Blog — Category_Safety

Is it Safe for my Dog to Be Off-Leash in my Yard without a fence?

Category_Dogs Category_Opinion_Piece Category_Safety Category_Security Writer_Cheryl_Hentz

Is it Safe for my Dog to Be Off-Leash in my Yard without a fence?

Why Dogs Should Never Be Off-Leash, Even in Their Own (Unfenced) Yard How many times have you been walking your dog and been approached by other dogs, presumably in their own yard, but not leashed? Have you worried about what could happen if they left the yard and attacked you? What if your dog thought you were being attacked and went after the other dogs? The reality is, accidents can happen in a split-second. Dog owners should be considerate toward people walking down the sidewalk or street, even if they’re not walking with any dogs of their own.   Poor...

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Why You Must Microchip Your Pet

Category_Dogs Category_Informational Category_Microchip Category_Safety Category_Security Writer_Audrey_Beim

Why You Must Microchip Your Pet

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...

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Help Your Dog Avoid These Outdoor Garden Dangers

Category_Dogs Category_Health Category_Safety Writer_MaryBeth_Bittel

Help Your Dog Avoid These Outdoor Garden Dangers

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...

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4 Tips on How to Introduce a New Pet to Kids

Category_Adopt_Shelter_Animals Category_Dogs Category_Kids Category_Safety Writer_Audrey_Beim

4 Tips on How to Introduce a New Pet to Kids

4 Tips on How to Introduce a New Pet to Kids Your kids have been pleading and making that adorable sad face every time you turn around. So, you've finally given in and decided to adopt a family pet. The family has agreed to visit the local shelter and find a new companion that everyone can adore. But before you take the leap into becoming a pet parent, it would be wise to do some investigation on the best way to introduce your kids to your new family member. The initial meeting of kids and a new dog can influence...

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Top Five Tips to Help Maximize Dog Park Safety

Category_Dogs Category_Dog_Parks Category_Dog_Training Category_Dog_Walking Category_Safety Writer_MaryBeth_Bittel

Top Five Tips to Help Maximize Dog Park Safety

Top Five Tips to Help Maximize Dog Park Safety If you’re a canine lover from Chicagoland, you’ve probably got a favorite local dog park. These open-air, off-leash havens are popular places to let your pooch roam free. They can also let you switch up your daily walking routine, while still enjoying the spring and summer sunshine. And the greater Chi-Town area offers so many options: from the fenced-in Grant Bark Park; to the 3.83-acre Montrose Dog Beach; to outlying alternatives like Naperville’s sprawling Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve Dog Park. Here at Sparky Steps, we believe these numerous Rover-friendly retreats can...

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