Blog — Writer_Carrie_Pallardy

5 Tips for Anyone Interested in Fostering Dogs Every year, 1.6 million shelter dogs are adopted, according to the ASPCA. Some of those dogs go straight from the shelter to their forever homes, but many are cared for by foster families first. Some dogs need a little extra love and care to become healthy, happy, and well-behaved before being adopted. Fostering is a rewarding experience for pet and person, but it is a serious commitment. If you are considering fostering, take into consideration these important steps you’ll need to take during the process. Prepare Your Home Dog-proofing your home is...

7 Ways to Keep Your Dog Calm and Happy Through the Stress of the Holidays The holiday season is just around the corner. For people that means second and third helpings of delicious food, opening presents, and catching with family. But, it can mean a stressful change in schedule for your pets. Here are a few tips for helping your dog handle your hectic holiday schedule.   If You Are Traveling with Your Dog Many people bring their dogs home for the holidays, which can mean long hours in the car and a big change in their schedule. Have the...

What You Should Know About Pet Insurance for Dogs Pets are an important part of our lives. We plan our days around their needs, flood our social media with their photos, and love spending time with them. We want our dogs to be healthy and happy, which means vet bills are inevitable. From annual vaccinations to emergency trips, those costs can add up quickly. Annual vaccination packages can range from $100 to $200 per pet, according to The Nest. An emergency like eating chocolate can result in a bill ranging from $250 to $2,000, according to Preventive Vet. And, those...

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...

How to Introduce a Second Dog into Your Home Sometimes it is just impossible to say no to a second pair of imploring puppy eyes. If you are thinking about bringing another dog home, whether a puppy or an adult, check out these five tips to make the transition as smooth as possible. Fashion portrait of a dog wearing sunglasses sitting outdoor in the park Carefully Arrange the First Introduction Even if your first dog is well socialized, there is a good chance he or she will feel at least a little territorial about their home and you. A new...