Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:
There are so many factors to consider when you start to think about adding a dog to your family, whether it’s your first dog or your tenth. Do you have the time and money to properly care for a dog? What size or breed of dog would best fit in your home and lifestyle? And where should you get your dog from when you’re ready? While there are many places you can get a dog, here are 5 great reasons … Read more
Dogs have a way of stealing our thunder. Mere humans simply can’t compete with all that floofy, wagging adorableness – and the dogs of the world seem to know it! The selfie-snappers, loving couples, and celebrating families in this post are simply no match for their spotlight-hungry pups. These doggos are so determined to hijack every available photo-op that even innocent babies are fair game! 1. Maybe she’s born with it. Maybe it’s Maybelline. “Nice job on the eyeliner. Mine’s … Read more
Getting older can be ruff! Natural aging changes like achy joints, dental disease, and an increased risk of certain illnesses often plague our beloved senior pooches. But just because they are a little slower, calmer, and wiser than they once were doesn’t mean that older dogs can’t recapture their puppyhood! Note: If you aren’t sure whether your pooch has reached his twilight years yet, consider this: small and toy breed dogs live to be about 15 to 20 years old, while … Read more
Bonnie, a 7-year-old Lab mix, and Clyde, a 1-year-old Chihuahua/Terrier mix, were found wandering the streets of Phoenix, Arizona together and were brought to the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC) shelter. The staff quickly realized how bonded the two dogs were and stipulated that they must be adopted together. Pictures like the one above of Clyde sitting on Bonnie quickly spread across the internet, bringing fame to the pair. Luckily, the Hayes family, which includes 3 daughters, saw the pictures and … Read more
As many of you know, iHeartDogs is a veteran owned company with a passion for supporting our troops, especially those deeply affected physically and emotionally by war. In November of 2020, we launched a new product, our Never Forgotten USA Flag Bracelet. Each purchase of this bracelet provided funds to help GreaterGood provide service dogs and shelter dogs to US veterans. Little did we know how popular it would become, and one year later we’re incredibly humbled to announce that … Read more
As a responsible pet owner, you’re concerned with making sure your pup’s teeth are in top shape. Periodontal disease is extremely dangerous for our furry friends. A regular cleaning, typically once a year, is the best way to wipe out dangerous tartar buildup. In between cleanings there are steps you can take to minimize or maintain the buildup. The following 5 tips will help you keep your pup’s teeth healthy between cleanings. 1. Brushing You’ve heard that brushing your … Read more
Is your dog possessive of his toys, bones, treats, beds, or even his favorite humans? Behaviorists refer to this as resource guarding and it can be very a serious problem. Some dogs are so intent on protecting an item that they become aggressive towards other pets or people in the home. Although the reasons behind this behavior are unclear, professional trainers have methods that can help you prevent accidental bites and rehabilitate your possessive pup. Robin Bennett is a knowledge assessed … Read more
Our dogs and cats are more than just pets to us. They are our best friends, they are part of the family. They’re our secret keepers and playmates. Nobody loves us more than our companions. That is why we give them everything they need to make them happy and to make their lives comfortable. We make sure that they feel our love and that they get the utmost care when they get sick. But their lives are short, and unfortunately … Read more
Many shelters euthanize adoptable, loving pets each day just because there isn’t enough room for them. Overcrowded, underfunded shelters are faced with the problem of too many pets and not enough demand. Whereas, in other parts of the country there is too much demand. Families are left waiting for their local shelters and rescues to have new pets available for adoption. This is a depressing dilemma for any animal lover to learn about. Yet, there is one straightforward, impactful way … Read more
#1 – Labrador Retriever No surprise that this breed made this list. Labrador retrievers are known for their sweet, loving disposition. No wonder they make sure great service dogs. #2 – Golden Retriever Also known for its loving nature, the golden retriever is commonly used for therapy work due its friendly attitude toward everyone, even strangers. Photo Credit: @AndrewMorrell via Flickr #3 – Bedlington Terrier While terriers are often thought of as independent, this high energy breed has a real soft side. They … Read more
Dogs have lots of unusual behaviors that make us laugh. Sometimes it’s pretty easy to guess why they do what they do, but sometimes their behavior is baffling. You know why they jump all over you when you’ve been gone for too long, but why do they tilt their head at unusual sounds or chase their tail? Here are 5 quirky things dogs do and why they do them. #1 – Chase their tails Why do dogs chase … Read more
Everyone wants their furry companion to be a well-mannered member of the family, but like people, dogs have minds of their own. Whether they’re 10 weeks or 10 years old, dogs respond to training and commands in different ways. Sometimes, their response is to not respond at all. Dogs that don’t listen aren’t necessarily defiant, disobedient, or dumb. They might be choosing not to listen to you on purpose, but they also might not know what you want from them. … Read more
Everyone has that one go-to friend they can always call when they need an understanding ear or a shoulder to cry on. Maybe he or she was a college roommate or perhaps you’ve known each other since kindergarten. It’s a bond you cherish, but the human BFFs of the world are faced with some stiff competition. Two-legged companions just can’t compare to a furry, wagging package of pure loyalty and devotion! These 10 pieces of evidence prove beyond a resonable … 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. In September 2016 a citizen witnessed a small dog abandoned, discarded like trash on the street corner. What was described to the staff and volunteers at the rescue, is a woman pulled up to the corner with her car, got out of the car, took a blue basket out of the vehicle, laid … Read more
Letting your dog indulge in a long game of fetch or a romp through the park may seem like it’s all fun and games, but doggy playtime is about a lot more than that. No matter what kind of play your pup likes to participate in, encouraging playtime will have a big impact on your canine friend’s overall health and well-being. Dogs of all ages benefit from daily play sessions. From puppies still learning to control their limbs to senior … Read more
There are many things to consider when considering getting a new puppy. (we at iHeartDogs.com believe adoption is the best option!) Many of us are dead-set on certain breeds. Others aren’t quite sure. Regardless, cost is always a factor when deciding to add a dog to your home. There are many things that bring up the cost of the dog outside of the purchase price – and these include crates, toys, beds, kennels, food, and health issues. While health testing is … Read more
August 10 is National Spoil Your Dog Day! We here at iHeartDogs believe that every day is Spoil Your Dog Day, and since Americans spend more than $60 billion a year on their pets, we think most people agree with us. Still, spoiling your dog too much every day can lead to health and behavioral problems, so it’s never a bad idea to pull back on extra snacks and toys on most days, then splurge a little extra on August … Read more
While every dog breeds needs human interaction, there are some that are a little bit more independent than others. Every dog is an individual, but certain dogs were bred to work alongside humans all day long, such as herding and hunting dogs, and others were used for solitary work, such as guard dogs. Many breeds do fine with regularly amounts of human love and attention, but some are a little bit more high-maintenance in this area. #1 – Australian Shepherd … Read more
Dogs can be in pain for a variety of reasons, be it injury or illness. While sudden injuries are likely to get our attention right away, little tweaks might go unnoticed for months. Some symptoms are easily identified, such as difficulty moving, lameness, or refusing to jump or go up and down stairs. But dogs are very stoic animals and hide their pain very well, so it’s important that we learn to recognize even the most subtle signs of pain. … Read more
All dogs have the capacity to be incredibly loving companions, no matter their age, breed or background. When you are ready to bring home another furry family member, why not consider adoption? Approximately 3.9 million dogs enter American shelters each year, and each one deserves to experience the comfort and safety of a forever home. Here are eight fabulous reasons to adopt a shelter dog – or two! 1. The Choices Are Endless There is a common misconception that … Read more
We love dogs for their varied personalities, and some are a bit more on the snuggly side! While dogs of any breed can be cuddle bugs, certain ones can have extra-affectionate tendencies. This is sure to stir up some controversy, but here we go! Leave a comment with any other breeds you think should be on this list! 🙂 1. Skye Terrier This compact canine isn’t the typical terrier type. Give this dog his daily walk and he will be content to … Read more
Naliyah Kaya was not looking to add another dog to her family in 2015 when she first met Zeus, a 3-year-old Mastiff mix. She and her husband already had 2 large dogs – Jasper, a Shepherd mix, and Captain, a Catahoula. She was volunteering as a photographer at an adoption event when Zeus chose her. At the event, Zeus was extremely nervous. He was shaking, pacing, and dragging another volunteer around when he was on leash. Kaya was sitting on … Read more
Millions of pet owners leave the TV, iPod, or some form of background noise playing to help sooth their dogs when they are not home. But have you ever wondered whether or not they prefer a specific genre? Researchers in Scotland have! They played five different types of music to a group of shelter dogs and assessed their physiological and behavioral responses to see which they found most relaxing. The genres included soft rock, Motown, pop, reggae and classical. The Scottish SPCA … Read more
Did you know that there are 21 different types of aggression in dogs? Fear aggression is the most common form, even though many people mistake it for dominance aggression. Each form of aggression must be treated differently – the tools and techniques used to help a dog with dominance aggression will almost always make a dog with fear aggression worse. So what is fear aggression? How can you tell if your dog has it? Are dogs adopted from shelters more likely … Read more
Each dog parent has the personal choice to decide on the level of training their pup receives. Depending on their temperament and lifestyle, full obedience training may not be a priority, but trainers and behaviorists agree that there is one command that all dogs should master. The “come” or callback command helps empower you to keep your pup safe. It could end up being the one thing that prevents your dog from getting lost, injured, or worse. You may be … Read more
“I was living at a puppy farm where I was born. I can’t remember my mummy as I was taken from her very early. Then the men there found that I was very small for my breed (I am a Shih Tzu) and had a bent front leg, so I was separated from all the other puppies and they said I was no good for breeding. One day, along came a van from some kennels and they took me and … Read more
Shop Second Chance Movement™ Every Second Chance Movement™ purchase funds the transportation of shelter animals from overcrowded, high-kill shelters to no-kill shelters where there is high demand for pets. Your support unlocks a second chance for these animals and truly provides the key to a new life! Plenty of shelters throughout America have more demand for pets than they have animals, yet in other parts of the country there are shelters overrun with animals and not enough funding to keep … Read more
Remember that beautiful moment when you brought home your first bundle of joy? The whole world seemed to change, become smaller, and begin to revolve around your sweet, innocent – dog. Even if you are now the proud parent of a tiny human or two, you’ll never forget your very first pup. The one that first taught you the joy of loving another creature more than you love yourself. Here are 6 signs your dog is your firstborn child… 1. Your … Read more
Over 100 dogs have appeared on the street in one of Chicago’s most upscale neighborhoods – and the community loves it! The fiberglass German Shepherds are there to raise awareness and support Chicago’s police and their families. The project, developed by the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation and PAWS Chicago, is meant to memorialize the sacrifice made by officers who have lost their lives or been injured while serving their community and their families. A post shared by Jennifer Greenburg (@jjgreenburg) … Read more
Shedding is one of the few downsides to having a pet. Although all dogs shed to some degree, certain breeds – like Shih Tzus, Yorkshire Terriers, and Lhasa Apsos – lose a very minimal amount of hair compared to others. Regular brushing and frequent vacuuming are the two best ways to manage excess dog hair in your home, car, and on your clothes, but what about those stubborn tumbleweeds? Follow these 10 tips and tricks for a hair-free (or at … Read more
As your dog ages, their needs change. They’re still your four-legged best friend, but a general slowing down is inevitable. You can help them through their golden years by keeping them happy and healthy for as long as possible. You’ve gone through the puppy stages and trained an adult dog, and now it’s time to give your senior pup the necessary nutrients, attention, and care. Here are a few things your senior dog needs more of now that he’s getting … Read more
Because Every Dog Matters One simple principle drives everything we do. It is the reason we go to work every day. It is also the reason our loyal customers proudly wear our products and support the cause. We do what we do because every dog matters. Do you feel the same?
It’s traditional to say a few words for our loved ones when we suffer a loss. With obituaries, epitaphs and eulogies, we have a number of ways to say farewell to our human friends and family. We’ve discussed before how losing a pet can be even harder than losing a friend or relative for a number of reasons. We don’t often get to mourn them the way we ought to, and our pets don’t always get the goodbyes they deserve … Read more
Does this paint a familiar picture? It’s meal time and your pooch is excited by the sounds of food filling his bowl. His behind is wiggling in anticipation but when you put the dish down in front of him he sniffs the food and looks up at you mournfully. Your dog won’t eat the pricey food you bought for him even though he is hungry! You’re offering your pup quality, fresh food – not old, stale food. You may rarely … Read more
Have you ever picked a fight with an older sibling, and then realize immediately that you bit off more than you could chew? This scenario isn’t limited to humans: these pups are a perfect example of what happens with a little brother gets brave – and then immediately remembers who the “big” brother is! Little Brother seems like he’s up for playtime when he manages to surprise and chase off his big brother, but when the tables are turned, it … Read more
The most rewarding part about dog rescue – aside from watching them head off to their new homes – is witnessing the remarkable transformation that takes place when downtrodden rescue dogs realize they have been saved. There is a shift in every aspect of their behavior and posture, as if their long-lost hope for a brighter future has miraculously returned. In the following video, the compassionate animal lovers at Hope For Paws save yet another lonely, dejected stray from the … Read more
Unfortunately, joint pain and problems are a common part of getting older for both humans and our pups. While large breed dogs are more prone to joint problems than smaller dogs, any dog can suffer as they get older. Is there anything you can do to prevent joint problems from starting in the first place? The answer is yes! These 5 tips will give you a head start in preventing joint problems in your dog, or at least minimize symptoms. … Read more
With the weather warming up in at least some parts of the world, it’s time to think about heat and your dog. We get a lot of warnings to make sure your dog doesn’t get to hot, but how do you know your dog is getting warm? Each year, Trupanion, a pet insurance company, receives several claims for heatstroke. Dr. Kerri Marshall, chief veterinary officer at Trupanion talked to us about heatstroke and how to identify it in your dog. … Read more
Losing a dog is never easy, and the best way to honor their memory is to celebrate their life. Stella was found abandoned in a box on the side of the road. It was snowing, and she and her siblings had been left to die. There wasn’t much hope for the tiny black puppy, but miraculously, Stella was one of two babies to survive. Imgur user Chozlogs took the puppy in, and they grew together to form a tight bond. … Read more
We all played it as kids, without anyone really knowing who came up with it or where we learned it – but everyone did it. The Floor Is Lava game is making a comeback on social media with teens and young adults challenging each other to avoid the “lava” in ridiculous, almost impossible situations with often hilarious results. The game is supposed to be ongoing, with no real winner. Just a for-fun challenge. Somebody should have told Blaze that. No … Read more
As much as we wish we could take our furry family members with us everywhere, occasionally it is necessary to leave them behind. Maybe you’re traveling for business or flying overseas. Maybe you’re going on vacation or a cruise. Sometimes your dog just can’t come on the trip. Still, whether it’s with a trusted friend or family member, at a “pet hotel,” or with a highly-recommended (or at least well-researched) pet sitter, there are several things you can do to … Read more
This article is brought to you by the wonderful folks at Wag! The Dog Walking App One of the most stressful aspects of dog ownership is ensuring that they stay happy and healthy during the times you cannot be together. Whether you are saddled with a demanding work schedule, planning a vacation, or dealing with an unexpected emergency, you want to know that your dog is safe and content in your absence. Many dogs experience some level of separation anxiety … Read more
We’ve told you before about New York City’s ban on dogs who won’t fit in bags – and the clever way dog parents are getting around it. They’ve shown time and time again that where there’s a will, there’s a way! The most handsome boy in this car is riding in style. Don’t be alarmed by the head in this bag. We assume the rest of the dog is in there and he doesn’t look like he’s uncomfortable, even in … Read more
The red tag tied to the young dog’s collar read, “Hello, my name is Miah. I am housebroken and homeless. Please help me. Thanks so much.” Her former owner(s) left her tied up at a truck stop in the blazing Avondale, Arizona heat. Melissa Gable with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control says the mixed breed dog is playful, friendly and only about a year old. Miah has also had basic obedience training – she sits and shakes on command. POOR PUP! Miah was … Read more
Cassandra Alaire of Atlanta awoke Wednesday morning to a terrifying scene. Her bedroom was engulfed in rapidly spreading flames. After attempting to distinguish the fire, she fled, but soon rushed back in when she realized her dog, Little – who had been sleeping by her side – did not followed her out. Alaire’s boyfriend happened to be walking their other pup at the time and did not witness the ordeal. Realizing that Little’s escape route was now blocked by … Read more
In March 2017, Mister Molson, a Golden Retriever, was diagnosed with incurable cancer. His owner, Tim Griffin, decided to create a bucket list so that he and his two kids, Chloe, 10, and Elliot, 8, could repay Molson all the love he’d given them over the 12 years of his life. Griffin wanted to give Molson as many good memories as possible before saying goodbye and help his human children create lasting happy memories of Molson. Griffin created a blog … Read more
It’s certainly not new information that the United States has a weight problem, or that the epidemic has spread to our pets. One out of three US pets are overweight and the statistics are getting worse. Since pets are dependent on us for their meals, it would be reasonable to assume that the states with the highest rates of human obesity would also have the most overweight pets. Surprisingly, a new study has found that in many cases, the opposite is true. … Read more
Shawna Harch was about to meet her friends for a fun night out when she heard barking coming from somewhere near the street. An initial search for the source yielded no results, but when the sound continued, her conscious kept her from walking away. Harch followed the dog’s calls until she was eventually lead to a locked Mercedes. The windows were up, but she could see a small dog locked in a crate on the backseat. While the sun roof … Read more
If you are anything like me, you melt into a puddle of useless, blubbering mush in the presence of an adorable puppy. But if you want to be a paw-renting pro, you must resist the urge to give your new addition everything her fluffy little heart desires. Puppies need lots of love, but they also need rules, consistency, socialization and plenty of boundaries to make sure they grow into well-adjusted members of canine society. While there is no perfect way … Read more
Since you usually wear shoes when you walk outside, you probably don’t spend much time thinking about how hot the ground is. Unfortunately, your dog likely doesn’t wear shoes when you walk outside and can burn his paw pads on hot asphalt. Watching your dog limp around the house because you weren’t mindful of their needs is something no dog owner would ever want, so here are 6 summertime tips to keep your dog’s paws safe. #1 – Walk your … Read more
Toledo, United States.