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The Healthy Hound Newsletter #4

In This Issue

● Recent Recalls
● Yelling Is Bad For Your Dog’s Mental Health
● Vet Brings Dog “Back From The Dead”
● Dog Learns To “Talk” By Stepping On Buttons
● Tips For A Well-Behaved Dog On Thanksgiving
● Vet Corner: Recognizing Antifreeze Poisoning
● Thanksgiving Recipes To Share With Your Dog

Generous Donation Saves A Life When Police Dog Is Shot 5 Times

Gabo cover

Police dogs put their life on the line each day to serve and protect their community. Their fierce loyalty and intelligence makes them treasured members of the police force, but it also puts them at risk of being harmed. Gabo, a K9 officer of the Jonesboro Police Department, experienced this danger head on. Erik Johnson has worked with his canine partner Gabo for almost 8 years. With all their years spent working side by side, they have formed an incredible … Read more

The Healthy Hound Newsletter #3

In This Issue

● Recent Recalls
● K9 Blood Donors
● Paralyzed Dog Recovers
● Treating Joint Pain Naturally
● Performing A K9 Cancer Check
● Vet Corner: Dangerous Dog Chews
● Reader Q: Why Is My Dog Afraid Of People?

The Healthy Hound Newsletter #2

In This Issue

● Recent Recalls
● Treating Dogs With Stem Cells
● Affordable Meds For Separation Anxiety
● Turn Leftover Chicken Into Dog Treats
● Do Dogs Use Tools?
● Coping With Canine Deafness
● Promising Vaccine For Canine Cancer

The Healthy Hound Newsletter #1

In This Issue

● Vet Sees Mysterious Dog Illness
● Suffocation Risk In Your Home
● Give Your Dog Sniff Time
● Nutrition Findings For Older Dogs
● Halloween Safety Tips

Guide Dog Led Blind Dad And 30 Others Out Of World Trade Center On 9/11

America was rocked by an act of terror on 9/11 that forever changed life in the U.S. 2,974 people died that day and many more continued to perish from complications over the coming years. Heroes came in all shapes and sizes that day and in the months to follow. 343 firefighters and 23 police officers lost their lives and nearly 300 dogs came from all over the country to assist in search and rescue operations. A Four-Legged Hero One dog … Read more

Lost Dog’s Bed Helps Him Find His Way Home

Sami Missing Dog

Vancouver pet parents found themselves looking for a local pet sitter when they needed to head out of town for a friend’s wedding. After much research, they found a pet sitter they believed they could trust from a popular online pet sitting service, Rover. What started out as a fun weekend with friends, turned into a nightmare for the loving dog parents. Michael and Shannon Brennan dropped off their beloved pup Sami with a pet sitter on a Friday before … Read more

No Need to Panic: Rational Steps to Take in Light of the FDA Update

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. The FDA is continuing to investigate a possible link between grain-free diets and the development of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. But there is no reason to panic! Although the link has not been proven to be conclusive, there is enough potential risk to warrant taking some rational, precautionary steps. Dr. Justin Shmalberg is a Board Certified … Read more

The Trouble with Kibble: 4 Things You Don’t Know About Dry Dog Food

If you love your dog, and we know you do, you might want to start thinking about his food the way you do your own.  Do you wonder why every piece of kibble is the exact same shape? Are you curious how kibble can sit in a pantry for years at a time and not go bad? Do you ever think about how kibble is affecting your dog’s health? Just as with human food, not all dog food is created … Read more

Roo, the Six-Legged Puppy Bounces Right Into Bullied Boy’s Heart

We can all agree that there are few things cuter than a bouncing, romping, playful puppy. Hold on to your heartstrings, though, because you’re about to meet Roo, the cutest little thing that ever went viral. Roo is a black lab mix full of energy and curiosity, like all puppies. She has deep, knowing eyes, a shiny soft coat, and a couple of extra legs that make her all the more special. Born with two extra front legs, Roo was … Read more

Nationwide Alert: Vets Warning about Toxic Algae Responsible for Dog Deaths

Cyanobacteria, also referred to as blue-green algae, is a growing problem that is proving to be lethal to dogs. It is a bacteria found coast to coast fueled by warm climates, and it’s especially prevalent in the south in the summer and fall months. Particularly susceptible are warm, undisturbed bodies of water. Blue-green algae can even bloom in your backyard pool and puddles! It produces a neurotoxin that causes catastrophic damage to multiple organs in record time. According to the … Read more

FDA Says Chinese Jerky Treat Issue Is “Resolved.” Pet Food Expert Disagrees.

Susan Thixton is the author of three books on pet nutrition and the founder of the website, TruthAboutPetFood.com. She strives to keep pet parents informed of food recalls and other nutrition related issues. She recently reported on the 2019 meeting of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) where she says the FDA made a shocking announcement. According to Thixton, Dr. Steven Solomon, FDA director of the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), “told the audience at AAFCO that FDA … Read more

60-DAY UPDATE: See the Amazing Difference Fresh Food Has Made in My Dogs

A little over 2 months ago, I started feeding my pups fresh dog food. At first, I saw some results, but I think I was being pretty optimistic, trying to find the good in my long-researched decision. But 30-days isn’t really enough time to see any major changes no matter what you’re doing. Here I am, over 60 days later, and wow! The results have been pretty amazing. Check out what’s going on with my pups, Scout and Sandy. Back … Read more

Is Grain-Free Food Killing Dogs? 7 Things You Need to Know

If you’re confused about the FDA’s announcement linking dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) to grain-free diets, you’re not alone! According to an iHeartDogs poll taken by 4,000 people, roughly 50% of owners currently using grain-free are planning on switching, while the other 50% are sticking with grain-free. Here’s 7 things you need to know about the FDA’s announcement in order to make the best decision for your dog: 👉 1) DON’T RELY ONLY ON SUMMARIES AND OPINIONS, READ THE ACTUAL REPORT FROM … Read more

12 Camping Safety Tips For Dogs

Camping can be a great way to vacation and take the along your furry best friend. You get a break from the urban jungle and your dog gets to smells all those fun new things, roll in stuff, fetch sticks and play in the water. But camping can also be hazardous if you are not prepared. David Wright, Resident Trainer for Zingy (the “uber of dog walking”) and Founder of iWorkDogs Dog Training Co., shared with us his 12 camping safety tips … Read more

Army Veteran Has Panic Attack During An On Camera Interview. His Service Dog Springs Into Action .

Erick Scott and Gumbo

United States servicemen and women risk their lives and leave their families to protect this nation. Unfortunately, sometimes they return home with injuries from service. Thankfully, there is some relief for our warriors. This is the story of one serviceman and the dog that came to his aid. An American Hero Erick Scott served in the Army National Guard and Army for sixteen years. He traveled to Iraq on behalf of the United States. His time abroad was not easy. … Read more

I Switched My Dogs From “Healthy” Kibble to Fresh Food For 30 Days To See What The Hype Was About – Here’s What Happened

You and I have something in common. I guarantee it. We both love dogs, and we both want what’s best for them. On this latter point, I decided to start looking at healthy, fresh food options for my pups. But let’s face it – as much as I love them and want what’s best for them, I just don’t have time to cook homemade meals for them every day. For those of you that make this happen, I applaud you. … Read more

Is The FDA Doing Enough To Keep Euthanasia Drugs Out Of Your Dog’s Food?

In 2017, Evanger’s Pet Food issued a voluntary recall on some of their canned diets after testing revealed they were contaminated with pentobarbital, an animal anesthetic and euthanasia drug. The findings came after five dogs fell ill, and one passed away. In early 2018, several dog food brands owned by the J.M. Smucker Company were also found to be contaminated with pentobarbital. While pet lovers were horrified and outraged, the Food & Drug Administration – whose job it is to ensure the … Read more

Tiny Dog Does The Unthinkable To Save Family From Bear Attack

“My hero died saving me from a bear that came in my house. We lost a big part of our family. Heartbroken…,” wrote Tiffany Merrill on her Facebook post. Tiffany’s hero Pickles, her five-pound toy poodle. Pickle made the ultimate sacrifice in an attempt to save his family from a 150 – 200 hundred pound stray bear that wandered into the family’s home in the Black Mountains of North Carolina. Pickles – The Hero The little toy poodle made his … Read more

I Fed My Dogs Freshly-Made Food for 30-Days – Here’s What Happened

You and I have something in common. I guarantee it. We both love dogs, and we both want what’s best for them. On this latter point, I decided to start looking at healthy, freshly-made food options for my pups. But let’s face it – as much as I love them and want what’s best for them, I just don’t have time to cook homemade meals for them every day. For those of you that make this happen, I applaud you. … Read more

70% of dog owners are making this serious error with their dog’s food

What if I were to ask you the following question: What did you have for dinner last Tuesday? If you’re like most people, you’d have a hard time remembering. And that’s no surprise, because most people vary their diet significantly from day to day. However, what if I asked you this question: What did your dog have for dinner last Tuesday?  According to our research, most dog owners would easily know this because their dogs eat the same diet every … Read more

Woman Rescues Starving Dog Left to Die on Streets

Get your tissues ready. You won’t be able to read this story and without a tear coming to your eye. This is the tale of a young woman in Argentina who rescued a starving dog left to die on the streets. If you are heartbroken at the thought of a dog going hungry, have no fear, this story has a happy ending. The Hero of Our Story Meet Hercules. This picture was taken before his journey of rehabilitation began. It … Read more

How To Correct A Dog That Doesn’t Come When Called

We’ve all been there; you’re the crazy person in the neighborhood with the dog that refuses to come when called.  Whether it was a training session gone awry or an accident that let them slip out the door, you’re now left with a dog to catch and a neighborly reputation to redeem. You know your four-legged fugitive hears you calling their name while they trespass into the neighbor’s garage and sniff-walk their way down the street, but they’re ignoring you. … Read more

The Scoop on Doggy Diarrhea: Keep Your Dog Safe & Healthy

When your beloved pooch comes down with a bout of diarrhea, it can certainly make life miserable for both of you. Many mild cases of diarrhea may resolve on their own, but others may be indicative of a more serious condition that requires treatment by your vet. Chronic, persistent diarrhea should always be investigated.  A study conducted at Freie Universität Berlin in Germany showed that 13% of such cases were serious enough that they either did not respond to treatment or contributed … Read more

Outside Dog Surrendered, Spends First Birthday Indoors With Loving Family

Before Bobby was even a year old he was already living his life outdoors. Instead of being a treasured pet he was kept mainly for breeding purposes. Bobby hadn’t been indoors since he was a pup, he had no dog house and no access to clean water or good food. As the colder winter months approached, it became an urgent matter to get Bobby off his chain and indoors. His owners loved him and realized they couldn’t care for him … Read more

7 Ways To Make Sure You Never Lose Your Dog Again

lose your dog

One second your dog is by your side, and the next, you see her turn tail and sprint in the other direction. Or maybe you let her into the yard for a bathroom break, and now she’s nowhere to be found. It takes only one second, only one small mistake, to lose your dog. It’s a situation that can quickly turn dangerous, and every second she’s missing, you don’t know if she’s hurt, afraid, hungry, or in trouble. It’s up … Read more

How To Teach Your Dog To Play Nice With Other Dogs

teach your dog

The idyllic picture of dogs playing together at the park is something every pup parent wants. You can see the joy on your dog’s face as he makes new friends and stimulates his body and mind. That vision is shattered, however, at the first sign of rough play. Your dog growls, bites, tackles, and chases in a way other dogs don’t appreciate. Instead of making new friends, your dog tries to dominate his playmates. If his rough play hasn’t led … Read more

How To Teach Your Dog To Play Nice With Other Dogs

teach your dog

The idyllic picture of dogs playing together at the park is something every pup parent wants. You can see the joy on your dog’s face as he makes new friends and stimulates his body and mind. That vision is shattered, however, at the first sign of rough play. Your dog growls, bites, tackles, and chases in a way other dogs don’t appreciate. Instead of making new friends, your dog tries to dominate his playmates. If his rough play hasn’t led … Read more

Want To Train Your Dog To Come When Called? We’re Here To Show You How

You’ve probably seen us discuss why it’s important to teach your dog a strong recall. And you may have rolled your eyes at us because even after begging… …and pleading… …and calling his name until you’re hoarse, your dog is still anywhere that you aren’t. Across the street. Across the park. He could be across an ocean, because that’s how much attention he’s giving you when you call him. It may seem impossible, but don’t lose hope! iHeartDogs’ Master Trainer Jesse Ciletti … Read more

3 Reasons Why Your Dog Needs To Know Their Name

We’ve all been that person frantically calling our dog’s name only to have them do everything possible to pretend we don’t exist. Not only is this scenario frustrating and embarrassing, it’s also dangerous. The first thing people do when bringing home a new dog is play the name game. They think long and hard about the perfect names for their prized pooches, but most spend significantly less time working on name recognition. Copper, Bailey, Luna, and Jewels are at a … Read more

How Much Do Rescue Dogs Remember From Their Pasts?

You know your rescue dog had a life before you walked into the shelter, but how much of that time do they actually remember? Would your dog recognize their old owners or where they used to live? Can they recall specific experiences whether they were good or bad? For some rescues, forgetting a painful past might be a good thing, but is that even possible? Here’s a closer look at how your dog’s memory works and what scientists think they … Read more