Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:
I know, it sounds like something out of 50 Shades of Gray, but I promise it’s not. A flirt pole is a long pole with some type of rope attached to it and a dog tug toy at the end. These toys are amazing for play and exercise, but they are even better for training purposes. What is a Flirt Pole and How Can It Help My Dog? For many dogs, playing with a moving toy they can chase is … Read more
Are you tired of your enthusiastic pup greeting guests with a flying leap? Jumping on people may be a common behavior in dogs, but it can be quite frustrating and even potentially dangerous. The good news is that there are several effective online training courses available that can help you teach your furry friend to keep all four paws on the ground when meeting new people. Whether you’re a new dog owner or have been struggling with this issue for … Read more
Dobermans are known for their loyalty and protective nature, which can sometimes lead to reactive barking behavior. Whether it’s barking at strangers, other dogs, or other perceived threats, this behavior can be difficult to manage and may create tension between you and your dog. Fortunately, there are many strategies you can use to help your Doberman learn to control their barking and become a more relaxed and happy companion. In this article, we will explore 10 different strategies that can … Read more
iHeartDogs is reader supported. Some of the links below may be paid affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on a product at no additional cost to you. Resource guarding is a common issue among dogs, including Dobermans. This behavior involves a dog protecting an item, such as food or toys, and showing aggression towards anyone who tries to approach or take it away. This can be a serious problem and potentially dangerous for both the dog and its … Read more
A street puppy named Rodney suffered from severe skin infections caused by mange. Niall, an avid animal rescuer, got a call from friends who found the puppy. Niall took the needy pup in, eager to help him. Niall was overwhelmed by Rodney’s condition, unsure if he’d survive. Niall stayed up 48 hours straight, keeping a watchful eye on Rodney. Thankfully, Rodney was a fighter and pulled through. The next order of business was to get him proper medical treatment. He … Read more
Training a Doberman to come when called is an essential skill that every owner should teach their furry companion. These loyal and intelligent dogs are known for their high energy levels, making it crucial to ensure they have reliable recall. However, teaching your Doberman to come when called is not as simple as it seems. It takes patience, consistency, and the right techniques to instill this behavior successfully. In this article, we’ll explore the best methods to train your Doberman … Read more
Every purchase from the iHeartDogs store donates part of the profit to Greater Good Charities, which supports several charity programs. Those charity programs help give necessary supplies to animals in need. Thanks to amazing supporters like you, many lives are saved as a result! Greater Good Charities’ GOODS Program has helped save many shelter animals at the LBS RSQ Foundation in Fitzhugh, Oklahoma. The Oklahoma organization focuses on saving high-risk animals, such as those in overcrowded shelters at risk of … Read more
Thinking about emergencies is the last thing anyone wants to do, but being a responsible dog parent or caregiver means you have to be prepared for unforeseen incidents you hope never happen. And because dogs have a propensity for chewing and eating random things, choking isn’t unusual. But do you know what to do in the event your dog chokes? Like her veterinary medicine colleagues, Dr. Kristie Williams of West Hills Animal Hospital in Long Island, New York, wants you … Read more
It sure was a rough start to life for a sweet rescue pup named “Sanctuary.” He and two of his brothers were discovered after being discarded in a cardboard box on the street. They were obviously injured, underfed, and exhibiting neurological symptoms. But now, he’s happy, healthy, and has a snazzy wheelchair that helps him get around. Both of his brothers have already been adopted, but Sanctuary is still looking for his forever family just shy of a year after … Read more
A rescuer with Love Furry Friends made her way down a quiet road on the outskirts of Ukraine. There, lying in the middle of a field, she found Misha. He was so tiny and all by himself. Many people don’t spay their pets in that region so strays are abundant. Puppies are frequently dumped outside of villages. Because they cannot care for themselves and most are too young to find proper resources, they succumb to the elements or starvation. Misha … Read more
David Foster is a busy man from the UK with a job that takes him all over the world, but first and foremost, he’s an animal lover. Although he enjoys the work he does, his real passion is bringing joy to shelter animals. David tells iHeartDogs, “All this travelling is boring, so I would go to local animal shelters wherever I may be and give a few toys or balls for their animals.” Eventually, David’s family and friends began giving … Read more
We all love our dogs and want to do what’s best for them, which also means keeping them as happy as possible! But what if we’re doing something that’s unknowingly making them unhappy or crushing their spirit? It’s likely you’re not, but just in case you’re unsure or want to help someone who might be stressing their dog, be sure to check out this list below. #1 – Not Exercising Your Dog This is perhaps one of the biggest … Read more
Celebrating dogs comes pretty effortlessly to those who adore them. Since most of us consider our four-legged pals fuzzy family members, it’s only natural that we enjoy celebrating their birthdays! Whether you know your pup’s actual birth date or you just want to honor the day he came home with you from the shelter, we’ve got some great ideas to help you get the fun started! 1. Pick the Perfect Location Location choice will depend on a number of different … Read more
Earlier this month, the Humane Society of the United States approached the U.S. Department of Justice, pleading for the lives of 4,000 Beagles emprisoned inside a Virginia breeding facility. This facility is owned and operated by a company named Envigo in Cumberland, Virginia. Comparable to a prison, the innocent dogs housed in this horrible place were living in deplorable conditions. Confined to crowded, dirty kennels, these dogs went for long periods without food or water and were forced to breed … Read more
After Rita Lynd adopted Hannah the Boxer, she looked into her beautiful eyes and made her a promise. She promised that one day, she would open a sanctuary for orphaned dogs to live out their future years in comfort and care. This promise was made in 2009, and after years of hard work and fundraising, it finally became a reality in 2019. Hannah was adopted by Rita, a retired canine behaviorist, after the passing of her owner, John. He and … 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. The Old English Sheepdog was bred to protect flocks from wolves and other threats, and many herding dogs still come from this intelligent, energetic breed. Their iconic resounding bark also makes them great watchdogs. But they’re not all working dogs, and any person would be lucky to have this floofy, strong, and loyal dog as a member … Read more
Ever wish you could confront the people that were responsible for causing the love of your life, your dog’s, misery?Thersea Strader founded the National Mill Dog Rescue in 2007 in honor of her Italian Greyhound Lily – who was a poster child for the abuse and neglect puppy mill dogs experience. Lily had spent the first seven years of her life as a breeding dog. Here is her story, according the website: “Lily spent all of her days confined to … Read more
A new study may help dispel negative stereotypes associated with individual dog breeds. Researchers at the UMass Chan Medical School identified 11 locations along the canine genome that are strongly associated with behavior. Surprisingly, none of them are specific for breed. The scientists collected DNA sequences from more than 2,000 purebred and mixed-breed dogs, as well as detailed behavioral surveys from more than 18,000 pup parents. Their findings suggest that breed is very poor, if not useless when it comes … Read more
David Foster is a busy man from the UK with a job that takes him all over the world, but first and foremost, he’s an animal lover. Although he enjoys the work he does, his real passion is bringing joy to shelter animals. David tells iHeartDogs, “All this travelling is boring, so I would go to local animal shelters wherever I may be and give a few toys or balls for their animals.” Eventually, David’s family and friends began giving … Read more
Joanna realized her calling four years ago when she took in a hedgehog who had been kept in a cage with another male hedgehog and was in terrible shape. Male hedgehogs, like other male animals, will fight if left together. Banjan needed care, as he had lost ears to fighting while with his previous owner and was covered in fleas and mites. In the months it took to nurse him back to health, Joanna and her partner, Rory, fell in … Read more
The dedicated folks at Bark Nation’s Pitness Protection shelter are used to thinking outside the box when it comes to saving dogs. They specialize in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming Michigan’s most vulnerable and exploited pups: Pit Bull-type dogs that have survived abuse, neglect, and the trauma of dogfighting. Oatmeal (aka Oaty, aka Oats, aka Oats M’Goats) came into their lives in May of 2020 when she was seized from a suspected dogfighting property along with six other American Pit Bull … Read more
When an animal is suffering and has no quality of life, it may be given a humane death. It’s also an option for Bronson, who was born by cesarean section with his siblings and sisters. Except Bronson, all of the others were well-nourished. Image/Story Source Credit: Imgur (AMAZING job!) The newborn had a cleft palate and his prospects for recovery were grim. In the future, surgery would be an option, but ensuring that he could properly suckle in … Read more
The hardest part of planning a vacation isn’t picking the perfect hotel or finding cheap airfare—it’s deciding what to do with the dog. You wish you could take them with you, but a vacation destination isn’t always the best place for your pup. When you’re going somewhere your dog can’t follow, you have to decide whether to send them to a boarding facility or trust a pet sitter with that important part of your family. It’s not an easy decision … Read more
The days are getting shorter, and the evenings hold a chill. That means Christmas can’t be far away! Have you started shopping yet? Whether you’re already halfway through your list or maybe you’re looking for great ideas, we’ve got you covered when it comes to gifts for dog lovers and their dogs with the 2021 Holiday Gift Guide! Check out this ultimate list of gift ideas that are perfect for family, friends and coworkers. And, don’t forget to put your … Read more
Have you ever walked by a tied-up dog, and they’re so excited to see someone they test the strength of their leash just to come say hello? Imagine if that dog had been chained up like that for years. That’s the sad past of an Akita named Takia, who kept up her love for humans even after spending all her life anchored to a tree. Laura Seymour Clark, a student at Liberty University, noticed the dog on her way to … Read more
A common question we get here at iHeartDogs.com is: “How do I brush my dog’s teeth?” We have spent years working with owners in understanding dental hygiene and how to help your pup the most. Here is how to brush your dog’s teeth: Dogs suffer from all the same dental problems that we do, such as tartar, plaque, and calculus buildup; broken or fractured teeth or roots; developmental or orthodontic problems; abscesses or infected teeth; cysts or tumors in the mouth; and gum disease … Read more
The H3N2 virus, otherwise known as Canine Influenza or Dog Flu, has quickly made its way across LA County. Vet clinics are overwhelmed by the number of cases, which is also affecting pet parents’ ability to secure appointments for other reasons. My own veterinarian has issued both email and text message warnings about the outbreak. Even if you don’t live in southern California, you should still know about this illness that could affect your dog if not properly contained. It’s … Read more
On the morning of August 24th, 2021, shelter staff sent out final pleas for Sargent, who is a 7-year-old German Shepherd at risk of euthanasia. His human surrendered him to Fort Worth Animal Care and Control due to “health concerns.” Yet, he also has some aggression toward dogs, cats, and strangers. For three days, Sargent sat in his kennel terrified and confused. He trembled and refused to eat. The shelter believes he only had one human his whole life, so … Read more
In This Issue
● Ticks On The Rise
● Heart Attacks In Dogs
● US Bans Dogs From 113 Countries
● Has The Pandemic Changed Your Dog?
● The #1 Question Vets Hear
● Restaurants With Doggy Menus
The 4th of July is a fun celebration for humans, but for dogs, it often feels like it’s the end of the world. While we’re attending parties, our poor canines are left to hide under the bed alone. As if that isn’t sad enough, the 4th of July is also the time of year that most pets go missing. So, it’s time for us to make our furry friends a priority this holiday. Related: 10 Best Patriotic USA Themed Dog … Read more
After Rita Lynd adopted Hannah the Boxer, she looked into her beautiful eyes and made her a promise. She promised that one day, she would open a sanctuary for orphaned dogs to live out their future years in comfort and care. This promise was made in 2009, and after years of hard work and fundraising, it finally became a reality in 2019. Hannah was adopted by Rita, a retired canine behaviorist, after the passing of her owner, John. He and … Read more
During a winter cold snap in Canada, the animal lovers of Saving Grace Animal Society in Alix, Alberta, were out delivering supplies to families needing assistance when a homeowner made the decision to surrender their blind dog and his bonded cat friend to the rescue. The family knew the pair needed care beyond their ability, and as Saving Grace shared on Facebook, “The family felt an indoor retirement home was best for this blind boy and his ‘seeing eye cat.’” … Read more
You’re getting a dog, and we are so excited for you! Your new family member is almost ready to come home, but before those four furry paws can step foot in the house, you’ll need to have everything prepared for the canine whirlwind that’s about to upend your life in the best way possible. In this second installment of our two-part guide to getting ready for a dog, we’ll cover the supplies you’ll need before bringing the new baby home. … Read more
WARNING: Images and content might be sensitive to some readers. Someone donating supplies to the Kentucky Humane Society (KHS) spotted something unusual on their way into the building. A malnourished dog was resting in the parking lot all alone. The person immediately notified the shelter, and staff rushed the dog to emergency care. He quickly earned the name Ethan, and while his odds of survival were small, shelter staff and vets fought for him. Ethan still has a long road … Read more
Whether they’re tearing up our belongings or stealing things from neighbors’ yards, our dogs love to misbehave. Still, looking at their adorable guilty faces, we just can’t stay mad at them. Since I’m sure many of you can relate, here’s a collection of photos featuring naughty dogs and their extremely forgivable mugs. As it turns out, most “naughty” dog behavior is really just too funny and cute to earn them punishment. That’s certainly true for these 20 dogs: 1. This … Read more
Cats and dogs are too pure. We don’t deserve their preciousness! Our fur babies are always adorable, but sometimes, those sweet little angels are extra cute. Both cats and dogs have mastered certain moves, like the head tilt and rolling belly up, just to reduce us to mush at their unbelievable levels of dreaminess! And one of the cutest moves of all time, one that makes us want to give our critters anything and everything they want, is the crossing … Read more
On a U.S. Military base in Georgia, Eastern Europe, service member Patrick Brady was routinely reviewing an inventory list when his life changed forever. A fellow service member noticed a tiny ball of fluff outside: a little stray puppy no bigger than a pair of boots. Brady fell in love the moment he met her. He bathed her, had her vaccinated, and gave her an appropriate name: Marshmallow. An independent girl from the start, Marshmallow tended to wander. She even disappeared … Read more
August 26 is National Dog Day! We here at iHeartDogs believe that every day is a good day to celebrate your dog, 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 each … Read more
To us, our dogs are important members of the family. And of course, they’re more than just the ones who sleep on our laps or cuddle at the foot of our beds. Dogs, just like any person, need regular exercise and outdoor access. Sometimes they need to be outside, exposed to the smells and sights. Germany’s Agriculture Minister, Julia Klöckner, feels strongly about this. She introduced a new law requiring Germans to take their dogs out for at least one hour, … Read more
In This Issue
● Dog Eats Medical Mask
● Ultimate Guide To Itching
● Terminal Rescue Dog Inspires
● Training Without Treats
● Canine Diabetes
● Recipe: Beef Ice Cream Pops
Actress Millie Bobby Brown has been around dogs her whole life. Her family had three Mastiffs named Dolly, Ronnie, and Reggie, along with a Poodle named Winnie. All the dogs were clearly a huge part of Brown’s life. Unfortunately, the 16-year-old Stranger Things star recently said goodbye to Dolly, who had been with their family for 9 years. Most of Brown’s life had been spent with the loyal pup by her side. So, she found the perfect and most emotional way … Read more
By Sophie Vershbow Reviewed by Sarah Wooten, DVM No matter the breed, all dogs need to go outside on a regular basis. Depending on your pet’s physical ability––and your own schedule––that can mean anything from a quick stroll around the block to an all-day hike in the woods. “Dog walking has great health benefits both for the pet and the walker,” says Dr. Ian Wright, a veterinary surgeon and head of the European Scientific Counsel for Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) U.K. … Read more
Elon Musk is quite possibly one of the greatest visionaries of our time. First, Tesla introduced electric cars that looked like something straight from the year 3000. Then they launched that car into space while playing an infinite loop of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.” Next came that weird, robotic looking pick-up truck that may not have exactly won over the hearts of the world quite so well. Don’t fret- Tesla has redeemed itself. Tesla, Inc. has not even been around … Read more
When we love our dogs like family, we sometimes forget that they don’t understand us quite like our human relatives. Sometimes we try to have full-on conversations with them or unknowingly send them body language signals that are interpreted differently in the animal kingdom. For these reasons, we’ve compiled a list of 13 common things humans do that stress dogs out. If you’ve done any of these things, don’t worry, you’re certainly not alone. However, by being more aware, we … Read more
All dogs deserve love and comfort. Sadly, we know all too well that not all dogs get that chance. Thanks to some amazing rescue organizations, many dogs are getting the opportunity to have a life that they’ve always dreamed of. Such is the case with Rory. This gorgeous boy was found outside of a house in Mexico. He had been severely wounded by another dog. His open wounds needed immediate attention to spare him from any more agony. Wounded And … Read more
So many lives and property were lost in the recent fires in Australia. Unfortunately, one of those homes belonged to the family of OJ the Golden Retriever. Luckily, OJ and his family survived the fire, but they found that everything they owned had been destroyed. Well, almost everything. Amongst all the destruction, there was one important item that remained, proving that the little things in life can go a long way. After returning to their home for the first time, … Read more
Obesity in dogs is a very serious problem, and it’s rates are increasing daily. It’s estimated that roughly half of all dogs in the United States alone are obese – that’s 35 million dogs! Obesity can cause many illnesses such as diabetes and even worsen joint and back problems. Obesity is also one of the most common reasons injuries occur in our dogs. Most importantly, obesity leads to an increase in many diseases, including cancer, and can rob years off … Read more
Toledo, United States.