Dog First Aid Kit - A Must Have For City Dog Owners

If you own a dog in a major city like Chicago you are bound to have a dog injury from time to time. Broken glass on the sidewalk, rough play in the dog park or beach or any day to day activity can lead to a minor injury to your dog. Of course if your dog has a major injury you should take him to the vet but it is wise to also have a dog first aid kit in your home.

You can put together your own doggie first aid kit, or you can buy a prepackaged kit. Most pet stores such as Pet Smart and Petco sell a variety of dog first aid kits that include everything that you need. Make sure to keep the kit in a handy place in your home and out of reach of your dog and kids. 

If you put together your own first aid kit, it should include several basic items.
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Gauze bandages
  • Gauze pads
  • Flexible bandages
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Antibiotic ointment pads
  • Sterile eye wash
  • Scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Cotton swabs
  • Sting relief pads
  • First aid tape
One great option for a prepackaged kit is the Medibag 4Petz First Aid Kit. It can be purchased at most major pet stores or from online retailers such as Amazon.

Dog Kennel Review: Pooch Chicago Boarding

There are a lot of great dog kennels in Chicago. After trying a few I've settled on Pooch Chicago in Lincoln Park.

When you enter Pooch Chicago you immediately see the care and attention to detail that was put into designing the kennel. The friendly receptionist welcomes you and your dog. If it is your first time boarding your dog at Pooch the receptionist will set up an account and verify your dog's vaccinations. Your dog will then be led upstairs where the private rooms and play areas are located. My dog is always a little scared, so I go into the elevator with her and say goodbye there.

The facility has fairly large private rooms. Each room has a glass window so the dogs can see out. At night a comfy bed is brought into the room. During the day the dogs spend most of their time in one of two large play areas. The dogs are separated based on their size. The play areas are constantly supervised in case the dogs play a little too rough. The play rooms are cleaned and disinfected twice a day so you know your dog will always have a cleans place to play.

My dog is always glad to see me when I pick her up, but she does not seem to mind spending a night at Pooch. The best part of Pooch Chicago is the staff. They are friendly and they seem to have the best interest of the dogs in mind. 

Pooch is also very convenient. You can pick up and drop off your dog 24 hours a day. This is great for those of us with hectic schedules. For an additional fee Pooch will even pick up your dog.

Pooch Chicago is located at 2228 N. Clybourn. They have a second location in the West Loop at 1214 W. Monroe. I highly recommend Pooch. Give them a call and take a tour of one of their great dog kennels.

Paws-ilates - Pilates for You and Your Dog

You probably already exercise with your dog. Maybe the two of you jog along the lakefront or take an early morning power walk. But, have you ever taking an exercise class with your dog? If not, now is your chance!

Every Wednesday in September, The Anti Cruelty Society is hosting weekly pilates classes for people and their dogs. The classes will be led by nationally known trainer Andrea Metcalf. Andrea is part of the NBC5 Fit Team and she has appeared on the Today Show. She is also a certified yoga and pilates instructor. 

The classes will integrate pilates for you and with some play time and massage for your dog. The classes are 30 minutes long. The first session starts at 6:00 pm and is for dogs less than 25 pounds. The second class, for dogs over 25 pounds, begins at 6:30 pm. This is bound to be a fun experience for all.

The classes will be held every Wednesday in September in the Anti Cruelty Society's lower level. The cost is $10 per person and dogs can participate for free. All of the proceeds benefit the Anti Cruelty Society.

For more information call 312-644-8338 extension 307. Or visit the Anti Cruelty Society's calendar of events here.



Aggressive Dogs in Chicago

Today's Redeye had a front page story about aggressive dogs in Chicago. Currently, there are strict laws regarding aggressive dogs in the city. Owners who have a dog with a history of aggression must buy at least $100,000 in liability insurance and keep their dogs muzzled when in public. They must also get a dangerous dog license from the city.

Some in city hall want to impose further restrictions for people with aggressive dogs. Alderman Eugene Schulter wants to impose a penalty for owners who do not obey the city's dangerous dog ordinances by not allowing them to own a dog for five years. If the owner has two or more dogs declared dangerous he wants the person banned from owning a dog in Chicago for life.

Pit bull and Rottweilers have gotten the most attention in Chicago for being aggressive and dangerous. Is this fair? Redeye takes a closer look.

You can read the full Redeye story by clicking here.