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Storm Stress? Five Hints to Soothe an Anxious Hound The Midwest can truly be a mixed bag of weather-related spectacles. Here at Sparky Steps, our dog walkers understand this firsthand. A single Chicago season might include everything from sudden windstorms, to driving rain, to thundersnow. Humans can prepare themselves – but when it comes to our prized pups, it’s tough to explain rough weather in advance. And if your dog is afraid of loud noises, even a brief summer squall could provoke a full-fledged canine panic attack. Fortunately, there are sensible steps you can take to help soothe, reassure and...

Safe Fresh Fruit and Veggie Treats August means fresh fruit and veggies abound in gardens and local farmer’s markets. While we may love tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, corn, and squash, our pups might find some of those foods difficult to digest. Read on to learn more about which fruits and veggies can be shared as an occasional treat!   Tomatoes Solanine is a substance found in the leaves and stem of the tomato plant and also in unripe, green tomatoes. Solanine is potentially harmful to dogs if it is ingested in large amounts. If your pup enjoys gardening with you,...

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...

Too Hot For a Walk? How to Keep Your Dog Active on Blazing Hot Summer Days There's a reason we refer to summer days as hazy and lazy: when the air is humid and the heat index is into the triple digits, NO ONE wants to go for a walk...and that includes your fur baby. In fact, it's not recommended that pets go for a walk on hot summer days. For one, that pavement is HOT. A sunny day in the 80s can bake asphalt to more than 140 degrees! The minimum temperature for frying an egg? 130 degrees! So,...

Chicago Loves Mutts: The City’s Top Dog Breeds Chicago is a city of dog lovers. Dog owners crowd Montrose Dog Beach to play in the lake with their pups. When you step outside, you’ll inevitably see dogs faithfully trotting alongside their owners (or lunging for the nearest pigeon). Block Club Chicago did a deep dive into city data to find out the top breeds in Chicago.   Mutts Take the Top Prize If you go to any given dog park in the city, the conversation starters are pretty much the same. What’s your dog’s name? How old is she? What...