Blog — Category_Health

The 3 Best Ways to Help Your Dog Lose Weight The statistics are shocking; approximately 56% of dogs and 60% of cats were classified as clinically overweight or obese by their veterinary healthcare professional.<1> That equals approximately 50.2 million dogs and 56.5 million cats in the United States that are too heavy for their good health. You may have heard about Chubbs the 29-pound cat who was recently in the headlines.<2> His large girth made it uncomfortable for him to move freely, and he was so big that he couldn't fit into a kennel. The extra weight made him susceptible...

Caring for Canine Teeth at Home Here at Sparky Steps, our dedicated dog walkers keep your canine companion safe and secure outdoors. And it’s a good thing, because “outdoors” is certainly a fascinating place for furry friends! We all know that dogs – spurred on by their superior sense of smell – often enjoy exploring through taste and texture. Most owners have caught their inquisitive pooch chewing sticks or nibbling grass, at least once or twice. So consider, for a moment, the condition of your canine’s teeth. Chomping on various objects – in addition to daily kibble, canned food, or...

Spring, Fleas and Ticks, Oh My! Ahhhh… When the snow and ice melt and spring arrives, everyone at Sparky Steps looks forward to sunny days, leafy trees, fresh air and Sparky Steps dog walking! Sparky Steps dog walkers know that the change of seasons brings even more outdoor time for our furry friends. If April showers bring May flowers, June is sure to bring spring and fleas and ticks – Oh my! As soon as green grass grows, and flowers appear, so do fleas and ticks. Sparky Steps wants to make sure that your pet stays healthy and enjoys fun...

Keeping Your Life Healthy With Dogs Whatever stage of life you are in, is the perfect time for a four-legged companion. Pet parents come in all ages, genders, and demographics. In fact, it is estimated that 40% of Americans who are 70 years or older own a pet. As we all age, our pets provide more enrichment to our lives than we could ever imagine. Statistics show that older adults who are dog owners benefit from the bonds they form with their canine companions.   A Good Match Older adults are a great companion for all types of dogs, but...

Bike Riding With Your Four-Legged Buddy Not everyone is built for all types of exercise. Have you ever asked yourself, "is it safe to ride my bike with my dog" or "how to ride my bike with my dog"? We have and we wrote this article to help you figure that out! Some people might like to hit the weights; others can spend an hour or more each day on the cardio machines. Some might like a weekend game of softball, while others tend toward tennis or bowling. Likewise, when it comes to exercise not all dogs are created equal....