Blog — Category_Health

Do's and Don'ts of Hiking the Trails with Your Dog When someone tells you to take a hike...do you jump at the chance? If you enjoy hitting the hiking trails whenever you can and would love the company of your canine sidekick, there are a few things you might need to think about before heading out. Of course, the first thing is: can your dog handle the rigors of a hike? If Barkley has spent the last several months on the couch, he's likely not ready to leap into action on the trail. Ease him into it. Take him for...

The Value of Vaccinations We love our pets for so many reasons. They provide unconditional love, companionship, and stress release. They entertain us, cheer us up, and can be the perfect exercise pals. All these and more are reasons to vaccinate your furry friends. Vaccinations improve your pet’s overall quality of life and protect them from contagious and deadly diseases.   What are Vaccines? Vaccines promote protective immune responses in pets. They have two major benefits: Vaccinations are life-saving products (usually injections) that help prepare dogs, cats, and others to fight viruses and infections Vaccines can lessen the severity of...

Safe Fresh Fruit and Veggie Treats August means fresh fruit and veggies abound in gardens and local farmer’s markets. While we may love tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, corn, and squash, our pups might find some of those foods difficult to digest. Read on to learn more about which fruits and veggies can be shared as an occasional treat!   Tomatoes Solanine is a substance found in the leaves and stem of the tomato plant and also in unripe, green tomatoes. Solanine is potentially harmful to dogs if it is ingested in large amounts. If your pup enjoys gardening with you,...

Help Your Dog Avoid These Outdoor Garden Dangers Our experienced Sparky Steps team is committed to helping your dog enjoy the great outdoors safely. As pet lovers, we understand that canines are curious creatures who tend to explore the world with their noses. Is your pooch a serial sniffer, or even an occasional nibbler? Remember, certain popular plants and outdoor gardening materials could potentially pose a risk — especially during the spring and summer months. Here’s our short list so you can help your furry friend steer clear.   Cocoa Bean Mulch General Appearance: Dark brown chips with a yummy...

5 Tips for Juggling Work and Your Dog More than half of households own pets in the United States, and dogs are the most popular choice of animal companion. In the last 10 years, dog ownership has jumped 29 percent, according to a Research and Markets report. Some dog owners have schedules that allow them to spend most of their time with their furry friends, but a lot of people work full-time and have to leave their dog at home. This can be a tough situation. Dogs are social, active animals that need time to run, play, and be with...