Blog — Holidays

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About Holidays

Welcome to our dedicated archive for Holidays. At Sparky Steps, we know that exceptional pet care is a continuous learning journey. Whether you are a dedicated Chicago pet parent, a fellow pet professional, or simply an animal lover, you have found the right place to dive into our curated collection of articles and insights.

Our Voices & Editorial Ethics

The stories and guides you will read regarding Holidays are the result of true community collaboration. Our content is crafted by the core Sparky Steps team—professional dog walkers and trained pet sitters who spend every day on the streets of Chicago—as well as trusted guest writers, local veterinarians, and passionate pet advocates. We proudly champion positive reinforcement (R+), force-free handling, and science-based animal welfare. The guidance you find here is grounded in real-world experience and a deep respect for animals.

Rooted in the Community

As a local Chicago small business, exploring topics like Holidays is our way of giving back and empowering pet owners to advocate for their furry best friends. Please browse the articles below to learn more! If you have a unique perspective or a heartwarming story to share, we are always looking for new voices to join our pack as guest contributors.

10 Unexpected Holiday Dog Behavior Changes (and Expert Tips to Manage Stress)
10 Unexpected Holiday Dog Behavior Changes (and Expert Tips to Manage Stress)
The holiday season can feel like chaos to your dog, leading to unexpected stress and anxiety. Learn the 10 subtle signs of...
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How To Keep Your Dog Safe During The Holidays
How To Keep Your Dog Safe During The Holidays
With all the magical hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s remarkably easy to let your guard down. But between toxic...
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Howliday Dog Gift Ideas
Howliday Dog Gift Ideas
Ready to give the fur-babies in your life a winter holiday season they will never fur-get? Whether your family celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah,...
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7 Ways to Keep Your Dog Calm and Happy Through the Stress of the Holidays
7 Ways to Keep Your Dog Calm and Happy Through the Stress of the Holidays
7 Ways to Keep Your Dog Calm and Happy Through the Stress of the Holidays The holiday season is just around the...
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Best Local Holiday Gifts For Your Dog
Best Local Holiday Gifts For Your Dog
Best Local Holiday Gifts For Your Dog In the last couple of years, there has been a huge push to shop local...
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Best Gifts for Your Cat This Holiday Season
Best Gifts for Your Cat This Holiday Season
We know that cats are family, and around this time of year, it is customary for many people to get gifts for...
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Happy Howloween
Happy Howloween
      Frightfully Festive Pups Happy Howl’oween! Time is ticking to lock in your pet's spooky attire. Get inspired by some...
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Our Holiday Favorites
Our Holiday Favorites
The holiday season is still going strong here in the Windy City. This is perhaps best accentuated by the freezing temperatures we’re...
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New Year’s Resolutions For You and Your Dog
New Year’s Resolutions For You and Your Dog
Goal setting isn't just for January 1st! Whether you are kicking off a brand new year or just looking to hit the...
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Holiday Gifts Your Dog Will Love
Holiday Gifts Your Dog Will Love
The holidays are here, and the mad dash to find the perfect gift is officially on! But what do you get the...
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Dog Friendly Holiday Spots
Dog Friendly Holiday Spots
Dog Friendly Holiday Spots With Thanksgiving just barely over, the holiday season is officially in full swing throughout Chicago. From holiday markets...
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Thanksgiving Leftovers Your Pets Can (and Can't) Eat
Thanksgiving Leftovers Your Pets Can (and Can't) Eat
Leftovers Your Pets Can (and Can’t) Eat Turkey Day was just last week. Leftovers are a-plenty, and can seem overwhelming at times....
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Dog Friendly and Unfriendly Halloween Treats!
Dog Friendly and Unfriendly Halloween Treats!
Halloween means kitchens filled to the brim with chocolate, candies, and baked goods. While it’s tempting to share the seasonal joy with...
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5 Safety Tips for your dog this Halloween
5 Safety Tips for your dog this Halloween
Halloween is a spook-tastic time for humans, but it can be a nightmare for our pets! Between the constant doorbell ringing, scary...
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