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Gluten-Detecting Dog Changes The Life Of A Girl With Celiac Disease

When their young daughter, Evelyn, began suffering from muscle aches and mouth sores, her parents knew they needed to find their daughter a diagnosis. Luckily, the 13-year-old’s mom and dad are both pediatricians with the Beacon Medical Group in Indiana, and they worked to get to the bottom of it. As it turned out, Evelyn has Celiac disease, which can be difficult to diagnose since there are over 300 symptoms associated with it. This means that when she comes in contact with gluten, Evelyn’s immune system attacks … Read more

Judge Sentences Caitlyn’s Abuser For Putting Her Through “Hell On Earth”

The case hailed as one of the worst incidences of animal abuse in history reached its conclusion today. 42-year-old William Leonard Dodson was sentenced to the maximum penalty of 5 years for duct taping Caitlyn the dog’s mouth closed almost 2 years ago. He has been in jail since June 2015, and was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison yesterday on unrelated drug and weapon possession charges. The presiding judge said he wished he had the power to give … Read more

TV Doc Is Brought To Tears By Video Tribute To His Dog Of 17 Years

You may recognize the handsome Dr. Travis Stork from his stint as The Bachelor, and his run as a T.V. M.D. on The Doctors. What you may not know is that Dr. Stork has had one very special girl in his life for the past 17 years. She has supported him through medical school, residency, marriage, divorce and stardom; even becoming a frequent visitor on his show. Her name is Nala and she is a mixed breed shelter rescue. On … Read more

Biker With A Heart Of Gold Adopts 18-Year-Old Shelter Dog

Julep’s story is all too common. The senior Pit Bull-type dog found herself in the care of Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) in Washington D.C. at the end of February when her elderly owner passed away. What set Julep apart – and made rescue workers frightened for her future – was the fact that the white-faced gal is 18-years-old, the eldest dog to enter the HRA shelter in recent memory. The staff were understandably concerned that no one would be willing … Read more

Couple Arrives At Doggy Daycare And Finds Their Dog In A Shock Collar

A Chicago couple made a startling discovery after picking up their dog from a local daycare. The dog appeared to be wearing a shock collar. In a Facebook post, Lauren Mayer says her boyfriend Luke Mullaney dropped off the dog at Posh Pet Day Spa on March 11th.  When he picked up Mya later that day, the German Shepherd mix was wearing a second collar — one they say is designed to jolt the dog into submission. Mullaney immediately returned … Read more

Does Your Dog Hate Brushing? This Can Help

Most dogs and humans agree: brushing a dog’s teeth is about as enjoyable as having a root canal! But despite this well-known fact, due to the carbohydrate rich diets that most pups consume, regular dental care is absolutely essential for your dog. And it’s more than just ugly teeth and stinky breath that’s at stake. It could be the very life of your dog! Periodontal disease is linked with all sorts of life-threatening diseases, from heart health problems to kidney … Read more

Labrador Retriever Named America’s Favorite Breed For 26th Year In A Row

Each year the American Kennel Club (AKC®) compiles a list of the most popular dog breeds in the country. For the past 26 years, the Labrador Retriever has reigned supreme as America’s top dog. In fact, for the past 5 years, the top 5 breeds have remained virtually unchanged. German Shepherds are #2, followed by Golden Retrievers at #3 and Bulldogs – who snagged the #4 spot from Beagles in 2013. A post shared by American Kennel Club (@americankennelclub) on Mar … Read more

The 10 Best Large Breeds For Kids

If you’re looking for a dog to grow up with your kids, nothing beats a larger breed for patience and durability. Remember that you should always teach your kids how to treat dogs and you should never leave a dog unsupervised with small children. With that in mind, here are the 10 best large breeds for kids. #1 – Labrador Retriever The most popular breed in the United States since 1991 and one of the most popular dogs in the … Read more

Why Do Dogs Sneeze When They’re Excited?

As a dog parent, you’ve likely experienced at least one of the following scenarios. 1) You arrive home from work and your dog greets you at the door snorting like a warthog. 2) Your pooch meets a new pal at the dog park and joyfully snarfs all over him as they play. 3) You present your pup with a new toy/bone/treat and he goes into a sneezing fit.   Have you ever wondered what that “excitement sneeze” is all about? … Read more

Check Out The Car Designed For Dog Owners

If you love cars and you’re the proud owner of a pup (or pack!), you’ve got to check out this new Nissan X-Trail 4Dogs concept car. That’s right: it’s literally designed “4dogs.” So, how do you create a vehicle that’s especially dog-friendly? With safety, comfort, and convenience in mind. The car includes a slide-down ramp for easy boarding, clips for in-motion restraint, a camera that allows people to see their dogs in the back (and vice versa), and even a built-in shower and blow dryer … Read more

Pros And Cons Of Being A Dog Groomer

A new report released by The Conference Board and reported on by Bloomberg and iheartdogs.com indicates that pet-related careers will grow faster than teaching positions in the next ten years. If you’ve considered being a dog groomer, now is a great time to get into the profession. How do you know if it’s right for you? Directly from groomers Eika S.R. Haas with Purrrfect Paws, LLC; Cindy Disiena at Day in the life of a groomer and animal lover; and Corrie Mae … Read more

Ask A Vet: Why Does My Dog Tilt His Head When He Hears Something?

You have the squeaky toy behind your back and you are squeezing it and trying to appear bewildered. Each time it squeaks, your dog responds by tilting his head and you melt. We take pictures of dogs doing this and it never fails to make us say, “Awwwwww.” Let’s face it: we are one endearing head tilt away from being wrapped around that little paw! It is super cute when you say something to your dog and he adorably tilts … Read more

Anonymous Hero Adopts Pitiful Dog & Transforms His Life

Tom spent the first 4 years of his life chained to a tree in a sparse, sun-baked Alabama backyard. Used as a breeding dog, he was clearly nothing but a source of income to his owners. Tom was emaciated, infested with worms, and nearly bald from mange when he was finally rescued and transported all the way to Minnesota in search of a new life. Imgur user, nbd789 first met Tom at an adoption event, and was instantly drawn to the … Read more

Loose Dog Ends Up In World Cup Cross-Country Ski Race

When it comes to skiing, we don’t usually think of dogs being involved. But that didn’t stop one pooch from surprising everyone during the World Cup cross-country ski race in Quebec, Canada this past Sunday. The rogue pup got away from his likely mortified owner and ran onto the course to join several competitors for a brief moment of the race. The dog chose the right pack of skiers as they were the group in the lead and even made … Read more

Boy With Rare Skin Disease Makes An Unexpected Canine Friend

Carter Blanchard is an 8-year-old boy from Arkansas. Three years ago, he and his mother, Stephanie Adcock, noticed something strange happening with his skin. He was starting to get spots on his face and body that were much lighter than his regular skin color. Carter was diagnosed with a rare skin disorder called vitiligo. Vitiligo is characterized by the skin losing pigment in various patches all over the body. Stephanie says her son struggled heavily with his unique appearance. “I used to pick … Read more

URGENT: Multiple Brands Of This Popular Dog Snack Recalled Due To Salmonella

EuroCan Manufacturing announced a voluntary recall yesterday on one lot of its Barnsdale Farms, HoundsTooth and Mac’s Choice pig ears, citing possible Salmonella contamination. Routine product testing revealed the presence of the bacteria, which can also affect humans who handle the product. At this time, no injuries of any kind have been reported to the company. What’s Being Recalled? The recalled pig ears were distributed throughout the U.S.A. and Canada, and come packaged as individually shrink-wrapped, 6-pack, 12-pack and 25-pack bags under the … Read more

Formerly Abused Shelter Dog Leads Her Adopter To Naked, Freezing Toddler

More questions than answers currently surround the story of a 3-year-old girl located in the nick of time by a formerly abused and currently beloved family dog named Peanut. Little Peanut is rightfully being hailed a hero for leading her owner to the naked child alone in a Rapid River, Michigan ditch on a morning when temperatures dipped near freezing.   According to Upper Michigan’s Source, the girl is safe and not suffering from any serious injuries or hypothermia. Her … 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

Urgent Shelter Dog Is Rescued & Reborn Thanks To His Foster Mom

Nicole Pitts was already a seasoned foster mom when she met Eric the dog through LifeLine Animal Project’s Fulton County Animal Services shelter. Eric had been in the shelter for 3 months and was not adjusting well. He was nervous and shy, easily overlooked by adopters, and bullied by the other dogs in his pen. Eric was given his own kennel, but with more than 300 pets in a shelter designed to hold 100, his time was quickly growing short. “I … Read more

If Your Breed Is On This List, Consider Giving a Joint Supplement As Early as 1 Year Old

Many dog owners have witnessed the benefit of giving their dog a joint care supplement such as glucosamine HCI, MSM, or chondroitin. Together these nutrients support healthy joints by providing natural relief with improved flexibility, reduced inflammation and strengthened cartilage and joints. But at what age should you consider starting this supplement routine? The answer depends a lot on your breed. If Your Breed Is Listed Below, Consider Giving A Joint Care Supplement As Early As 12 Months Old The following dog … Read more

At What Age Should I Begin Giving My Dog A Joint Care Supplement?

Dog Joint Pain
Many dog parents have witnessed the benefit of giving their dogs and puppies joint supplements, such as glucosamine, MSM, or chondroitin. Together these nutrients support healthy joints by providing natural relief with improved flexibility, reduced inflammation, and strengthened cartilage and joints. But at what age should you consider starting this supplement routine? The answer depends a lot on your dog's breed. Glucosamine and other supplements for puppies are more common than you'd think. Related: 11 Best Dog Immunity Supplements When ... Read more

Ask A Dog Trainer: How Can I Get My Dog To Stop Breaking His Stay?

Teaching your dog a reliable stay is important. A stay not only makes your life easier, but can save your dog’s life. It can also be a very frustrating experience. You may feel as though no matter what you do, your dog just won’t stay longer than a few seconds. Don’t feel bad, stay is a hard cue because it’s asking your dog for a lot of self-control, which is something most dogs do not naturally have. With a bit … Read more

Ask A Vet: How Does My Dog Sense My Emotions?

Our dogs seem to know how we are feeling and to comfort us accordingly. Have you wondered how your canine buddy truly knows that you need him? How does he know how you feel? It Just Makes Scents Studies have shown that dogs are able to actually sniff emotions with their noses. The funny thing is that dogs consistently use the left nostril to perceive human odors collected during fearful situations (emotion-eliciting movies) and physical stress, suggesting the prevalent activation … Read more

From The Vet: Hacks That May Save The Life Of Your Great Dane

Everyone wants a shortcut. We love “hacks” and tips. Articles about ways to maximize your cell phone or organize your closet are shared wildly. To me, the best hacks are the ones that help your dog. Great Danes have at least one unique issue that need some hacking. Gastric dilitation-volvulus (GDV) is one of the most catastrophic issues for Great Danes. GDV is a life threatening issue that occurs when a dog’s stomach bloats and then twists on itself. Even … Read more

Ask A Vet: Why Are Some Dogs “Lap Dogs”?

Does your dog like to cuddle or be very close to you? Does she seem to always want to climb in your lap? It seems like a part of who your dog is, but have you ever thought about why? Walk on the Wild Side Dogs know that they are a part of the animal world. Because they are descended from wild dogs, they are geared for survival. Their survival can depend on the other members of their pack or family.  … Read more

BREAKING NEWS: Blue Buffalo Announces Yet Another Recall

This post is from March, 2017. For current recalls, check DogFoodAdvisor.com Blue Buffalo, a company surrounded by controversy due to several shocking recalls over the past few years, has announced yet another potentially harmful product. One of their canned diets – BLUE Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Red Meat Dinner Wet Food for Adult Dogs – could potentially contain elevated levels of naturally occurring beef thyroid hormone. What’s Being Recalled? The recall is limited to one production lot of the following product: … Read more

Proposed Bill Hopes To Put Fake Service Dogs Out Of Service

Yet another state is taking aim at the shameful trend of passing off household pets as service dogs. Massachusetts has filed a bill modeled after similar laws in Florida and Colorado. If passed, it would become a civil offense to misrepresent a pet as a service animal in the Bay State. The bill further seeks to protect the disabled from receiving untrained or poorly trained dogs from unscrupulous organizations. Congratulations Shadow! We hear you are doing wonderful work as a … Read more

Dog With Half A Face Survives To Find A Life Where She’s Loved

It’s a miracle that 2-year-old Teresa is alive. The pup was rescued from Thailand, where a man attempted to behead her for her meat, but failed. While Teresa escaped with her life, her snout and part of her jaw were sliced off by the machete. When New Jersey natives Karen Quigley and friend Michelle Weirich heard Teresa’s story, they knew this survivor deserved a second chance. She took to social media, and with the help of Facebook and GoFundMe, was able … Read more

Child’s Act Of Kindness Inspires Others To Pay It Forward For Shelter Dogs

Most 4-year-olds look forward to spending their birthday and Christmas money on toys. Jaxton Betschart decided to use his to help 2 shelter dogs find loving homes. Elyse Betschart is Jaxton’s mom. Last weekend she brought him to the Charleston Animal Society (CAS) shelter where Jax chose 2 Pit Bull-type dogs to sponsor, paying their adoption fees with his own savings. The little boy was first drawn to a white and black pup named Penelope. He especially liked the black … Read more

Stray Dog Was “Skin & Bones” Until This Rescue Changed His Life

Part of each sale for the iHeartDogs store is donated to Rescue Bank, a program through Greater Good that helps feed hungry shelter dogs. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings, like the one below, are made possible.  When a stray dog was taken in by the Rainbow Bridge Can Wait (RBCW) rescue in Carnegie, Oklahoma, they realized he was “one of a kind.” So, he was appropriately named him Leonardo Da Vinci.   Poor Leonardo was found wandering the streets in a rural … Read more

Dog Food Companies Are Lying To Us About A Vital Nutrient Our Dogs Desperately Need

With the never-ending stream of dog food recalls we’ve had this year, it’s no wonder that consumers are trusting pet food companies less and less. However, with all the concerns about contaminates in pet food, a conversation also needs to be had about whether or not the ingredients claimed on the ingredient label are of any real value to your pup. What nutrient are we talking about? Omega-3 fatty acids.  Many dog food brands claim Omega-3 DHA and EPA on their … Read more

The 10 Best Small Dogs For Kids

Are you thinking about getting a dog for your family, but you’re worried about getting one that won’t tolerate your children? While larger dogs are less fragile and less likely to be accidentally injured, there are some small breeds that do well with children. Keeping in mind that dogs don’t come with guarantees and any dog needs training, here are 10 small dog breeds that do well with kids. #1 – Beagle The Beagle is a friendly, happy dog with … Read more

Movie Star Dog Surprises Young Cancer Patient In The Hospital

12-year-old Brooke Mulford loves animals, especially dogs. When the movie, A Dog’s Purpose premiered, she wasn’t able to head off to the theater like other kids her age. Brooke is battling neuroblastoma at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. When word got out on Facebook that she wanted to see the film, a mission began to bring A Dog’s Purpose – and a special visitor – to Brooke. Bailey is one of several canine stars from the film. His handler flew him all … Read more

Police Rescue Dog During Blizzard & Then Learn Her Tragic Backstory

New York Port Authority Police Officers Nicholas Armenti, Manny Luongo and Steve Corrigan captured a terrified and very chilly pooch near the Lincoln Tunnel during Tuesday’s snowstorm. Little did they know that the ordeal was nothing compared to what she had already survived. Pandy, a 5-year-old Terrier Mix, was rescued from Thailand’s illegal dog meat trade. A volunteer from the rescue group, Animal Haven, where she is currently up for adoption, was walking Pandy when she became spooked and broke loose. … Read more

Beyond The Puppy Cut: Shih Tzu Hair Styles

If you were under the impression that there is only one standard cut for Shih Tzus, the “puppy cut,” then you’ll be interested to see these different variations of that style and other styles that are completely different from the traditional puppy cut. Teddy bear face with a long topknot – Notice how rounded the face is – that’s the hallmark of the traditional teddy bear face. The ears can be any length. If you choose to do a topknot on … Read more

Ask A Groomer: How Often Should I Groom My Dog?

After 12 years of grooming dogs, I have worked with every breed, dealt with every situation, and answered countless questions. The most common thing new owners ask me is how often they should groom their dogs. The answer depends on what type of coat your pooch has, how much they shed, and how much brushing and bathing you are willing to do at home. Keeping in mind that all dogs, regardless of breed, should have their nails trimmed at least … Read more

Ask A Groomer: Why Does My Dog’s Haircut Cost More Than Mine?

Have you ever wondered why it’s more expensive to have your dog groomed than it is to get your own hair cut? There are a variety of factors leading to the price differences. Let me share a few of those reasons with you. You only get the hair on your head cut. Your hairstylist doesn’t shave your whole body. Even most small dogs have more surface area than the average human head. And small dogs can be even more difficult … Read more

5 Surprising Tools For Grooming Your Dog At Home

Have you ever wondered what unusual tools can help you groom your dog at home? Here are five secret tools groomers use on their own dogs. 1. Olive or Coconut Oil  Has your dog ever come home from a walk covered in burrs? Brushing them out can be painful for your dog. Picking them out yourself can be tough on your hands. Rubbing oil into the fur around the burrs will reduce the friction and help the burrs slide out … Read more

Ask A Groomer: What’s A Puppy Cut?

Have you ever asked a groomer for a puppy cut and been given a strange look – or, worse, a bad haircut? Would you be surprised if I told you the term “puppy cut” actually doesn’t give the groomer very much information? What should you say to make sure your dog looks perfect? A puppy cut could look like this… The term puppy cut originally referred to a fluffy trim given to Poodles for the show ring before they were … Read more

From A Groomer: 3 Reasons Not To Shave Your Double-Coated Dog

If your dog sheds a lot, you’ve probably thought about shaving them to reduce the amount of hair left around your house. Maybe you thought shaving your dog would keep them cooler in the summer. Perhaps you think your dog would look cute shaved. Generally, dogs whose hair only grows to a certain length and then stops, and specifically double-coated dogs – dogs that have an undercoat that sheds out – should not be shaved. Here are three reasons why … Read more

Ask A Groomer: Why Does My Dog’s Face Stink?

Have you ever noticed a foul odor coming from some part of your dog’s face and wondered what was causing the smell? There are several things you should be doing with your dog regularly to keep your dog’s head and face in top condition to prevent potentially serious health problems.     Wiping under your dog’s eyes daily with a warm, wet washcloth or an unscented baby wipe will help prevent their tears from turning into either slimy boogers or … Read more

Ask A Groomer: What Is A Mat?

Has the groomer ever shaved part or all of your dog and claimed it was due to matting, but you didn’t really understand what that meant? What is a mat anyway? Why is that a reason your dog can’t have long fluffy hair? A mat is a large tangle of hair that will feel like a lump in your dog’s coat. Small mats might be able to be brushed out without causing your dog too much pain, but attempting to … Read more

Ask A Groomer: How Can I Prepare My Puppy For Grooming?

Want to set your puppy up for success? Here are five things you can do at home to ensure that your puppy has a lifetime of safe and positive experiences at the groomer. Touch and hold their feet. Several times a day, start by briefly touching each foot, then rewarding with a treat. Move on to holding each paw for several seconds before rewarding. The goal is to be able to trim their nails without upsetting them. Most dogs will … Read more

New Study Shows How Our Dogs Can Be Deliberately Deceptive

We all believe dogs are smart, but we might not be giving them as much credit as we should be. Although we look in awe as our dogs amaze us with the incredible tasks and tricks they can learn to perform, we often don’t consider them to be purposefully deceptive. After all, they’re supposed to be man’s best friend, right? Well, they certainly are, but they know when man isn’t being their best friend and a recent study has shown that dogs … Read more

5 Secrets For Establishing A Successful Tooth Brushing Routine With Your Dog

For some of you lucky paw-rents, brushing your dogs’ teeth is simple. You just grab the toothbrush, toothpaste, and the dog, and go to work. For others – myself included – it is an epic struggle of strength and will just to get your dog’s mouth open. This post is for those folks! Happy National Dog Day! Here are a few tips to take care of your four-legged friends… Posted by Dominion Dental Care on Friday, August 26, 2016   1. … Read more

Texas Bill Aims To Regulate Dog Tethering Laws

Earlier this month, the Washington state Senate unanimously passed a bill to regulate and restrict the tethering of dogs. A similar bill, filed to the Texas House of Representatives, could lead to additional regulations in the Lone Star state. State Representative, Sarah Davis, brought HB 1156 before the House Public Health Committee yesterday. Davis argued that although the law currently restricts the chaining of dogs for extended periods, the legislation is confusing and difficult to enforce, allowing abusive owners to receive … Read more

Tiny Dog Demands Kisses From Her Human Dad

Chihuahuas are known for their deep devotion to their favorite humans, but Chloe takes it to a whole new level. Being snuggled in her daddy’s arms just isn’t good enough for this little Chi! She repeatedly demands his undivided attention by using her tiny, fawn-colored paw to bat at his beard. And what is it that Chloe wants? Kisses. Lots and lots of kisses! She sure is bossy, but who could ever get mad at that cute little face?? I … Read more

Dog Repeatedly Wins “Employee Of The Month” Thanks To Work-From-Home Dog Dad

Michael Reeg works for Accuride International Inc.’s southeastern sales center, which happens to be an office inside his comfortable home. Instead of your average human coworker to keep him company throughout the day, he has his two dogs, Meeka and Kya. Kya is Reeg’s wife’s dog, so she really only checks in every so often or when his wife leaves the house. However, Meeka has a knack for helping out her dad’s position of District Sales Mananger even if she … Read more

Ask A Vet: Is It Safe To Give My Dog Cheese?

Cheese is a favorite of a lot of humans. We love it and many of us keep it in our refrigerators almost all the time. We also love our dogs and like making them happy by sharing whatever we enjoy with them. We care about our dogs enough to know that we are responsible for keeping them safe, too. We humans can read labels and learn about food items to make educated choices while our dogs trust us enough to … Read more

Proud Dog Mom Has Homemade Fresh Breath Dog Treats Your Pup Will Love!

Our friend Melissa with Proud Dog Mom has come up with a special recipe that your pups will go crazy for! And while we love our dogs little kisses, there’s nothing bad about helping your pup with fresh breath while giving them a satisfying treat. You don’t need to be a chef to whip up some tasty treats that your dog is sure to love–all you have to do is watch this video and you’ll be well on your way … Read more

More Shelters Are Removing Breed Labels So Adopters Can Choose With Their Hearts

There’s no such thing as second chances when it comes to first impressions. That’s why it’s vital for shelter dogs to put their best paw forward each time they meet a potential adopter. The latest research has proven that using breed labels hinders a dog’s ability to showcase her true self, and leaves an indelible black mark in the minds of prospective owners. Chloe is hoping for a Home for the Holidays. This girl is fantastic with people and has … Read more