the HOUSE OF PAWS blog

St. Louis is full of gorgeous green space for your dog to explore, and let's be honest, they explore most of it with their mouths. Sticks, acorns, yard clippings... if it's on the ground, it's fair game in their eyes. The trouble is, none of these "finds" are actually safe. Here's why, and what to hand your pup instead. The Trouble With Sticks Sticks look like nature's chew toy, but they splinter easily. Those splinters can jab your dog's gums and tongue, get lodged in their

When you're vetting a dog walker or pet sitter in St. Louis (or anywhere, honestly), it's tempting to go with whoever's cheapest or most available. But there's a real difference between someone who simply likes dogs and a professional who's trained to handle them. That's why trusted, trained and insured pet care matters.

Every cat owner knows the cardinal rule of feline housemates: if the bathroom space isn't up to their (very high) standards, they will find somewhere else to go. If your cat has started avoiding their litter box or having accidents around the house, the issue is rarely spiteful behavior. Instead, it’s often a sign that their litter box setup isn't meeting their needs. Keeping your cat’s bathroom space inviting is the secret to a cleaner home and a stress-free cat. Here is why

As your preferred St. Louis dog walkers, the team at House of Paws knows exactly how to navigate the heat. We’re sharing our top summer safety tips to ensure your pup stays cool, comfortable, and happy during those dog days of summer.

If it feels like everyone in St. Louis is talking about ticks lately, you aren't imagining it. Our Midwest summers are beautiful, but they come with a growing concern: ticks are more active than ever, and the traditional "off-season" is shrinking. At House of Paws, we believe great pet care means keeping your whole family informed. Because ticks can spread serious illnesses to both pets and humans—like Lyme disease—prevention is your best tool. Why Prevention Matters for Your

Flies aren't just a nuisance; they significantly impact your pet’s well-being. Discover proactive strategies to combat flies before they become a problem.

While boarding and kennels can work for some pets, more and more Wildwood families are choosing in-home pet sitting for the comfort, safety, and peace of mind it offers. Here’s why.

Caring for a hamster, guinea pig, or rabbit in St. Louis? House of Paws shares expert tips on housing, diet, enrichment, and health to help your small pet thrive.

Springtime in St. Louis means muddy paws, blooming flowers, and pets who cannot wait to sniff every square inch of the yard. For pet parents, it’s not just about a pretty garden—it’s about making sure that every leaf, petal, and patch of grass is safe for the furry family members who love to explore it. Many popular garden plants can actually be harmful to dogs and cats, so choosing the right blooms is a must if you want a yard that’s both gorgeous and pet-safe. At House o

House of Paws offers professional dog walking, litter box cleaning, pet taxi service, and in-home pet support across St. Louis, MO. Caring, reliable pet care built around your life.

(And Why Their Routines & Big Feelings Are Our Favorite Thing) At House of Paws Pet Care, we have a special place in our hearts for pets who are “a lot.” These are the animals with big personalities, strong preferences, and routines that might seem quirky or even complicated to outsiders. Maybe your dog insists on a multi-step ritual before every walk, or your cat acts aloof all day but becomes a purring companion at 3 p.m. These behaviors are not just cute—they reveal how mu

As we celebrate Professional Pet Sitters Week, it’s the perfect opportunity to shine a light on the dedication and skill that professional pet sitters provide. At House of Paws, we pride ourselves on offering exceptional care that goes beyond basic pet sitting. Our sitters are more than just pet caretakers; they're the heart and soul of our mission—providing love, attention, and safety for all creatures; big and small. Two golden retrievers relaxing in their back yard during

Let’s be real, winter in St. Louis isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Between freezing temps, icy sidewalks, and the sun setting at 4 PM (rude), it can feel extra hard to keep up with your dog’s daily walks. Skipping them may seem like the easiest option, but it can actually lead to behavior issues, boredom, and even some health concerns for your pup. The good news? With a few small tweaks to your routine and some cold-weather gear, you can keep your dog’s winter walks safe,

At House of Paws Pet Care, we’re not just walking dogs and feeding cats—we’re raising the standard of pet care in St. Louis. Backed by our three core promises—peace of mind while you're away, passionate care for every pet, and a commitment to excellence—we’re here to give busy pet parents the reliable, loving support they (and their pets!) truly deserve.

Working late or stuck on Zoom calls all day? Your dog’s routine could be taking a serious hit. Learn why a midday walk is more than just a potty break—and how House of Paws Pet Care keeps dogs in Wildwood, Chesterfield, Ellisville, Creve Coeur, and Kirkwood happy, healthy, and on schedule.

At House of Paws, safety is our top priority—even when it comes to the leashes we use! Learn why we never walk pups on retractable leashes, the real risks they pose, and why our trusted Rescue Rope Leads are the safest (and cutest) alternative. It’s all part of our HoP Promise to raise the standard of pet care in St. Louis—one safe, secure walk at a time.

Even the shyest cats need daily care while you're away! Learn why skipping visits isn’t worth the risk—from water leaks to trapped kitties—and how House of Paws Pet Care is raising the standard of pet sitting in St. Louis. Because it’s not just about the litter box—it’s about peace of mind for you and your feline friend.

Spooky season is here! From pet-safe costumes to candy dangers, we’re sharing fun and practical Halloween tips to keep your St. Louis dogs and cats safe, happy, and stress-free.

Long workdays are tough—for you and your pup! Discover why regular potty breaks are essential for your dog’s health, happiness, and behavior, especially when you’re away all day in St. Louis. From avoiding accidents to preventing boredom, a midday visit can make all the difference.

As the days get shorter and the weather cools down in St. Louis, your pets may be feeling the shift—even if they can’t say it out loud. From adjusting walk routines to keeping your pets mentally stimulated indoors, here are our top tips to help dogs and cats transition smoothly into fall and winter. Because just like us, they thrive with a little extra comfort and consistency this time of year.