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Annie Aul and her Shiloh Shepherd, Lola, are on a road trip between Montgomery, Alabama and Miami, Florida. The two are having a great time, but with every road trip comes a time for singing. Sleeping to pass the time, Lola wakes up uninterested in Aul’s voice joining in on Queen’s “We Are the Champions.” But it only takes a few seconds for Lola to warm up her voice and join her owner in the sing-along. The two clearly have … Read more
A couple of Good Samaritans found Calvin, a Pit Bull mix, wandering the streets with a severe leg injury. The poor pup is believed to have been used as a bait dog by dog fighters, which means he was used to test the tenacity and aggression of larger, stronger dogs. It was clear these abusers did not care if Calvin lived or died. The couple that took him in wanted to seek veterinary care to save him, but were quickly … Read more
Sometimes dogs do silly things. Swallowing undigestible items may be the worst of them. Here is a list of objects I have personally witnessed removed from the stomach and intestines of mischievous dogs: socks, underwear, sticks, leaves, wads of hair, tampons, panty hose, action figures, rubber snakes, paper towels, diamond earrings, a watch, carpeting, and of course, lots of balls. One very patient and good-humored dog parent recently shared their own doggy foreign-body nightmare via Reddit. Rather than a long, … Read more
Do you feel that over time your dog’s coat has become dull or dry? You’re not alone, as many dog owners notice this trend as their dog ages or during the winter months. What Is Causing My Dog’s Coat to Become Dry and Dull? While there are many possible root causes for a dry coat, oftentimes diet is the main culprit. Despite the convenience of commercial dog food kibble, one of its major drawbacks lies the inability to retain the quality … Read more
Senator Kevin J. Rader of Florida certainly had the best of intentions when he proposed Senate Bill 1162. The Companion Animal Protection Act would require shelters to exhaust all possible alternatives before euthanizing any dog or cat. Roughly 3 million pets are put down in shelters each year. While we all want to see that number decrease, many critics fear the bill will create a whole new set of problems. MEET HARLEY! share the love Life is good…enjoy the ride! That … Read more
When you see a person or animal in need, sometimes you just have to spring into action and have faith that it will all work out for the best. That’s what Charytee Windham did when she came across a post for two four-month-old Chihuahua mixes who were scheduled to be euthanized. The reason for their “death row” status was that one of them had an eye infection. Unfortunately, for a shelter with limited resources, the more dogs that they take in, … Read more
When a puppy was found on the streets of Coventry in the UK, he was so emaciated, his rescuers weren’t sure if he’d make it. The RSPCA took the Greyhound / Saluki mix into their care in September 2015, with the puppy only weighing 6.5 pounds. “He looks like a walking skeleton,” said RSPCA Inspector Nicky Foster in a story by Daily Mail. “He is the thinnest dog I have seen in the 10 years I have been an inspector. You can see every single … Read more
Airline travel seems to bring out the absolute worst in some people. Several unfortunate globetrotters at LAX experienced this firsthand when a dog mom refused to pick up her pup’s doo-doo. Steve Hofstetter is a professional comedian who understands the stress of traveling with dogs, but even he was shocked and appalled by the behavior of this particular airline patron. **Note: None of the photos in this post are of the “actual” dog! https://www.facebook.com/stevehofstetter/photos/a.10159444248600604/10161641297690604/?type=3&theater Now dogs will be dogs, so … Read more
Canine Leptospirosis is frighteningly easy to contract and even more simple to pass on to other dogs. This potentially deadly bacteria is found virtually anywhere there is wildlife and can be transmitted to your pup through a simple drink of water. Lepto is a nationwide concern for dog lovers, but a few states in particular have seen a concerning leap in cases. And now, health officials in the state of New Jersey are urging pet owners to become aware of … Read more
One of the smartest breeds, Poodles are quick to figure out how they can get things they want. This includes jumping on people for attention, treats, toys, or maybe even to go outside. This behavior is learned – the dog does it a few times, gets what they want, and so repeats the behavior even more. Luckily, we can use this same methodology to un-train it. The following is how to teach your Poodle to stop jumping on people. Why … Read more
There is nothing better than sharing your life with a Jack Russell Terrier. They fill up the house with their large personalities and with your laughter over their comical nature. To own a JRT is to love a JRT. And as an owner, you want do everything you can to make sure your Jack has everything he needs for a wonderful, long life. The following are three ways to keep your Jack Russell Terrier happy and healthy. #1 – Make Them … Read more
Whether you own a Pembroke Welsh Corgi or a Cardigan Welsh Corgi, your house is surely filled with laughter and love. They are happy-go-lucky dogs that make you smile just with their looks (we dare to you look at a Corgi’s ears and not smile!). Owners want to make sure their Corgis have a long and happy life with as few health issues as possible. The following are three ways to keep your Corgi happy and healthy. #1 – Give Her … Read more
With their low center of gravity and solid mass, Bull Terriers that are not trained are no fun to walk. They can easily pull you anywhere they feel like it, and they usually do. They can injure you or other people, can get away and get lost, it can even get to the point where you don’t even want to walk your Bully. The good news is that no matter how old his is, you can teach him some new … Read more
Beagles may be small, but they have an amazing will and are surprisingly strong when they want to follow their nose somewhere. Every Beagle owner has experienced trying to walk a dog who is constantly wanting to trace the newest scent he’s found. It’s frustrating and hard on your body when he pulls and yanks. Luckily, there is a way to get your Beagle calm and focused on you so you can have a nice walk. The following are five … Read more
Marking behavior in a pet dog is a frustrating, but fairly natural behavior among dogs. There are many reasons for marking behavior, but no matter how natural it is, if your dog is marking inside your home, it is a problem. First, you have to decide if the behavior is actually intended to be a communication for your dog. Since you cannot ask your dog if he peed on something as a signal, you need your vet to help. A … Read more
All dogs were developed for a specific purpose, usually to do some form of work. Most dogs are now bred to be companions, but some breeds still retain so much working instinct that they can be destructive if they aren’t given lots of exercise and mental stimulation. With information from Wikipedia, Paw Culture, VetStreet, and Pawed In, here are 8 breeds that need a job to do in order to stay out of trouble. #1 – Weimaraner Created to be a … Read more
Updated 3/1/2017: Dog lovers across the world were shocked and appalled by the heartbreaking photos of a mutilated Detroit Rottweiler named Baron. The first bit of good news came last week when veterinarians declared him healthy and ready to be adopted. Today’s update is even better – Baron has found his forever home! Just this afternoon the Michigan Humane Society posted a joyful message to Facebook, complete with photos of the new, happy family! Baron and his parents look … Read more
Huskies are expert jumpers, powerful diggers and clever problem solvers – basically perfect storms of gate, crate and fence escaping potential! Callie Gansen, Iowa dog-mom to 3 gorgeous and precocious Huskies, shared a video of their daily kitchen breakouts with her Facebook Husky group – and then the world! Crimson and his daughters, Kona and Gracie are yet to meet a barrier that they can’t conquer. Watch as they make short work of this humble baby gate. Gracie is up … Read more
Larry Bigelow has severe spinal osteoporosis and spinal fractures. He depends on his highly trained Yellow Labrador, Buzz for the stability and physical support he needs to stay active. Buzz is one of many legitimate service dogs trained by Hawaii Fi-Do. The organization has decided to take a stand against imposter service animals with their new web PSA ads. It may seem harmless to purchase a knockoff service vest and slap it on your pup, but untrained service animals give the … Read more
Jayme Buck dropped her 3 Shih Tzus, Brewsky, Guinness and Tashi off to be groomed on September 27, 2016 just as she had on dozens of other mornings. Less than 2 hours later she received a call telling her to get back to the office right away. She was told “the little brown one” had collapsed and they could not resuscitate him. Jayme rushed to the grooming salon in a panic. She had no idea which of her 3 dogs … Read more
It was just a regular day when Victoria Alexander let her two-year-old Boxer, Bumper, out into the front yard. The yard is completely fenced, so she didn’t think Bumper was at risk for any injury. Unfortunately, she was surprisingly mistaken. A postal worker walked up to the fenced yard and Bumper started barking, as many dogs do when a stranger comes near their home. But what happened next is what shocked Alexander. The postal worker walked back to his truck, pulled … Read more
Almost all dogs are affectionate with their families, and many with strangers as well, but some breeds just can’t get enough snuggles to satisfy their needs. If you’re looking for a pup that’s going to love being by your side, curled in your lap, or smothering you with attention you’ll definitely want to consider the breeds on this list. They might not all fit in your lap, but they’ll certainly try, and they’re almost guaranteed to try it with everyone … Read more
Everyone knows that dogs are a big financial responsibility, and people should make sure they can afford adequate care for their pups before bringing them home. However, it doesn’t mean that pet parents can’t look for ways to save some money along the way. Here are 10 easy penny-pinching ways to save money as a dog owner, without sacrificing your pup’s health, happiness, or quality of life. 1. DIY Toys As much as dogs love toys, the thing they love most is playing with you! … Read more
This little pup may be small, but he sure is mighty. We’re not even sure he knows he’s little because he certainly doesn’t act like it! When he and his much larger canine companion were coming in through the dog door, the family cat was sitting just inside waiting to swat at them. So what’s a fiery little pooch to do? He’s to burst right through the doggy door and hold the cat against the wall, protecting his best friend … Read more
Like snowflakes, no two pets are alike, and this means that some end up with really cool markings! Lucy is a white and black spotted pup who was at Lollypop Farm, a humane society in Fairport, New York. According to The Dodo, she was part of a litter born to a stray dog who was rescued and brought to the farm last year. As Lucy grew, staffers were delighted to see that the markings on her ear were beginning to … Read more
Andrea Domjan is a talented artist. Like most other professional photographers, she tells her stories through beautiful pictures. Some stories, however, are more powerful than others. When it comes to her sister-in-law, Dori, and Dori’s dog, Alf, this powerful story became bittersweet. It might not be the assignment most photographers are looking to cover, but we’re so glad Domjan is able to help share Dori and Alf’s story with us. Alf is a Bullmastiff. When Domjan received Dori’s … Read more
Dog trainer, Colleen Wilson had no intention of adopting a puppy, but when her best friend sent her a photo of a young Dalmatian named Charlie from a list of “urgent death row dogs” she felt compelled to help. At the very least she figured she could pull him from the kill shelter, offer a bit of training, and place him with a Dalmatian rescue group. A few months and one foster fail later, Charlie was on his way … Read more
Erica Mahnken and her fiancé, Michael Favor of No More Pain Rescue didn’t ask any questions when they received an anonymous phone call about a dog abandoned in a former “crack house.” They arrived at the location and found a young, malnourished Pit Bull mix. She was covered in suspicious lesions and had been left without food, water or electricity for at least 2 days in the frigid New York winter weather. A post shared by NoMorePainRescue (@nomorepainrescue) on Jan … Read more
Diarrhea in dogs is a symptom of a larger problem like stress, sudden diet change, food allergies, dietary indiscretion (garbage grazing), parasites, viral or bacterial illness, even chronic disease. Although it is usually self-limiting, it’s uncomfortable for your pooch and messy for you. We’ll cover when to seek immediate veterinary care below, but in mild cases, certain home remedies may do the trick. A post shared by Ralph (@ralphstagramm) on Jan 6, 2017 at 7:09pm PST Dogs can’t tell us, … Read more
12-year-old Ehlena Fry and her Goldendoodle, Wonder, were the subject of a landmark Supreme Court hearing this week. The justices ruled that Fry’s parents could sue Michigan school officials for refusing to allow Wonder to accompany Ehlena to class. She has Cerebral Palsy and depends on her service dog for many every day tasks including opening and closing doors and taking off her coat. Her right to have the pup by her side in public buildings is protected under … Read more
The inability to pay for care is one of the top reasons dogs are given up or abandoned. No one should ever have to lose a beloved family member due to financial strain. Veterinarian, Nancy Kay is the author of Speaking for Spot, which details how dog owners can become well-informed medical advocates for their pets – and save a little money in the process! She recommends the following 10 methods for spending less at the vet without compromising your … Read more
Regular nail trims are necessary for most dogs and it’s important not to let your pup’s nails grow too long. It’s not only aesthetics at play here – nails that are too long are uncomfortable for your dog and can even cause permanent damage to their feet and joints. Most owners try to avoid nail trims at all costs, often taking their dogs to groomers or veterinarians to have them done. This is because most dogs really despise having their … Read more
San Francisco is the latest city in the United States to jump on the bandwagon of prohibiting pet stores from selling dogs and cats that are not rescued. San Francisco, along with the 200+ other cities and states with similar legislation, is fighting against mass-producing puppy and kitten mills that supply many major pet store chains with animals. As many already know, puppy and kitten mills are often wrought with abuse and neglect. People can still purchase puppies and kittens … Read more
Dogs have been alongside humans for thousands of years and were domesticated originally to help people accomplish things during daily life. Dog breeds have varying histories, meaning they were bred for many different tasks, such as herding, guarding and hunting. Because of this, their temperaments are also very different. Dogs that were bred to be around other dogs, such as those bred for group hunting, sledding and companionship are often the breeds that get along well with other dogs – … Read more
There’s just nothing on Earth like the irresistible cuteness of a puppy head-tilt. Full of curiosity in a big, exciting world, when an inquisitive young pup cocks her head, it’s almost impossible not to laugh. As our dogs grow older and wiser, they start to figure out their surroundings. But on those occasions when they still tilt their heads, it reminds us of those curious puppy days. The German Shepherd puppy in the video below has one of the cutest head tilts … Read more
On a scorching August day in 2015, a young man was driving home from work and spotted a trash bag on the side of the road. When he noticed it moving, he pulled over and opened it up… and discovered there was a litter of eight puppies inside! The puppies were taken to the Saving Grace and her Furry Friends rescue in Davie, Florida. Upon closer examination, they realized that two of the pups were missing a hind foot, and the open … Read more
There is so much information out there about dogs, how do we know what to believe? While some are old-wives tales, others have been proven true. But before we act upon our own beliefs and feelings, we should make sure that we’re acting on facts and truth – after all, the dogs we’re thinking about might be depending on us to save their lives. Because of this, we’ve compiled a list of myths that you need to stop believing right … Read more
Chances are you’ve seen Stephen Huneck’s artwork. Dog lovers adore his paintings and woodcarvings for their playful, colorful style and witty observations about man’s best friend. What you may not know is that Huneck and his wife Gwen devoted their lives to a dream project called Dog Mountain. The 150 acre Vermont farm features off-leash trails, trout-stocked ponds and one very unique chapel. https://www.facebook.com/stephenhuneck/photos/a.10154725660784372/10155753926869372/?type=3&theater The Hunecks bought the massive St. Johnsbury, Vermont property in 1995 and converted the barn … Read more
When we partnered with a veterinarian to formulate our Happy, Healthy Brand Omega-3-6-9 Select Chews, we knew we were on to something BIG. When we began testing. we quickly found that our pups here at iHeartDogs loved them!! After we launched the product, emails from customers started rolling in with reviews like these: “They have truly made a difference with my dog’s itchiness. Amazing and a huge relief. We had spent a lot of time and effort trying to help her.” – … Read more
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. Thanks to a recently awarded grant from iHeartDogs to Greater Good and their partner Pets for Vets, this organization is able to continue their important mission of providing a second chance for both returning veterans and shelter dogs in need of the perfect forever home. When a pet and veteran match … Read more
When it comes to swimming, certain dog breeds just can’t wait to get in the water. Although all dogs are individuals, there are some breeds that were created with the purpose of being in lakes and oceans and they still maintain their love of water today. So if you like swimming, these breeds might be your perfect companion. Rain or shine, they’re ready to get in and get their swim on! #1 – Labrador Retriever One of the most popular … Read more
Note: We do not recommend leaving dogs along in the car, especially on hot days or for long periods of time. Diamond the dog may not speak in human language, but she certainly knows how to get her point across! When her human took her for a ride and stopped to run into a store on a cool day, this pup didn’t last a minute before causing a scene. “The dog, named Diamond, started barking and honking for the owner to hurry up,” reads … Read more
We’ve all heard more devastating stories of animals being dumped than we can count. And scarier yet is the reality that more and more people have turned to the internet in order to “get rid” of their pets for one reason or another. When you post your dog or cat online to try to re-home them, you never know who is going to answer that ad… One Craigslist user from Arkansas was sick and tired of seeing people try to … Read more
A puppy named Hope truly earned her name when she defied the odds and overcame a rough start to life. Hope, who’s possibly a Lab mix, was saved by the Big Hearts for Big Dogs Rescue in south Florida on New Years Day. She’d been abandoned in a dirty, rusty cage, and left next to a dumpster as if she’d been taken out with someone’s garbage. The months-old puppy was taken to Specialized Veterinary Services in Fort Myers where it was discovered … Read more
Things Puppies Like: People, Other Puppies, Butterflies, Naps…and basically anything they can chew and/or chase. Things Puppies Dislike: Rules, Collars, Booster Shots…and if this hysterical video of Oreo the 11-week-old Shih Tzu is any indicator, getting their hair cut! Little Oreo is still new to the world and trying to figure out what’s expected of an adorable long-haired pup like herself. When she arrived for her second-ever grooming appointment at a veterinary clinic in Leesburg, GA she happily played … Read more
Every pet owner knows that our four-legged family members can be expensive to care for, especially when it comes to vet bills. While we know that our companions are worth the cost, paying for medical treatments can still be a burden, especially when an unexpected or emergency situation comes up. There are many pet parents who’ve even had to opt for euthanasia over expensive treatments when dire circumstances arise, with money playing a big role in making the heartbreaking decision. In … Read more
The note on the trembling senior Chihuahua’s chart read: “Guarded Prognosis. Would highly recommend waiver for multiple serious medical issues.” Potential adopters passed her by without a second glance. Since the dog was surrendered to the Asheville Humane Society, shelter marketing manager, Heather Hayes had walked by her cage multiple times, too. Then one day she decided to open it. The pitiful pooch – named Jersey Girl by her previous owner – had been hiding under her bed for weeks, … Read more
We all want what’s best for our pets, so when a popular food brand has a recall or newsworthy “scandal,” it can shake us to the core. This year, we’ve reported on a fair number of recalls, many of them from big-name companies that have thousands of loyal consumers. Thousands of pet parents have been frustrated to find that, despite promises promoted by “trusted” brands, certain formulas aren’t always as healthy as they seem. Check out the video below by … Read more
As our dogs age, they can develop many health issues that can impact the grooming process. What changes should you consider making for older dogs to have the best grooming experience? 1. Shorter grooming appointments. Arthritis is a common problem in older dogs. Whether it’s standing for the duration of the grooming or lying in an uncomfortable kennel for several hours, long grooming appointments can be painful for our older friends. Ask the groomer if your dog would benefit from … Read more
It’s pretty easy to see how Corgis become problem jumpers. They are one of the cutest puppies – with those satellite ears – and it’s impossible to resist them when they put their paws on you. You just have to pet them or pick them. Maybe even give them a piece of that cheese in your hand. But soon you will have an adult corgi that lunges and jumps on you any time she wants something, and that’s not so … Read more
Your Schnauzer gives you unconditional love and makes you laugh. She provides you with companionship and gives you a reason to get out of the house. For all these things and more, our Schnauzers deserve to be spoiled. Are you are wondering what your Schnauzer loves above all else that you can give her to show your thanks? Try the following three things that most Schnauzers love more than anything. #1 – Being The Center Of Attention Schnauzers live to … Read more
Toledo, United States.