Blog — Writer_Christian_Harvey

Fun things to do with your pup in the Spring Spring is finally here! Your pup is surely as anxious to get back outside as you are after a long winter. We here at Sparky Steps know that cabin fever is real. So we’ve created a list of some fun things you and your dog can do now that the season of new beginnings is upon us!   Go on a hike If you think you’re tired of the same old walking route, imagine how your pup feels! They’ve had to endure shorter walks and dashes into the backyard for...

Three Reasons You Should Consider A Shelter Animal Adopt! There are many reasons why you should consider adoption when you’re looking to welcome a pet to your family.   To reduce euthanasia Shelters are often overlooked when people are shopping for a dog or cat, and the euthanasia numbers reflect this. Each year, approximately 1.5 shelter animals are euthanized in the U.S. because the facilities become overcrowded. By adopting pets rather than buying them from other sources, you’re freeing up room for the shelter to bring in more animals in need. Adopting a single dog or cat creates a ripple...

How Smoking Affects Your Pet Smoking can have extremely adverse affects on your pet. The harmful substances found in cigarettes such as nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide cause animals to develop the same problems that can arise from smoking as humans do. Some of these conditions include respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis or asthma, heart disease, multiple forms of cancer and nasal tumors. There are a number of ways that toxins from cigarettes can make their way into your pet’s system. The first being secondhand smoke. Breathing in cigarette smoke isn’t good for your furry friend’s health, and can lead...

Seasonal Allergies Spring is truly a remarkable season. The flowers are blooming, the grass is growing and it just seems like earth is coming back to life. However, despite all of the cheerful colors and warmer weather, allergies quickly become a problem. Dogs often struggle with seasonal allergies just like we do! There are a number of potential culprits that could be causing your pet’s discomfort, namely pollen, plants, mold or insects. It’s important to observe your pet and to recognize some of the warning signs so that you can take the necessary steps to help. Below are some allergy...

How to Walk Your Dog in Chicago Last Updated: 3/17/2019 Here at Sparky Steps, we know how excited your pup gets when you sing out “do you want to go for a walk?” That’s why our dog-walking team consists of only the most compassionate, enthusiastic and safety-oriented people. There are many great things to see and do throughout Chicago, which begs a very serious question: “How can I make sure my dog and I have the best walk possible?” Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Map out your adventure To ensure the best possible walk, plan out the route you...