While here in Chicago we're still seeing moderate temps occasionally, summer is here and that means temperatures are on the rise.  As we have fun in the sun and spend time outside not only do we need to take precautions for ourselves but for our pets as well.

Here are some safety reminders to help ensure you and your pet have a fun and safe summer (Source: The humane Society of the U.S. http://bit.ly/1o2p8jC):

1.  Never leave your pet in the car.  At all.  Temperatures can rise quickly to dangerous levels, even with the AC on.

2.  Provide lots of shade and water.  It seems like a no brainer be sure to have these two vital things always available to your pet.

3.  Take it easy on the exercise on very hot days.  Limit the time spent outside and early morning or early evening exercise is best.  Also be aware of hot pavement, it can burn the pads of their feet.

4.  Know the signs of heat stroke: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure, and unconsciousness.

How to Treat heatstroke (via http://bit.ly/1o2p8jC)
"Move your pet into the shade or an air-conditioned area. Apply ice packs or cold towels to her head, neck, and chest or run cool (not cold) water over her. Let her drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes. Take her directly to a veterinarian."

If you’ve walked around Chicago at all this winter you’ve probably seen a dog 
wearing booties of some sort. In fact, there’s a good chance your dog wears them.  While they are cute and make me smile every time I spot a dog trotting along wearing them, they do serve an important purpose.

Just like we need some extra protection in the colder months, so do dogs! Ice and slush cover the sidewalks and depending on the neighborhood, they are not always cleared in a timely manner. In cold temperatures, even on short walks, your dog is at risk of getting to cold walking barefooted and booties can help make their walks more comfortable. While they can take some getting used to, most dogs adapt quickly. 

Side note: Search “dogs wearing boots” on YouTube and experience endless laughs. This is one of my favorites: 

Another, and more important factor booties protect your furry friend from is any ice melt salt that has been place on the sidewalk. The salt can irritate the paws and can be harmful when ingested if the dog were to lick their paws.

If you have any recommendations on boots your dog uses share with us on Facebook and Twitter!

If you opt not to use booties or your dog will not wear them, we recommend rinsing/wiping your dog’s paws when you get home to remove any salt.

Hang in there winter is (hopefully) almost over and spring will be here before you know it!

-Paws in Motion

Through life’s many twists and turns it’s often best to expect the unexpected.  With a focus on your passions though, the unexpected can often lead to great things.  That is somewhat how Paws in Motion, LLC was set into motion!

Originally from Michigan, Paws in Motion Founder and Owner, Mariah moved to Chicago in 2008.  After a few years of waiting tables, she founded Paws in Motion in 2011.  Sure, there were plenty of dog walking companies in the city but she saw that something was missing.  There wasn’t a service that was exactly what pet owners and their furry friends needed, that also combined outstanding customer service and affordability.  She set out to provide that for Chicagoans and their pets and has never looked back.

Today Paws in Motion has grown from a one-woman enterprise to a dog walking team providing for pets all over the city of Chicago offering more than just walks but cat visits, pet sitting, and more.  Paws in Motion, LLC continues to grow as we provide a wide range of services with a focus on excellent customer service.  We strive to meet the needs of your pet and are always willing to accommodate to the best of our abilities.  While it is always good to look back at where we came from, in the spirit of the New Year, we’re always looking forward to what is to come.  As our name suggests we are constantly in motion towards providing the best pet services in Chicago.

-Paws in Motion

P.S.  Be on the lookout for features on all of our walkers to get to know the rest of the Paws in Motion team!

Don’t forget to follow us on all your favorite social media sites:

Welcome to the Paws in Motion Blog! 

This blog will serve as a way for you to keep up with everything that is happening with Paws In Motion. But it won’t be all about us, of course. We’ll blog about a wide array of topics all having to do with our furry friends! From dog parks, pet food, and more we will discuss so many different topics that impact not only you but your pet as well.

As our introductory blog, we’ll take this time to share a little bit about Paws In Motion and all we offer!

Paws In Motion is a premiere dog walking company offering multiple different services in Chicago. We strive to offer the best walks in Chicagoland that are also within your budget. With us, your four-legged friend will receive the utmost care and attention while also having fun.

We are pet owners and lovers ourselves so we know how important your pets are to you. They aren’t just pets, they’re family members! We love what we do and are proud to provide great services that meet your needs. Our walkers participate in ongoing educational courses to maintain their knowledge and skills of professional pet care.

Our services include dog walking, with the option for Puppy Walks where your dog will receive 2 walks per day, perfect for puppies or dogs needing a little more attention. We also offer cat visits, over night pet sitting, holiday visits, emergency visits, and hotel services. Dog walking package discounts are also available.

For more information on our services and how to get started with Paws In Motion please visit our website, www.pawsinmotionchicago.com or email Mariah@pawsinmotionchicago.com.


Also, we’re stepping up our social media game so be sure to follow us on Twitter (@PawsInMotionChi), Instagram (@pawsinmotionchi), and Facebook.


-Paws in Motion