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A German Shorthaired Pointer dog named Hertz just received the highest recognition that any animal can receive in military combat. In a ceremony in London on February 22, 2022, Hertz was awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal, which is recognized worldwide as “the animal’s Victoria Cross.”

Hertz’s bravery and particular set of skills saved lives. This hero dog shows just how valuable a dog’s incredible nose is, and that working dogs make great companions too.

The Incredible Work That Earned Hertz His Medal

For his “bravery and devotion to duty,” Hertz became the 74^th animal to receive the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) Dickin Medal. Previous recipients of the award include 37 dogs, 32 pigeons, four horses, and one cat.

Hertz was the first ever dog in the British military trained to detect “personal electronic devices” like cell phones, SIM cards and GPS devices. His trainer and handler in Afghanistan, warrant officer Jonathan Tanner, explained that they targeted mobile devices being used to “pass messages and data and details to people on the outside that might pose a threat to those on the inside of camp.”

“Using his unique set of skills that had never been seen before in military theatre, Hertz successfully completed his mission, defending troops from threats that had previously claimed the lives of UK and US servicemen and women.” – PDSA via Facebook

PDSA director general Jan McLoughlin honored the hero dog, saying:

“Hertz is a truly remarkable animal hero and a trailblazer in his field. His exceptional skills undoubtedly protected troops from the ever-evolving advances in digital intelligence. His actions changed the course of countless missions, saving the lives of military personnel and civilians.”

Hertz’s Story

Hertz was born in Croatia and joined the RAF at just one-year-old. After the puppy demonstrated exceptional skill in drug detecting, he was chosen for the special assignment of mobile device detection.

“It was a capability that in the British military had never been tried before,” warrant officer Tanner explained. “It was something that we’d never even considered before.”

Hertz trained for around two months to sniff out mobile devices. He later went on to find over 100 items, and was personally responsible for over 50 individual finds.

Over a period of 13 months, Tanner and Hertz worked in Camp Bastion and various places throughout Helmand and Kabul. The pair became extremely close, “best friends,” as Tanner put it.

Tanner said Hertz is “by far the best” dog he’s worked with, adding: “He’s very much a unique animal.” Congratulations, go to Hertz for this well-deserved honor!

H/T: Metro
Featured Image: Facebook / Facebook

The post Retired Scent Detection Dog Receives Highest Military Award For Work In Afghanistan appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

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Gem, the teacup Chihuahua, weighs only 5.5 pounds. Normally, a dog that tiny would be in high demand, but Gem is struggling to find a place to call home. Animal lovers suspect that a heartless person hit Gem when she was only a young puppy, causing permanent paralysis in her lower half. But the Chihuahua hasn’t let that hold her back.

A special needs dog might sound like a lot of work to many dog parents, but rescue volunteers insist that Gem isn’t high maintenance. She’s just a happy, energetic puppy who has a few unique needs. So, why is she struggling to get adopted?

Gem’s Story

Flori’s Friends Rescue in the UK is currently caring for Gem. When she arrived, she needed surgery to remove her back legs after being hit in the spine. Now, at about six or seven months old, Gem has recovered enough to go up for adoption.

The rescue got Gem a custom pink wheelchair to help her run around outside. She also has custom-made indoor playsuits for getting around the house. Her injury made her incontinent, so she needs to wear a diaper and have her bladder emptied several times a day.

Despite the challenges that her disability brings, Gem is a playful, energetic pup. The rescue says she has the personality of a big dog in a small dog’s body. She loves running around outside and playing with other canines. To her, she’s no different than any other dog. But despite how lovable she is, she hasn’t had anyone interested in adopting her yet.

“She just isn’t getting any attention, and people seem to miss her,” said Natalia George with Flori’s Friends Rescue.

Help this Pup Get Adopted!

It’s unclear if it’s Gem’s size or her disability that’s making people overlook her, but it’s likely a little bit of both. She’s about the size of a guinea pig, but she’s very social. The rescue wants to make sure she goes to a home that has another dog she can play with. She also gets along with cats, but she would do best in a home without young kids since she can be mouthy when she plays.

Gem’s adopters will need to be comfortable with changing her diaper and emptying her bladder. Yet, the rescue is happy to teach applicants how to do those tasks. Her adopters don’t need to have any experience caring for a disabled dog. They just need to have big hearts and a willingness to learn.

“Of course, all training will be provided by us so adopters feel fully supported and ready to roll with her daily care,” said George.

Despite being unique, Gem is an easy, loving dog to have around. She just needs the right family to come along. If you think that could be you, visit the rescue’s website for more information!

H/T: metro.co.uk
Featured Image: Facebook

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When 17-year-old Laralai Dodd spots a dog that may be in danger, she doesn’t hesitate to spring into action. This long-time animal lover is well versed in what to do once she’s secured someone’s furry best friend. Laralai knows that she immediately needs to get them checked for a microchip. 

But what she absolutely did not expect to find out was that the dog she had just scooped up was somehow 100 miles away from home!

Laralai was delivering food as an independent contractor for Door Dash when she and a friend spotted a dog high-tailing it across the highway. The tan and black Shepherd mix barely made it across multiple lanes unscathed, narrowly escaping getting hit by a car before making it to the other side. She thought she may have seen him jump out of a truck, but it all happened so fast, she wasn’t quite sure what she saw. 

Laralai raced to a nearby motel parking lot, hoping to check out the seemingly stray dog. Much to her surprise, the unfamiliar yet friendly pup didn’t hesitate to hop right into her car once she had opened her door. 

“I watched him cross the street and I was like Uh-oh, I’ve got to go grab him,” she said.

Once the dog was safely in her car, Laralei logged off the delivery app and combed the area for the pup’s potential owner. If she timed it right, she could spot someone searching. But multiple laps looking through the area resulted in zero clues. No one seemed to be searching for this sweet pup, so Laralai headed home to regroup and start contacting local shelters. 

After two days of scouring the area for his owner, Laralai decided to take the sweet Shepard mix to Rescue Ranch Yreka, where he was scanned, and they were able to find a microchip. Now, the moment of truth was finally here. Would the contact information listed on his account be correct, and was someone looking for this lost pup? Not only was Max’s mom looking for him, but he had wound up a shocking 100 miles away from home!

 It turns out Max is an emotional support animal stolen straight out of his mom Shirley’s yard. Someone had gone well out of their way to put a ton of distance between Max and his original home, so Shirley was absolutely overjoyed to hear that he had been found safe and sound. In fact, Max’s mom was so thrilled to be reunited with her beloved boy that she was all too happy to pass along a $100 reward.  

“Chip your animals! Luckily baby Max was chipped and I was able to get ahold of the original owner, Shirley,” encouraged Laralai. 

Stories like this definitely drive home the importance of not only microchipping your pets, but making sure your contact information is up to date at all times.

H/T: redding.com
Featured Photo: Facebook

The post Teen Doggie Detective Reunites Emotional Support Pup Found 100 Miles From Home appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

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Hundreds of thousands of people are fleeing Ukraine after Russian troops invaded. No one should have to experience a heartbreaking situation like this, but even in the toughest of times, the victims refuse to leave any loved ones behind. That includes their beloved pets.

Many photos have appeared on social media showing Ukrainians holding their pets close as they evacuate. This includes dogs, cats, and even fish! Luckily, many people are supporting the Ukrainians’ dedication to their furry friends. Countries are helping them get pets to safety while people are donating to keep animals safe. Even in the most difficult times, no family members get left behind.

Helping Humans and Animals to Safety

Clean Futures Fund is a Missouri-based organization that provides international support after industrial accidents and long-term remedial activities. They were forced to suspend operations at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant amid the Russian invasion. So, they’re unable to support power plant workers.

This organization also had a Dogs of Chernobyl program to provide food, veterinary care, and spay/neuter procedures to stray dogs and cats. Their efforts have helped reduce the area’s wild dog population by 50%. But right now, there’s nothing they can do to protect the canines in Ukraine.

Even without the help of major organizations, pet parents in Ukraine are doing everything they can to support each other. Many people are taking their pets with them as they evacuate. Photos have been posted of people holding dogs, cats, pet carriers, and fish tanks during the war.

Luckily, other countries are doing everything they can to help people take pets with them. Poland, Romania, and Slovakia are letting Ukrainians bring pets across borders without requiring veterinary paperwork. These loosened travel restrictions have likely saved the lives of many pets so far.

How Can You Support Ukraine Pets?

While many pets are safely evacuating the country with their humans, not all pets and humans are safe yet. Many animals left behind in Ukraine are in desperate need of food and medical attention. Some volunteers and shelter employees have chosen to stay behind to care for animals in need, despite the risks involved.

Several organizations are offering support to animals in Ukraine, but they need the public’s help to function. Here are a few places you can donate to if you want to save some animals amid this horrific war:

• UAnimals – This organization helps animal shelters that are struggling to collect food and supplies in Ukraine. Give a Paw, Chance for Life, Pif, and Sirius are just a few shelters they’re assisting.
• Happy Paw – Happy Paw is supporting shelter animals and strays. They’re currently gathering information to find out the shelters’ biggest needs, and they’ll support them in any way possible.
• Shelter Ugolyok – This is an animal rescue and sanctuary that’s providing food for animals in need.
• Sirius – Sirius is a shelter in Kyiv that currently needs all the support they can get.
• Casa lui Patrocle – Volunteers with this organization are helping find housing and veterinary care for families with pets to ensure that no animals are left behind.
• International Animal Protection League – This animal refuge is located just outside of Kyiv, and they are still caring for hundreds of homeless animals during this time.

Many pets have already escaped Ukraine with their humans, but not everyone is safe yet. Donating and spreading the word about these organizations can help protect more people and animals. Thank you to all the wonderful people who are ensuring that pets don’t get left behind in Ukraine.

H/T: thedodo.com
Featured Image: Twitter

The post People Fleeing Ukraine Cling To Their Beloved Pets Amid War appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

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Pham Minh Hung and his wife Nguyen Thi Chi Em live in Vietnam with a pack of rescue dogs. Before the couple went to the hospital after catching COVID, they had 15 dogs that they saved from a variety of awful situations. They were so close to the dogs that they even referred to them as their kids.

During a recent COVID lockdown in Vietnam, the couple and some family members fled to find work. One dog passed away, and two others were re-homed along the way, but they kept the other 12 dogs with them as they entered a new province of the country. Unfortunately, the situation quickly took a dark turn.

Innocent Dogs Culled

When the couple entered Khanh Hung in the Ca Mau province, they both tested positive for COVID. They were rushed to the hospital and forced to leave the dogs behind. While they were in the hospital, they were told that all 12 dogs were culled in fear that they would spread COVID to other humans. Sadly, other countries like Australia have also killed pets for this reason.

“My wife and I cried so much that we couldn’t sleep,” said Pham Minh Hung. “I didn’t want to believe that really happened… I couldn’t do anything to protect my kids.”

It’s unclear how authorities killed the dogs, but it’s suspected that they were burned. The couple is heartbroken. They spent most of their time saving dogs in need, only for them to be killed.

The couple had used a lot of money to pay off slaughterhouses so the dogs could be saved. Consuming dog meat is still legal in Vietnam, but most people who live there are against it. The couple also used their money to buy food and medicine for their companions.

Couple Goes on Adoption Spree

Many people are outraged at authorities for making a cruel decision. So, locals have raised money for the couple after hearing the horrific news. As soon as they were released from the hospital, they knew exactly how to use the money: to save more dogs!

Now, the couple has rescued seven more dogs. They didn’t adopt them to replace their deceased canines, but instead, they wanted to keep rescuing more dogs as usual. They refused to let heartbreak stop them from saving lives.

The couple plans to rescue at least eight more puppies. But this time, they plan to be extra cautious, so these dogs can survive. No matter how many setbacks they face, the two will continue saving dogs.

“We would go into hiding in the jungle if that would save them,” said Nguyen Thi Chi Em. “I won’t let them be killed again because I cannot go through such heartbreak a second time.”

H/T: reuters.com
Featured Image: Facebook

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Regular grooming is not just essential to keeping your dog looking pretty; it’s also an important part of maintaining their health. That’s why many dog parents rely on the professionals to keep their pups looking and feeling good.

However, people with certain dog breeds often have a preference for how they want their dog’s fur to look. Show dogs that have to maintain a certain breed standard, in particular, require very specific grooming. Others with thicker coats can’t comfortably regrow hair that’s been shaved.

This is the story of Milo, a double-coated dog whose haircut put his family at odds with the groomers responsible.

The Dog Comes Out Unrecognizeable

When Sheila Kavanagh from Newbridge, Ireland, went to pick up her Japanese Spitz, Milo, from the groomers, she didn’t even recognize him. All his fluffy fur had been shaved off.

Kavanagh’s daughter, Kayleigh Dooley, a veterinarian, explained to Daily Mail:

“When she went to pick him up, the owner claimed Milo needed a welfare cut, which as a vet, I know they are not allowed to do without the owner’s permission. Milo came out and started jumping up at my mum but she didn’t recognize him at first and thought he was a different dog!”

Kavanagh discovered this groomer through the owner who operates Milo’s doggy daycare, Fluffy Paws. Milo had been going there since he was a puppy.

Initially, Kavanagh left with her dog without complaint, but she later revealed how much it devastated her.

“She couldn’t believe it but she’s not a reactive person so didn’t say anything at the time. As soon as she got home, she rang me straight away and she didn’t sleep for a whole week.”

The Consequences Of Milo’s Big Trim

After discovering some knicks on Milo’s underside, Dooley had him brought to her veterinary practice. These cuts required topical treatment and anti-inflammatory meds.

“I took him into my practice a few days later so the vet could check him over and he was put on medication as he was walking funny and seemed tender and sore.”

Dooley also noted that a dog like Milo could suffer from an improper cut. This unrequested shaving, she said, will require tons of treatment and extra care.

“Double coated breeds can get clipper alopecia after being shaved like that, so his fur won’t grow back the same and he may suffer from alopecia in some areas. It’s going to take a lot of work with conditioners and oil to give him his coat back and we’re looking at at least a year’s worth of work.”

Kavanagh was hoping to start bringing Milo to Kennel Club shows and events, but now with his short fur, he doesn’t fit the breed criteria. Dooley is upset that this opportunity has been taken away from her mom and Milo.

“We bought Milo for mum to give her some companionship whilst she’s off work and the plan was she could take up a new hobby and take him to shows but now, he can’t be shown.”

Who’s At Fault?

Dooley said she was able to set up a meeting with the groomers’ owner to acquire a refund for the grooming service. Still, both she and her mother feel the blame for the cut was unfairly put on them.

According to Dooley, Kavanagh had bathed Milo a week before his appointment. Drying a double-coated breed is difficult, so Milo had just a few mats under his belly.

“We felt like the blame was shifted onto my mum but a welfare cut can not be performed without the owner’s permission. He was matted but not as matted as he made out he was.”

The groomers have not yet responded to news organizations for comment as of this post. Dooley did say the groomer admitted some responsibility:

“The owner admitted the groomer was unqualified and was employed based on experience rather than official qualifications.”

Most of the time, the experts know what they’re doing, but in this case, it seems a mistake or miscommunication occurred somewhere. Learn some tips for grooming your dog at home here.

H/T: Daily Mail
Featured Image: Facebook

The post Family Furious After Groomer Unnecessarily Gives Dog “Welfare Cut” appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

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CBD oil from hemp is a medicinal herb many senior dog owners are looking into. In fact, it’s one of the most talked about topics in our 80,000 member senior dog community on Facebook.

The benefits of CBD oil are reaching more dogs every day. Here are a few reasons why senior dog owners are choosing it for their pets.

1. CBD May Offer Significant Benefits To Brain Health In Aging Dogs

CBD has shown the ability to support normal cellular function and promote healthy aging through mitochondrial support.

In addition, CBD is currently being studied for its apparent antipsychotic, anti-nausea, and anticonvulsant, and anti-inflammatory benefits. The anti-inflammatory benefits, in particular, may offer the most benefit to the brain and aging. In one study on Alzheimer’s, CBD was observed to actually hinder the development of Alzheimer’s symptoms.

2. It Can Help Relieve Chronic Pain, Especially Joint Problems

CBD oil naturally helps reduce inflammation in all parts of the body. The same endocannabinoid receptors that work together to relieve anxiety also target areas in the body experiencing pain due to inflammation, damaged nerves, and injury.

RELATED: Which Brand Of CBD Oil Does iHeartDogs Recommend?

Many holistic veterinarians recommend CBD oil to senior dogs suffering from joint pain. It isn’t a cure for arthritis, but it eases the inflammation caused by worn down cartilage, and it helps dogs feel better and stay active. It’s also used to alleviate painful symptoms of intestinal inflammation, and it’s often administered after surgery and during injury recovery to invoke the immune system for faster healing.²

3. It Helps Dogs With Anxiety

The life of a dog might not seem stressful, but many pups suffer from different kinds of situational and behavioral anxiety. CBD oil targets the endocannabinoid system to help the body balance emotions. The endocannabinoid system is the same in all mammals. It’s comprised of spaced-out receptors that communicate to keep the body balanced. CBD oil works to initiate chemical transmissions between receptors that help the dog feel calm in times of stress. Pet owners use it for dogs with separation anxiety, phobias, and general anxiety.

4. It Increases Appetite And Fights Nausea

Food and nutrients are essential for a healthy aging dog, and a good diet is especially important when that dog is battling a serious illness. They need food to give their body the strength to fight back, but many health conditions shut down appetite. When they can’t eat, they become weak and are even more vulnerable to whatever kind of damage their illness is causing.

CBD oil works to counter this effect by stimulating appetite.² Whether it’s nausea or a general weariness that’s keeping the dog from eating, CBD oil triggers the sensation of hunger. When the dog eats without feeling sick and vomiting the food back up, they absorb much-needed nutrients to help their body stay strong and healthy.

Using CBD oil to alleviate pain and promote overall well-being for your dog is something more and more people are catching on to. There’s still a lot scientists don’t know, but initial studies on humans show promising potential. More studies focusing on CBD oil for dogs are currently in the works, and dog owners and holistic veterinarians await results to learn just how far CBD oil can take the future of veterinary medicine.

RELATED: Which Brand Of CBD Oil Does iHeartDogs Recommend?

CBD Is Legal In All 50 States And Will Not Make Your Dog “High”

The first concern people have for administering CBD oil to their pets is exposing them to potential toxins related to cannabis. While the cannabis plant is most commonly associated with marijuana, hemp is its safer cousin. Unlike marijuana, hemp is not psychoactive, which means it can’t make you (or your dog) high.²

It’s the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana that gives people a high. CBD oil from hemp, however, is cannabis that contains less than 0.3% THC (for pets we recommend choosing a product that is 100% THC free). CBD oil has all the therapeutic properties of cannabis without the mind-altering characteristics of THC. There are no toxins related to CBD oil from hemp, and there’s no risk of overdosing.³

The changing legality of cannabis is hard to keep track of, but when it comes to CBD oil from hemp, it’s easy. Unlike marijuana, hemp is legal in all 50 states.¹ As a hemp product, that means CBD oil is legal, too. Medical marijuana is legal in about half of states, but with negligible amounts of THC, those rules don’t apply to hemp. It’s perfectly legal to buy and possess CBD oil as long as it’s obtained from hemp and has less than 0.3% THC.

Which Brand Of CBD Oil Is Safe & Effective For Senior Dogs?

Our team was fortunate to be consulted on the creation of the Cannanine brand of CBD oil for dogs. Unlike most CBD oils, Cannanine is 100% THC free. And since all of our products help dogs in some way, every purchase of Cannanine provides healthy meals for shelter dogs.

Is Cannanine Really the Best? Yes!

The Clean Label Project® presented Cannanine with their Purity Award! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

The Clean Label Project Purity Award evaluates products for substances that would never be found on a product label. These substances include chemicals of concern, industrial and environmental toxins, and contaminants (like heavy metals and pesticide residues) that have the long-term potential to adversely affect your dog’s health and well-being.

Why is this award such an honor?

Cannanine works with the top labs in the world to ensure our CBD products are free of heavy metals, harmful bacteria, yeast, mold, and other toxins. It is a costly and time-consuming step few companies choose to take. Not only is it an honor to be recognized for our high standards, this award proves that it is worth it to go the extra mile.

The results of Cannanine’s third-party lab tests are always available in the gallery of the product pages, click here to view Certificates Of Analysis (COA), of our website so you know exactly what you are – and ARE NOT – giving to your beloved pet.

See why over 100k pet parents and iHeartDogs trust Cannanine for their pets (Learn More).

 

Sources
1. All The Best Pet Care
2. Dog’s Naturally Magazine
3. PetMD

 

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.

The post 4 Reasons Senior Dog Owners Are Flocking to CBD Oil appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

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Mishka the Husky was so corpulent and appeared to be unwell at the shelter. She was unable to be adopted out owing to her violent behavior, and she was simply waiting around for death. But one woman noticed the dog on their website and had to go see what was going on for herself.

 

Image/Story Source Credit: The Dodo – Facebook Watch Video

 

 

After meeting, Naleah called out her name and they made eye contact. She knew right then that she wanted to adopt Mishka! The obese dog would pass her temperament evaluation, and her new mother went down to the shelter to get her! Her second chance at life was now underway.

 

 

Image/Story Source Credit: The Dodo – Facebook Watch Video

 

 

Back in his home, Mishka remained withdrawn and uninterested in anything. The foster pups, on the other hand, began to draw her out of her shell little by little. A walk-and-hike regimen was established, and she lost weight as a result of it. However, this didn’t last long and you’ll definitely want to see how Mishka is doing now in the video below. 🙂

Watch this heartwarming video below and be sure to SHARE it with a friend or family member!

The post Shelter Deemed Obese Husky As Unadoptable, But One Woman Wanted To Meet Her appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

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On Valentine’s Day, a calf was born in sub-zero temperatures during a harsh winter storm. And she sat there lifeless and motionless. Fortunately, when they discovered her, the family brought her inside where it was warm. That’s when the puppy began lapping at her face!

 

 

Image/Story Source Credit: YouTube Video – Rumble Viral

 

 

The puppy, in its natural instincts, even volunteered to snuggle up with the calf and raise her temperature back to normal! Valentine, the calf, began to feel a little better and moaned. The dog would stay by her side until he was certain she had recovered completely.

 

 

Image/Story Source Credit: YouTube Video – Rumble Viral

 

 

When Valentine was able to stand on her own, she was taken back outside to be reunited with Mama to see if they would recognize each other. And you won’t believe how adorable the reunion in this video is!

 

Watch this heartwarming duo in the video below! Please be sure to SHARE this with a friend or family member!

 

 

The post Selfless Puppy Helps Dying Calf Who Was Born Out In The Freezing Cold appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

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“Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions” is a one-of-a-kind format of the program, featuring past winners, finalists, and participants from previous versions of the “Got Talent” franchise. Alexa Lauenburger and her eight dogs are among the newest entrants; they’ve made a remarkable first impression on audiences.

 

Image/Story Source Credit: YouTube Video

 

 

Alexa and her dancing canines are the 2017 Germany’s Got Talent winners. Alexa, a 11-year-old girl from Germany, and her dancing dogs were the previous German champions of Britain’s Got Talent. As they performed on Britain’s Got Talent, the audience understood why this has been dubbed one of the world’s most renowned dog acts!

In this clip, we see Alexa in a ringleader costume leading the canines. She and her eight charming dogs perform a slew of acts on the stage, performing the most incredible abilities!

 

 

Image/Story Source Credit: YouTube Video

 

The entire crowd was left screaming with delight at the conclusion of the show. The performance was so outstanding that Alexa and her dogs were even given the coveted Golden Buzzer! With your volumes up, watch this amazing act that will most certainly amaze you!

 

Watch Alexa and her 8 amazing pooches perform this INCREDIBLE act! Please be sure to SHARE with a friend or family member!

The post 11-Year-Old Dog Trainer And Her 8 Dogs Win The Golden Buzzer appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

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“Will CBD help my stop my dog from barking?”

Have you gotten complaints from your neighbors about your dog’s excessive barking? Nobody wants to be “that person/family” with the dog that everybody in the neighborhood hates. Why does your dog bark so much? How is it possible that CBD oil can help reduce your dog’s excessive barking? Here’s what you need to know.

What is CBD oil for dog barking and how does it work?

You’ve probably heard that THC is the psychoactive component in marijuana. CBD is a component of hemp that has medicinal properties without the high of THC. What’s the difference between hemp and marijuana? Hemp and marijuana are different subtypes of the cannabis plant. Hemp contains less than 0.3% THC, while marijuana contains up to 30% THC. These cousin plants can offer similar health benefits, while CBD oil made from hemp doesn’t have the downsides of THC.

CBD affects the endocannabinoid system, which includes receptors throughout the body whose purpose is to stabilize the inside of the body despite fluctuations in the outside world. This newly-discovered biological system affects each part of the body, which is why it’s thought that cannabis products can help with such a wide variety of problems from anxiety to inflammation.

Why do dogs bark?

There are a lot of reasons dogs bark since it’s one of the primary ways they communicate with each other and their humans. Here are a few of the most common reasons that dogs bark:

-Feeling territorial or protective. This is evident in dogs who mostly bark when somebody or something gets too close to their home or person. These dogs are barking to warn that they own this area or person and they may even attack if they feel that their territory or person are being threatened. Dogs that are being territorial will often bark louder as the threat gets closer and will look alert and even aggressive.

-Alarm or fear. Just as you may yell when you are startled or afraid, your dog may bark to express these emotions. Most dogs who are perceived as aggressive are actually afraid or anxious and don’t have a better way of expressing those emotions.

-Boredom or loneliness. Dogs left alone for long periods of time may bark to let anybody within hearing distance know how upset they are about being alone.

-Playfulness. Sometimes dogs will bark when they are feeling playful or they see a friend they enjoy playing with. This type of barking is usually accompanied by happy body language such as a wagging tail.

-Wanting attention. Dogs will bark to let their human know that they want something such as to be fed or let outside.

-Separation anxiety. Some dogs become absolutely panicked when they are left alone. On top of barking incessantly, they may become destructive, especially around windows and doors where they are trying to escape. They may also choose to eliminate inside when left alone, even for short periods of time. Learn about CBD for Anxiety, HERE.

-Health problems. If none of the rest of these reasons seem to fit your dog, he may be experiencing a health problem such as canine cognitive dysfunction or deafness. If you suspect your dog’s barking is caused by a health problem, you should take him to the vet for an evaluation.

Will CBD Oil Stop My Dog From Barking?

Obviously, something like CBD oil won’t prevent a dog who’s just feeling playful from barking, but there are several causes of barking that CAN be addressed by CBD oil. In particular, anxiety and some types of aggression can be helped greatly by CBD oil. After all, many types of aggression in dogs are fueled by anxiety, and the calming qualities of CBD oil can help relieve anxiety.

The endocannabinoid system is a bridge between the body and mind, so as the CBD oil affects the endocannabinoid receptors in your dog’s body, it also helps to calm his mind. With reduced anxiety, your dog has less reason to bark excessively.

Are you ready to try CBD oil to relieve your dog’s barking related to anxiety or aggression?

Choose The Right Relief For Your Pup

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PLUS Up To 40% Off When You Shop Today

     

This non-GMO CBD oil made from human-grade ingredients can help reduce your dog’s anxiety. This product features patented nano-sized microemulsion for maximum bioavailability and absorbability (4x smaller particles compared to Liposomal emulsion). It’s made in the United States from hemp grown in Colorado.

Learn more

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional. 

(H/T: Dogs Naturally, NORML, WebMD Pets, Business Insider, Humane Society)

The post Can CBD Reduce Your Dog’s Excessive Barking? appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

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