Chicago Urban Pets

01/30/2025

MOST POPULAR BLOG POST OF 2024!
(and still going strong...)

Moment of truth.... Is your dog fully potty trained? and if not... where is their fave place to go p*e/p**p in the home...

I'll tell you mine in the comments....

House Breaking Small Breed Dogs: 10 Tips For New Pet Parents If you are introducing a puppy into your home, it is very likely that you will need to house break them during those first few months. Housebreaking is another term for potty training your dog so that they p*e and p**p at certain times and...

01/27/2025

Returning to office life in the new year? 🏢 Weighing the pros and cons of crating your dog during work hours?

Check it out here: https://chicagourbanpets.com/is-it-okay-to-crate-my-dog-when-im-at-work-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-dog-crate/

Do you have to leave your dog at home all day while you’re at work? If so, is it okay to crate them? This is a question that a lot of city-dwellers face. Fortunately, we’re here to help! In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of crating your dog when you’re away from home. We wil...

01/07/2025

Meet CUP’s newest walker, Oliver! Here he is on training day with Abbi, another walker. Welcome to the team, Oliver!

12/22/2024

https://chicagourbanpets.com/5-tips-for-keeping-your-indoor-cat-happy-and-healthy/

What is your favorite trick for keeping your kitty happy at home?

Share in the comments!!!!!

12/15/2024

Don’t take yourself too seriously. Sometimes it’s nice to have a little humility. Do you have a dog that adores you and a cat that couldn’t care less?

12/14/2024

🎄🐾 As we get into the holiday season, remember that some plants commonly used for decoration can be harmful to our furry friends. Here are a few plants that dogs should avoid:

🚫 Poinsettias: These popular holiday plants are mildly toxic to dogs and can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhea.

🚫 Holly: Holly leaves and berries are also toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.

🚫 Mistletoe: Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and even cardiovascular problems in dogs.

🚫 Christmas tree: While not toxic, Christmas trees can be a hazard for dogs if they ingest pine needles, which can puncture their digestive tract.

To keep your furry friend safe during the holidays, keep these plants out of reach and supervise pets around festive decorations. You can also consider using artificial plants instead of live ones.

As always, if you suspect that your dog has ingested something toxic, contact your veterinarian or a poison control center immediately. Safe & happy holidays! 🎁🐶

11/30/2024

Stephanie, the owner of Chicago Urban Pets, has been dog walking in Chicago for over a decade. She has updated this fan-favorite e-book featuring her top-recommended dog products to help you and your pup navigate the challenges of Chicago winters.

11/28/2024

🍁🦃 Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Chicago Urban Pets! We’re grateful to be a part of your pet’s life. As you enjoy your special meal, only share food that is safe for our furry friends!

Turkey: Turkey is a great source of lean protein and can be a healthy addition to your pet’s diet. Just make sure to remove any bones and skin, and avoid giving pets heavily-seasoned or salty meat.

Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a nutritious source of fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. They can be served boiled and mashed, or sliced and roasted. Avoid adding sugary toppings or spices and your pet will love them!

Green Beans: Green beans are a low-calorie, high-fiber vegetable that are safe and healthy for pets. They can be served steamed or raw, but leave out the butter and oil to avoid upsetting your pet’s digestive balance.

Pumpkin: Pumpkin is a great source of fiber and can help aid digestion in pets. You can serve your pet canned or cooked pumpkin but not the sugary pumpkin pie filling that we humans love so much.

Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries are safe for pets to eat in moderation. They are a good source of antioxidants and can help promote urinary tract health. However, don’t give your pet cranberry sauce, since this contains added sugar and spices.

Remember, while it’s tempting to share your Thanksgiving feast with your furry friend, it’s important to do so in moderation and with caution. Stick to these safe and healthy options to ensure that your pet enjoys the holiday with you.



How will you include your pets in the celebration this year?

11/20/2024

🎉 Happy 6 months with CUP Milo & Junebug! 🐾 We're so grateful for your trust in us.

Thank you for being part of the CUP family!

11/19/2024

Walking into the world of pet care, we often hear terms like ‘Dog Walker,’ ‘Dog Sitter,’ and ‘Pet Sitter.’

But what’s the real difference? 🤔 Here’s a leash-up on pet care lingo!

A Dog Walker, as the name suggests, primarily focuses on walking dogs, usually during the workweek. They guarantee your fur-baby gets the daily exercise and outdoor play that they need. 🐾🚶‍♀️

A Dog Sitter, on the other hand, is responsible for all the care your dog needs while you’re away, which can include feeding, providing medication, and yes, walks too. They’re your pooch’s substitute parent until you return! 🐶💕

And a Pet Sitter? Just like a Dog Sitter, but for all types of pets! Whether it’s a cat, bird, or turtle- if you’ve got any type of pet that needs care while you’re away, they’re your go-to person. 🐱🐦🐢

Let’s remember: the specific job titles can often be used interchangeably, but understanding the small differences can help you find the perfect fit for your furry friend! 💫

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11/19/2024

🎉 Happy 6 months with CUP! 🐾 We're so grateful for your trust in us to care for your furry friends Poppy & Boomer.

Thank you for being part of the CUP family!

11/18/2024

🎉 Happy 1-Year Anniversary to the ultimate pup-whisperer, Abbi! 🐾💕 From endless tail wags to countless happy paws, you've been the best friend every dog (and dog parent!) could ask for. Here's to a year of adventures, snuggles, and walks filled with love. Cheers to many more! 🦴🐶✨

11/17/2024

You know you’ve been here . . . Ever feel like you can’t even use the bathroom in peace because your furry friend just has to be there with you, watching and waiting? Most of us have experienced the, um, sheer joy of having a very cute (but well-meaning) audience while we feel nature’s call.

Who needs privacy when you have such a loyal friend, right?

So, to all the dogs out there who just have to follow their owners into the bathroom: thank you for your unwavering support and companionship—even in our less attractive moments. And to all the pet owners out there: solidarity. You’re not the only ones trying to avoid eye contact.

May the odds be ever in your favor, fellow dog-owners!

11/07/2024

🐾 November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month! As we celebrate the holidays with our furry friends, let’s not forget about older animals who are often overlooked in shelters and rescues. Senior pets can make amazing companions with their training, calm demeanor and love of snuggles.

Adopting a senior pet can be a wonderful experience for pet parents. You’ll give a loving home to an animal in need and form a special bond with a wise and loyal companion. Plus, older pets often require less exercise and training than younger ones, making them a great choice for very busy or less physically active households.

If you’re thinking about adopting this season, why not consider a senior? Head to your local shelter and meet some of the amazing older pets waiting for their forever homes. You might just find your perfect match.

Share a pic of your senior pet in the comments below and show some love for these amazing animals! 📸🐾

11/06/2024

Happy 1-year anniversary to the best dog walker around, Victor! 🐾 Thank you for a year of wagging tails, happy walks, and all the love you give our pups. CUP wouldn’t be the same without you! 🎉 Here’s to many more years of paw-some adventures!

11/03/2024

Check out our wonderful team member, mom friend and running candidate for board of education for district 4!
Kimberly Brown!

👉
👉https://www.kimberlybrownforchicago.org

11/03/2024

🎉 3 1/2 years of wagging tails!

Thank you for the wonderful journey and allowing us to care for Oliver. Here’s to many more years of joyful dog walks together! 🐾🌳

10/28/2024

Little leaf… Big feelings 🍁 How is your furry friend celebrating the turn of the season?