Blog — Category_Health

Allergy Season vs Food Allergies Allergy season is in full force with the nice weather approaching. While it is easy for us to notice when the runny nose, itchy eye days are upon us, it is difficult to decipher what our dogs are feeling. You may not realize it, but our four-legged friends may be experiencing allergies too. It is important to notice the signs of seasonal or food allergies. According to PetMD, please be aware that dogs can experience similar symptoms for food and seasonal allergies which may cause you to delay possible treatment.   Symptoms Constant chewing/licking paws...

7 Reasons Exercise is Important for Your Dog You want the best for your dog, but sometimes it can be difficult to meet all of their needs. Depending on your schedule and your living arrangement it can be hard to get your dog the exercise they need to be at their best. A lot of people don’t realize how much exercise their dog needs and the negative effects that happen when those needs aren’t met. There are many important reasons why your dog needs exercise, some are obvious, while others may not be so clear-cut.   Maintaining a Healthy Weight...

How Cold is too Cold to Walk your Dog Winter is here! With temperatures consistently falling below freezing and a few too many days below 0℉, you may be wondering: How cold is too cold to walk your canine companion? Here at Sparky Steps, our policy is to limit walks to 15 minutes when the temperature dips below 20℉. We do this because our main concern is the safety of your pup in these extreme temperatures -- while keeping in mind their need to do their business and stretch their paws. Here are some things to consider when assessing whether...

How to Keep Your Dog Comfortable All Winter With the temperature continuing to drop, we’re all bundling up and throwing on the layers to step outside. But are our dogs as cold as we are? Some of our furry friends are blessed with thick coats that protect them from the below-freezing temperatures, but many shorter or thinner haired dogs are just as cold as we are! Here are some tips to help your pup stay comfortable all through the not-so-mild Chicago winter.   Keeping Warm As a general rule of thumb, if you aren’t comfortable standing outside without a coat...

Leftovers Your Pets Can (and Can’t) Eat Turkey Day was just last week. Leftovers are a-plenty, and can seem overwhelming at times. Our pets serve many purposes in our households, and disposing of unwanted food is one of their greatest strengths. However, be careful which Thanksgiving favorites you feed them! Below is a quick guide on which foods are okay for them to eat, and which are not.   Turkey- Yes (for the most part) Turkey can be a very healthy food for your dog. The meat of the turkey is packed with protein and other nutrients that are essential...