Barks and Blooms: Home of the Fantastically Fabulous Pet Sitters

11/04/2024

is a fantastic opportunity to ensure the well-being of our beloved animal companions. It's a chance to show them some extra love and attention while also taking care of their practical needs. Taking the time to go through their toys, maintaining a pet-friendly environment, keeping track of vaccinations, and ensuring their identification tags are up to date are all crucial steps in responsible pet ownership.

Additionally, offers a chance to extend our care beyond our own pets. Whether it's donating supplies to shelters, assisting a friend in need with their pets, or even considering adoption for those who are ready for the commitment, there are numerous ways to celebrate and support pets everywhere.

So, let's seize the opportunity to shower our furry friends with affection and ensure they have everything they need for a happy and healthy life!

11/04/2024

This sweet kitty cat needs a new home. He is 11 months old, neutered, very sweet. Litter box trained. Let us know if you have questions. ❤️

01/04/2024

Always doing what we can! Teehee!

The Secret Dog Walker nailed it.
💯🔨🎯. Hey, when it comes to our furry friends, we do what we can, amirite?!! 😁🙋‍♀️🦸‍♀️🐰🍫

01/04/2024

'Dog is Good,’ a Dog Lifestyle company that creates and markets gifts for dog lovers, is launching "Schittin’ Pretty", the Dog Treat with a Purpose!’ According to a press release from the company, the dog treat gives back to the environment. Where the dog defecates, a tree will grow. How, do you ask? DIG Director of Product Development Gayle Chait says that part of the treat will remain undigested and pass through the dog as a fully fertilized seed ready to grow various trees, flowers, or grasses.
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Gotcha! April Fools. :)

23/03/2024

You know it’s National Puppy Day, right? How are you spoiling your pups today? . Mine like cheese. 😜

23/03/2024

It's National Puppy Day! Show us your puppers!

18/03/2024

March 18th is National Awkward Moments Day. This is an annual day that every person can relate to! What awkward pet moments can you share? We all have them, people!

13/03/2024

On March 13, 1942, the Army began training for its new War Dog Program, also known as the "K-9 Corps," marking the first time dogs were officially a part of the U.S. Armed Forces. is a day set aside to honor and commemorate the service and sacrifices of the American military and working dogs throughout history.

20/02/2024

Is today National Love Your Pet Day? Yes it is! Barks and Blooms has been loving your pets for 16 years and we love our job! Whatever you decide to do to spoil and appreciate your pet today, share your pics here! 💕

20/11/2023

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with close friends and family — and that typically means dogs, too.
But with an overabundance of enticing food, busy schedules, and perhaps a lot of unfamiliar guests, pet health and safety risks abound during the holiday.

Some Tips To Make Sure Everyone Is Happy.
The best way to protect your dog from these toxic Thanksgiving foods is by limiting their access to the cooking and dining areas. Consider creating a quiet, safe space where your dog can chill out and relax in the midst of all the chaos. This is especially important if your pet is able to access kitchen countertops while you are cooking or serving food.

Be sure to instruct all guests to avoid feeding your dog scraps from the table during dinner. We know it’s difficult to say no to those puppy dog eyes, but it’s truly in your dog's best interest.

You can always include your pet in the Thanksgiving festivities by giving them a special treat or toy designed specifically for dogs. This will ensure that your furry family member is safe, happy, and healthy throughout the holiday.

Thanksgiving foods that are toxic to dogs include:
Chocolate – contains theobromine, which causes seizures and even death.
- Grapes or Raisins – can cause kidney failure
- Onions and Garlic – can destroy blood cells leading to anemia.
- Milk and Dairy Products – can cause diarrhea and digestive issues
- Alcohol – can cause comas, death, and intoxication
- Xylitol (candy/gum, sweetener) can cause liver failure, hypoglycemia and death
- Avocado – contains a chemical called persin, which in large amounts can make your dog very sick
- Mushrooms – can cause shock or death
- Caffeine – can cause vomiting, and diarrhea and is toxic to the nervous system and heart.
- Walnuts and Macadamias – can cause nervous system and muscle damage
Cooked bones – can cause stomach lacerations
Additionally, many Thanksgiving foods (such as turkey, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and casseroles) are very heavy on spices, oils, and butter, which can seriously upset your pet’s stomach.

If your pet ingests any of these toxic foods on Thanksgiving day, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Depending on the ingredient and quantity they consumed, this may be an emergency situation where time is of the essence!

10/11/2023

We love this! You can stop by Flavor Cupcakery and get your own pooch some delicious pup-cakes!

07/11/2023

Welcome to the Barks and Blooms family, Murphy! We 💜you.

11/09/2023

We remember.

26/08/2023

Happy National Dog Day, everyone! Let's see 'em! 😍

15/07/2023

We just discovered that Barks & Blooms received an honorable mention in the Baltimore Sun for Best Pet Day Care! Thanks to everyone who voted! We're blushing a little bit....

14/06/2023

Which ones do your dogs do?

13/06/2023

❤️

🐶💜🐶

24/05/2023

We love this!

14/05/2023

Happy Mother’s Day!

04/05/2023

ITS ROBIN SEASON!

How much do you know about the American Robin?

We see robins across much of North America in all seasons. But when something is that familiar, we rarely dig deep into what we don’t know! So here’s a little primer:

Baby robins hatch just 12 to 14 days after their mothers lay eggs. This incubation term is shorter than most birds, which means they are less developed. You can actually see their organs under their thin, yellow skin. Some say this makes them the ugliest babies. I think they are the most magnificent birds to watch grow, partly because their nests are pretty accessible and also because change happens so quickly!

A robin hatchling grows from 5.5 grams. (less than the weight of a quarter) to the same size as its adult parents in just two weeks! How on Earth is this possible? It might have something to do with eating a full 14 feet of earthworms within their first 2 weeks.

Baby robins jump from their nest when they are about 13 days old. (The range is anywhere from 9 - 16, so don’t stress if 13 isn’t their lucky number).

After fledging, babies to become strong fliers and independent birds in just another 10-15 days. (I could put exclamation marks at the end of every sentence, but I’ll spare you. Just know I’m thinking them.)

Once fledged, baby robins are often grounded for a few days. During these vulnerable few days, and as they perfect their hunting skills, their parents will continue to feed them.

What comes next? Now they watch other adult robins to learn their way while mom and dad leave them to get busy with another clutch of eggs. They have to get busy quickly since the life span of a robin is roughly 2 years.

Oh, and robins reuse nests only for a single season. Once I photographed this last baby about to fledge, the nest became fair game. This year, a pair of house wrens are recycling the structure. Mama is sitting on eggs right now. Isn’t the cycle of life just incredible? !!! (

23/03/2023

It’s National Puppies Day. We have been caring for Gryff and Abby since they were puppies ! We LOVE our dogs