by Critters Pet Shop of South Elgin | Jun 11, 2026 | Tips & Suggestions
When was the last time you actually walked into a pet store? Chances are good that it’s been a while. That makes sense. We’re busier than ever, and you can get most of what you need online, from pet food to meds and even vet consults.
The problem is that pets aren’t static. They age, develop sensitivities, change behaviors, and go through phases. At some point, what you actually need is someone who knows what they’re talking about and has the time to talk with you.
Information Is Not Expertise
The internet will give you information. A good pet shop will give you expertise. Those are not even remotely the same thing. Information tells you that protein content in cat food usually runs between 30% and 45%. Expertise tells you that your 12-year-old cat with early kidney disease probably needs to be on the lower end of that range, and here are three foods worth trying.
Curated Shelves
Walk into a well-run independent pet shop and pay attention to what’s on the shelves. They don’t carry everything under the sun. Instead, there’s a selection that represents someone’s judgment about what’s actually worth carrying. If you’ve browsed Amazon’s virtual shelves lately, you know why that’s important.
Spotting Issues
When you buy from a local pet shop, you get the benefit of someone with real-world experience paying attention to your pet and how they change. The people start to know your pet, including what they eat, how they’ve been doing, and what’s changed. A staffer who notices that your usually food-motivated cat hasn’t been interested in treats lately might get you a recommendation for a vet visit that catches something early. All of that is part of preventative care.
Creating a Pet-Care Network
Yes, your local pet shop will be where you buy food, toys, and things for your pet’s environment. However, they’re also a connection to a wider pet-care network. You’ll be able to get recommendations for things like groomers that are good with nervous dogs, or vets that specialize in rare cat breeds. That real-world network isn’t something that you can get from the internet.
Come see us at Critters Pet Shop. We’d love to get to know you and your pet.
by Critters Pet Shop of South Elgin | May 28, 2026 | Tips & Suggestions
Spring fever is not just something people experience. Dogs and cats go through it too. As the days get longer and temperatures rise, their bodies respond to seasonal changes, especially when it comes to breeding instincts.
At Critters Pet Shop, we see this shift every year. Pets become more energetic, curious, and sometimes a little harder to manage. While it may seem like your dog or cat just has extra energy, there is a biological reason behind it.
Why Spring Triggers Behavior Changes
Dogs and cats are influenced by changes in daylight and temperature. These environmental shifts can trigger hormonal changes, especially in pets that are not spayed or neutered. For cats, spring is the start of peak breeding season. Female cats go into heat more frequently, and male cats become more focused on finding a mate. This can lead to increased vocalizing, marking, and attempts to escape the home. Dogs can also show heightened behaviors during this time. Unaltered dogs may become more restless, distracted, and interested in roaming or searching for other animals.
Common Signs of Spring Fever
If your pet is acting differently this time of year, you are not imagining it. Some of the most common signs include:
- Increased energy or restlessness
• Trying to escape or spend more time outdoors
• Excessive barking or vocalizing
• Marking or spraying indoors
• Difficulty focusing or listening
These behaviors are often tied to natural instincts rather than training issues.
Why Spaying and Neutering Matters
One of the most effective ways to manage spring fever behaviors is by spaying or neutering your pet. This helps reduce the hormonal drive behind breeding-related behaviors, including roaming, marking, and excessive vocalization. It also prevents unwanted litters, which is especially important during peak breeding season. Beyond behavior, spaying and neutering also support long-term health and can reduce certain risks for your pet.
How to Manage Spring Energy
Even if your pet is already spayed or neutered, you may still notice an increase in energy during spring. The best way to handle this is through routine and enrichment. Daily walks, interactive toys, and mental stimulation can help burn off extra energy and keep your pet balanced. For indoor cats, adding climbing spaces, scratchers, and play sessions can make a big difference. Dogs benefit from structured exercise and consistent routines.
Keep Your Pets Safe This Season
Spring fever can make pets more likely to bolt outdoors or wander off if given the chance. Make sure your pet has proper identification and that doors, gates, and fences are secure.
Being proactive helps prevent accidents and keeps your pet safe during a time when their instincts are heightened.
Support Your Pet This Spring
Spring should be a fun and active time for both you and your pets. Understanding seasonal behavior changes makes it easier to manage them in a healthy way.
If you need help finding the right food, enrichment toys, or advice on managing your pet’s behavior, stop by Critters Pet Shop. Our team is always here to help you and your pet enjoy the season to the fullest. 🐾
by Critters Pet Shop of South Elgin | May 21, 2026 | Tips & Suggestions
If your dog is scratching constantly and there’s nothing wrong with their skin, or your cat keeps vomiting after meals and the vet has ruled out everything obvious, it might be time to look at what’s in their bowl. Food sensitivities in pets are more common than most people realize.
What a Limited Ingredient Diet Actually Is
A limited-ingredient diet (LID) is exactly what it sounds like: a food formulated with fewer ingredients than a conventional pet food. Where regular food might include a dozen protein sources, multiple grains, and a long list of additives, a LID includes just one or two proteins, a single carb, and not much else.
The idea here is the same as the one behind the “elimination diet” for humans. When you’re experiencing diet-related symptoms, you wipe the slate and start building things back a couple of ingredients at a time until you figure out what the issue is.
What Is Novel Protein?
Even within a limited-ingredient diet, the type of protein is important. If your dog has been eating chicken their whole life, switching to a chicken-based LID won’t tell you much. Their immune system already knows chicken. What you want is a novel protein, which is just something they haven’t encountered before and haven’t had the chance to develop a sensitivity to.
Will Your Pet Benefit from a LID?
Not every itch or upset stomach means that a pet has a food sensitivity, but there are things that should make you pay attention. Chronic ear infections, persistent skin irritation, loose stools that don’t resolve, or a coat that looks dull even if you groom them all the time can all be related to something in the diet. Symptoms often show up slowly over time and get written off as “just the way this pet is.”
If you think your pet might have a food sensitivity, talk to your vet before making any changes. Eight to 12 weeks on a strict LID with a novel protein can help with identifying the problem.
Should You Switch Right Away?
Don’t swap foods overnight. A sudden diet change can give your pet an upset stomach. Go slow and make the transition over seven to 10 days, adding increasing amounts of the new food into the old.
Also, read labels carefully. “Limited ingredient” isn’t a regulated term, and some products labeled that way still contain more ingredients than you’d expect.
Not sure which limited ingredient or novel protein food is right for your pet? Get in touch with Critters Pet Shop. We’re glad to help you find the right fit.
by Critters Pet Shop of South Elgin | Apr 30, 2026 | Tips & Suggestions
As the weather warms up, more people begin spending time outdoors. It is also the time of year when you are most likely to come across baby animals like rabbits, birds, squirrels, and deer.
Your first instinct might be to help by bringing the animal inside or trying to “rescue” it. While that comes from a good place, it can actually do more harm than good.
Most Baby Animals Are Not Orphaned
One of the biggest misconceptions is that a baby animal alone must be abandoned. In reality, many wildlife parents leave their babies temporarily while they search for food or stay nearby to avoid attracting predators.
For example:
• Mother rabbits visit their nests only a few times a day
• Deer leave their fawns hidden in tall grass for hours
• Birds often leave the nest as part of learning to fly
What may look like an emergency is often completely normal behavior.
When “Helping” Becomes Harmful
Taking a baby animal from its environment can separate it from its mother, which lowers its chances of survival.
Wild animals have very specific diets, care needs, and stress responses that are difficult to replicate at home. Even with the best intentions, trying to raise a wild animal can lead to:
• Malnutrition
• Illness or injury
• Extreme stress
• Difficulty surviving if released later
In many cases, the safest place for that baby animal is exactly where you found it.
Signs an Animal May Actually Need Help
There are situations where intervention is necessary, but they are less common than you might think.
You should consider contacting a wildlife professional if:
• The animal is visibly injured
• It has been caught by a pet
• You know the parent is deceased
• The animal is in immediate danger (like the middle of a road)
If you are unsure, it is always best to call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before taking action.
What You Should Do Instead
If you find a baby animal, the best first step is to observe from a distance. Keep pets and people away from the area and give the parent a chance to return. Avoid touching or moving the animal unless absolutely necessary for safety. If you need guidance, reach out to a local wildlife rescue organization. They can provide proper instructions based on the situation.
Respect Wildlife, Protect Wildlife
It is natural to want to help, especially when something looks small and vulnerable. But in many cases, stepping back is the best way to truly protect wildlife. By leaving baby animals where they belong, you give them the best chance to grow, learn, and survive in their natural environment.
Have questions about animals you find outdoors or want to learn more about responsible pet and wildlife care? Stop by Critters Pet Shop in South Elgin. We’re always here to help guide you with trusted advice.
by Critters Pet Shop of South Elgin | Apr 23, 2026 | Tips & Suggestions
Bordetella, often referred to as kennel cough, is a highly contagious respiratory illness in dogs. It spreads easily in places where dogs are in close contact, such as boarding facilities, grooming salons, dog parks, and daycare environments.
Dogs with Bordetella may develop symptoms like coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and low energy. While many cases are mild, it can still be uncomfortable for your dog and, in some situations, lead to more serious complications.
Why the Bordetella Vaccine Matters
If your dog is going to be around other dogs, especially in a boarding environment, the Bordetella vaccine is strongly recommended. This vaccine works similarly to how people receive vaccines for illnesses like the flu or COVID. It helps your dog’s immune system recognize and fight off infection more effectively. It is important to understand that the Bordetella vaccine does not guarantee your dog will never get kennel cough. However, it significantly reduces the risk and often leads to milder symptoms if your dog is exposed.
A Must Before Boarding
Most boarding facilities require dogs to be up to date on their Bordetella vaccine, and for good reason. Boarding environments bring many dogs together in shared spaces, which increases the chance of exposure to airborne illnesses. Even with excellent cleaning practices, the close proximity makes prevention essential. Vaccinating your dog before boarding helps protect not only your pet, but also the other dogs around them. It is a simple step that supports a healthier environment for everyone.
When Should Your Dog Get It?
Timing matters when it comes to the Bordetella vaccine. Your dog should receive the vaccine ahead of any boarding stay, giving their immune system time to build protection. Many veterinarians recommend administering it at least a week or two before boarding or social events. If your dog regularly visits grooming salons or daycare, staying up to date on Bordetella year-round is a smart choice.
Peace of Mind for You and Your Dog
No one wants to pick up their dog from boarding only to find they are feeling under the weather. Taking preventative steps helps ensure your dog stays happy, healthy, and comfortable during their stay.
Think of the Bordetella vaccine as an added layer of protection. While it may not eliminate risk entirely, it plays a major role in keeping your dog safer in social environments.
Keep Your Dog Protected
Before your next trip or boarding reservation, make sure your dog is current on their Bordetella vaccine. It is one of the easiest ways to protect their health and avoid unnecessary stress.
Planning to board your dog soon? Stop by Critters Pet Shop in South Elgin for essentials, travel supplies, and expert advice to keep your pet happy and prepared for their stay. 🐾
by Critters Pet Shop of South Elgin | Apr 15, 2026 | Tips & Suggestions
As the weather warms up and daylight hours increase, many cats experience what is commonly called “spring fever.” This is not just a change in mood, it is driven by natural instincts tied to breeding season.
Cats are seasonal breeders, which means longer days and warmer temperatures trigger hormonal changes. These changes can lead to noticeable shifts in behavior, especially in cats that are not spayed or neutered.
Why Cats Try to Escape in the Spring
If you have noticed your cat becoming more restless, vocal, or determined to get outside, spring fever is likely the reason. Unsterilized cats can smell other cats outdoors from surprising distances. These scents trigger their instinct to find a mate, and they may start looking for ways to escape your home.
You might see behaviors like:
• Scratching at doors or windows
• Darting outside when a door opens
• Increased vocalizing or yowling
• Marking or spraying indoors
Even normally calm indoor cats can become persistent escape artists during this time of year.
Spring Means Kitten Season
Spring is widely known as “kitten season,” when shelters and rescues see a surge in litters of kittens. One unspayed female cat can have multiple litters per year, and kittens can begin reproducing as early as a few months old. This leads to rapid overpopulation if not managed responsibly. Many of these kittens end up in shelters, rescues, or on the streets, creating a cycle that continues year after year.
The Benefits of Spaying and Neutering
Spaying or neutering your cat is one of the most important steps you can take as a pet owner.
It helps:
• Reduce the urge to escape and roam
• Prevent unwanted litters
• Decrease spraying and marking behaviors
• Reduce excessive vocalization
• Support long-term health and well-being
Cats that are fixed are often calmer, more comfortable, and easier to manage, especially during peak spring months.
Protect Your Cat and Your Home
Keeping your cat indoors is one of the safest choices you can make, but spring fever can make that more challenging if your cat is not sterilized. Spaying or neutering helps reduce risky behaviors and protects your cat from dangers outside, including traffic, predators, and disease. It also helps protect your home from the stress and mess that can come with marking or escape attempts.
A Simple Step That Makes a Big Impact
Spring fever is a natural part of a cat’s instincts, but it does not have to create chaos in your home. By spaying or neutering your cat, you can prevent unwanted behaviors, reduce overpopulation, and give your pet a healthier, more comfortable life.
Have questions about your cat’s behavior this spring or thinking about getting your pet spayed or neutered? Stop by Critters Pet Shop in South Elgin. Our team is happy to guide you with trusted resources and support to help you make the best decision for your cat. 🐾
