Our Purposeful Pet Project

04/08/2024

28/07/2024

To round out the testing I looked at the E.P.A. registered repellants DEET ( people) and permethrin (dogs only)

DEET: Freshly sprayed, ticks moved to the opposite side of the container! A reaction I never saw before. 1 hour later they approached and diverted around the pad. In field 0 ticks on towel

Permethrin: Ticks avoided the pad both when freshly sprayed, 1 hour and even 5 days later. In field, 0 ticks on the towel.

In summary Ultrasonic : No effect seen
Essential Oil: Repellency seemed to last mere minutes*
E.P.A. registered products appeared effective.

*The strong odor associated with essential oil sprays may be a welfare concern since dog and cat's sense of smell is so sensitive.
** Clove oil is not recommended for cats, it is toxic. Unfortunately, the label didn't convey this and only cautioned to monitor cats after use.

Any products you'd like to see tested Comment below

20/07/2024

Back from the field! Odd, but I consistently collected more ticks from the essential oil sprayed towels than the product free towels. A's towel had 8 ticks, the control 4, B 's had 8 ticks, the control 2 and for C, 2 ticks on that towel and 0 on the control.

Overall, I found the performance of these products disappointing.

15/07/2024

The ticks have been working hard testing essential oil (EO) sprays for pets. Each EO is a complex mix of chemicals. To prevent adverse effects, they are used in diluted forms.

My ticks avoided the cloths when freshly sprayed, but that effect didn't seem to last very long. It seemed like once the alcohol from product A wore off it had limited if any repellency. They appeared to avoid product C for ~15 min. and B, the spray with the highest EO content a bit longer than that. Next up Field tests!

Product A 1 % Cedarwood Oil/ 1% Peppermint Oil Product B 4.5% Cedarwood Oil /1% Peppermint Oil Product C 0.7% Eugenol ( clove) 0.3 % Peppermint Oil

09/07/2024

First up, an ultrasonic repellent tag. My ticks walked toward, onto and INTO the tag. For the field test I did twelve 10 min towel drags, six with the tag and six without. I caught 4 ticks without using the tag and 5 with using the tag. It seems there was minimal if any repellent effect.

07/07/2024

Ticks congregate at trail edges, perched on vegetation, waiting to latch onto whatever brushes against them. To avoid ticks, walk down the middle of the trail, to collect ticks drag a white towel at the trail edge.

My ticks are home and after they settle in the tests will start.

05/07/2024

Ticks can carry and transmit "nasty" diseases. Avoiding areas of high tick activity (tall grass, woodpiles and moist shady areas) and thoroughly checking yourself and your pet after outings is highly recommended. However, ticks can be challenging to find, especially among fur, so additional measures may be needed. Are repellents effective? Follow us to find out! I'm off to collect some ticks!

03/07/2024

Safety reminder not only for the 4th of July holiday but all summer long!

01/07/2024

4th of July tips to keep your pets safe.

29/06/2024

Stop by for Dog Daze today! Tobias is waiting for you to join us!

26/06/2024

Choosing a chew for your pup!

22/06/2024

Yorktown shopping center today, 10 to 4pm by the escalators outside Van Maur store! You can bring your 4-legged friend for an adventure day or meet some rescues. Beat the heat and let your pet enjoy the agility course that is set up!

01/06/2024

Rain, Rain, go away...Tomorrow we want to get out and Play!!! That's right, we will be at North Central College in Naperville from 9 to 1pm to support A.D.O.P.T pet shelter walk a thon and family event . STOP BY and bring thr whole family. Check out the player for more details!

28/05/2024

Tobias out on the Town! Yesterday we went and explored Fullersburg Woods and it did not disappoint. There is wildlife around every turn so our pups who like to chase little critters may have a tricky time staying focused on a snif-fari while there. The outer loop, Night Heron trail takes you past Graue Mill and over a couple bridges. Walkers beware, this path also has some steeper inclines than other trails we have explored. If you are up for a little bit of a challenge, it won't disappoint.

Tobias gives this trail four 🐾 🐾 paws up for scenic view, abundance of wildlife and the fact he slept most of the afternoon away!

27/05/2024

Today and always we take time to remember those who sacrificed for our freedom. The brave men, women and animals that have served their country with honor will never be forgotten.

22/05/2024

Not sure how to get started with enrichment toys or games? Take a look at your pups heritage! What traits were they bred for in the past?

Sight hounds might love a Flirt pole to chase the prize at the end of the stick

Scent hounds would LOVE to search for their food/treats. Drag a hot dog on a string around the yard leaving pieces on the scent trail as you go.

Herding dogs can enjoy large balls that they can push around with their bodies directing the path forward

Working dogs love a job to do. Teach them to pick up their toys or place recycling in a bin. A rewarding game for them and helpful for you.

Endurance animals can find pleasure in exploring new places. Check out the local forest preserves and teach the to carry a back pack.

Water lovers can go "bobbing" for ice cubes, plain or flavored! Set out a large bowl or kiddie pool and let the enjoy some playtime!

The ideas are endless. Have questions or need ideas 💡...let us know in the comments below!

18/05/2024

Tobias out on the Town!
The other day, we enjoyed Cricket Creek Forest Preserve. There are a lot of paths to explore to create the distance you desire.

On the north of Fullerton, there is a nice little paved trail for your smaller pups. There is also a stone path that heads north.

The south side of Fullerton has a beautiful path around a pond. What makes this path so unique is that the trees are set back away from the trail. You still get the beautiful forestry view but clear view of the sky. Stop by and take in the view!

11/05/2024

Tobias can't wait to see you tomorrow 5/11
at Cool Acre Park in Aurora, IL for
BARK IN THE PARK!
11 am to 3 pm

09/05/2024

Any age, size, shape, breed or species, our pets need enrichment in their lives. Keep an eye out for toys that provide additional stimulation for your pets brain! Puzzle toys/feeding toys are a great way to keep your pet engaged in finding a solution. No need to buy something, what can you use around your home?

Put kibble or treats in a rolled up beach towel

Hide food in or under cups around the house and let them "hunt" for their food

Play hide and seek with the kids

So many fun ways to enrich your pets life, give it a go and tell us your experience below!

07/05/2024

Tidbit with Tobias...Take advantage of our BEAUTIFUL forest preserves in DuPage county. So many paths to enjoy that are amazingly groomed and wonderfully marked. There is one around every corner! TOBIAS give DuPage County forest preserves 4 out of 4 paws! 🐾🐾 Get out and explore today!

Each year more than 6 million visitors enjoy the Forest Preserve District's nearly 26,000 acres, 166 miles of trails and 60 forest preserves.

05/05/2024

What a beautiful day at Tails on the Trails at the Morton Arboretum . Thank you to those who made this event possible. A HUGE thank you to those who stopped in to talk and/or shop. We appreciate it!

05/05/2024

Start shopping for Christmas 🎄 early! 🎁

05/05/2024

Head out into the wild to lose ourselves and find our souls! Take advantage of a pet friendly day at Tails on the Trails at the Morton Arboretum !

Join us tomorrow, 9am to 3 pm. Bring your pups with!🐕🦮🐕‍🦺🐩 Plenty of shopping to enjoy, meet some rescue groups and enjoy the beauty of the arboretum!

04/05/2024

IT IS TIME FOR A SNIFF-ARI!
Let your dog lead the way as you travel past the towering trees and beautiful natural surroundings of during Tails on the Trails, TOMORROW May, 5!. It’s a special dog admission day and an opportunity to shop for Mom, Dad and your pets all in one spot at the pet expo. See you there!

Guests must obtain human and dog general admission tickets in advance through the Arboretum’s website. Members may enter at any time without admission tickets by showing their current physical or digital membership card at the gatehouse. Members maypurchase dog admission tickets in advance online or at the gatehouse upon entry.

Several times a year, the Arboretum hosts "Dog Admission Days" and "Tails on the Trails" events. These are the only times that non-service dogs are allowed in cars or on the grounds of the Arboretum.

03/05/2024

Explore 1,700 acres and 16 miles of trails with your canine companion during ’s Tails on the Trails dog Expo, Sunday, May 5! Stop by our booth to find great items for PETS AND PET LOVERS from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.! Guests must obtain human and dog general admission tickets in advance through the Arboretum’s website. Members may enter at any time without admission tickets by showing their current physical or digital membership card at the gatehouse. Members may purchase dog admission tickets in advance online or at the gatehouse upon entry.

Several times a year, the Arboretum hosts "Dog Admission Days" and "Tails on the Trails" events. These are the only times that non-service dogs are allowed in cars or on the grounds of the Arboretum.