Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:
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
Since doggy dentures aren’t a thing, keeping your pup’s teeth clean and gums healthy is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Obviously, the best way to get your dog’s teeth clean is to have the vet scrape them while your dog is under anesthesia. This can be very expensive and there are risks associated with anesthesia, so you want to do everything you can to keep your dog’s teeth clean yourself. Brushing your dog’s teeth every day with a … Read more
For ages it seems the tennis ball has been hailed as the favorite toy among dogs. Many dogs are quite skilled at shredding them, which causes many owners to joke about their dog having a “4 balls a day tennis ball habit.” 😀 While tennis balls are understandably fun due to their bouncy nature and irresistible fuzzy surface, many veterinarians have written about the dangers of the ball causing throat or intestinal obstructions, and the possibility of the fuzzy surface grinding … Read more
For ages it seems the tennis ball has been crowned as the favorite toy of dogs. Many dogs are very adept at shredding them, which causes many owners to joke about their dog having a “3 balls a day tennis ball habit.” 😀 While tennis balls are understandably fun due to their bouncy nature and irresistible fuzzy surface, many veterinarians have written about the dangers of the toys causing throat or intestinal obstructions, and the possibility of the fuzzy surface grinding … Read more
Since doggy dentures aren’t a thing, keeping your pup’s teeth clean and gums healthy is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Obviously, the best way to get your dog’s teeth clean is to have the vet scrape them while your dog is under anesthesia. This can be very expensive and there are risks associated with anesthesia, so you want to do everything you can to keep your dog’s teeth clean yourself. Brushing your dog’s teeth every day with a … Read more
Most dogs and humans agree: brushing a dog’s teeth is about as enjoyable as having a root canal! But despite this well-known fact, due to the carbohydrate rich diets that most pups consume, regular dental care is absolutely essential for your dog. And it’s more than just ugly teeth and stinky breath that’s at stake. It could be the very life of your dog! Periodontal disease is linked with all sorts of life-threatening diseases, from heart health problems to kidney … Read more
The thought of our dogs silently suffering from an 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
Stinky doggie breath… all pups have it, right? While most do, it’s not as harmless as one might think. Veterinarians now know that bad breath in dogs (halitosis) can be a sign of a far more serious condition: periodontal disease. Your Dog’s Breath Could Be Signaling a Deadly Disease Unfortunately, periodontal disease doesn’t just stop in the mouth. Bacteria that starts in the gums can work its way into the bloodstream and affect the lungs, the kidneys, and even the heart. … Read more
The thought of our dogs silently suffering from a easily preventable illness is absolutely heartbreaking. Yet studies show that as many as 85% of dogs over the age of 3 years old are suffering from a disease that is not only painful, but outright deadly. What are we talking about? 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 in the gums can … Read more
Can you imagine what would happen to your oral health if you rarely brushed your teeth or skipped visiting the dentist for years? Shockingly, as many as 85% of dogs over the age of 3 suffer from periodontal disease. Here’s 5 tips for taking care of your dog’s teeth: #1 – Upgrade their diet & cut the carbs Dental health starts with what goes inside your dog’s mouth. It’s actually a well perpetrated myth that dry dog food helps clean teeth. … Read more
Everyone knows that dog breath can be pretty formidable and although it might go unnoticed for some time, it’s usually a sign that there is something unhealthy going on in your pup’s mouth. Bad breath is a symptom of tooth and gum disease, and a large number of dog owners don’t enforce any oral care in their dogs. Since our pups can’t take themselves to the dentist, it’s up to us to make sure they’re getting proper dental hygiene. There … Read more
Puppies are wonderful bundles of fur and joy, until they sink those razor-sharp baby teeth into your skin. That’s about that time that many dog owners start question why they got a puppy (that, and potty training!). It can even get so bad that the puppy, now an adolescent, gets relinquished to the shelter. So why does that adorable puppy that you just want to cuddle bite you? There are several reasons and knowing why can help you curb the … Read more
All dogs are capable of getting a little smelly every once in awhile. Sometimes they go too long between dips in the tub or they get into something stinky outside, like another animal’s poo or a tangle with a skunk. Your dog thinks he smells wonderful all the time–you? Not so much. If your dog has a persistent odor that isn’t caused by something obvious and that a soak in the tub doesn’t take care of, your dog may … Read more
It’s common knowledge that you love your dog – even she knows it. And sure, you give her a belly rub every day and that makes her happy. But every now and then it’s nice to treat her to something extra special. Here are five way to spoil the daylights out of your best friend, who never told anyone what you did that one Saturday night. 1. Go For A Long Walk Take the time to go on a nice … Read more
You love your dog and want her to live long and well. You might hear people mention dental hygiene and you know that you are supposed to go to your own dentist. You might even know that dogs need dental care too, but you probably do not really know how important it is. It is truly a life or death issue. When your dog pants in your face and you want to plug your nose, you think it’s just “dog breath”, … Read more
The thought of our Dobermans silently suffering from a easily preventable disease is absolutely heartbreaking. Yet studies show that as many as 85% of dogs over the age of 3 years old are suffering from a disease that is not only extremely painful, but outright deadly. What condition are we talking about? Periodontal disease. Unfortunately periodontal disease is more than just a cosmetic issue. In addition to causing inflammation, bad breath, tooth loss, and pain for your dog, bacteria that starts in the gums … Read more
#20 – Ultra Cozy Fleece Blankets for Dogs – For each blanket you buy, one is donated to a shelter! #19 – Dog Treat Advent Calendar – Start a new tradition your pup will love! #18 – Paw shaped Christmas stockings for your pups! #17 – This Oddball Toy That Tough Chewing Dogs Love The AgriChew has a fascinating story, it was accidentally discovered as a popular toy from a piece of farming equipment. … Read more
iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. As the festive season approaches, bringing with it the promise of joy, celebration, and family gatherings, dog parents face the unique challenge of preparing their homes for the holidays while ensuring the safety and comfort of their furry family members. This article aims to guide dog parents through preparations for the bustling holiday season, offering a comprehensive … Read more
Americans sure do love their pets. In fact, it is estimated that 65% of all households (or about 79.7 million homes) have a furry friend living alongside the human occupants. We love them like they are a part of our family, through good and bad times, and all the cute things they do. But they sure can be expensive at times. Is it possible to spoil your beloved pet, and save money? Spending money on family pets is at an … Read more
If you’re a pet parent, the thought that your dog will live somewhere between 10 and 13 years is not something you like to think about. We don’t ever want to face life without our pups! But did you know your dog can have a longer, happy life simply by adjusting a few things in his lifestyle right now? Your dog’s longevity depends (largely) on you and the decisions you make for him. Your dog loves you so much, … Read more
If you love a senior dog, you want to make your friend’s life as good as it can get for as long as possible. I treat loads of senior patients and we pride ourselves on the longevity and continuing the good health of a large majority of our patients. Concerned, loving pet parents ask me how healthcare can help their senior dogs, so I have distilled my advice down to the top 5. And here they are (drum roll, please): … Read more
Everyone knows that dogs make great best friends. As a mom of an only child, my son has never known a time when there was not a dog. Anyone who has read my book notes that my Great Dane, Dora has served as his companion and playmate for all of his life. When we were looking for Dora, many of the rescue agencies deemed us as an unfit home because we had a child. But this is silly. Dogs are … Read more
When something goes wrong, it’s easy to blame the dog – after all, he can’t speak to defend himself! However, many times we humans inadvertently cause the very things we are trying to stop our dogs from doing. If you’ve made some of the mistakes listed below, don’t worry–we all have! The good news is that you can make some changes, but first, you have to be informed! Here are some ways you may be accidentally encouraging your dog’s most annoying habits: #1 … Read more
Why should your kids have all the fun at Easter? There is nothing many dogs like to do than sniff out items. Here are 12 creative ways to let your dog have some fun on Easter morning and give that nose of his a workout. Don’t worry about the weather, these hunts can be done inside or out! #1 – Plastic Eggs with Treats For dogs with really good noses, fill those plastic eggs with a high-smelling treat and have your … Read more
March 4, 2015 – Choctaw, Ala.—At the request of the Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office, the ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is assisting in the removal, transport, sheltering and medical treatment of more than 130 dogs from a large, substandard breeding facility—frequently referred to as a puppy mill—in Needham, Ala. The dogs were found to be living in their own filth, many with severe health issues. Upon arriving at the facility, ASPCA responders discovered the … Read more
Accidental dog poisoning happens every day. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center answered roughly 273,000 calls in 2013 – many of these were dogs. Luckily, there are simple ways to guard your dog from harm, in the same way you would a toddler. Follow these tips to keep your pet safer and your breath easier knowing you are protecting your best friend. #1 – Baby Locks These aren’t just for toddlers. They can work really well to keep your dog out … Read more
The secret to a vibrant, joyful life for our dogs lies in the little details that make the big difference. From the food they eat to the way we manage their exercise and safety, every choice we make impacts their well-being. Maintaining your dog’s health is a necessary endeavor that’s about more than just avoiding illness; it’s about enriching their lives while strengthening the bond you share. By focusing on preventative care through nutrition, exercise, and regular grooming, we can … Read more
Many dog owners think of lead poisoning as a thing of the past. After all, lead-based paint was outlawed decades ago and most of us have updated our homes since then. But, you may be surprised at all the places your dog could still be getting lead poisoning, including his own toys. Dr. John Tegzes, VMD is a board certified toxicologist for JustFoodForDogs and specializes in safe food for pets. He has seen quite a bit of lead poisoning in … Read more
You are looking for a dog. Your friends have told you heart-warming tales about adopting a shelter dog so you have decided that’s the route for you. What your friends left out, however, is the months it can take to find a dog at a shelter. You see one online you like, it’s already been adopted. You call about a dog and you find out there is already a waiting list. Feeling a bit frustrated, you finally decide to just … Read more
Every dog is unique and different, there is no cookie cutter answer for an anxiety induced situation. It takes trial, error, and patience to find what works within the pack. As a dog trainer who believes whole heartedly in exploring natural alternatives before anything else, the following ideas were things I found that worked well with several of my clients who suffer from chronic anxiety… and their owners too. Safe Haven Create a safe “happy” place for the dog to … Read more
Toledo, United States.