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5 Reasons Playtime Is Vital For Your Dog’s Health, No Matter Their Age

Letting your dog indulge in a long game of fetch or a romp through the park may seem like it’s all fun and games, but doggy playtime is about a lot more than that. No matter what kind of play your pup likes to participate in, encouraging playtime will have a big impact on your canine friend’s overall health and well-being. Dogs of all ages benefit from daily play sessions. From puppies still learning to control their limbs to senior … Read more

The 12 Dog Breeds With The Highest Cost of Ownership

There are many things to consider when considering getting a new puppy. (we at iHeartDogs.com believe adoption is the best option!) Many of us are dead-set on certain breeds. Others aren’t quite sure. Regardless, cost is always a factor when deciding to add a dog to your home. There are many things that bring up the cost of the dog outside of the purchase price – and these include crates, toys, beds, kennels, food, and health issues. While health testing is … Read more

5 Mistakes You Don’t Want To Make When Socializing Your Dog

Socialization is a key part of raising a happy and well-mannered canine citizen. From the time they’re puppies all the way through old age, dogs are continuously learning about the world around them. Without proper socialization, dogs can be unnecessarily stressed or fearful, and they need social interaction for both mental enrichment and physical exercise. Socializing your pup can be as simple as taking them on regular walks and introducing them to other dogs, but there’s also a wrong way … Read more

What Happens After You Unlock These Cages Will Make You Cry

dog in cage

Numerous dogs locked up in cages with more coming in daily, awaiting certain death – this is the reality for many shelters in the U.S. where there are too many stray and abandoned dogs for the amount of families able to adopt. These are healthy, hopeful dogs trapped behind cages, sentenced to death. Those cages are the last “home” they will know before being put down. They are euthanized for no other reason than there just wasn’t someone nearby able … Read more

Today Is National Spoil Your Dog Day

August 10 is National Spoil Your Dog Day! We here at iHeartDogs believe that every day is Spoil Your Dog Day, and since Americans spend more than $60 billion a year on their pets, we think most people agree with us. Still, spoiling your dog too much every day can lead to health and behavioral problems, so it’s never a bad idea to pull back on extra snacks and toys on most days, then splurge a little extra on August … Read more

The Single Easiest Way You Can Save Shelter Animals’ Lives

Puppies to be transported to loving homes

It’s a sad truth, but many pets are murdered every day simply for taking up space for too long in a shelter. These pets are adoptable, loving animals who just want to find a home. Meanwhile, in other parts of the country there are families waiting and waiting for their local shelter to have new pets available for adoption. We animal lovers don’t have to stand by the wayside, heartbroken that we can’t do anything. There is a particular way … Read more

Why Does My Dog Ignore Me?

Every pup parent has been ignored when trying to give their dog commands. Maybe your companion won’t “sit” or “lie down,” especially when there are distractions. Perhaps your dog doesn’t listen to “come” (which can be dangerous, given the situation). You may be wondering why your dog’s obedience is inconsistent (or non-existent!), and what you can do about it. As it turns out, there are a couple reasons why your pup may be disregarding your commands, even if he’s eager … Read more

How The Solar Eclipse Might Affect Pets

It’s been all over the news lately just how important it is for you to wear special glasses to watch the upcoming total solar eclipse on August 21st. Regular sunglasses, even if you wear two pairs, are nowhere near strong enough to allow you to look directly at the sun without risking your vision. And it’s important to find solar eclipse glasses that have been certified – ripoff eclipse viewers could steal your vision permanently. But what about your dog? … Read more

7 Dog Breeds That Demand Your Undivided Attention

While every dog breeds needs human interaction, there are some that are a little bit more independent than others. Every dog is an individual, but certain dogs were bred to work alongside humans all day long, such as herding and hunting dogs, and others were used for solitary work, such as guard dogs. Many breeds do fine with regularly amounts of human love and attention, but some are a little bit more high-maintenance in this area. #1 – Australian Shepherd … Read more

What This Airplane Pilot is Doing In This Pic Will Blow Your Mind

Yes, there’s a puppy in that pilot’s lap and yes, they are in the air – but this is not just any flight. Although this plane has room to seat lots of people, it’s cargo is of a different, but precious, variety.  The pilot in this picture is transporting shelter pets from kill shelters to no-kill shelters in other areas of the country where loving families are waiting to adopt them. These pilots volunteer their time, expertise and airplanes to … Read more

Study Shows Pups Raised With “Tough Love” Make Better Guide Dogs

Researchers at The Seeing Eye training school in New Jersey have discovered that puppies whose mothers are less attentive tend to have more success as guide dog candidates. A seeing eye dog must be calm in the face of loud noises and ever-changing stimuli in order to help its master navigate the world. In a study of 98 puppies from birth to adulthood, those more intensely mothered tended to be more reactive and therefore less suited to guide dog work. The … Read more

You Can’t Adopt Every Shelter Animal, But You Can Do This Instead

As animal lovers, it’s a rare day when we don’t experience a sinking heart at the thought of all the pets in shelters waiting for a home and that many of those loving, adoptable animals will be put down before really getting a chance. Don’t we all wish we could adopt just one more pet (and after that, just one more) to save them from suffering in a cold shelter and later a needless death? Since one person can’t individually … Read more

6 Signs Your Dog Is Secretly Living With Pain

Dogs can be in pain for a variety of reasons, be it injury or illness. While sudden injuries are likely to get our attention right away, little tweaks might go unnoticed for months. Some symptoms are easily identified, such as difficulty moving, lameness, or refusing to jump or go up and down stairs. But dogs are very stoic animals and hide their pain very well, so it’s important that we learn to recognize even the most subtle signs of pain.  … Read more

10 Foods That Could Harm Your Dog

You love to spoil your dog. Who doesn’t? Whether you feed your dog a home-cooked diet or you just like to share your food scraps with them, it’s important to know which foods can be harmful for your dog. You probably already know some of these, but I’ll bet you don’t know all of them! Here are 10 foods you didn’t know could hurt your pup and what to do if your dog eats something they shouldn’t. #1 – Peaches, … Read more

Little Huskies Have Their Howl Down

Huskies have an adorable howl, which at times can sound plaintive, or argumentative, or just whiny. We’re not sure why they do it – but they seem to get a kick out of it. What do you think the huskies in this video are doing? Do you think these pups are whining at mama husky? She has a retort for them, if that’s the case. It doesn’t seem like they’re going to get their way. It could be a howling … Read more

8 Reasons To Adopt Your Next Dog

All dogs have the capacity to be incredibly loving companions, no matter their age, breed or background. When you are ready to bring home another furry family member, why not consider adoption? Approximately 3.9 million dogs enter American shelters each year, and each one deserves to experience the comfort and safety of a forever home. Here are eight fabulous reasons to adopt a shelter dog – or two! 1. The Choices Are Endless   There is a common misconception that … Read more

12 Dog Breeds That Will Guard You With Their Life

When it comes to protecting your home, there are several types of dogs. Some are alert barkers, meaning they will let you know anytime anything moves outside that is “not supposed to be there.” Others will bark when someone knocks at the door, rings your bell, etc. Then there are guardian dogs. These breeds will not only let you know there is someone around, they will do something about it. This list mentions the 10 breeds that take guarding your … Read more

12 Most Snuggly Dog Breeds

We love dogs for their varied personalities, and some are a bit more on the snuggly side! While dogs of any breed can be cuddle bugs, certain ones can have extra-affectionate tendencies. This is sure to stir up some controversy, but here we go! Leave a comment with any other breeds you think should be on this list! 🙂 1. Skye Terrier This compact canine isn’t the typical terrier type.  Give this dog his daily walk and he will be content to … Read more

13 Healthy “People Foods” You Can Give Your Dog

There are plenty of “people foods” we’d love to share with our dogs, but some are much healthier than others. In fact, some foods are even toxic to our dogs. But fear not, there are certain human snacks that can actually benefit our four-legged friends. To see what they are, check out this list! (As always, practice moderation and check with your vet before making any dietary changes.) #1 – Peanut Butter   Peanut Butter is one of the best … Read more

Dying Rescue Dog Spends His Last Days Like A Superhero

Naliyah Kaya was not looking to add another dog to her family in 2015 when she first met Zeus, a 3-year-old Mastiff mix. She and her husband already had 2 large dogs – Jasper, a Shepherd mix, and Captain, a Catahoula. She was volunteering as a photographer at an adoption event when Zeus chose her. At the event, Zeus was extremely nervous. He was shaking, pacing, and dragging another volunteer around when he was on leash. Kaya was sitting on … Read more

Dog Day Care Temporarily Closes After Dog Flu “Apocalypse”

The owners of Woof! Orlando, a doggy day care that also offers boarding and grooming, have decided to voluntarily close for a few days in order to sanitize and disinfect every square inch of the facility after an outbreak of dog flu last Thursday. That day, co-owner Michelle Olds received confirmation that a dog that had visited the facility had the dog flu. It spread quickly through the facility, eventually spreading to more than two dozen dogs. She said: “We describe … Read more

6 Signs You Seriously Love & Understand Dogs

Very few humans can resist the pure, overwhelming cuteness of a newborn puppy, but there is a big difference between enjoying dogs and loving dogs. The wonderful people who truly love and understand dogs accept the bad with the good, prioritize their pups’ physical and emotional health, and respect them as the individuals that they are. Above all else, they know that the love of a dog is a gift that they should constantly strive to be worthy of. Here … Read more

Veteran Overcomes Nightmares & Panic Attacks Thanks To Her Service Dog

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.  “Without Pets & Vets, I would not have Gunner. In the short time I’ve had Gunner, I have had no nightmares and can sleep though the night. I have been able to stop taking two medications. Plus, I was able to go outside my comfort zone and go to the Canine Good Citizenship … Read more

Study Shows That Dogs Prefer Certain Genres Of Music (You’ll Be Surprised!)

Millions of pet owners leave the TV, iPod, or some form of background noise playing to help sooth their dogs when they are not home. But have you ever wondered whether or not they prefer a specific genre? Researchers in Scotland have! They played five different types of music to a group of shelter dogs and assessed their physiological and behavioral responses to see which they found most relaxing. The genres included soft rock, Motown, pop, reggae and classical. The Scottish SPCA … Read more

Dog Left Alone in Yard for Months Is Finally in Safe Hands

Nino, a dog in Memphis, Tennessee, was left alone in a back yard for as long as 3 months with no food or water. After he was arrested and charged with animal cruelty, 27-year-old Kellen Jones, told police that he couldn’t afford to care for his dog since he had been out of a job. Alexis Pugh, the director of Memphis Animal Services, said: “The owner told [the officer] he’d been away three months. He’d made no arrangements to have the … Read more

Veterinarian Shares 12 Powerful Superfoods For Dogs

Superfoods are foods that are naturally nutrient-rich and therefore are especially beneficial for your dog’s health. But what exactly are superfoods for dogs? Dr. Ernie Ward, member of Petplan Veterinary Advisory Board gave us the following 12 superfoods for your dog. As with any nutritional change, talk your vet before adding these foods into your dog’s diet. #1 – Apples (without the seeds) This full-of-fiber food helps to clean your dog’s teeth while he chomps and can even freshen their breath. #2 … Read more

How This Simple Key Necklace Started a Movement And Is Saving The Lives of Shelter Dogs

Why are so many pets euthanized in shelters? The answer is simple: it’s a problem of supply and demand. In many areas, such as Southern California, the supply of shelter pets is high, leading to overcrowding in underfunded animal shelters. Because the demand for shelter pets is not high enough in these areas, euthanasia is very common. This is tragic, because these are perfectly good pets with many years of love left to give. A Simple Solution to a Complex … Read more

The Easiest Way to Start Your Dog on a Raw Diet

If you’re the type of pet parent who reads the ingredients list of your pup’s food to make sure you know and understand exactly what’s in it then you’ve no doubt heard about the growing movement towards raw feeding through social media channels or through the media, such as via the viral documentary Pet Fooled. Once rejected by seemingly all vets, a raw diet is now gaining acceptance in wholistic veterinarian circles. It makes sense – a raw diet is what … Read more

Prepare To Fall In Love With Cletus The Stylish Special Needs Dog

Eight months ago, a very special dog arrived at Best Friends Animal Society (BFAS) in Los Angeles. The odd looking chocolate Chihuahua mix was found wandering the city streets. Best Friends staff estimate that the dog they named Cletus is about two-years-old. He was born different from other pups with a crooked nose, a massive overbite, and fused joints that cause him to walk with a signature shuffling gait. A post shared by Love Bug (@cletusspuckler_spucklercletus) on Feb 6, 2017 … Read more

Fear Aggression In Dogs And How To Help

Did you know that there are 21 different types of aggression in dogs? Fear aggression is the most common form, even though many people mistake it for dominance aggression. Each form of aggression must be treated differently – the tools and techniques used to help a dog with dominance aggression will almost always make a dog with fear aggression worse.  So what is fear aggression? How can you tell if your dog has it? Are dogs adopted from shelters more likely … Read more

Veteran Overcomes Challenges With His Service Dog By His Side

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.  Army veteran Roy was matched up with Forest by Pets & Vets. The pup has helped him adjust to civilian life, and it changed him for the better.  Roy said: “Since being partnered with Forest, I have experienced a decrease in my anger outbursts in public. My focus is more on him and … Read more

Is It Safe For My Dog To Chew Sticks?

Everyone knows dogs love to chew on sticks, and seeing your pup dash away and proudly trot back with a prized tree limb in his mouth is always adorable. But when your dog starts using sticks as everyday chew toys, you might have a problem. Sticks are around the same size and shape as bones, and your pup’s instincts make those natural chew toys seem like a tasty treat. It’s common for dogs to want to chew on sticks, but … Read more

Woman Fosters Deaf, Dying Dog To Make Sure Her Best Days Are Still Ahead Of Her

When Jessica Miller first saw Grandma Dot at the LifeLine Animal Project in Atlanta, Georgia and heard her story, she “was in tears thinking about her staying there for the remainder of her life.” Grandma Dot is a deaf elderly Pit Bull who is dog-reactive and has heartworm and untreatable lymphoma. Dot had been at the shelter since February, but after her lymphoma diagnosis, the staff beefed up their efforts to find a foster home for Dot so she could know … Read more

5 Signs You Love Your Dog More Than Your Family Members

We can all agree that we love our dogs like family, but do you prefer the company of your canine companions over your human family members? You may be afraid to admit this out loud, but for the record, we can totally relate! Dogs are our best friends, confidants, and furry family members, and their love and loyalty is unconditional and everlasting. They don’t judge, they’re always happy to see us, and they never, ever let us down – even … Read more

Parvo In Dogs – 5 Things Dog Owners Need To Know

Most pup parents, especially those who’ve adopted puppies, have heard of the dreaded Parvovirus aka Parvo in dogs ( parvo for short). Even if you don’t know much about how it spreads or what the symptoms look like, you probably know that the illness is highly contagious and can be fatal. Luckily, there are preventative measures you can take, and early diagnosis may have a more promising prognosis than you previously thought. We here at iHeartDogs got in touch with … Read more

Veteran Buys A Plane Just So He Can Save Pets From High-Kill Shelters

Army Veteran Paul Steklenski knew he wanted to save as many rescue dogs as possible, and that meant thinking outside the box. After rescuing a homeless pup named Tessa, the former tank operator and current IT expert saw first-hand the positive difference he could make in the lives of innocent animals. He was determined to help by transporting animals from high-kill shelters in the south to no-kill shelters, and he came up with a creative solution for a limiting logistical … Read more

If Your Dog Only Learns One Command, It Should Be This

Each dog parent has the personal choice to decide on the level of training their pup receives. Depending on their temperament and lifestyle, full obedience training may not be a priority, but trainers and behaviorists agree that there is one command that all dogs should master. The “come” or callback command helps empower you to keep your pup safe. It could end up being the one thing that prevents your dog from getting lost, injured, or worse. You may be … Read more

Mom Ogles Adorable Puppy On Patio… Then Realizes What It Really Is

We all make silly mistakes, and once in awhile, it ends in a rousing round of laughter (sometimes for years to come!). This is the case in the story below, and thanks to social media, we’re able to be in on this joke! According to Scary Mommy, Hannah Murphy was out to eat with her mom when something caught her eye. “My mother was giggling at this and told me to ‘take a look at that adorable dachshund, he’s sleeping,’” … Read more

Shelter Dog Is Prime Suspect In The Case Of The Fuzzy Purple Hippo

The saga of Hank and his Fuzzy Purple Hippo has taken social media by storm thanks to some brilliant marketing from Wisconsin’s Fox Valley Humane Association. Hank is a burly chocolate lab with a serious crush on his favorite purple stuffie. When the hippo in question suffered near-fatal injuries, the eyes of the law – and the world – fell upon Hank as the prime suspect. Read on for the full details of this epic crime drama. It all began with … Read more

From a Puppy Farm To a Real Home

“I was living at a puppy farm where I was born. I can’t remember my mummy as I was taken from her very early. Then the men there found that I was very small for my breed (I am a Shih Tzu) and had a bent front leg, so I was separated from all the other puppies and they said I was no good for breeding. One day, along came a van from some kennels and they took me and … Read more

3 Early Signs of Aggression In Dogs

Aggression is a natural behavior in canids, especially in wild animals, but is generally unnecessary and even dangerous in domesticated dogs. Unfortunately, most dog owners don’t recognize the early signs of aggression in dogs. In fact, most professional dog trainers don’t get hired on until the aggression is extreme and the dog has bitten someone already. But there are ways to prevent your dog’s aggression from escalating and these tips will help you identify early indicators. #1 – Growling Growling … Read more

6 Fun Ways to Stimulate Your Pup’s Mind Through Play

Dogs never stop playing! From puppyhood straight on through their golden years, they exercise their bodies and strengthen their minds by romping, chewing, leaping and fetching. Lifelong play ensures that dogs stay fit and healthy while staving off boredom, mischief and premature aging. To keep your best friend fur-ever young at heart – and mind – try these 6 fun toys, puzzles and DIY games! 1. Treat Balls Treat dispensing balls like the Brain Ball by Project Play available in our store … Read more

5 Tips To Teach Your Dog To Love Swimming

Most dogs are natural swimmers, but some dip a paw in the water and say, “No thanks! Not for me!” If you are frequently in or around water, you want to make sure your dog knows how to swim for safety reasons. Wouldn’t it be great if they learned to love swimming? It may take a little bit of time and a lot of patience, but most dogs can be taught to love swimming. Please keep in mind that some … Read more

Second Chance Movement™ – The Key To Giving Shelter Pets a Second Chance At Life

Shop Second Chance Movement™ Every Second Chance Movement™ purchase funds the transportation of shelter animals from overcrowded, high-kill shelters to no-kill shelters where there is high demand for pets. Your support unlocks a second chance for these animals and truly provides the key to a new life!   Plenty of shelters throughout America have more demand for pets than they have animals, yet in other parts of the country there are shelters overrun with animals and not enough funding to keep … Read more

Bike-Riding Couple Finds Puppy On Highway – Now She’s Their “Roadie”!

If you have a rescue pet, it’s likely that you believe in love at first sight. You know the feeling of meeting a pet that fits into your family so well that it could only be fate. Motorcycle enthusiast and IMGUR user heyemilie was on a trip with her boyfriend, headed North through South Carolina, when they picked up an unusual hitchhiker. The tiny pup wandered into the road, coming within feet of their tires on the highway.   The … Read more

Stuffed Toy Helps Rescue Dog Mourn The Loss Of His Lamb BFF

In 2015 two very special animals came into Janell Jensen’s life. The Idaho native has a soft spot for differently-abled pets, so when a neighbor found a three-pound Chihuahua on a busy road, she brought him straight to Janell. Within months, the lifelong animal lover also found herself caring for a special needs lamb. Paddy the dog and Lily the lamb shared an immediate bond, but sadly their beautiful friendship would be short-lived.   When Paddy arrived, he was underweight … Read more

The Staircase To A Hilltop Shelter Was Washing Away, Until One Charity Stepped In

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 Rebuild headed to the home of country music and the Grand Ole Opry: Nashville, Tennessee! The Nashville Humane Association had been struggling with water issues and erosion for years. And not just a little bit of water – full-on flooding!   The property sits in the middle of a large hill, and … Read more

Woman Makes Dog Sit In Hot Car, Claims Abuse When Cop Tells Her To Do The Same

Every year, hundreds of dogs die in hot vehicles. On a 90 degree day in (the ironically named) Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, and Shelly Nicholas’ dog almost became a statistic. Nicholas claims that she only left the dog for 10 minutes while she, her daughter, and her boyfriend shopped at a Bullocks supermarket. When she returned, police officers were waiting to confront her. What happened next has animal lovers cheering and Nicholas alleging police misconduct. The officers presented Nicholas … Read more

This Movie Theater Is Now Offering Dog-Friendly Screenings

Have you ever wished you could bring your pup to the movies with you? Now you can (if you live in England, anyway!) Picturehouse Central in London is now offering dog-friendly screenings about every six weeks. The company is even looking at expanding the screenings to their other locations. Our tails are wagging! Dog-friendly screenings are back! Bring your best friend to see My Life As A Courgette this Sunday 12pm. A screening for well behaved dogs and humans. 🐶🎬 #woof … Read more

New Findings On Behavior Testing May Save Thousands Of Shelter Dogs From Euthanasia

For many years, shelters have been using behavioral assessments to determine which dogs can be adopted and which dogs get euthanized for being suspected of aggressive behavior. New research indicates that the two most popular tests are little better than chance at predicting which dogs will be aggressive once they’re out of the stressful shelter environment and into happy homes. Occasionally, this results in aggressive dogs finding their way into homes. More often, this leads to dogs who might be perfectly … Read more

Another Way That Dogs Benefit Your Health, Especially As You Age

A healthy level of activity is important at all ages, but when we reach late adulthood, it becomes imperitive for staving off obesity, diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. English researchers from the University of East Anglia and the Centre for Diet and Activity Research at the University of Cambridge designed a study to find out if dog ownership provided significant motivation for older adults to exercise. They found that owning or walking a dog was one of the most effective … Read more