Destructive chewing is a common problem that many dog owners face. Maybe you’ve come home to find that your favorite pair of shoes, a brand new pillow, or even an entire couch cushion suddenly have teeth marks in them. Whether we like it or not, chewing is a natural behavior for all dogs. These instincts span back to their wild ancestors and are a fact of life for all canines. Dogs use their mouths to investigate the world around them, much like human babies do when they begin to get curious. 

Many dog owners feel as though a collar alone isn’t enough protection for their dog when walking. Collars can loosen easily, slip over a dog’s head, or cause an excess amount of pressure on their neck, which can lead to breathing issues or neck pain. While collars are an important tool in everyday dog care, having a quality harness on hand is never a bad idea.

Now that 2023 Spring is officially in full swing, many people find themselves searching for fun activities to enjoy with their dogs. The warmer weather can be a great time for walks, car rides, and splashing around in creeks. In addition to those activities, Springfield hosts a large variety of dog-friendly events every spring that you and your pet are sure to enjoy!

Coffee is one of America’s favorite pastimes. In Springfield, it’s not hard to find a coffee shop on nearly every corner of town. Whether you’re looking for a latte, a Frappuccino, or just a plain black coffee, you’re sure to find a favorite with all the different cafes. For pet owners, finding a favorite coffee shop that also allows furry friends can be tricky. This list is composed of dog-friendly places, so your dog will be able to join you on the adventure!

No one likes feeling itchy and uncomfortable all the time, and the same goes for dogs. Dogs can experience dry skin, rashes, and other skin conditions the same way that humans can. While dry skin isn’t necessarily hazardous to your pet’s health, it can cause discomfort. Luckily, dry skin is easy to spot and treat, so your pet will be feeling like themself again in no time!

Springfield is home to quite a few locally owned restaurants and bakeries, and not all of them cater to humans! The bakeries listed make fresh treats and goodies for your furry family members. Most are made for dogs, but some have a few cat-friendly options as well. In addition to making your pets happy, you’ll be supporting local businesses that love your animals almost as much as you do. 

As the weather gets warmer, many people find themselves searching for fun activities to keep their dogs entertained and out of the heat. Swimming can be a great option for summer fun, but it does come with risks. Thankfully, there’s several precautions that can be taken to keep your pet safe around water. 

Resource guarding is a common behavior in pets where they become possessive over objects or spaces such as toys, food, treats, or even their sleeping area. Resource guarding can lead to aggressive behavior, which can be dangerous for both the pet and the people around them. This could be presented in many ways, but is commonly known as lunging or snapping at those around them when they are holding something valuable. This is a natural behavior for all animals, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t solutions. 

Dog training is hard. Sometimes it can feel like you’re doing the best that you can, and still not seeing the results that you’ve been hoping for. Being able to recognize that is a good thing, and can lead you to realize where you might be going wrong. There’s a plethora of easy mistakes to make when it comes to dog ownership, and listed are some of the most common.

Litter box training comes naturally to most cats. Adult cats tend to seek out grainy places to go to the bathroom, even if they’re strays. However, older cats and young kittens that have never been exposed to a litter box may need a bit more help to learn where it’s appropriate to go while inside the house. 

Changes in pet behavior can occur for many reasons. If your dog or cat is suddenly acting unlike their usual self, it’s always a good idea to have them checked by a vet first and foremost. Many illnesses, such as chronic pain, can show symptoms that are very similar to depression. Ruling out physical causes helps to determine how your pet is truly feeling and why. If your vet determines that your pet is physically healthy, it can be time to consider depression as a possibility. While depression in pets isn’t clinical in the way that it is for humans, it can still affect their quality of life.

As professional dog walkers, we have had the opportunity to work with many different types of dogs, including those that need to be walked in groups. Walking multiple dogs at the same time can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and equipment, it can also be a rewarding experience for both the dogs and the owner.

One of the most common reasons that people hire house sitters is because they have pets that need to be cared for. However, there are plenty of benefits to having a house sitter, even if you don’t have any furry friends at home.  It would seem easy to lock up and walk away hoping the dead bolts and codes will ward off any potential ill-willed visitors but unfortunately, that just isn’t always the case. Your home is probably by far your biggest asset and should be treated as such. Protect it and everything inside, living or not.

Hiking and exploring is a favorite pastime of many people and their dogs. Not all trails allow pets, so finding a place to do this can be challenging. Luckily, Springfield has plenty of opportunities to get outside and bring your four-legged companions along. 

Dogs eat poop due to different behavioral and physiological issues. It can be disgusting but there’s a reason why and hopefully an answer to the problem. There are a few theories as to why dogs may eat poop. One theory is that they are lacking certain nutrients in their diet, so they eat poop in an attempt to supplement their nutrients. Another theory is that they are simply exploring their environment and trying new things.

Before you adopt, you should plan. Having everything in place before bringing your dog home will help with their stress, and yours. You should prepare a safe space for them and dog-proof the area. Remove anything that you don’t want chewed on and anything that could be harmful.

Kidney stones form due to an imbalance of calcium, protein, and salt and are more common in female dogs of certain breeds. These breeds include Bichons, Poodles, Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers. Kidney stones can occur naturally over time, or may be influenced by medicines. Kidney stones in dogs can be painful and can cause health problems if left untreated. They can cause blockages in the urinary tract, leading to difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, and abdominal pain.

When your dog pulls while on a walk, you may ask several questions. Am I too slow? Are they too excited? Are they trying to establish dominance over me and take over? While the first two questions may be factual, your dog is not pulling because they want to achieve dominance. They simply want to explore and cover a larger area than us humans typically do. The only surefire way to stop this behavior is to avoid walking altogether, but that is not something that is recommended. There are too many benefits to getting outside with your loved ones to let a behavior such as pulling get in the way. 

The holidays can be stressful for humans and pets alike. The anxiety that arises with visitors coming and going, making and changing of plans, and end of the year bustling can be overwhelming. If you’re planning to have a party or gathering at your home, it’s important to consider your pets' safety. There’s a few things we can do to help them be extra comfortable and safe while entertaining guests or having family over for an extended stay.

With the holiday season coming up, many plants can make their way into your home by way of decoration or gifts. Many of them can be harmful to your pets if swallowed and some if touched. If the unthinkable happens, pet parents have options. The best option is to call your veterinarian. If that option is unavailable the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) or Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) are available.