Blog — Category_Informational

Approaching Dogs Properly: Insights to Help Keep You Safe It’s a statistic that really makes you stop and think about what's safe and what isn't safe. Data from the CDC and other sources indicates that several million dog bites happen every year. In fact, according to the website dogbitelaw.com, more than 750,000 human victims seek medical attention annually for some type of canine bite. Many animal behaviorists will tell you that animals can try to bite when they’re feeling threatened, vulnerable or fearful. Here at Sparky Steps, we care for dogs every single day. One thing we know for sure...

Ten Pup-Friendly Places Worth Visiting Dogs are more than pets, they’re family. Oftentimes, though, unless you’re going to the park or for a walk around the neighborhood, you have to leave your furry family member behind when you go out…or do you? Read on for a list of restaurants and shops where your dog is welcome—some of them may surprise you!   Starbucks Dogs are welcome to sit outside and enjoy the day on the Starbucks’ patio. If you request it, your local Starbucks may also offer a “puppuccino,” which is a small cup of whipped cream. Yum!   Half...

Why You Must Microchip Your Pet We love our pets. In fact, most of us consider them family members. They provide companionship, unconditional love, comfort, affection, and just plain happiness. We will do just about anything we can to ensure their happiness and well-being. And we would be lost without them. That is why it is so difficult to understand why some pet parents do not take the time to microchip their furry best friends and register their contact information.   Lost or Stolen The statistics are not only sad, but they are also preventable. According to the American Humane...

Trimming Nails and Handling Cracked Pads: Taking Care of Your Dogs Paws Chicago weather can be rough on your dog’s feet. During the summer, any walks on the pavement during those 90-degree days are going to be at best uncomfortable, and at worst, your dog’s paw pads could suffer burns. When winter hits, you have to worry about frostbitten paws and the potential of painful burns caused by the salt scattered on nearly every outdoor surface. Tender paws will put a real damper on playtime and your dog’s overall wellbeing. Learn about some of the common paw issues and how...

The Science Behind Why Our Dogs Love Us So Darn Much If you have a dog, then you know that feeling when you look down at your fur baby and you just can’t even fathom how something could love you so unconditionally. As it turns out, you’re right about that love, and there’s science to back it up. Dogs and humans have been linked together for thousands of years, so much so, that there is research to prove that our two species have adapted together. Although dogs are almost genetically identical to wolves, there are important differences. Scientists have found...