Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:
In This Issue
● New Approach To Dog Adoption
● Healthy Rawhide Alternative
● Dental Hacks Dogs Actually Enjoy
● The Fate Of Flat-Faced Dogs
● Socializing Exuberant Dogs
● Causes Of Arthritis
● Teaching A Rescue Dog To Play
In This Issue
● Holiday Gifts For Healthy, Happy Dogs
● Signs Of Doggy Dementia
● World’s Oldest Dog
● Teaching An Old Dog New Tricks
● Vet Corner: Tips For Senior Dog Care
● Reader Q: How To Know When It’s Your Dog’s “Time”
Has a friend ever confided in you that the loss of their dog caused more grief than the death of a close relative? Have you ever felt this way yourself? Society has conditioned us to feel ashamed of such emotions, but research suggests we are more than justified when we deeply mourn the loss of a furry friend. When our first family dog, Spike passed away, my father suffered terribly. He would come home from work and just sit in … Read more
Did you know that more than 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs every year? More than 800,000 people require treatment for those dog bites. Unfortunately, dog bites just aren’t as rare as you may think, and sometimes you can get surprised by a bite from your own dog. Why do so many dogs bite people every year? What should you do if your dog bites you? We have the answers you’re looking for. Why do dogs bite? Dogs always … Read more
Finally, a safe, ultra-durable chew toy that will keep your dog busy for hours! Our power-chewers here at the iHeartDogs office have been testing the Love To Chew ™ YumBones for a few weeks now, and our we’re pretty impressed with how they are holding up! The genius part of these ultra-durable, nylon bone is the mini flavor pockets – perfect for spreading peanut butter inside. This flavor boost gives this already tantalizing chew an irresistible flavor for your pup. And if … Read more
Finally, a safe, ultra-durable chew toy that will keep your dog busy for hours! Our powerchewers here at the iHeartDogs office have been testing the Love To Chew ™ YumBones for a few weeks now, and our we’re pretty impressed with how they are holding up! The genius part of these ultra-durable, nylon bone is the mini flavor pockets – perfect for spreading peanut butter inside. This flavor boost gives this already tantalizing chew an irresistible flavor for your pup. And if … Read more
Oh, infamous dog breath. We’ve all smelt it, and our dogs have all dealt it. When we humans are struck with a terrible taste in the mouth, we get busy with the toothbrush before we let anyone near us. Our fur babies will happily smother us with stinky kisses, but we instinctively turn a cheek. The struggle against dog breath is real but modern dog living means we have the knowledge and the products to make those kisses smell sweeter. … Read more
Finally, a safe, ultra-durable chew toy that will keep your dog busy for hours! We’ve been testing the Love To Chew™ YumBone here at the iHeartDogs office for a few weeks now, and our pups are pretty impressed. The genius part of these ultra-durable, nylon bone is the mini flavor pockets – perfect for spreading inside peanut butter. This flavor boost gives this already tantalizing chew an irresistible flavor for your pup. And if you have a heavy chewer, fear … Read more
There’s nothing like the bond between a dog and his favorite toy. For Lucky, that toy is a well-worn teddy bear. The little brown cub has lost all its stuffing over the past six years, but Lucky loves it just the same. In fact, he loves his “baby” so much, he even carries it outside when he does his business. And that, my friends, is where our story begins. It seems Lucky accidentally left his favorite toy outside after a … 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. “Drinking lots of water was crucial to getting through this build! Summers sure get hot and humid in Nashville, TN. “Metro Animal Care & Control (MACC) was in desperate need of a play yard for their energetic pups. It is crucial for these shelter animals to be able to have an energy … Read more
Dogs can learn to perform incredible tasks. Some safeguard our very lives by detecting explosives or alerting us to dangers in the home. But there are certain things our pups just cannot do without our help. When it comes to health and safety, they depend on us to make the best decisions on their behalf. Every pawrent should do the following 10 things for their dogs’ wellbeing because they do so much for us! 1. Watch their waistlines. Dogs cannot … Read more
You’ve made your list and you’ve checked it twice, now it’s time to get busy and spoil your dog this holiday season. There might have been a few incidents involving a chewed up pair of shoes or a midnight howling session, but your pup is still very much on the nice list. To show him how much you care, now is the perfect time to treat him to fun new toys and yummy snacks. iHeartDogs has spent all year looking … Read more
With all the health and safety concerns surrounding commercial pet food, it’s no wonder many pawrents introduce real meat and bones into their dogs’ diets. Animal bones are a delicious treat and an excellent way for dogs to satisfy their desire to chew. However, they are not without risks. Read on to find out the do’s and don’t’s of giving your dog bones. Do: Choose high-quality raw bones. No matter your feelings on raw food diets, if you are going … Read more
Puppy nibbles may seem cute at first, until your puppy gets overexcited and her needle-sharp teeth sink into your skin. Nipping is normal puppy behavior, but it’s important to teach your puppy not to bite. Otherwise, they’re likely to grow up thinking that biting is acceptable behavior. Here are a few tips on how to stop your puppy from biting. What’s the difference between teething, nipping, and biting? Just like humans, puppies start life with a set of baby teeth … Read more
#30 – The Perfect “Toy” for an Anxious Pup ($9.99) If your pup spends part of the day away from you, odds are they crave your smell. In fact, its been found that your smell has a calming effect on your dog. This toy, known as the Comfort Cuddler, allows you to leave a small article of clothing or your pillow case with your dog. #29 – Joint relief for older dogs: Contains joint lubricating glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and turmeric … Read more
Did you know that your dog’s water bowl could make him sick? There are actually several different ways you could be putting your dog’s health at risk with his water bowl. From the material the bowl is made from to how often you wash it, there are a lot of different ways your dog’s water bowl can affect his health. Here’s how. Infrequent washing If you’re like most dog owners, you just rinse and refill your dog’s water bowl once … Read more
If your dog can finish an entire meal in less time than it takes you to say, “Bailey, slow down!” you have a chow hound on your hands. These are the dogs that inhale their food without bothering to chew or even check what they’re eating. Labs are notorious chow hounds, but they come in all sizes, breeds, and personalities. Gulping food in record time is an impressive skill in some circles, but eating too fast is a serious problem … Read more
We have all heard the horror stories of dogs choking on small items, getting into dangerous medications, or being poisoned by spiteful neighbors. Empower yourself and protect your pooch from these types of dangers by teaching the “Leave it” and “Drop it” commands that could one day save his life. Note: Professional dog trainer, Jess Rollins, recommends spending just 15 minutes a day in 5 minute sessions working on these skills to prevent your dog from becoming bored or frustrated. Teaching the … Read more
Most pets aren’t fans of the vet, and the truth is, we humans don’t love going either. Not only are we anxious to hear that our beloved friends have a clean bill of health, there’s another bill that we dread: the one that affects our bank accounts! Aside from our dogs’ annual exams, it’s no wonder that most pet parents would rather avoid unexpected expenses incurred at the vet. The good news is, there are certain things that we can … Read more
Dogs will chew on just about anything they can sink their teeth into, and it often gets them into trouble. Yes, they occasionally destroy a favorite shoe, but that’s nothing compared to the risk of them choking. They can break bones into barely swallowable pieces and try to quickly gobble down the smelly sock they know you won’t like them having, and all of those things are potential choking hazards. Many dogs also accidentally swallow balls and other toys that … Read more
The summer season is in full swing, and that means it’s time for camping! Luckily, camping is one thing you and your pup can enjoy together. There are a lot of things you need to keep in mind though to keep your dog safe, healthy, and happy on your camping trip. Here are 10 tips for camping with your dog so you can have the best possible camping experience. #1 – Check in with the vet first You’ll want to take … Read more
You go out of your way to make sure your dog lives the best life possible, and taking care of their digestive health is an important part of that. How they absorb nutrients and breakdown food affects nearly all aspects of their overall health. If you want to give your dog a happy and healthy life, it’s time to consider all the many benefits of probiotics. Related: 12 Best Probiotics for Dogs + 1 to NEVER Use What To Know … Read more
Dogs can learn to perform incredible tasks. Some safeguard our very lives by detecting explosives or alerting us to dangers in the home. But there are certain things our pups just cannot do without our help. When it comes to health and safety, they depend on us to make the best decisions on their behalf. Every pawrent should do the following 10 things for their dogs’ wellbeing because they do so much for us! 1. Watch their waistlines. Dogs cannot … Read more
You have likely heard that a wet nose equals a healthy dog. In reality, the canine nose alternates between wet and dry in response to a variety of factors. Problems arise when the nose becomes so dry that it cracks or flakes. Overly dry noses are uncomfortable and can affect the way your dog experiences the world. Scent is arguably a dog’s most important sense. It’s how they first recognize the ones they love and explore the environment around them. … Read more
You have likely heard that a wet nose equals a healthy dog. In reality, the canine nose alternates between wet and dry in response to a variety of factors. Problems arise when the nose becomes so dry that it cracks or flakes. Overly dry noses are uncomfortable and can affect the way your dog experiences the world. Scent is arguably a dog’s most important sense. It’s how they first recognize the ones they love and explore the environment around them. … Read more
You have likely heard that a wet nose equals a healthy dog. In reality, the canine nose alternates between wet and dry in response to a variety of factors. Problems arise when the nose becomes so dry that it cracks or flakes. Overly dry noses are uncomfortable and can affect the way your dog experiences the world. Scent is arguably a dog’s most important sense. It’s how they first recognize the ones they love and explore the environment around them. … Read more
According to CNBC, American dog owners spend upwards of $2,000 per year on routine care and maintenance for each of their pups. If there is a medical emergency, that figure can easily sore above $10,000. With these tips, you can give your furry family members the best of the best and save money in the process! 1. Make Your Own Products: -DIY Dog Beds There was a time when pallets were tossed out like useless garbage. Now, there are … Read more
According to CNBC, American dog owners spend upwards of $2,000 per year on routine care and maintenance for each of their pups. If there is a medical emergency, that figure can easily sore above $10,000. With these tips, you can give your furry family members the best of the best and save money in the process! 1. Make Your Own Products: DIY Dog Beds There was a time when pallets were tossed out like useless garbage. Now, there are countless … Read more
Lots of pet supply companies advertise dog toys designed for powerful chewers, but far too many fail to live up to the hype. The products are either no match for “ruff” and rugged chompers, or pups simply find them boring. That’s where the AgriChew™ comes in! Accidentally invented by farmer Mark Smith, the AgriChew is tough, yet flexible with a unique shape that inspires dogs to romp and gnaw. Smith’s family business makes parts for the agricultural industry and originally created … Read more
Earlier this month, we shared a poll on our iHeartSeniorDogs Facebook page to identify the most common health problems facing older dogs. Five ailments stood out overwhelmingly above the rest: joint pain, hearing loss, skin allergies, vision loss, and dental problems. It’s heartbreaking to see your best friends suffer, so read on to find out how you can improve their quality of life when it comes to these issues! 1. Joint Pain/Arthritis More than 1,000 responders noted that their senior … Read more
You want to spoil your furry friend as much as possible, but sometimes money is tight and you can’t just pull out all the stops to make your dog feel special. Luckily, there are lots of ways you can spoil your dog that are relatively cheap – or even free! All it takes is a little bit of your time and maybe some creativity to make your pup feel like he’s the king of the world. Here are the 9 best … Read more
Does your dog need more mental stimulation? How can you tell? What are the signs you should be looking for? What should you do if your dog is displaying any of these signs? You want your dog to have the best life possible and you might not even realize that he’s bored all day long. Here are 10 signs that your dog needs more mental stimulation and what you can do to provide that for him. #1 – Destructive … Read more
Post-It Notes. The Microwave Oven. Pacemakers. X-ray Machines. What do all these products or technologies have in common? They were all invented by complete accident. Sometimes, the most meaningful and impactful products are just that, happy accidents. That’s why when we heard about this weird, ultra-durable “dog toy”, we had to investigate. Mark Smith is the owner of a small family business that makes parts for the agricultural industry. Smith’s company is dog-friendly and one day during a meeting, the office … Read more
You know your dog has a paper shredding problem when you come home to find what’s left of the toilet paper roll in the living room, unread mail torn and scattered across the floor, and every tissue box in the house suddenly empty. The old excuse of “my dog ate my homework” now seems like a valid explanation, and you can’t figure out why your otherwise well-behaved dog can’t keep their teeth from tearing up all the paper in sight. … Read more
The thought of our dogs silently suffering from a easily preventable illness is absolutely heartbreaking. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, as many as 4 out of 5 dogs over the age of 3 are suffering from a disease that is not only painful, but outright deadly. What are we talking about? Canine periodontal disease. Unfortunately periodontal disease is more than just a cosmetic issue. In addition to causing inflammation, tooth loss, and pain for your dog, bacteria that starts … Read more
Our Brite Bite Brushing Stick has been a huge success. The most wonderful thing about this is that it means many dog parents are taking charge of their pup’s dental health! We partnered with Brite Bite’s inventor to make an impact in this exact way and we could not be more pleased to find out just how many paw-rents are motivated to keep their dog’s dental hygiene in check. We thought we’d make some things about the Brite Bite clear, … Read more
‘Tis the season for giving, and your furry best friend deserves a top spot on your shopping list. Our noble pups ask nothing more from us than our love and affection – that’s why they deserve so much more. These 5 stocking stuffers will show your pooch how much you care and spread some joy to shelter dogs in need! For every toy you purchase from iHeartDogs, a durable toy – perfect for all sizes and breed mixes – will be donated … Read more
Have you ever noticed that your pup prefers to nap on your discarded sweater rather than his own dog bed? Does he enjoy romping with one of your dirty socks more than an expensive toy? There are several reasons why dogs enjoy playing and snuggling with our personal effects. While it may not seem like a major problem, keep in mind that pups who ingest clothing could be at risk for serious, life-threatening illnesses. Socks, underwear, and pantyhose are among … 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
Bully sticks are a totally addictive way for your dog to get his chewing in – and that’s a good thing! It’s a fantastic alternative to rawhide, which is treated with chemicals like bleach to give it a bone-like appearance and give it a longer shelf life. Bully sticks are a single-ingredient treat, simple and preservative free! They look and taste like beef because they’re actually genuine beef! They aren’t “beef flavored” like rawhide or other chew sticks/toys. Even better? … Read more
Are you thinking about getting a dog for your family, but you’re worried about getting one that won’t tolerate your children? While larger dogs are less fragile and less likely to be accidentally injured, there are some small breeds that do well with children. Keeping in mind that dogs don’t come with guarantees and any dog needs training, here are 10 small dog breeds that do well with kids. #1 – Beagle The Beagle is a friendly, happy dog with … Read more
Do you ever think about how important your dog’s mouth is? He uses it for so much more than just eating, it’s an important tool in his day-to-day life and the way he explores his environment! There are sticks to be gnawed and ropes to be pulled, and a whole world of things to be licked and chewed, picked up, and torn apart – and he does all these things with his mouth! Dental disease is a serious threat to … Read more
The hardest part about having a furry friend is watching them grow old so much more quickly than the humans in our lives. Just as people tend to need more help as they get older, so do our pets. Luckily, there are many things you can do to help increase the length and quality of your dog’s life. Senior dogs do require a little bit of extra care, but the love they show us is worth it. What is the … 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
Keeping dogs’ teeth clean is absolutely critical to their health and longevity. As many as 4 out of 5 dogs over the age of 3 may be suffering from canine periodontal disease, or tooth decay and inflammation and infection of the gums. Periodontal disease is very painful and extremely dangerous for pets as the infection could travel to other areas of their body, eventually causing organ failure if the loss of appetite doesn’t get them first. They won’t tell … 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
Dogs’ teeth get plaque and tartar just like ours do, however, unlike us they aren’t concerned about it. That’s where you come in as a responsible pet owner. Dog breath and discolored teeth are often a result of dental health neglect. Besides those more cosmetic concerns, if we do not try to keep our dogs’ tooth tartar build-up at a minimum our poor pups could develop painful, deadly periodontal disease. Regular teeth cleanings are recommended to wipe out plaque and … 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
Dogs “see” the world through their noses, and taste is closely tied into their sense of smell. Some veterinarians and animal behaviorists feel that this may be why pups snag items that are most certainly not food. Whether they swallow a dangerous substance out of curiosity, excitement or just by accident, seeking veterinary help quickly can make all the difference. Here are some common materials that pups have been known to gobble that definitely warrant a visit to the vet. … Read more
Toledo, United States.