Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:
What On Earth is ALAPA? We have a saying here at iHeartDogs. We created it because we started hearing the same thing over and over again when it came to our canine joint supplement product. It goes something like this. A customer with an older dog tries our Advanced Hip & Joint chews. They usually have tried a product before, but they either didn’t see results, or their dog refused to eat it. They try our formula, and the first … Read more
There’s nothing worse than watching a dog you’ve loved their entire life begin to suffer from joint pain. As pet parents, we want to do all we can to relieve the aches and pains of our senior pups. That’s why we were so inspired when Malcolm sent us this story of his almost 11 year old golden retriever: “I have a 10 1/2 year old Golden Retriever who hikes 4-5 miles with us every day. He chases our 20-month old … Read more
Does it feel like your pup sheds an entire dog’s worth of fur daily? If you can relate to the picture above, your dog might be experiencing excessive shedding. What’s Causing My Dog to Shed So Much During Warmer Months? While there are many possible root causes for heavy shedding, oftentimes diet is the main culprit. Despite the convenience of commercial dog food kibble, one of its major drawbacks lies the inability to retain the quality and potency of a vital nutrient: Omega Fatty … Read more
You may have noticed your dog scratching and licking at an ugly, red oozing spot on his skin. A hot spot. Hot spots are a type of skin infection caused by bacteria. The spots will be red, moist, and irritated that started with your dog’s picking at it, and made worse by bacteria. The patch can get bigger in just a few hours and will be very painful for your pet. You’re likely to find them on your dog’s head, … Read more
Why Senior Dog Owners Are Obsessed with This Ancient, Golden Spice Turmeric (or Indian saffron) is the spice that gives curry its yellow color. Veterinary approved supplements for dogs often contain Curcumin – the active ingredient in Turmeric – because it acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Researchers and nutritionists are singing its praises as a medicinally effective herb for the mind and body of both people and pets. And while turmeric would likely benefit dogs of any age, its … Read more
Why Dog Owners Are Obsessed with This Golden Spice Turmeric (or Indian saffron) is the spice that gives curry its yellow color. Veterinary approved supplements for dogs often contain Curcumin – the active ingredient in Turmeric – because it acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Researchers and nutritionists are singing its praises as a medicinally effective herb for the mind and body of both people and pets. And while turmeric would likely benefit dogs of any age, its benefits are … Read more
Why Pet Owners, Veterinarians, and Scientists Are Turning Their Attention Towards These Tiny Red Sea Creatures Seasonal allergies are the bane of existence for dogs, dog owners, and veterinarians alike. Especially in the warmer months, many pups suffer immensely from atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin condition that often flares from pollens, molds, or foods in the dog’s environment. If left untreated, it can lead to lesions, hair loss, or bacterial infections. Studies over the past decade have begun to reveal the … Read more
Why Pet Owners, Veterinarians, and Scientists Are Turning Their Attention Towards These Tiny Red Sea Creatures Canine allergies are the bane of existence for dogs, dog parents, and veterinarians alike. Especially in the warmer months, many pups suffer immensely from atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin condition that often flares from pollens, molds, or foods in the dog’s environment. If left untreated, it can lead to lesions, hair loss, or bacterial infections. Studies over the past decade have begun to reveal the … Read more
All dogs throw up from time to time. They eat something they shouldn’t and BLECH, out it comes right back into the world, almost always on the rug. But what if the vomiting isn’t one and done? Should you worry or is your dog just doing a normal doggie thing? Gastritis may actually be to blame. What is Gastritis? Gastritis is inflammation of the walls of the stomach. The redness and swelling in the stomach can be acute and last for … Read more
A Simple, Natural Solution for Your Itchy Dog When the days start getting longer and the sun seems to shine just a little brighter, I know summer is approaching. More importantly, it’s pool time. Countless hours in the pool with my two favorite fur balls. In and out of the pool, chasing a ball or some improvised chew toy. Their coats hold so much water, that each time they get out of the pool, I swear I see the water … Read more
Some human foods are known to be harmful to pups. Things like chocolate, gum, and salty snacks can cause all sorts of discomfort and illness (for pups and dog parents alike). But there are some foods that are safe and even advantageous for both humans and dogs. You may be surprised to learn olive oil benefits your dog. In fact, there are ways that this liquid fat promotes a healthy lifestyle for canines. With anything new, always consult with your … Read more
It’s that time again… fleas are back in season! In fact for many of us in warmer areas like California or Florida, fleas remain a threat year around. A Natural, Inexpensive Method of Flea & Tick Control The new iHeartDogs Flea & Tick Guard Bones are a natural way to help keep your dog pest-free. The tasty little chews incorporates a small amount of garlic to ward off pests. When eaten daily, the blend of brewer’s yeast and garlic tablets make your pup … Read more
A Simple, Natural Solution for Your Itchy Dog When the days start getting longer and the sun seems to shine just a little brighter, I know summer is approaching. More importantly, it’s pool time. Countless hours in the pool with my two favorite fur balls. In and out of the pool, chasing a ball or some improvised chew toy. Their coats hold so much water, that each time they get out of the pool, I swear I see the water … Read more
What’s worse than seeing your dog in pain? Not much. And if you have ever experienced a urinary tract infection, also known as bacterial cystitis, you know the disease is quite painful. Unfortunately, dogs can get urinary tract infections (UTIs) just like their humans. Bacterial UTIs are the most common infectious diseases in dogs, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. They estimate the disease affects 14% of all dogs during their lifetime. Where does the disease come from and what should you look … Read more
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
Plant-based diets are getting increasing attention in the media as more Americans decide to reduce or eliminate consumption of meat. Although vegetarianism has remained at a fairly constant 5-8% of all Americans, meat production has decreased by 400 million animals from 2007 to 2015. Documentaries like What the Health have inspired people to go vegan, avoiding foods from animal sources all together for a number of reasons, including environmental impact, animal welfare, overall health, and weight loss or maintenance. The … Read more
Believe it or not, the average dog has 15,000 pieces of hair per square inch of fur! That’s over 10 times the density of human hair! So if you can relate to the picture above, your dog might be experiencing excessive shedding. Excessive shedding hits dog owners the hardest during the warmer months of spring and summer. So what can we do about it? What’s Causing My Dog to Shed So Much Fur? While there are many possible root … 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
Traditional Valentine’s Day gifts like mushy cards, red roses and absurdly large heart-shaped boxes of chocolates just won’t do when your Valentine happens to be your pup! The 14 products on this list are specifically designed to delight the pooch who stole your heart. Whether your dog is a chow hound, a plushie lover or a fetch enthusiast, the perfect present is just a click away! 1. Peanut Butter Kisses For Dogs, $27.99 Valentine’s Day and sweet treats go together … Read more
Is there anything better than a good snuggle session with your pup? How about when your dog licks your face and dances with joy as if your arrival home were the best thing that ever could have happened? For people who suffer from pet allergies, these everyday experiences can cause unpleasant or even dangerous allergic reactions. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with an allergy and think that you may need to rehome your beloved pet, or if you’ve always thought … Read more
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
Licking and biting of the toes and paws is a common behavior among dogs. While some degree of licking is considered normal, dogs with red, swollen paws or chronic saliva staining likely have an underlying medical problem. There are several reasons a dog may chew their paws such as dry skin, wounds, growths, irritants like burrs or ticks, anxiety and allergic skin disease. Whatever the cause of the irritation, paw-chewing can lead to pain, limping and secondary yeast or bacterial infections. … Read more
There’s nothing quite like the greeting of a dog after a long, hard day. There’s something about that wagging tail and wiggly butt that just melts away the stress! However, as our dogs age many of us have noticed an alarming change: they no longer get up and rush to greet us at the door. It’s not that they don’t want to. The reality is they might be suffering from a common condition that prevents many pups from behaving like … 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
Hospice care for dogs is a relatively new concept. Sadly, the word hospice often carries a negative stigma. It reminds us of lonely, sterile rooms and the fear of impending death. In reality, hospice care can be a wonderful gift for terminally ill people and pets. Rather than focusing on invasive medical procedures, hospice provides physical and emotional comfort to end-of-life patients and their families. What is hospice care for dogs? Hospice care is based on the philosophy that people … Read more
Dogs are curious animals that love to participate in everything we do. When it comes to medications, these traits sometimes put them in danger. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, nearly 50% of all pet poisonings involve human drugs, with pain relievers, antidepressants and heart meds topping the list of common culprits. Do you know what to do if your dog eats human medication? Whether or not a case of accidental medication ingestion is a serious emergency depends on the type … Read more
Staring into a dog’s pleading eyes might cost you the last bite of your sandwich or the leftovers from your dinner plate, and there’s no doubt in your mind those big puppy dog eyes hold a lot of emotion. There’s more to your dog’s eyes, however, than their ability to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. The matter of dog eyesight is subject to more than one misconception. Understanding how your dog sees the world will make your … Read more
Does your dog chew her paws? Is she always biting at her feet, no matter how much you encourage her otherwise? Does nonstop paw licking drive you and the dog to madness? Licking and biting of the toes and paws is a common behavior among dogs. While some degree of licking is considered normal, dogs with red, swollen paws or chronic saliva staining likely have an underlying medical problem. If this sounds like the state of your dog’s feet, it … Read more
Our bodies contain microorganisms that live in our stomachs and intestines, and our dogs have them too. They benefit our dogs by breaking down the food they eat into vitamins and minerals they can absorb. These microorganisms also keep their digestive tracts healthy and working properly. There are different kinds known commonly as “good” and “bad” microorganisms, but really, a healthy digestive tract will contain all of them in amounts that are balanced in a way that keeps everything running … 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
Many people assume that fleas die off in the winter and it’s safe to stop your dog’s flea and tick preventative. But is it really safe to do that? Do you need to worry about fleas during cooler months? The surprising answer is that YES, you do still need to worry about them during cooler months, and it’s all about their life cycle. About the flea life cycle You may be surprised to learn that much of a flea’s life … Read more
Nothing beats homemade treats, whether you’re talking about human treats or dog treats. You know exactly what ingredients are being used, you can customize recipes, and you add the one ingredient you won’t find baked into a store bought treat – love. We’ve scoured the internet and found the best homemade dog treat recipes you can use to spoil your pup. #1 – Glazed Pumpkin and Peanut Butter Biscuits Your pup will drool over these glazed biscuits and you’ll be … Read more
Residents along the Florida coast have been dealing with some pretty awful algae this year. The problem has become especially bad near the St. Lucie river, where people say the dying algae “smells like death” and is causing respiratory issues, itchy eyes, runny noses, and nausea. The blue-green algae is so much of a nuisance that it has caused the closure of beaches and even local businesses. But humans aren’t the only ones who can be negatively affected by blue-green … Read more
Dog trainers hear it all the time: “My dog is great at home, but as soon as we get around other people/pets, his manners go out the window!” Keeping a dog calm and attentive in public goes against their natural instincts to explore and interact with their surroundings. Disruptive dogs can become well-mannered members of polite society, but it takes lots of practice and plenty of patience on the part of the owner. Why do some dogs act unruly in … Read more
Dog gas is no laughing matter. It’s often the butt of jokes, and “blaming it on the dog” is a common trope, but there’s definitely nothing funny about foul gas when it’s coming from your dog. Stinky dog gas can be caused by an imbalance of bacteria in your dog’s digestive tract. When we think of bacteria we usually think of the tiny invisible monsters that cause colds and diseases, but there are “good” and “bad” bacteria present in you … Read more
You definitely don’t want your dog and your home to be infested with fleas, but you might be a little concerned about using the hardcore chemicals and pesticides found in traditional flea repellents, whether they’re topical or ingested. Luckily, you don’t have to choose between using chemicals or not protecting your dog. There are lots of natural ingredients that can help repel fleas without exposing your dog to chemicals and pesticides. But first, if you live in a climate with … Read more
Dogs aren’t the only ones who get anxious – you may already be feeling the heat as a pup parent with a dog who can’t stand fireworks. Fourth of July comes only once a year, and along with the flags, hot dogs and pool parties come the earth-shaking booms that send our dogs into a frenzy. There are tons of tips online about keeping your dog safe and calm when the Fourth comes, but not all dogs will respond the … Read more
While hairballs are less common in dogs than in cats, dogs can get hairballs. What sort of dogs are more prone to hairballs? What causes hairballs? Should you be worried if your dog vomits one up? How can you prevent hairballs in your dog? Don’t worry, we have the answers you’re looking for. Here’s what you need to know about hairballs in dogs. What is a hairball? When a dog (or a cat) licks or chews on themselves, they may … Read more
Human or canine, eye contact is a big part of communication. Eyes convey emotion, indicate intent, and they reflect individual personality in ways many people don’t realize. There’s a lot that’s the same when it comes to human and canine eyes—you and your pup can even share the same eye color—but the way dogs understand eye contact will always be slightly different than what seems normal for humans. Understanding how your dog feels about eye contact is important for your … Read more
Dogs vomit for a number of reasons; some are relatively insignificant, while others can be quite serious. If your dog’s vomiting is more than just an isolated incident, seek veterinary attention to rule out a critical health concern. Note: Since vomiting is such a broad issue with many possible causes, this post contains several links you can follow if you would like to learn more about a particular issue or condition. 1. Diet Related Issues Vomiting often results when a … Read more
All dogs shed. Now, dogs that have hair that grows continuously such as Poodles, Bichons, Shih Tzus, and Yorkies shed very little, and what they do shed tends to get trapped in the rest of their hair instead of winding up on your sofa, but they do shed a little bit. Some breeds of dogs shed A LOT, usually with the change of the seasons, such as Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Shelties, and German Shepherds. Other dogs just shed … Read more
Depending on size and breed, dogs generally become seniors when they are 7 – 9 years old. While “slowing down” can certainly be a part of the natural aging process, it may also be a sign of something more serious. If your older dog seems excessively lethargic, see your veterinarian to rule out the following problems. 1. Pain/Arthritis Arthritis is one of the most common ailments affecting older dogs. Painful, inflamed joints cause many seniors to sit on the sidelines … Read more
Aging is difficult, whether you’re human or canine. Luckily, we live in a day and age where there are plenty of products to help our furry kids feel better as they age. At what age is a dog considered “senior,” anyway? It depends on your dog’s size and breed. On average, dogs are considered seniors at 7. Giant breed dogs are considered seniors at the age of 6. Toy breeds may not be considered senior until they reach 10 years old. … Read more
With a dog bed in every room and no job or obligations to worry over, it’s hard not to be jealous of your dog’s care-free lifestyle. Their lack of responsibility seems blissful, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to stress. Dogs get stressed out just like humans do, and like us, high stress levels can seriously affect their health and well-being. Counting to 10 and meditating won’t work for a stressed-out dog, but adding probiotics to your dog’s diet is … Read more
Thanks to technological advances, pet parents have the option to conveniently feed their pups pre-packaged food rather than having them hunt for meals themselves. While this makes life easier for us and our domesticated friends, there’s one small issue: prepared foods don’t contain all the digestive enzymes that they need for a balanced and healthy gut. What are digestive enzymes? According to Dr. Karen Becker in an article by Mercola Healthy Pets, these are the four major digestive enzymes: Protease – … Read more
Before they learn to speak, young children often point at an object they want. Any parent can tell you, it is their way of saying, “May I have that, please?” This type of communication is called “referential signaling” and it is relatively rare among non-primates. Since dogs have such a unique relationship with humans, the authors of a new study sought to discover if some of their many gestures qualify as referential signaling. They asked 37 dog owners to record their … Read more
Before they learn to speak, young children often point at an object they want. Any parent can tell you, it is their way of saying, “May I have that, please?” This type of communication is called “referential signaling” and it is relatively rare among non-primates. Since dogs have such a unique relationship with humans, the authors of a new study sought to discover if some of their many gestures qualify as referential signaling. They asked 37 dog owners to record their … Read more
Commercial dog food companies would like you to believe that their food is nutritionally complete and provides everything your dog needs to be healthy. Sadly, the bar for a “nutritionally complete” meal for dogs is appallingly low. Sure, it will keep your dog alive, but it’s missing a variety of nutrients that are killed during the high heat processing and are, at best, sprayed down with synthetic vitamins at the end of the manufacturing process. If you aren’t feeding your … Read more
You wish you could spend every day playing fetch and hiking with your dog, but weekday obligations get in the way. Between work, family, and everything else life throws at you, finding time to exercise your dog can seem impossible. While you’re at work Monday through Friday, your dog is lounging around the house. You both live for the weekends when it’s finally time to have some fun. If this sounds like you, your pup is a weekend warrior. You … Read more
Approximately 70% of a dog’s immune cells reside in the gut, so it is extremely important to their overall wellness that digestive health is maintained. For this reason, veterinarians often recommend probiotics for their canine patients in addition to a healthy diet. Related: 12 Best Probiotics for Dogs (+1 to Avoid) Probiotics balance the “good” and “bad” bacteria in the gut in order to protect the dog’s natural defenses, promote digestive heath, and keep the body working to its full potential. … Read more
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