Finding dog-friendly paths in Chicago
The city of Chicago is home to many great walking and biking paths that therefore attract many dog walkers. Chicago paths are filled with dogs during the summer months, and even during cold, snowy winters, one can find many dogs running alongside their owners. Dog-friendly paths should include: Paved surfaces Ample shade Conveniently located water fountains Access to ample green space While dogs are innately wild creatures, finding a paved path may be better than rough terrain for your dog’s paws. If you and your dog are walking or running near loose gravel or a construction area, it’s more likely that they will get something caught between the pads of their paws. Also, depending on the time of day you take your dog for a walk, you’ll want to find a path that provides ample shading. In general, it is not great to walk your dog at high noon as dogs, like people, can get dehydrated from intense sun. If, however, that is the only time you can go dog walking in Chicago, be sure you’re taking your dog on a path that’s shaded from direct sunlight. Large trees and bushes will usually do the trick! With that said, it’s also important that the path on which you’re walking or running has water fountains spread conveniently along it. Constant exercise and exposure to the elements can leave dogs parched and dehydrated. Prevent any medical emergencies your dog may have from being dehydrated by giving them frequent drink breaks and keeping them in tip-top shape. Paths in the city are great for dog walkers in Chicago who need to quickly get their dogs exercise, however sometimes it’s nice to take time to play fetch with your dog. With that said, try locating a path that opens into a wider green space so your dog can roam freely. Chicago has many parks and even ones that are fenced in so dogs can run without a leash. A path that has access to a great green space will allow your pup to play and run around with his or her doggie friends. When dogs run freely, they expend more energy than they would on just an ordinary walk. This will keep your dog healthy and active longer. As always, be respectful to fellow Chicago dog walkers and their pups by carrying a plastic bag and cleaning up after your dog. There’s nothing worse than having to traverse a path that has been soiled by other dogs. So take advantage of the many parks and paths Chicago has to offer dog owners. It will not only keep your dog, but you as well, healthy and in shape.
Keeping your dog active during Chicago Winters
Chicago summers are filled with sunshine and warm weather, perfect for walking your dog and keeping him or her active. But when winter rolls around, it’s hard to keep up the routine. If it’s too cold outside or if there’s a lot of snow and slush on the sidewalks, most pups and their owners would rather stay inside. So instead of the long run or walk that they are used to taking in the summer, dogs usually just get let out to relieve themselves. Dogs, however, need to exercise daily, especially if they’re cooped up in a city apartment during the day while their owners are working. A great solution is to hire a dog walker in Chicago. Dog walking in Chicago doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, if you’re proactive about making sure your dog stays healthy with exercise, you won’t have to spend money on future medical bills due to your dog’s deteriorating health. During the winter months, and even during the summer, a Chicago dog walker can come to your house once or twice a day to either walk or let out your dog. Chicago-based dog walking companies, like Cruisin’ Canines, oftentimes schedule visits for either 15 or 30 minutes so it all depends on your dog’s size and need for physical activity. Maybe you’re home during the day and have time to walk your dog, but perhaps your pup dislikes the cold and snow. Try outfitting him or her in some winter doggy gear! Since the winter months can be difficult and cold for dogs, purchase some sort of sweater or boots for them, especially if they’re shorthaired dogs. While some dogs don’t like wearing doggie clothes, give it a try and see if your dog will wear them. If you and your dog have cold weather gear on, your walk or run will be surprisingly enjoyable. During the winter months you’ll notice the paths and streets are much less crowded than they are in the summer. During the summer, the paths are filled with exercisers and other dogs, but during the winter, you’ll find the paths serene, making your exercise time with your pup significantly more private and relaxing. Additionally, if you get a puppy during winter, it’s crucial you get them into some sort of routine right off the bat. Hiring a Chicago dog walker to come to your house during the day to feed and let out your puppy will help them establish some sort of routine so that, come summer, she or he is trained and ready for your summer schedule.
Cruisin’ Canines Friday Favorites!!!
Check out dog sled racing during Snow Days Chicago at Navy Pier’s Gateway Park Saturday January 28th-Monday January 30th. The free festival includes snow sculpting competitions, dog sledding competitions, snowboard rail jam, kids’ activities and live entertainment. You can take your dog with you to Snow Days Chicago but they are not permitted inside of Navy Pier. Dogs will be strutting their stuff at Fashion Week in New York next month! Pooches will be showing off the new line of New Yorkie pet apparel to benefit Angel on a Leash an organization that creates therapy dog programs for hospitals and institutions. Homemade Chicken Jerky Treats! Very simple and easy in the oven or food dehydrator without all of the added preservatives! Top 5 Most Expensive Dogs Breeds. Does your dog make the list? No dog lover can resist the Travelers Insurance commericals featuring Chopper, the rescue dog turned pooch celeb. Get out and enjoy the snow this weekend with your dog!
Dog Walking in Chicago Winter
Walking your dog in Chicago during the winter can be really hard on dogs and humans! Here are a few tips on how to keep your dog warm and what to look for if you think your dog has hypothermia: http://bit.ly/eLtf3W Do you ever wonder how dog’s feet do not freeze when they are outside in the snow and ice? The pads on their feet contain fatty tissue which doesn’t freeze easily. To find out more, check out this article and the study published in the journal Veterinary Dermatology: http://huff.to/wEpDp1 Have you ever considered that cranking up the indoor heat in your home could cause potential health risks in your pets? Electric blankets and fireside snoozing could cause thermal skin burns: http://bit.ly/AeXgGt Always remember to wipe or clean off your dog’s paws after walking on sidewalks with salt and deicers. They can irritate their paws and can lead to possible toxicity if ingested. Here are some other helpful tips for winter paw care: http://bit.ly/AAggSH How do you keep your dog warm and safe during the winter? We would love to hear any suggestions or products that you use to pass along to everyone! Stay warm!!!
Cruisin’ Canines Friday Favorites
Woman spends $50,000.00 to clone her cute pooch, Trouble. You have to watch the clip to see the bedspread she made with him on it! http://bit.ly/zH4PpK There is good news for every wonderful person who foster’s pets, it’s tax deductible!! Here are some helpful tips to ensure you get credited for your expenses: http://bit.ly/x7wj1J Dog Treat of the Week: Bacon & Cheddar Treats! Who doesn’t love bacon!!! http://bit.ly/9llyeY One of our favorite videos of all time, Denver getting busted for getting into cat treats: http://bit.ly/zCsocd Have a wonderful weekend!
Dog Friendly Bars in Chicago
It’s Thursday; do you know what your plans are for this weekend? Do you enjoy drinking adult beverages and hanging out with your dog? If you don’t want to be house bound this weekend why not check out some of Chicago’s finest Dog Friendly Bars. There are a few rules put in place by the City of Chicago available at cityofchicago.org when taking your dog to a bar: Dogs may only be permitted in areas that are outside and accessible from the street. Dogs are not permitted to be in, or travel through, any indoor portion of the retail food establishment or in any area where food is prepared, with the exemption of service animals. Dogs must be kept on leashes at all times. Dogs must bear a rabies vaccination tag or other proof of a rabies vaccination. Tables and chairs at which patrons with dogs are seated shall be cleaned and sanitized between seating of patrons. Dogs may not be provided any food except for water. Employees may not have contact with a dog. This is probably not acceptable in some bars: Here are just a few: The Corner in Bucktown: http://bit.ly/zZ30YX The Four Treys in Roscoe Village: http://www.fourtreys.com/ Cody’s Public House in Lakeview: http://bit.ly/zXTc3k Cody is a Bloodhound! If you know of any great dog friendly bars, let us know!! Enjoy the snow with your dogs!!
Cruisin’ Canines January 2012 Dog of Month is…
Bella and Maggie!! Maggie Breed: Bernese Mountain Dog Age: 8 1/2yrs Where we live: Bucktown Joys in Life: The beach, the park, Wisconsin, eating things I shouldn’t be (kitchen mitts, magazines, underwear, socks, toilet paper, mulch and wood shavings), insisting on dictating where to go for walks and barking. Cruisin’ Canines Chicago Dog Walker: Jaime Chicago Dog Walking Buddies: Jaime likes to enjoy us all to herself 🙂 Bella Breed: Bernese Mountain Dog Age: 6 1/2yrs Where we live: Bucktown Joys in Life: Eating more than my share of food, chasing squirrels, the park, the beach, getting overly exciting and foaming at the mouth when I see other dogs, lakes and being in the water. Cruisin’ Canines Chicago Dog Walker: Jaime Chicago Dog Walking Buddies: Jaime likes to enjoy us all to herself 🙂