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Winter is upon us and when the weather gets cold, we tend to hunker down with our families and loved ones – both two- and four-legged. Our dogs are just as much a part of our families, and we want them there with us; that’s why we them as have companions! While we can get them material things like toys and treats, there are other ways we can treat our pups this season that’ll leave them fulfilled. 1. Take A Day Trip Day trips … Read more
Have you ever seen a speedy little Chihuahua suddenly stop running and “skip” on one of his rear legs? Chances are, that dog has kneecap dislocation, or luxating patellas. The condition is extremely common in miniature and toy breeds and can range from a minor nuisance all the way to a debilitating problem requiring surgical correction. Chihuahuas, Pomeranians and Yorkshire Terriers are among the dog breeds predisposed to luxating patellas. They are born with very shallow grooves in the area … Read more
The Golden Retriever is adored by many for his wonderfully friendly personality. But sometimes that eagerness for human attention comes in the form of jumping, and that’s not pleasant. Or maybe your Golden is ball-crazy and jumps on you to get his favorite toy. And of course food can be a reason your Golden bounces all over you, too. Whatever the cause, jumping up is not something any Golden Retriever owner wants. Luckily, it is fairly easy to fix once … Read more
Have you been wondering lately if your Rottweiler gets everything he needs and wants every day? Sometimes it can be hard to know what our dogs really love and what they just tolerates because they love you. Rottweilers are sensitive and loyal. Most of the things they like have to do with their family, which is what make them so special. The following are three things most Rottweilers love more than anything. #1 – You Rottweilers do not like being … Read more
Uveodermatologic syndrome (UDS) is an autoimmune disorder that most often strikes Nordic dog breeds like Akitas, Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies. The disease causes the dog’s immune system to attack its own healthy body cells, especially those of the eyes and skin. Managing UDS is a lifelong struggle, but by staying, vigilant you can stave off blindness. Symptoms of UDS include red, irritated eyes and loss of skin pigmentation on the nose, lips, eyelids and paw pads. The hair coat may … Read more
Chihuahuas are excitable little dogs who are adoring and protective of their owners. Sometimes, when their enthusiasm gets the best of them, they have a tendency to cough or wheeze. This could be a sign that they have a condition called collapsing trachea. The severity of the problem can range anywhere from Grade I – a minor nuisance, to Grade IV – a life-threatening emergency. Toy breeds are prone to a genetic weakening of the cartilage that makes up the … Read more
Siberian Huskies are prone to a host of genetic eye problems. Many people believe that blue-eyed Huskies are more likely to develop these issues than their brown-eyed cousins, but this is not the case. Hereditary or juvenile cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) have nothing to do with eye pigmentation. They are a result of recessive genes that affect different parts of the eye. Juvenile cataracts usually appear when a Husky puppy is between 6 months and a … Read more
For some people who are homeless, a dog is the only family that they have. What’s worse, many shelters don’t allow dogs, forcing homeless pet owners to make a decision: spend the night in a warm shelter with a bed and a meal, or stay cold and hungry on the streets so as not to abandon their dogs. Of course, most choose the latter. Realizing that there was a huge lack of resources for homeless pet parents, vet student Ruby Shorrock, along with … Read more
Deputy Brian Bowling of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s department has witnessed dogs injured by gunfire before, but never on U.S. soil. The former military flight medic who served in Afghanistan just happened to be at the right place at the right time when Hayley Miller’s foster dog Ginger was shot in the head by a callous neighbor. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10210391276113627&set=a.1199155094419&type=3&theater Bowling saw Ginger stumble into the road towards him, bleeding profusely. If not for his medical training, quick thinking and kind heart, … Read more
Did you know that dogs have seven coat types and that each type requires different grooming? Apart from monthly nail trims, here’s how much grooming each coat type requires. Smooth – These dogs have short hair that lies close to their skin, like the Pug. A rubber curry brush will help with shedding. There are other popular de-shedding tools, but overuse can lead to bald spots and skin irritation. Leave that to a groomer, no more than once a month. … Read more
If your dachshund has allergies, you know how painful it can be. Not just for your pup, but for you as well. It’s difficult to see your companion suffer through testing, pain and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions. Determining what your dog is allergic to can be a long and difficult process, and some allergies may be mild and go undiagnosed. However, if your dog has severe or even moderate allergies, you know the challenges faced trying to keep your dog healthy … Read more
I had an eye opening conversation recently with a friend that really enlightened my perspective on the aging process in dogs. It went like this: ME: Is my dog aging too fast?(I was totally skeptical when my friend dropped this one on me but I was intrigued). Aging too fast – as in faster than they should? “Yes.” He went on to explain it like this. FRIEND: Have you ever seen a human that looked way older than they were? What about mentally, … Read more
A Staffordshire Terrier in Perth, Australia is being hailed as a hero for his role in rescuing a 96-year-old neighbor who had fallen and broken his hip. Zeus could sense the injured man just beyond the shared fence and whined at the spot for 40 minutes until his owner took notice and investigated. The elderly man had been lying helpless in his yard for more than 2 days. Mick Condo, Zeus’ dad, didn’t think too much of his 3-year-old dog’s … Read more
When Adel Conley’s garage was engulfed in flames, he panicked, knowing his two dogs were trapped inside. One was rescued shortly after firefighters arrived on the scene. The other, he was told, had perished. As Conley watched helplessly while the fire destroyed part of his home, all he could think about was the safety of his beloved pups. “I wanted to get my dogs out, but they wouldn’t let me go in there,” he told Wave 3 News. “I love my dogs.” … Read more
In Northern Ireland, Kenny Gracey of Forthill Farm is crediting the success of his business — which nearly went under — to the hit show, Game Of Thrones! The show, based in a fictional fantasy world, was in need of majestic animals for casting. “It has been a great asset and a great saviour for our farm,” Gracey told Sky News. “Any of the background animals, the chickens, the goats, the geese, the dogs for instance or the deer … I’m supplying … Read more
Paramedics are never sure what to expect when they arrive at the scene of an emergency. Courtney Ivan, an employee of Elite EMS in Pennsylvania, knows this all too well. When she responded to a routine call of a deceased man found in his home, she certainly did not think that she would be leaving with a new dog to care for! https://www.facebook.com/eliteemsambulance/photos/a.644756478899057/1415919238449440/?type=3 Ivan and her partner arrived at the man’s home shortly after firefighters. They were warned to steer … Read more
I love my dogs. They’re family. People who don’t have dogs would ask, “Don’t you mean ‘like’ family?” But you know what I mean. Family. And like family members, we want our pups to be healthy and happy, so when one of my dogs began scratching uncontrollably and biting on its legs, I got worried. So just like a child, off we went to the doctor’s office. Unlike my kids, my dog didn’t once ask if they would be getting … Read more
We love how dogs come in so many different shapes and sizes. There are short and long-haired pups, some with curls, and some that shed so much, you could spin it into yarn and knit a sweater! But despite all the different types of canine coats, one thing is for sure: soft, shiny fur is the picture of health, plus it’s extra tempting to touch! Luckily, it’s easy to keep your pup’s fur in tip-top shape. Here are 6 natural ways to … Read more
After their service, military and law enforcement heroes deserve to relax in retirement – after all, they’ve spent their careers putting their lives on the line in order to protect their communities and country. Their K-9 counterparts also bravely face danger for the greater good, but aren’t guaranteed the same benefits as they reach their golden years. That’s where Project K-9 Hero comes in. This organization is dedicated to making sure that four-legged officers get the care they deserve, … Read more
Have you ever wondered why your dog hates going to the groomer? It might not have anything to do with the specific groomer you take them to; there may be something else making them nervous. Here are 5 reasons your dog might hate going to the groomer. 1. They are afraid of the dryer. The dryers groomers use are more powerful and much louder than the hair dryer you use at home. Dogs have more sensitive hearing than humans and … Read more
When K-9 Keylo passed away with her human partner by her side, the community mourned for the lost hero. The black German Shepherd worked on the police force in Bath, Maine with her handler, Corporal Michelle Small. She served for over a decade, and assisted in an incredible 333 apprehensions in addition to sniffing out evidence including drug paraphernalia. To the small town community, she was a treasure. “What struck me the most is not just how much everyone in Bath loves … Read more
Michigan jogger, Julie Newman was out for her morning run in Plymouth’s Hines Park on Wednesday when she heard the sound of “little puppy yelps” and stumbled upon a moving box soaked in urine. When she looked inside she was shocked to find nineteen 4-week-old Pit Bull puppies – likely from more than one litter – abandoned beneath a secluded tree in the frigid cold. Newman, the proud pawrent of 2 rescue dogs of her own, knew she had … Read more
This holiday season, the Elizabethton Carter County Animal Shelter in Tennessee was granted a special miracle. On Christmas day, the community got word that a woman named Glenda Taylor DeLawder, who passed away in November 2015, had bequeathed a small fortune to helping the local shelter’s homeless pets. Described as “an avid animal lover” in her obituary, DeLawder’s bequest will enable the shelter to undergo some drastic improvements. “The administrators of Mrs. DeLawder’s estate have bestowed a gift of $540,000 to the Elizabethton Carter County Animal … Read more
Just because Golden Retrievers are bred to bring things back to you doesn’t mean they come pre-wired with a fail-safe recall. In fact, their desire to run and explore can make them one of the worst at coming when you want them. It’s not that they don’t like you or mean to disobey, but there is just so much to see and do! Many Goldens love to follow scents, greet dogs or people, and of course, chase birds. If you … Read more
Many English Bulldogs have a problem with jumping up. And when your dog is as solid as they are, this can cause injury, even if they aren’t very tall! Most likely, it started out when your Bully was a puppy and he couldn’t knock you over by putting his paws on your shin, which you rewarded with attention or a treat. Unfortunately, he got big and now it’s a problem. The following is how to teach your English Bulldog to … Read more
Do you know how to tell if your English Bulldog is stressed or anxious about something? Being able to assess your dog’s mood is paramount when it comes to making sure he is comfortable. More than that, knowing when your dog is stressed can help with training, prevent dog bites, and even let you know if something is medically wrong before other symptoms appear. After all, pain and sickness cause stress, which can be the first sign of something wrong … Read more
We all want to give our English Bulldogs the best care possible. From providing them premium foods, to giving up the prime seat on the couch — even putting up with those smells they grace us with! — we do our best to do right by them. Sometimes we get into routines and just keep doing the same old things, even if there is more we could be doing. If you’ve been wondering lately what more you could give your special … Read more
We’re always searching for the next “wonder product” that can guarantee our dogs’ health and vitality. Unfortunately no such thing exists, but the natural compounds found in fish oil come pretty darn close! Fish oil contains two essential Omega-3 fatty acids – EPA and DHA. The canine body is only able to synthesize them in limited quantities so many pup parents turn to supplements to give their dogs a boost. Here are 10 amazing ways that a simple, tasty fish … Read more
Pomeranians really are little people in fur suits. So funny and full of personality, their owners hardly need other people in their lives because Poms make their lives whole. And with all that they give us every day, it’s understandable that we would like to give back to them by making sure their lives are as full as they make ours. But how do we do that? Taking the time to figure out what your dog really enjoys and providing … Read more
English Bulldogs are powerhouses. Their low center of gravity and solid build make them easily as strong as a big dog, if not stronger. I’ve had to experience walking a Bully that was not leash trained – it’s a great way to pull a rib out of place, mess up your shoulder, or even end up falling. It is not a great a way to have fun. If you have an English Bulldog that does not have nice leash manners, … Read more
English Bulldogs are one of the most recognizable breeds in the world. They are used as mascots, in commercials, and in artwork. The combination of the cute wrinkles, their waddle-walk, and their larger-than-life personalities just draws people to them. If you are lucky enough to own a Bully, you probably do everything you can to spoil him. If you are new to the breed or just wanting to know what yours may enjoy, the following are three things most English … Read more
Every Golden Retriever owner knows about dogs chewing things. They are one of the top breeds when it comes to vet bills for ingesting items that they should not. Of course, being a retriever, it should be expected that they will stick things in their mouths – but it doesn’t mean they have to destroy all your stuff! Whether it’s an adult or puppy, Goldens can definitely have a chewing problem. The following is how to teach your Golden Retriever … Read more
We all know Pit Bulls have strong jaws. And those strong jaws are excellent for destroying pretty much anything you may possess, from your shoes to your couch. Chewing is a behavior often seen in Pitties and can be devastating to your home. I’ve seen chewed carpets and floor molding. I knew a Pittie mix that chewed through drywall. It’s not only expensive to replace damaged items, but the vet bills can be astronomical. And, ingesting non-edibles is dangerous for … Read more
Labrador Retrievers are known for putting things in their mouths – maybe more than any other breed (they were bred to retrieve, after all!). But they don’t just put things in their mouths, they destroy them. Lab puppy owners are often shocked and dismayed at the things their puppy has found a way to eat. Not only does it cost them to replace the items, but many times they end up at the vet with a hefty bill for removing … Read more
Anyone who spends time with dogs knows that they can act jealous. Dogs can act jealous or protective over items or people. It can become a big problem when the object of the jealousy is a spouse. This type of jealousy is damaging to the bonds between both people and dogs. For human beings, jealousy is thought to be a complex emotional and cognitive response. Some have said that jealousy is too intricate for dogs to feel, but most dog … Read more
Dog owners make lots of decisions for their dogs, from what they eat to how much they sleep. We all have the same joys and the same concerns. We are also all human and we love to find out the “easy way” to do things. We want to know secrets and tips and that is how the term “hack” was born. There are a few easy hacks that you can do to make your dog’s life easier and better… maybe even … Read more
We’re all likely to include our dogs in our family Christmas cards, but what if your dog is the only family you’ve got? Not all dog lovers are married with children or in long-term relationships, and one Denver dog mom has gotten annoyed at the stigma that everyone in their 30’s should be seeking marriage and settling down with a family. Not only do we have to give her props for standing up against the societal norm, we’ve got to … Read more
Nobody knows how Toodles the Poodle spent the first 8 years of his life. He was found dirty and alone wandering outside of an Atlanta gas station and taken into the care of Dekalb County Animal Services. Regardless of his past, Toodles has now found a bright and happy new future as the community canine resident for Sunrise at Buckhead, a local senior living facility. Karen Hirsch, the Public Relations Director for LifeLine Animal Project – the organization that manages the Dekalb … Read more
It’s no secret that older dogs have a difficult time getting adopted. Many people are concerned that they will not be able to handle the veterinary costs necessary to keep a senior pooch healthy. While this is certainly a valid apprehension, Old Dog Haven – a Seattle rescue group – has found a way to alleviate this problem. They pay 100% of the veterinary bills for the life of each adopted dog. As incredible as it sounds, the group run by … Read more
4 Reasons Dogs Are Going Crazy for the New “Wunderball” 1. The Irregular Surface Creates Erratic Bouncing Action Dogs love a good pursuit! The irregular surface of the Wunderball creates a fun back and forth bouncing motion that keeps dogs on their toes, or should we say “paws!” Take a look in this video to see it in action: A video posted by IHeartDogs.com (@iheartdogscom) on Dec 27, 2016 at 12:29pm PST 2. They Last WAY Longer Than Tennis … Read more
Chihuahuas are extremely popular. They are all the fun of a bigger dog rolled up into a portable package! When our ancestors were breeding to get these tiny canines, some problems came along for the ride. Every breed has its issues. These are known as breed associated disorders. Chihuahuas are no different. Like many distinctive breeds, many of their problems came along with their specific characteristics. Very few of these types of issues are exclusive to a single breed. Three … Read more
[IHD_Article-Above] We know the scenario. You have a snack and your dog is watching you expectantly, even though you know she just ate. It makes you wonder if you are feeding her enough or maybe it was someone else’s job to feed her today and they have forgotten. The sound of candy wrappers will summon your dog like nothing else. Someone who did not know would swear he was starving, but you know he is not. Why does your dog … Read more
Sassy the Pit Bull was born to a backyard breeder in New York. When the volunteers at Forgotten Pets of Long Island took her into their rescue as a tiny pup, they expected her to have a short and painful life. Their goal was to show her a bit of kindness and comfort in the time she had left. Now, four years later, Sassy is strong, happy and most of all – loved! She has an adoptive dad and two … Read more
You probably have photos of yourself with your childhood friends and enjoy looking at the difference between then and now. It’s really amazing to see how we grow and change, but also how we stay the same! Humans aren’t the only creatures capable of making and keeping lifelong friends. In fact, many owners are sharing before and after photos of their pets growing up together. They’re too precious not to show the world, so we’ve compiled an adorable list for … Read more
Some people surrender their dogs for the most ridiculous reasons. But one dog owner took it a step further, bringing his unwanted pup to the vet…to be euthanized. Luckily, the Pit Bull, named Rocco, did not meet his end. Instead, he was granted a second chance. When dog lover and advocate Jennifer Gordon found out about Rocco, she took matters into her own hands by spreading his story on Facebook in hopes of helping him find a forever home. “Rocco was brought … Read more
Fear of leaving their pets behind is one of the most common reasons victims of domestic abuse cite for remaining with their abusers. Many shelters are working to alleviate this stress by creating pet-friendly facilities, but unfortunately, the woman we will call “Nicole” in this post did not have that option when she needed it. Thanks to the generosity of the Lincoln County Humane Society and several online donors, Nicole has been reunited with her little dog just in … Read more
The Charleston Animal Society’s annual firefighter calendar is highly sought after – you know, because of the adorable rescue pets – it has nothing to do with the shirtless firemen! In May, Rob Tackett posed as 2017’s “Mr. March” with a shy German Shepard pup named Kimber. Little did he know he would soon forge a meaningful bond with her adopter and eventually become Kimber’s new dad. Kimber was found hairless, undernourished and pitiful on the side of the road … Read more
Your Boston Terrier gives you everything. It’s only natural that you want to make sure you are giving her the best life possible. When it comes to dog care, there is of course all the necessities – vet visits, good food, fresh water, shelter – but there are other things that your Boston needs that can go a long way to giving her a fulfilling life. The following are three ways to keep your Boston Terrier happy and healthy. #1 – … Read more
With all their energy, it may be hard to imagine an overweight Boston Terrier. However, Bostons can get overweight, just like any other animal, and when they do, it can spell trouble. Extra weight causes stress on the joints, internal organs, and can lead to many diseases. All of this may shorten your Boston’s lifespan. So, it’s good to keep your Boston’s weight in check. If you are unsure whether or not yours is packing a few extra pounds, watch … Read more
Toledo, United States.