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Newly Adopted Deaf Dog Knows The Sign For “I Love You” Thanks To Her New Mom

When families decide to add a dog to their lives, purebred puppies often outshine those that are abandoned, neglected, and abused. Rescue dogs wait days, months, and years for the chance to attract someone’s attention. And when the dog has special needs, their chances of being adopted are even worse. That was the bleak future a sweet pup named Mika was headed toward. Born Deaf, Mika ended up at a small rural shelter in Arkansas with little hope of being adopted. … Read more

Science Suggests Women Who Have Dogs Have Healthier Babies

dog with baby

Children and pets have always had a special bond, but a recent study shows their connection starts even earlier than you think. Growing up with pets teaches children empathy, confidence, and responsibility, and now science says babies even benefit from their furry friends in the womb. So if you’re debating whether to get a new dog or have a baby, why not both? After collecting data from 746 infants and their mothers, scientists have determined that women who have pets while … Read more

Dog Left Tied Outside In Pouring Rain Went Straight To Death Row

Pebbles must have been born under a dark cloud. Because bad luck seemed to follow her at every turn. But her darkest day was came when her former owner decided to tie her up outside a mall in Long Beach, California. “One of my volunteers found her outside tied up to the cart rack in the pouring rain,” Darlene Sears, founder of California-based rescue group Kitty Katchers, tells iHeartDogs. The drenched dog was coaxed into a car and, when Sears … Read more

Sweet Dog Pretends To Love The Tiny Bed His Mom Bought Him By Mistake

Seriously, how awesome are dogs? They’re so darn happy and grateful for every little thing! One especially sweet pup named Kenny has taken the internet by storm with his genuine efforts to cram his XL body onto the XS bed his mother accidentally purchased online! His human sister, Paeton posted several hilarious photos to Twitter earlier this week and people have not been able to get enough of kind-hearted Kenny! so my mom accidentally ordered an xs dog bed but … Read more

Army Private Reuinited With Dog After “Friend” Gave Him Away

Army Pvt. Katelyn Gallagher loves her dog, Buck. The 5- year-old Bloodhound was a part of her life for many years, but when she left for a 9-month training program she had to leave him behind in the care of a friend. It turns out, however, that this friend wasn’t much of a friend at all. When Gallagher returned in December while on leave from the program, she was astonished to find that this “friend” had given Buck away to … Read more

Outbreak Of Asian Dog Flu Hits Los Angeles County

Veterinarians across Los Angeles County are staying vigilant and warning dog parents to take precautions against an outbreak of the H3N2 flu strain. At this time, the flu is contained to 34 infected dogs saved last month by a San Fernando Valley rescue group that brings dogs from China to the United States. According to Los Angeles Animal Services, the sick dogs have been quarantined, and eight others have been exposed. #Recap15Jan2016 Dog Flu: New Strain of Canine Influenza Virus Detected … Read more

Older Shelter Dogs Get Their Chance To Shine At ‘Senior Prom’

senior dog prom

Take a stroll through an average adoption event and you’ll coo over cute puppies and enjoy the energized entertainment of countless young dogs. They’re all looking for homes, but there’s one doggie demographic missing from the bunch. Senior dogs six years and up are often overlooked in crowded shelters where younger, more playful pups take center stage. Older dogs typically wait longer to be adopted and spend their golden years in kennels—and that’s if they aren’t euthanized first. Shelters all … Read more

Dog Likely Used As Alligator Bait Is All About Snuggles Now

The way Sweet Honey Brown craves the warmth of her favorite human’s bed, the snuggles of her stuffed toys — not to mention the bacon smoothies specially prepared for her —  tells the story of a dog who loves the softer things in life. But the wound in her back, as well as the fact that a piece of her nose is missing, tells another kind of story.   The people who ended up giving Sweet Honey Brown a home … Read more

16 Paw-some Pup Puns To Make You LOL

Looking for a good ice breaker to use next time you’re at the dog park? See a cute pup and want to say hi? These dog jokes and puns are im-paw-sible to resist! Keep them in your pocket for the next time you’re out and want to make peoples’ eyes roll-over! Almost guaranteed to make your friends laugh, groan, or just stop inviting you out!   Why should you be careful when it rains cats and dogs? You might step … Read more

“Dangerous” Dog’s Death Sentence Stands Despite Pardon From Governor

An unprecedented case is making headlines and raising questions about dangerous dog laws. The fate of a 4-year-old Husky named Dakota remains undetermined as officials grapple with how to handle a gubernatorial pardon. Legal experts view the struggle as a sign that dogs are beginning to be treated less like property – as they are largely seen in the eyes of the law – and more like the sentient beings science has proven them to be. Many factors have stalled … Read more

Shelter Pups Find Treats & Forever Homes At Doggy Easter Egg Hunt

Imagine a lovely spring afternoon watching dozens of adoptable shelter dogs dressed in their Easter best as they joyously sniff for treat-filled pastel eggs. Sound like a great way to spend a Saturday? The Austin Animal Center thinks so, too! Due to the rousing success of last year’s Easter Egg Hunt, they’ve decided to make it an annual event, and this year promises to be even better – and cuter! The festivities begin at 11 AM on Saturday April 15 … Read more

This Therapy Dog Accidentally Became The Star Of Fur Con

dog goes to fur con

When Cheryl Wassus heard that the Motor City Furry Convention was coming to her home town, she made a logical assumption. Her dog, Link, is a trained therapy dog, and the pair is used to attending animal-related events. In fact, they are active advocates for an organization called Pets for Vets, the same charity Fur Con was raising money for. The organization works to connect veterans with service dogs, and it made sense that “fur con” meant a convention for fellow dog … Read more

5 Causes For Lameness In Dogs

Almost all dog owners have had a dog start limping at one time or another. Although alarming at first, it’s not always cause for panic. There are probably thousands of reasons your dog may suddenly come up lame. Some are certainly more problematic than others, but generally speaking you will often need only a single veterinary visit to find the diagnosis. Lameness can and does happen in dogs of every age, breed, size and degree of health, so don’t be … Read more

At What Age Should I Begin Giving My St. Bernard a Joint Supplement?

Much like humans, our St. Bernard’s joints wear down over time. As proactive pet parents, we want to do everything in our power to ensure our dog’s joints stay healthy and our dog’s stay active for as long as possible. It goes without saying that proper diet and exercise are absolutely vital for the health of your St. Bernard’s joints. In addition, many veterinarians recommend supplementing your dog’s diet with glucosamine & chondroitin as a preventative measure, and as a way of supporting … Read more

At What Age Should I Begin Giving My Rottweiler a Joint Supplement?

Much like humans, our Rottweiler’s joints wear down over time. As proactive pet parents, we want to do everything in our power to ensure our dog’s joints stay healthy and our dog’s stay active for as long as possible. It goes without saying that proper diet and exercise are absolutely vital for the health of your Rottweiler’s joints. In addition, many veterinarians recommend supplementing your dog’s diet with glucosamine & chondroitin as a preventative measure, and as a way of supporting the health … Read more

At What Age Should I Begin Giving My Pit Bull a Joint Supplement?

Much like humans, our Pit Bull’s joints wear down over time. As proactive pet parents, we want to do everything in our power to ensure our dog’s joints stay healthy and our dog’s stay active for as long as possible. It goes without saying that proper diet and exercise are absolutely vital for the health of your Pit Bull’s joints. In addition, many veterinarians recommend supplementing your dog’s diet with glucosamine & chondroitin as a preventative measure, and as a way of supporting … Read more

At What Age Should I Begin Giving My Newfoundland a Joint Supplement?

Much like humans, our Newfoundland’s joints wear down over time. As proactive pet parents, we want to do everything in our power to ensure our dog’s joints stay healthy and our dog’s stay active for as long as possible. It goes without saying that proper diet and exercise are absolutely vital for the health of your Newfoundland’s joints. In addition, many veterinarians recommend supplementing your dog’s diet with glucosamine & chondroitin as a preventative measure, and as a way of supporting the health … Read more

At What Age Should I Begin Giving My Mastiff a Joint Supplement?

Much like humans, our Mastiff’s joints wear down over time. As proactive pet parents, we want to do everything in our power to ensure our dog’s joints stay healthy and our dog’s stay active for as long as possible. It goes without saying that proper diet and exercise are absolutely vital for the health of your Mastiff’s joints. In addition, many veterinarians recommend supplementing your dog’s diet with glucosamine & chondroitin as a preventative measure, and as a way of supporting the health … Read more

At What Age Should I Begin Giving My Lab a Joint Supplement?

Much like humans, our Lab’s joints wear down over time. As proactive pet parents, we want to do everything in our power to ensure our dog’s joints stay healthy and our dog’s stay active for as long as possible. It goes without saying that proper diet and exercise are absolutely vital for the health of your Lab’s joints. In addition, many veterinarians recommend supplementing your dog’s diet with glucosamine & chondroitin as a preventative measure, and as a way of supporting the health … Read more

At What Age Should I Begin Giving My Great Dane a Joint Supplement?

Much like humans, our Great Dane’s joints wear down over time. As proactive pet parents, we want to do everything in our power to ensure our dog’s joints stay healthy and our dog’s stay active for as long as possible. It goes without saying that proper diet and exercise are absolutely vital for the health of your Great Dane’s joints. In addition, many veterinarians recommend supplementing your dog’s diet with glucosamine & chondroitin as a preventative measure, and as a way of supporting … Read more

At What Age Should I Begin Giving My Golden Retriever a Joint Supplement?

Much like humans, our Golden Retriever’s joints wear down over time. As proactive pet parents, we want to do everything in our power to ensure our dog’s joints stay healthy and our dog’s stay active for as long as possible. It goes without saying that proper diet and exercise are absolutely vital for the health of your Golden Retriever’s joints. In addition, many veterinarians recommend supplementing your dog’s diet with glucosamine & chondroitin as a preventative measure, and as a way of supporting … Read more

At What Age Should I Begin Giving My Dachshund a Joint Supplement?

Much like humans, our Dachshund’s joints wear down over time. As proactive pet parents, we want to do everything in our power to ensure our dog’s joints stay healthy and our dog’s stay active for as long as possible. It goes without saying that proper diet and exercise are absolutely vital for the health of your Dachshund’s joints. In addition, many veterinarians recommend supplementing your dog’s diet with glucosamine & chondroitin as a preventative measure, and as a way of supporting the health … Read more

At What Age Should I Begin Giving My Boxer a Joint Supplement?

Much like humans, our Boxer’s joints wear down over time. As proactive pet parents, we want to do everything in our power to ensure our dog’s joints stay healthy and our dog’s stay active for as long as possible. It goes without saying that proper diet and exercise are absolutely vital for the health of your Boxer’s joints. In addition, many veterinarians recommend supplementing your dog’s diet with glucosamine & chondroitin as a preventative measure, and as a way of supporting the health … Read more

Taiwan Becomes First Asian Country To Ban Sale & Consumption Of Dog & Cat Meat

Taiwan has recently seen some changes geared towards the welfare of animals with many high-profile cases of torture causing public outrage. Even members of Taiwan’s armed forces have been caught abusing animals with little to no consequences. Thankfully, this has sparked some major changes for the country. The Animal Protection Act amendments approved by the Legislative Yuan prohibit and punish the sale, purchase or consumption of dog and cat meat. The fines for such acts range from NT$50,000 (~USD $1,630) to NT$2 … Read more

Escape Artist Dog Found Unharmed After Houdini-Like Performance

Going on vacation can be a stressful time, especially if you’re leaving your dog behind with a friend or at a boarding facility. Although we all do our best to ensure our pups are being left in good hands, accidents do happen and it can be difficult to deal with. Even under the best care, some dogs decide on their own that they’d rather go find their families. For a Great Pyrenees named General, this was much easier than any … Read more

At What Age Should I Begin Giving My German Shepherd a Joint Supplement?

Much like humans, our German Shepherd’s joints wear down over time. As proactive pet parents, we want to do everything in our power to ensure our dog’s joints stay healthy and our dog’s stay active for as long as possible. It goes without saying that proper diet and exercise are absolutely vital for the health of your German Shepherd’s joints. In addition, many veterinarians recommend supplementing your dog’s diet with glucosamine & chondroitin as a preventative measure, and as a way of supporting … Read more

Man’s Kind Gesture Sparks A Moving Memorial For Dog Killed In Stockholm Attack

Four people tragically lost their lives Friday April 7, 2017 in a vicious attack when a man drove a stolen truck into a crowd of people in Stockholm, Sweden. Since the incident, mourners have remembered those lost by creating lovely displays of flowers, candles and gifts at the site. But one little victim named Iggy was excluded from the memorial until loving dog dad, Markus Krantz, inadvertently started a movement. https://www.facebook.com/markus.krantz.7/posts/441014229570509 Krantz has five rescue dogs of his own. He … Read more

Lonely Dog Left Behind At Campground Finds A Whole New Family To Take Him Home

Red isn’t much of a morning dog. Sure, he loves it when his family — Zofie Rot and Andrew Revesz from Toronto, Canada —  take him along on their far-flung adventures. Hiking. Climbing. Even cycling. But mornings? “He loves camping and being outdoors, he’s just not a morning dog,” Revesz tells iHeartDogs. “I literally have to drag him out of bed — or the tent — to pee in the morning.” But it didn’t take long for Red to find … Read more

7 Things Your Deceased Pet Would Want You To Know

At iHeartDogs and iHeartCats we often write about coping with the loss of a beloved pet. We do this because we understand that saying goodbye is one of the hardest things you will ever have to do, and we hope that somehow our words can provide a bit of comfort. Having experienced the love and compassion of dogs and cats all my life, I believe they would want us to keep these 7 important messages close to our hearts after … Read more

Man Jumps Through Ice To Save His Dog’s Life

A Canadian TV news crew happened to be in the right place at the right time to see a brave man save his dog’s life. Duncan McIver was at a dog park near his home in St. Albert, Alberta where his dog, Cosmo, wandered out onto a frozen pond. When Cosmo fell through the thin ice, Duncan wasted no time at all jumping in after him. Duncan falls through the same spot, but is able to lift Cosmo up before climbing … Read more

Woman Gets Creative So Her Neighbor’s Dog Can Take A Closer Look Through The Fence

 This woman made her fence more “dog accessible” for her neighbor’s sweet German Shepherd! Jennifer Bowman shared this video to Facebook with the caption, “Got tired of the neighbors German shepherd jumping to peek over the fence so I made her a peeking spot. I think she likes it.” There’s two holes for the pup’s big brown eyes, and a larger hole that is the perfect size for her cute wet nose to poke through! The dog on the other … Read more

Treating Your Dog Like “Your Baby” Could Be The Reason You’re Broke – But It’s Totally Worth It

Dogs have lived alongside humans for thousands of years and they’ve generally had a specific function or job to do. Herding dogs, guard dogs, sled dogs, and hunting dogs all served the purpose of performing a necessary task first and being a beloved companion second. But as people have evolved, our need for dogs for their work has declined, although there are still plenty of working dogs today. Now, our dogs are most commonly our companions first and performance partners … Read more

After Rescuing An Abandoned Dog, This Officer Plans To Make Him A Member Of The Family

Police officers in Germantown, Wisconsin were notified of a dog tied up in a wooded area behind a local Pizza Hut. When they arrived, they found the pup alone and seemingly abandoned. Although what exactly happened isn’t clear, the police officers sent the pup off with the Washington County Humane Society. They’ve named the homeless dog Chance, hoping to give him a second chance at life. Fortunately, he didn’t have to wait very long to find a new forever home … Read more

Rescued Mama Dog Watched Her 10 Pups Get Adopted, Now It’s Her Turn

Beautiful Abigeal was discovered at a Miami construction site in September 2016. She had given birth to 10 puppies beneath a metal storage unit and was struggling to keep them alive. Although she was barely able to produce milk, this devoted mama refused to abandon her pups to save herself. Now that all 10 of her babies have been adopted into loving homes, Abi is hoping to find her own happy ending. No Paw Left Behind Rescue has been saving … Read more

9 Tips To Prepare You And Your Pets For An Emergency Evacuation

Nobody likes to imagine worst-case scenarios, but it is crucial to have a plan in case you have to evacuate with your pets during an emergency. Depending on where you live, you may need to be prepared for the possibilities of wildfires, flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes, or earthquakes. Since there’s no way to expect the unexpected, here are 9 evacuation preparation tips to prepare you for anything nature may throw your way. #1 – Keep important paperwork in an accessible watertight … Read more

Ask A Vet: Should I Worry About My Boxer Going Under Anesthesia?

At some point during your Boxer’s life, he/she will need some type of surgery. Because of Boxers’ genetic predisposition to skin tumors, your dog will likely require more than one mass removal during his/her adulthood. There may be other times that your Boxer needs surgery. If it is not an emergency, one can question if the procedure is worth the risk. But just how risky is anesthesia for Boxers? The definition of anesthesia is a temporary loss of feeling or … Read more

From The Vet: 3 Hacks That Could Save Your Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are popular pets the world over. What’s not to love? They are super cute, fun, portable friends! Chihuahuas have their own unique personalities and as a breed they have some unique qualities too. If you love a Chihuahua, there are some important things you can do to make sure your furry friend lives long and well. Hack #1 – Cover Me with Love: Personal Protection Equipment Some of us are familiar with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that is required … Read more

Ask A Vet: Why Do Dogs Have Tails?

Anyone who has been around a dog knows that dogs communicate with their tails. Low wagging tails indicate submission. Relaxed waving tails can indicate relaxation and happiness. A stiff and high, slowly waving tail can indicate alertness or aggression. A friendly, wagging tail makes us smile and improves our bond with our dogs. Communication is an obvious function of your dog’s tail. But dogs may depend on their tails as part of their locomotion as well, just like scientists think … Read more

Ask A Vet: How Often Should I Clean My Dog’s Ears?

We love our dogs and want to take the best care of them, but we have to keep in mind that they belong to a different species than we do. Many of their features are very dissimilar from ours. We all remember as kids being warned that we should “wash behind our ears”. How about dogs? How often should their ears be cleaned? A healthy dog that spends most of her time indoors, may not require routine ear cleaning and … Read more

6 Things To Know About Prison Dog Training Programs

Did you know that hundreds of dogs are trained every year by prisoners, either to make them more adoptable or to prepare them to become service dogs? Is it safe? How do the dogs benefit? How do the prisoners benefit? Here’s a quick rundown of 6 things you should know about these programs. #1 – They save dogs’ lives. Many of these programs rescue dogs from high-kill shelters. Dogs with behavior problems who would otherwise be unadoptable are trained by … Read more

Animal Hospital Gives Missing Dog Away Before Owner Is Able To Claim Her

Two years ago on July 4, 2015, Mindi Levijoki and her son were eating lunch while their Chihuahua, Minno, was outside in the backyard. When they finished eating, they were surprised to find that Minno was nowhere to be found. They searched the completely fenced yard to find a small hole dug underneath where Minno likely escaped. Levijoki and her son made fliers that they posted all over the neighborhood, made ads on CraigsList and Facebook and searched high and low … Read more

11 Photos That Show What Life Is REALLY Like With Multiple Dogs

  It starts out innocently enough. You don’t want your pup to be lonely, so you bring him home a buddy. Then you see a pitiful pooch desperately in need of a home, and think “Two dogs, three dogs – what’s the difference?” Before you know it, the canines outnumber the humans, and every move you make is tracked by multiple sets of watchful brown eyes. When you have three or more dogs, your everyday life undergoes a few, shall … Read more

Gas Company Refuses To Enter Yard Because Of “Scary” Dog

We all know that when you’re expecting the utility company, your pup comes inside. Alan Gamble either wasn’t expecting a visit or just forgot that his new pup needed to be indoors. Alan posted this photo to Facebook after a utility worker for the gas company refused to enter his yard to read his meter because his dog, Ace, was loose in the yard.   The letter reads, “The meeter reader wasn’t able to access your natural gas meter to … Read more

UPDATE: Tiny Puppy Loses Her Leg But Not Her Fiery Spirit

The staff at Blue Pearl Animal Hospital in Clearwater, Florida are used to seeing some difficult, heart-wrenching cases. Until recently, however, they hadn’t seen one with such a tiny puppy. They received a call from Passion for Pits, a rescue organization, about a 3-week-old Pit Bull puppy that needed to be rushed into surgery right away. She had a broken and severely infected leg and the only option left was to amputate. The veterinarians and veterinary technicians at Blue Pearl … Read more

80% of St. Bernards Have This Painful Issue, But Hide It From Their Owners

Just the thought our St. Bernards suffering silently from hidden pain breaks the heart of any dog parent. Sadly, research shows that 4 out of 5 dogs over the age of 8 are suffering from some kind of joint pain. And while we humans have the ability to reach for pain meds and talk to our doctor about symptoms, are precious pups do not. In fact, dogs are quite good at keeping their joint pain a secret. Why do dogs hide signs of … Read more

80% of Rottweilers Over 8 Have This Painful Issue, But Hide It From Their Owners

Just the thought our Rottweilers suffering silently from hidden pain breaks the heart of any dog parent. Sadly, research shows that 4 out of 5 dogs over the age of 8 are suffering from some kind of joint pain. And while we humans have the ability to reach for pain meds and talk to our doctor about symptoms, are precious pups do not. In fact, dogs are quite good at keeping their joint pain a secret. Why do dogs hide signs of pain? … Read more

80% of Pit Bulls Over 8 Have This Painful Issue, But Hide It From Their Owners

Just the thought our Pit Bulls suffering silently from hidden pain breaks the heart of any dog parent. Sadly, research shows that 4 out of 5 dogs over the age of 8 are suffering from some kind of joint pain. And while we humans have the ability to reach for pain meds and talk to our doctor about symptoms, are precious pups do not. In fact, dogs are quite good at keeping their joint pain a secret. Why do dogs hide signs of … Read more

80% of Newfoundlands Have This Painful Issue, But Hide It From Their Owners

Just the thought our Newfoundlands suffering silently from hidden pain breaks the heart of any dog parent. Sadly, research shows that 4 out of 5 dogs over the age of 8 are suffering from some kind of joint pain. And while we humans have the ability to reach for pain meds and talk to our doctor about symptoms, are precious pups do not. In fact, dogs are quite good at keeping their joint pain a secret. Why do dogs hide signs of pain? … Read more

80% of Mastiffs Have This Painful Issue, But Hide It From Their Owners

Just the thought our Mastiffs suffering silently from hidden pain breaks the heart of any dog parent. Sadly, research shows that 4 out of 5 dogs over the age of 8 are suffering from some kind of joint pain. And while we humans have the ability to reach for pain meds and talk to our doctor about symptoms, are precious pups do not. In fact, dogs are quite good at keeping their joint pain a secret. Why do dogs hide signs of pain? … Read more

80% of Labs Over 8 Have This Painful Issue, But Hide It From Their Owners

Just the thought our Labs suffering silently from hidden pain breaks the heart of any dog parent. Sadly, research shows that 4 out of 5 dogs over the age of 8 are suffering from some kind of joint pain. And while we humans have the ability to reach for pain meds and talk to our doctor about symptoms, are precious pups do not. In fact, dogs are quite good at keeping their joint pain a secret. Why do dogs hide signs of pain? … Read more

80% of Great Danes Over 8 Have This Painful Issue, But Hide It From Their Owners

Just the thought our Great Danes suffering silently from hidden pain breaks the heart of any dog parent. Sadly, research shows that 4 out of 5 dogs over the age of 8 are suffering from some kind of joint pain. And while we humans have the ability to reach for pain meds and talk to our doctor about symptoms, are precious pups do not. In fact, dogs are quite good at keeping their joint pain a secret. Why do dogs hide signs of … Read more