expectancy. In fact, there are records of dogs living well past 20-years-old. Although this list of the dog breeds that live the longest doesn’t contain the Australian Cattle Dog, the world record for the longest living dog is an ACD named Bluey. Bluey passed away in 1939 at the … Read more

26 Bulldog Puppies Rescued From Hot Van In Parking Lot

Animal advocates know not to purchase puppies from pet stores, or worse, from a car outside a store or in a parking lot. But that doesn’t mean that these shady dealers should be ignored – if you see something, say something! A whopping 26 French and English Bulldog puppies nearly met their demise after being put in this exact situation. Thankfully, a good Samaritan noticed someone trying to sell the babies from a van in a Walmart parking lot in … Read more

Big Dog Saved By Pint-Sized Fosters After Her Feline Best Friend Passed Away

Flora and Dexter made an unlikely pair, but their friendship was never affected by their obvious differences. Weighing around 100 pounds, Flora is a loving Alaskan Malamute who was rescued from Best Friends Animal Society, and her best friend Dexter was the cat she loved spending time with. But when Dexter passed away at age 22, Flora was faced with an uncertain future. Flora loved Dexter so much, her well-being took a drastic decline when she realized she would never … Read more

Pollution Is Turning The Street Dogs Of A Mumbai Suburb Blue

A factory located in a suburb of the Indian city of Mumbai has been shut down amid accusations that illegal dumping of their waste products is causing local wildlife and street dogs to turn egg shell blue. Ducol Organics Pvt Ltd. manufactures pigments used in paints, ink, plastics, detergent and paper. Officials have confirmed that the alarming phenomenon is a result of untreated chemical dye dumped into the nearby Kasadi River. Alarm bells were raised earlier this month when Arati Chauhan, … Read more

Why Natural Rubber Toys Are Best For Your Pup

We know you want what’s best for your pup. You feed him the best food you can find. You make sure he gets all the exercise and attention he needs. You’re always filling his bowl with fresh water. But have you ever considered whether his toys could be better for him – or more specifically, if the material they’re made from is as healthy as it could be? If you have a “shredder,” you’ve probably spent plenty of money buying … Read more

6 Things Your Dog’s Bark Is Saying To You

Dogs are extremely vocal animals. They use a series of barks, growls, howls, whines and yips to communicate with one another and their human caretakers. While some dogs are much more vocal than others, they never bark without a reason – even if that reason isn’t always clear to us! There are six major causes for communicative barking in dogs. Find out what your pooch is trying to tell you! NOTE: In rare cases, barking can be a symptom of … Read more

This Pitbull’s Reaction To Meeting A Baby Duck Will Melt Even The Hardest Heart

Preconceived notions are never fun to hear… especially when they’re about our beloved fur babies. That’s why stereotypes about Pit Bulls are so unfortunate. People decide to judge the entire breed based on the actions of a few among them… completely unfair, and, if we’re being honest: usually untrue. The dog you’re about to meet is a perfect example of just how wrong this narrow minded idea is. Mercedes is an American Pit Bull with a big heart and a … Read more

Photographer Uses Flower Power To Help Abandoned PitBulls Find Forever Homes

A breed with a stigma for being aggressive – bred to fight and that’s it – has been given a makeover to reveal their softer side by professional photographer Sophie Gamand. Her studio, Striking Paws, uses photography to help homeless pets.   All 120 pitties were adoptable at one time, and most have found homes, thanks in part we are sure, to Gamand’s amazing work! Love it? Her 2017 calendar is now available, and she currently sells prints, pillow cases, … Read more

Creative Dog Dad Builds Epic Living Area For His Pooches

We love our dogs so much, we’ll do anything in our power to make their lives as amazing as possible. We give them the best food, homes, and toys that we can, and shower them with love any chance we get. Then, there are the people who know how to get creative. One example is Aaron Franks, a dad to four pups who are so loyal and lovable, he thought they deserved a special space of their very own… so … Read more

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