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Seven Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool this Summer Summer is finally here Chicago! Bring on the pool days, cold treats, and time spent outdoors. As we are getting hit with the summer heat, it is important to remember that our dogs cannot swap out their fur coats for summer attire. Dogs can easily overheat and become in serious danger if they are left in the heat for too long. Make sure you know the signs and symptoms of an overheated dog and take further precautions to avoid injury. Here are seven ways to keep your dog cool this summer:...

7 Significant Reasons to Hire a Professional Cat Sitter If you are one of the 57.81 million people who have a cat in their household, then you know the pure joy of having a feline companion.<1> And if you are also one of the 62 percent of Americans who traveled or took a vacation away from home in the past year, you also know the angst of leaving your precious tabby behind.<2> Sure, you could box up your cat and drag them to an unfamiliar boarding location, but we all know that these fun furry pets can be finicky. The...

What Summer Treats Can You Share with Your Dog? Summer is a delicious time of year full of seasonal treats. While we lick our ice cream cones and indulge in our picnic spreads, we’ve probably watched our wide-eyed dogs turn on the charm and beg to share. It’s hard to turn down those puppy dog eyes, but it’s helpful to know what treats are a healthy (albeit still tasty!) option for your pet.   Berries Berries are the perfect bite-size snack. These fruits are high in nutritious properties, like antioxidants and fiber, which can make a nice, occasional add-on to...

Five Rainy Day Activities For You and Your Dog Along with warmer weather comes summer rain and storms. Sometimes these storms can last for hours, even days, making you and your dog go stir crazy from sitting inside all day. However, we at Sparky Steps think that just because you can’t take your dog on a walk doesn’t mean that you still can’t have fun or get exercise indoors. Here are some activities for you and your dog to do while it’s raining cat and dogs outside:   Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys can be great for dogs not only when...

Six Reasons to Re-Think Retractable Leashes Here at Sparky Steps, pet safety is always our primary concern. When we walk dogs, we use standard leashes for the dependable control they provide. Pet owners sometimes ask us how we feel about retractable leashes. Actually, we don’t use them – for some very specific reasons. Do you use a retractable leash with your own pooch at home? We definitely understand their appeal! You probably know the type of leash we’re talking about: They’re typically designed with a hard plastic case that houses a thin, flexible cord. This cord unspools so roving canines...