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Indestructible Dog Toys When it comes to chew toys, is your dog a demolition expert? At Sparky Steps, we know that no two dogs are alike. Because of that, some dogs need toys that are more indestructible than others. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of three “indestructible” dog toys that your pet can sink his teeth into!   Nylabone Nylabone dog toys offer both long-lasting edible dog bones and “indestructible” chew toys. There are a wide variety of bone-shaped chew toys available. While your pet is sure to love chewing the toy, they will also the bones’ taste. Nylabone...

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...

Spring, Fleas and Ticks, Oh My! Ahhhh… When the snow and ice melt and spring arrives, everyone at Sparky Steps looks forward to sunny days, leafy trees, fresh air and Sparky Steps dog walking! Sparky Steps dog walkers know that the change of seasons brings even more outdoor time for our furry friends. If April showers bring May flowers, June is sure to bring spring and fleas and ticks – Oh my! As soon as green grass grows, and flowers appear, so do fleas and ticks. Sparky Steps wants to make sure that your pet stays healthy and enjoys fun...

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...

Keeping Your Life Healthy With Dogs Whatever stage of life you are in, is the perfect time for a four-legged companion. Pet parents come in all ages, genders, and demographics. In fact, it is estimated that 40% of Americans who are 70 years or older own a pet. As we all age, our pets provide more enrichment to our lives than we could ever imagine. Statistics show that older adults who are dog owners benefit from the bonds they form with their canine companions.   A Good Match Older adults are a great companion for all types of dogs, but...