Furry Footsteps Professional Dog Walking and Pet Sitting in Ypsilanti MI

Dog Walker and Pet Sitter Services

Professional Pet Care
  in Ypsilanti, Belleville,
and Superior Township, MI
millicent@furryfootsteps.com
(734) 879-1981

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Our Dogs Have No Idea There Is A Pandemic: What I Am Learning From Them

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I remember when I first saw how fast the latest strain of coronavirus, COVID-19, was spreading throughout China and next, Italy. I thought to myself, “we had better prepare; we are in for a rough time when (not if) it reaches the United States.”

My husband and I watched with dread as the first verified cases reached the United States and then, our area. I immediately felt a sinking feeling in my stomach as I began to think about how it would affect my pet sitting company, Furry Footsteps, LLC.  I was preparing for the oncoming busy vacation season, which is typically my busiest time of year beginning with spring break. I have a ton of clients that reserve their dates for the whole year beginning roughly  the middle to end of December, with bookings really rolling in after the New Year. By the time the virus hit our shores, I had reservations through November. [Read more…] about Our Dogs Have No Idea There Is A Pandemic: What I Am Learning From Them

What To Know Before Adding A New Dog To The Family

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Adding a new dog to the family, whether a puppy or adult, is an exciting experience if you are a pet lover.  The thought of adding a new friend to the family brings about feelings of love and anticipation of the future wonderful memories and experiences that you will share together.

One of the big decisions that must be made before adding that bundle of furry joy to your household is where you will obtain your pup. Many people opt to adopt from a private rescue or Humane Society, while some people choose to purchase a dog from a breeder. Whatever decision you make, let’s go over a few guidelines to make certain that you choose the happiest, most healthy dog that is well suited for your family and lifestyle. [Read more…] about What To Know Before Adding A New Dog To The Family

Keep Pets Safe in Extreme Heat

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We are experiencing a hot, dry summer in Michigan this year. As a pet sitter, I am outside for several hours per day, typically seven to ten days in a row.  A typical day consists of 40-100 miles of driving back and forth to appointments and I walk/jog/run (sprint if I’m being chased by bees or wasps) an average of 40,000 steps per day according to my pedometer.  These credentials make it safe to say that I see a LOT in the course of my day on foot and wheels! [Read more…] about Keep Pets Safe in Extreme Heat

Beat the Heat-Give Your Dog a Frozen Kong

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Kong StuffingWhen temperatures reach the danger zone, it can be difficult to keep our pets occupied with the typical outdoor exercise that we enjoy together in summer. However, with a little creativity, planning and just a few items, we can create a tasty, healthy treat that will satisfy our dogs’ desire to chew as well as beat the summer heat!

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Professional or Hobby Pet Sitter-What You Need to Know Before Choosing

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A Professional Pet Sitter provides personalized, expert care for your pets.

A Professional Pet Sitter provides personalized, expert care for your pets.

Most pet owners have had to make the decision to trust someone to care for their pets in their absence. When it comes to choices, there are many options to consider. Many pet caregivers entrust boarding kennels outside of the home to care for pets. Another popular option is in-home pet care, which enables pets to stay in the home environment with an outside pet care provider coming in for a pre-determined number of visits for the length of the owners absence.

When looking for an in home pet sitter, one of the first factors that pet owners consider is cost. There are many resources available in choosing a pet sitter online and the community. Websites offering discount pet sitting services are in abundance. Advertisements and business cards flood pet supply stores and veterinarian offices. Professional Pet Sitters advertise their services in these high traffic areas as well as Hobby Sitters looking to make extra income. How do you know who will be the best choice for your pet’s needs? [Read more…] about Professional or Hobby Pet Sitter-What You Need to Know Before Choosing

Allergies in Pets

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Many of us can relate to how it feels to be uncomfortable  because of seasonal allergies.  The itching, sneezing and watery eyes can make life miserable for severe allergy suffers.

Did you know that allergies are also extremely common in pets? Like people, pets allergies can be environmental or food related and some pets develop both! I have a dog that suffered from seasonal allergies and some food allergies.  The secondary issues that can develop as a result of allergies, which include secondary infections from scratching

Miss Vicki had unbearable seasonal allergies until I followed an aggressive treatment plan of predominantly alternative allergy therapies.

Miss Vicki had unbearable seasonal allergies until I followed an aggressive treatment plan of predominantly alternative allergy therapies.

and paw licking, ear and respiratory issues can make life very uncomfortable for dogs and cats alike.

” According to a survey conducted by Novartis Animal Health, over half of pet owners aren’t aware their fuzzy family members can also spend the spring season feeling miserable thanks to pollens and other environmental allergens,”  writes Dr. Karen Becker in her article,   “If Your Dog is Itchy or Your Cat is Wheezy, You Need to Read This.“ [Read more…] about Allergies in Pets

Pesky Pests and Your Pet – No Fun!

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Solomon enjoying a satisfying roll in the grass!

Solomon enjoying a satisfying roll in the grass!

Every spring, dog and cat owners everywhere begin to plan for keeping our pets pest free. Different recipes and alternative treatments to conventional chemical applications begin to circulate the internet, often leaving apt owners in a quandary.

A few days ago, I was texting back and forth with a dog walking client who was instructing me to apply a natural spray alternative that she made to apply to the pups before we went walking. Ticks have been terrible in Michigan since the beginning of April this year. [Read more…] about Pesky Pests and Your Pet – No Fun!