Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:
Your Pug gives you unconditional love, constant amusement, and unwavering devotion. It’s no surprise that you want to do all you can to give him the best life ever. Fancy treats and that choice spot on the bed are important, but there are things you can do that will help your Pug even more by increasing their health and chances for a long life. The following are 3 great ways to keep your Pug happy and healthy. #1 – Routine … Read more
Often little dogs don’t get the training larger dogs do because people feel they don’t “need” it. But training is good for your Yorkshire Terrier’s brain and will help tire them out just as much as exercising does. More than that, some training can even save your dog’s life. A solid recall is important for every Yorkie to have – it can prevent from running toward traffic or too close to a swimming pool. It can also save you a lot … Read more
The Rottweiler is one of the most popular breeds in the United States, ranking 9th based on registration numbers in the American Kennel Club. It’s not surprising – they are an intelligent, loyal and beautiful dog that is a pleasure to own. But, like all breeds, there are some drawbacks and things you should consider if you are thinking about adding one to your family. Ask yourself the following 5 questions before getting a Rottweiler to make sure yours would make … Read more
Golden Retrievers are, for the most part, an easy-going breed. It’s why they make such great family dogs. But no matter how easy-going they are, all dogs become nervous or stressed at some point. It could be a thunder storm, a bath or a car ride. Regardless of what triggers them, how you deal with your Golden when they are stressed will have a huge impact on if your dog can get over their fears. But, in order do that, you … Read more
Pugs are tenacious, independent dogs that have minds of their own. That is to say, if they want to wander next door to see what your neighbor is having for breakfast – they will! This independent streak makes for some pretty entertaining doggy moments, but it can also be dangerous. Having a solid recall can save your Pug’s life. Struggling with this seemingly easy behavior? Don’t worry, it’s one of the most troublesome cues for dog owners. The following are … Read more
If you are lucky enough to own a spirited Yorkshire Terrier, your life is indeed full. This funny, energetic little dog can fill a home with enough laughter and love to last many lifetimes. In return, it’s only natural that you would want your Yorkie to enjoy his life as much as possible. Providing him with the things he loves is one way to do that. While all dogs have different personalities, the following are 3 things most Yorkies love … Read more
While Rottweilers are known for developing deep bonds with their owners, that doesn’t mean they naturally will come running every time you call. A solid recall takes work. And a good “come” is easily ruined. It’s not uncommon for rambunctious Rotties to completely ignore their owners when they call. If you’re struggling, don’t worry, you are not alone. Try these 3 tips to getting your Rottweiler to come when called. #1 – Don’t Call Your Rottie For Something He Hates … Read more
Rottweiler owners know these dogs are special. Highly intelligent and sensitive, they are a wonderfully challenging dog to own. Rotties give their owners every ounce of love they have and for that, we cannot repay them. However, in return, we can give them the best life possible. The following are 3 ways to keep your Rottweiler happy and healthy in return for all they give you. #1 – Take Care of His Joints Rottweilers are prone to joint issues, including … Read more
They say that idle paws are the naughty dog’s workshop – or something like that. Bored pups will always find a way to entertain themselves, which could spell disaster if they focus their attention on the wrong item. Aside from keeping mischievous dogs safely occupied, food-dispensing puzzle toys offer the added benefit of helping your pooch stay fit and healthy from the inside out. Here are eight great reasons to add one (or two) to your dog’s Christmas list. 1. … Read more
Scooby, a black, curly-haired dog who was turning gray, always loved being part of his family’s Christmas celebration in Bedfordshire, England. “We always involve the animals in Christmas so Scooby got presents every year and leftover roast so he’s always enjoyed it and been part of the celebrations,” his human, Molly Bradshaw, told ABC News. As he aged, Scooby began having recurring back problems, and eventually went blind and developed dementia. “I became his full-time carer, unable to leave him as … Read more
When it comes to choosing the right dog treats, you might find yourself feeling lost looking down the aisle at your local pet supply store. Or maybe you’re browsing the web all day, looking for the perfect snack for your pup. Wherever you find yourself, you’re probably being bombarded with information regarding one important factor: ingredients. What goes into your dog’s body has a huge impact on their health and well-being, so looking at ingredients is something you should take … Read more
Gordon Shell is a man willing to fight for what he believes in – literally. The former MMA fighter and bodybuilder is a big softy when it comes to dogs – but a terrifying force of nature when it comes to animal abusers. Aside from his mission to end dog fighting, Shell has initiated a shelter rehabilitation project to improve living conditions for shelter pets and increase their chances of adoption. In 2012, Shell famously challenged former NFL player and … Read more
Cancer is something that no one should have to go through, especially a child. So 7-year-old Makaela Mongo’s mom wanted to bring joy and companionship into her little girl’s life – in the form of a puppy. Since it’s the most magical time of year, they wanted to grant Makaela’s wish for Christmas, and decided that Santa himself should present her with the family’s new addition! Carman Richison, Mikaela’s mom, had planned to take her daughter to get some Christmas pictures taken at Rosecrans Picture … Read more
Like all relationships, the love you have for your Rottweiler takes work. It’s not always easy (remember those potty training days?) and sometimes your Rottie is probably not very happy with you (remember when you left him with that sitter while you went on vacation?). But for all those bad days, there are many more wonderful ones that make it well worth those bumps in the road. If lately you have been worried you have had more bad days than … Read more
Your Golden Retriever gives you everything – unconditional love, companionship, and no judgement when you finish off a box of cookies in one sitting. For all these reasons and more, it’s only natural that you want to make sure you are giving him just as much in return. Wondering what else you could do to strengthen your relationship? The following are 3 great ways to strengthen your bond with your Golden Retriever. #1 – Learn Your Golden Retriever’s Language What better … Read more
All dog owners want a close relationship with their dog. Shih Tzus make it easy with their affectionate nature, but there are things you can do to help make that bond even stronger. A close bond means your dog will be more likely to listen to you and will feel happier about life in general. And you’ll feel better knowing your dog is happy when they are with you. The following are 3 great ways to strengthen your bond with … Read more
We have all heard the stories of heroic dogs coming to the aid of their humans during medical emergencies, dangerous situations and disasters. On the morning of December 2 a 14-year-old boy proved that a person’s devotion to their pet can be just as strong when he raced to the aid of his dog Zach during a fire at their home. Mike Assi of Phoenix, Arizona had just boarded the bus when he saw smoke pouring from his house. His … Read more
Let’s be honest. Half the reason we give our Yorkies treats is the joy it gives us as owners. Am I right? 🙂 And after all, how could one resist such eyes… Let’s Be Honest. Most Dog Treats Are Junk Food for Dogs. Why is this? There are two main reasons: 1. Just like humans, dogs like junk! Fat, salt, and sugar taste great and keep us coming back for more. 2. Grains, fat, and other fillers are cheaper for dog treat … Read more
Let’s be honest. Half the reason we give our Chihuahuas treats is the joy it gives us as owners. Am I right? 🙂 And after all, how could one resist such eyes… Let’s Be Honest. Most Dog Treats Are Junk Food for Dogs. Why is this? There are two main reasons: 1. Just like humans, dogs like junk! Fat, salt, and sugar taste great and keep us coming back for more. 2. Grains, fat, and other fillers are cheaper for dog treat … Read more
Let’s be honest. Half the reason we give our German Shepherds treats is the joy it gives us as owners. Am I right? 🙂 And after all, how could one resist such eyes… Let’s Be Honest. Most Dog Treats Are Junk Food for Dogs. Why is this? There are two main reasons: 1. Just like humans, dogs like junk! Fat, salt, and sugar taste great and keep us coming back for more. 2. Grains, fat, and other fillers are cheaper for dog … Read more
Let’s be honest. Half the reason we give our dachshunds treats is the joy it gives us as owners. Am I right? 🙂 And after all, how could one resist such eyes… Let’s Be Honest. Most Dog Treats Are Junk Food for Dogs. Why is this? There are two main reasons: 1. Just like humans, dogs like junk! Fat, salt, and sugar taste great and keep us coming back for more. 2. Grains, fat, and other fillers are cheaper for dog … Read more
They say that winter is “the most wonderful time of the year.” There are nights spent by the fire and days spent finding the best shopping deals, but for a dog owner, there can be a lot of headaches that come with the winter season. After talking with the iHeartDogs team, we came up with three easy solutions to what we see as three of the biggest struggles dog owners face in the wintertime. 1. Your Dog Isn’t Staying Active … Read more
When Deputy Hammell left his patrol car open and running on a chilly winter evening, he had no idea there’d be a surprise guest in the passenger seat when he returned! Hammell, an officer with the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office in California, was investigating a suspicious vehicle around one in the morning. He kept his car running so it stayed nice and toasty, leaving the driver’s side door ajar. That’s when Ruger, a Black Lab who’d been lost, found a safe place to warm up! Hammell returned … Read more
Why Are Freeze Dried Raw Treats Becoming So Popular? Raw freeze dried treats aren’t necessarily new (some brands like Stewarts Pro-Treat have been have been around for many years), but they’ve only recently begun gaining major traction among dog parents. About 6 months ago, we decided to look into why they are becoming so popular. Here’s 4 reasons we found: #1: The Freeze Drying Process Itself Preserves with No Chemicals First of all, lets define what exactly the freeze drying process is. … Read more
On Sunday evening 14 travel-weary dogs from South Korea arrived At Dulles International Airport. They were rescued from deplorable conditions and certain death at an illegal dog meat farm in Jeonju. Their 2-day journey to freedom – and the new lives that come next – were made possible by the combined efforts of Humane Society International and the Richmond SPCA. Korean officials were tipped off by neighbors about the illegal dog meat operation and it has since been shut down. … Read more
Sometimes an adoption match is so perfect that it’s as if it was meant to be. That was the case when Mandy Weikert met Lady – a silly, outgoing Pit Bull mix – at BARCS Animal Shelter in Baltimore, MD. Not only are they the prefect match; together, Weikert and Lady care for and comfort the patients at FHL Blood and Cancer Specialists where Weikert works as a nurse. Who remembers Mandy and Chris, the couple who first adopted hospice dog … Read more
Ok admit it. The real reason we give our dogs treats is the dopamine rush we get ourselves. Am I right? There’s nothing quite like seeing my husky’s bright blue eyes light up, as she sits pretty and motionless, just waiting for her delectable morsel to be dispensed. So What’s The Big Deal with Freeze Dried, Raw Treats? First of all, lets define what exactly the freeze drying process is. When a food is freeze dried, first it’s flash frozen … Read more
Sweet senior gal Zaney is a staff favorite at LifeLine’s Dekalb County Animal Services in Atlanta. She’s gentle, low-maintenance and is always ready with a tail wag and a Pibble grin when visitors stop by her kennel. The problem is, she’s been in that kennel far too long. As much as they will miss her, Zaney’s friends want nothing more than to see her adopted into a loving home in time for the holidays. A photo posted by LifeLine Animal … Read more
Anyone that owns a Yorkshire Terrier knows how much joy and companionship they provide. They are amazing for keeping us company, warming our laps and hearts with their cute expressions and sweet dispositions. No matter how deep your affections run for your Yorkie, there are always things you can do to make your bond even stronger and ensure that your dog feels just as strongly about you as you do her. The following are 3 great ways to help strengthen … Read more
Pit Bulls are smart dogs that love to please, which usually makes training easy. But teaching your Pitty to come when called has unique challenges that can make it frustrating. Often, we inadvertently poison our own training efforts when it comes to this behavior. Your Pitty may not come to you simply because the behavior hasn’t been taught correctly. If you’re struggling, try these 3 secrets to getting your Pit Bull to come when called. #1 – Don’t Call Your … Read more
Dachshunds can be hard to teach a solid recall to because they have an independent streak. Many owners get frustrated by what seems to be a complete lack of concern on their Doxie’s part when they hear their owner calling. In reality, most Doxies don’t come simply because the cue hasn’t been reinforced enough or they don’t understand what it means. If you are having trouble, try these 3 secrets to getting your Doxie to come when called. #1 – … Read more
A solid recall is every dog owner’s dream, but getting one can feel like a nightmare. This can be especially true with a lively Boxer that would rather keep playing then come see what you want. Unfortunately, a lot of the times we accidentally sabotage our training by making simple mistakes, like calling our Boxer to us only when we are getting ready to leave the dog park. Chances are, your Boxer has figured out that coming to you means … Read more
Coming when called is something all dog owners want their dog to do and German Shepherd owners are definitely no exception. It’s not only convenient, but can be important for safety reasons. Unfortunately, come is a cue that is easily poisoned and hard to get right. Just because Shepherds are known for being intelligent and very trainable, this does not mean this will always come easily. If you are having trouble, try these 3 secrets to getting your German Shepherd … Read more
Getting your Siberian Husky to come when called can be a challenge for Husky owners. It’s an important behavior, for obvious reasons, but it’s also a difficult one that many dog owners accidentally mess up. Chances are, you have actually done things that have caused your Husky to not want to come to you without realizing it (like scolding them for doing something wrong after coming to you). If your Husky doesn’t respond to your Come cue, try these 3 … Read more
There are two camps of people in the world, dog people and… everyone else! I am only kidding, but there are people that think dogs are “only animals” and do not need all that we provide them with. For those people I have a thought: our dogs are not wolves and not even wild animals at all. We have taken them into human society and they have adapted to it. This process is domestication. Domestic pets, especially indoor dwelling ones … Read more
Golden Retrievers are the quintessential family dog. While fairly easy to train, their friendliness with other people and dogs can make them big pullers when it comes to walking on the leash – they just want to greet everyone! As nice as it is to have a dog that is friendly, being overly friendly can make walking a giant chore. And it can even lead to injury if you’re not careful. Luckily, there are some things you can do to work on … Read more
Pugs are the center of their owners’ lives – and they pretty much demand that title. And who wouldn’t want to treat their Pug like royalty? These tenacious dogs have a way of capturing your heart that is beyond compare. Chances are, you spend every day trying to make your Pug as happy as they can be. Wondering what he might love the most? The following are 3 things almost every Pug loves more than anything. #1 – Food Pug dogs … Read more
The number one search phrase suggested by Google when you begin to type “Why are Boxers…” is not “Why are Boxers so cute/sweet/goofy?” Rather, it is “Why are Boxers so prone to cancer?” Cancer is the number one reported health issue in the breed with an estimated 38.5% of Boxers passing away from some form of the disease according to the UK Kennel Club. The reasons why Boxers are so prone to cancer are not fully known. Some veterinary scientists … Read more
Much like human teens, short-haired breeds like Boxers, Bulldogs, and Rottweilers can develop acne during their adolescent phase. For dogs, adolescence hits around five to eight months of age and usually ends by their first birthday. During that time, they may experience painful, itchy breakouts that can lead to scarring and infection if not treated properly. Canine acne occurs when the hair follicles become irritated – typically on the chin, lips and around the whiskers in Boxers. Veterinarians believe that … Read more
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a life-threatening disease seen almost exclusively in Boxers, and is often referred to as Boxer cardiomyopathy. In ARVC, normal cardiac muscle is replaced by fibrous or fatty tissue, resulting in an irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia. The condition causes fainting, heart failure, and even sudden death. The ventricles are the heart’s main pumping chambers. When the powerful muscle tissue that makes up the ventricle is replaced with less-efficient fatty tissue, the electrical system of the heart … Read more
40,000 – 60,000 dogs – mostly deep-chested giant breeds like Great Danes – suffer from gastric dilation, commonly known as bloat, each year. The condition advances rapidly and has a mortality rate as high as 33%. Bloat can result in deadly shock and tissue death in mere minutes, so it is vital that Great Dane parents understand exactly what it is and the signs and symptoms to watch out for. Bloat is the result of accumulation and swelling in the … Read more
Great Danes are among the dog breeds with a genetic predisposition for a hereditary disorder called entropion in which the eyelids “roll” inwards. It may sound rather harmless, but entropion causes the tiny hairs along the lash line to drag across the corneal surface of the eye, leading to pain, inflammation, and even vision-impairing scar tissue. Many dog owners do not even notice that their dog has entropion until the affected eye(s) have already sustained damage. Early on, a Great … Read more
When the Fredericksburg Regional SPCA announced that they had three adorable Boxer puppies up for adoption, they knew that the floppy-eared pups would be quickly snapped up! A woman named Lisa was the first to arrive at the shelter at 6:15 am, and was later joined by her husband, Carl. They planned to wait until the doors opened at noon. Behind them was another woman, and third in line was Mary Garecht. She was hoping to bring one of the puppies … Read more
You may remember the story of a man who was finally hired, along with his service dog, at a Lowe’s in Canada. Now, the home improvement chain has a second man-dog duo to brag about! In Abilene, Texas, Clay Luthy and his service dog, Charlotte have officially become Lowe’s employees. Charlotte even has her very own work vest, just like the rest of the staff! Luthy is an Air Force veteran who recently had knee surgery. His canine companion accompanies him wherever … Read more
When dogs are terrified for their lives, they sometimes come off as aggressive, plus they may have been hurt by humans before. The dog in the video below is small, but feisty. It’s unknown how long she’d been living on the streets, but the skittish pup had been seen by the L.A. river for several weeks before anyone had been able to rescue her. When Hope For Paws arrived on the scene, they put netting on the fence that surrounded the river … Read more
Bronx, a 7-year-old Pit Bull mix, was diagnosed with a rare disease that causes kidney failure and digestive problems last November. At the time, his vet estimated he had about 3 months to live. Now, one year later, Bronx the “miracle child” has been given the gift of one last splash in the pool before he is fitted with a feeding tube that will make swimming out of the question. It all started with a Facebook plea posted by a … Read more
We will never know what it’s like to be a shelter animal, reeling from abandonment and spending day after day behind bars with strangers constantly walking by. But Cape Ann Animal Aid in Gloucester, Massachusetts gave a handful of volunteers a taste of what it’s like to spend an entire day in a kennel. During the “Night Without A Family” event, six volunteers spent 24 hours with a dog, living in its space and following its schedule. They had group playtime, … Read more
YUMMY! Check out these Gingerbread Paw treats for your pup! Just in time for the holidays! Imagine all the treats you come could up with for this baking tray! **Of course always check with your Vet before feeding your dog any homemade consumables** If you don’t already have a paw print shaped baking tray, this silicone tray is available in the iHeartDogs store. Hurry, though, as they are disappearing fast! (each purchase provides meals for 4 shelter dogs!) Better yet, … Read more
Earlier this week we brought you the maddening story of Zuzu, the dog reportedly abandoned by her owners for being “too sad” after the death of their other dog. Zuzu – formerly named Princess – had begun to cry and display signs of depression. She scaled the fence and was picked up by animal control on Thanksgiving morning and brought to an LA County shelter. It may sound like a common enough tale so far, but what sets Zuzu’s … Read more
We’ve heard heartwarming stories of dogs waiting for their humans while they were deployed, at the hospital, or even at work, and this story is another example of a dog’s unwavering loyalty. Carly Dunn is an 18-year-old college freshman at Georgia State University. When she moved out of the house in August this year, it really threw her dog, a Border Collie mix named Bo, off his schedule. You see, the Dunn family adopted Bo as a puppy when Carly was … Read more
Toledo, United States.