Arlington’s Off Leash Dog Park: Thorndike Field

Don’t have a backyard? Looking for a spot where your dog can run around? Just want your pup to make some new friends? We mentioned it briefly in our last blog post on off-leash dog hours: Thorndike Field Dog Park is the place! The dog park has been open since 2012 and has quickly become a favorite spot for dogs and owners in Arlington.

The dog park is fully fenced in, right off the bike path, has a parking lot, and is near Alewife Station so close to public transit too. Water, bags, and trash cans are all available at the park, but it’s always good to have extra supplies just in case! There are benches for humans (and pups who believe they are human) to sit on. Portable restrooms are available seasonally.

Open from 6 am - 9 pm daily, the dog park is located at the end of Margaret Street. It can be pretty busy on the weekends and in the evenings, but the park is very large, so there is ample room to run around and provide space for pups that are a little bit shy. There are even separate areas and entrances for large and small dogs.

There are some rules and regulations to be aware of before visiting. The key is to be safe and keep an eye on your pup. Next time you want to have an adventure with your dog, come out to the Thorndike Dog Park! Check out some pictures of furry friends having fun (including a couple from the Blue Sky Dogs Howl-o-ween party!):

Arlington Off-Leash Dog Hours

If you’re a new dog owner or new to the Arlington area, you might be excited to learn that the town has designated off-leash hours. This is a great chance to play fetch, let your dog get a good run in, or just do some free exploration!

Arlington’s off-leash hours are from 6-9am every day so it’s perfect for an early morning adventure. Some parks in Arlington have different hours or rules than others, so be sure to read the signs that are posted before unclipping the leash. Take a look at detailed information about off-leash hours here. The Arlington parks that have off-leash hours are:

• Buzzell Field
• Cutter Park
• Hill’s Hill upper area
• Hill’s Hill Field
• Hurd/Reservoir Fields
• McClennen Park
• Menotomy Rocks Park (excluding woods)
• Park Circle
• Poets Corner
• Reservoir Beach (excluded June 1st-August 31st)
• Robbins Farm Park
• Spy Pond Park and Field
• Summer Street Field
• Turkey Hill
• Wellington Park

There is also the off-leash recreation area at Thorndike Field & Magnolia Park which is a fenced in area open for pup play time from 6am-9pm daily.

Dogs playing at the off-leash recreation area at Thorndike Field & Magnolia Park

Check out this map to find the closest park with off-leash hours. Before you take your dog to an off-leash park, be sure their vaccinations are current and that their license/ID is on them. Extra bags for clean-up are also important! Lastly, dogs should be under voice and sight control when off-leash. Comment below to let us know about your experiences with off-leash hours in Arlington!

Favorite Places Near Arlington to Take Your Dog for a Hike!

As the daylight hours are getting longer and the warm weather gets closer, it’s about that time we can start looking forward to taking pups on hikes! Whether you’re looking for a quick walk through the woods or a longer hike, there are a bunch of great options close to Arlington. Here’s some of our favorites:

• Middlesex Fells Reservation, or the Fells, offers 2,575 acres and has a variety of trails. The best part is that there are a lot of different ways to access the Fells, since it is so large and runs through Winchester, Medford, Malden, Melrose, and Stoneham. There are several pull-off spots where you can park, jump out of the car, and be on a trail in seconds. The Fells also has parking lots, but these tend to crowd up on sunny weekend days and some parking lots require a fee to park, so be sure to check before you start your hike. Check out this map before you visit, which includes parking options. Sheepfold meadow is a popular off-leash spot for dog owners, but since this area is not fenced in, dogs must have good recall training. Wright’s tower also offers great views of Boston, if you and your pup are up for the challenge, as this hike is rocky in spots.

Sheepfold meadow

Wright's tower

• Whipple Hill is 120 acres and has 4.3 miles of trails in Lexington. You can start your hike from Skyline Drive in Arlington or park in the small pull off parking lot on Winchester Drive. Most trails are flat, but it can be steep and rocky in spots, especially if you’re looking to reach the summit, which is the highest point in Lexington! Check out the trail map here. You and your pup can enjoy bird watching at Locke Pond, peaceful woods, and unique vegetation. Dogs are allowed to be off leash on the trails as long as they are under voice control and within your sight.

Boardwalk at Whipple Hill

Whipple Hill summit

• Beaver Brook Reservation, accessible from Belmont and Waltham, is 59 acres of open fields, wetlands, and woodlands. While the trails here aren’t as extensive as the options listed above, the north section of the park has a waterfall, ponds, and is great place for low-intensity walks with your pup. Dogs at Beaver Brook should be leashed. There is a parking lot on Mill Street, but parking can be tight in the summertime. Take a look at the map for more info.

Open field at Beaver Brook Reservation

Beaver Brook waterfall

If you’re looking for more places to take your dog as springtime comes, be sure to take a look at our previous blog post about top spots in Arlington to walk your dog. Don’t forget the water, treats, and a toy to play fetch with! After walks, especially those where you’ll be spending a lot of time in the woods, it’s a good idea to check for ticks and make sure your pup has time to take breaks, particularly on very warm days. Share in the comments section below if you have other favorite spots to take your dog in the area!

Dog Docs on Wheels: What to Know About Mobile Vets & Services for Older Pups in the Arlington Area

You may have seen our previous blog post about vet options in Arlington, but have you ever wondered whether mobile vets were a good fit for your pup? Mobile vets, where the vet comes to your home to deliver care, can be a good option for older dogs or those that get very anxious going to the vet, and may feel more comfortable in their own environment. Curious about exploring this option and want to know more about what vets service the Arlington area? We outline a few options below:

• At Home Veterinary is based in Natick and includes Arlington as part of their extended service area. Note that there may be more limited availability and the house call fee per visit is $130. They offer annual exams, vaccinations, sick/injured pet care, bloodwork, diagnostics, medication administration, and hospice care. Emergency care is based on availability. Procedures involving anesthesia, surgery or dental care are not offered. Annual wellness exams cost $85 and vaccinations are $44 each. There are two vets on staff, and they are available M-Sat, with specific hours varying based on day and location. Typically, later weekday appointments are open on Thurs. Phone: 508-653-4300

• Autumn Care & Crossings is based in Medford and serves the greater Boston area. There is one vet on staff, and she specializes in hospice care for older pets. While it can be tough to think about, most pups face challenges as they age and this type of specialized care may help both pups and their humans cope with chronic or terminal illnesses. Specific specialties include geriatric care and pain management, hospice and palliative care, and end of life care. Appointments are scheduled on a case-by-case basis. To read more about living with older pets and caring for your own well-being when living with an aging pet too, take a look at the Autumn Care & Crossing blog. Phone: 781-874-9477

• Sleepy Dog Vet is a new vet office that recently opened in Arlington. While they aren’t a mobile option, they do focus on alternative medicine and quality of life care using a holistic approach. Services include acupuncture, cold laser for pain and inflammation, palliative care, herbal medicine, nutrition, and end of life care/grief counseling. The practice helps elderly pets and those with chronic disease in particular, but preventative treatment and diet plans are also available to maintain a pup’s optimal health. One vet is on staff - read more about her on Sleepy Dog’s blog. Phone: 781-643-2162

As your dog reaches their senior years, it’s very important to be sure you have a good relationship with your veterinarian. Your pet may start to behave differently as they age and their needs may change. Here at Blue Sky Dogs, we work with a number of older pups and are sure to tailor all of our walks to meet their needs. Check out our various services here!

Because Your Pup Can’t Tell You What’s Wrong: Arlington Vet Options

We all want to keep our pets as happy and healthy as they can be, and that’s where the important task of choosing a veterinarian comes in. There are a lot of things to think about when it comes to deciding which vet is right for you and your furry friend, but here are some things to consider as you start searching:

• If possible, it can be a good idea to visit the vet’s office before picking a vet. Make sure you and your pet feel comfortable there! While it might be normal for your pet to be wary and stressed, it’s important to ensure the staff is at least able to perform a basic examination.

• Don’t be afraid to ask your vet a lot of questions and keep the lines of communication open. Regular check-up appointments are critical so your vet can monitor your pup’s health and employ preventative measures that will keep your pup in great shape.

• Since costs can vary based on each individual pup’s needs, it is key to ask up front for price estimates when making appointments to avoid any surprises. As an example, if you recently adopted a female pup and are looking into the cost of having her spayed, we found that the average price is around $500. However, this price can vary depending on various factors, including whether the pup is up to date on vaccinations and has had bloodwork completed recently, whether you want a microchip, and what the age and size is of your pup (generally, the older and larger the dog, the higher the cost will be).

So, what options are there for vets in the Arlington area? We’ve outlined them here to help make the decision a little easier:

• Located at 191 Broadway in Arlington, Arlington Animal Clinic has four vets on staff and offers surgery, juvenile and wellness care, dentistry, diagnostics, nutritional counseling, daytime emergency care, and parasite control. The average cost for an exam with a vet is $70. The office is open M-F 8am-6pm and Sat 8am-12pm. Phone: 781-646-0758

• Located at 1183 Mass Ave in Arlington, Millbrook Animal Clinic has three vets on staff. They offer surgery, wellness care, dentistry, behavioral medicine, pain management, senior care, ultrasound, x-rays, acupuncture, nutritional counseling, and parasite control. The average cost for an exam with a vet is $50. The office is open M-Th 8am-6pm, F 8am-5pm, and Sat 8am-1pm. Phone: 781-643-1500

• Located at 637 High St in Medford, Looby Veterinary Group has six vets on staff and offer a range of medical, dental, and surgical services. The average cost for an exam with a vet is $74. The office is open M-Th 7:30am-7:30pm, F 7:30am-5pm, and Sat 7:30am-12pm. Phone: 781-488-4789

• Located at 15 Flanders Rd in Belmont, Fresh Pond Animal Hospital has six vets on staff and offer annual preventative care, day-time emergency care, diagnostics, dental care, x-ray, ultrasound, surgery, and acupuncture. The average cost for an exam with a vet is $65.The office is open M-F 7am-8pm, Sat 8am-4pm, and Sun 9am-3pm. Phone: 617-484-155

Be sure to visit the websites for each of these vets too, as they all offer a wealth of resources to help you learn about pet health care, including information on referral hospitals for emergency care outside of regular office hours. The vets listed above also offer services that make it easy for you to get the medications you need for your pup, whether that be an in-house pharmacy or online ordering. Most vets now offer online pet portals as well, so you can request appointments online and view all of your pet’s health records in one place!

The Scoop on Arlington Dog Grooming Services

Is your pup in need of a good bath or a day at the spa? It may not be their favorite thing to do, but keeping up with your dog’s hygiene is important to their health and well-being! Luckily, Arlington (and a few nearby spots in Cambridge) offers many options for grooming services. We break down all the details you need to make your first appointment here:

We know that finding the time to get your pup to the groomer can be difficult, but we can help. We’ll pick up your dog, bring them to get groomed, and drop them off at home after. Check out our concierge services and other pet services here.

Keeping your pup cool in the hot weather

It's a steamy weekend but your pup can still spend some time outside with the family. Here's a couple of ways to keep your pup safe in the heat. 

1) Lots of water.  Hosing pups down or a kiddie pool are always good!   Some pups hate it but it will help to cool them off.  But you already knew that.

2) Freeze dog treats in water in your ice cube trays.  You can even add a little chicken or beef broth to make it more interesting for your pup.  These are only recommended to be eaten outside, they can be a little messy.

3) Take water with you on any walk.  They make a variety of water bottles that make it easy to drink out of.

4) It's super easy to make your own doggie frozen treats.  2 cups Yogurt,  1 banana, 1 cup peanut butter, 2 Tbls honey blended together and frozen.  Freeze in disposable plastic cups or ice cube trays.  Doggie Ice Cream in a flash.

5) Make a cool spot for your pup to lie down.  A wet towel will help keep them cool and always pick a spot with plenty of shade.  They may even dig a little to find their own cool spot. 

If you can't provide relief during your summer adventures, maybe your pup should stay home in the air conditioning and your dog walker can stop by to make sure your pup can get some exercise without overdoing it.  Give us a call if you need some help, that's what we are here for! 

Dogwalker dishes on the Top 3 dog harnesses

Dog Harnesses that Prevent Pulling

We see a lot of harnesses, leashes, collars and gismos that people spend lots of money on and they often don't help with pups constantly pulling on the leash.  The worst part of this scenario... the less fun a walk is for the owner, the less likely they will take their pups on long walks.  If your pup doesn't get enough exercise, they will pull even harder when they do get out.  You can see the downward spiral coming.  The #1 full proof way to curb pulling is to leash train your pup.  See our blog about the best trainers in town.  

Second best option to help with pulling, an Easy Walk Harness from Premier Pet Products.  I had one client buy a generic version of the Easy Walk harness and it wasn't the same.  Pay the money for the real thing.  They also have this policy about replacing harnesses if your dog chews through them, just send in the remaining bits and for $5 they will send a new replacement.  Pretty cool.  Check out the video on how it works...

Dog Harnesses for Safety and Comfort

For super small pups or pups with heads smaller than their necks, I love the Puppia Mesh Harnesses.  Sometimes collars can slip off but a dog and his walker would have to work really hard to get them out of a well fitted harness.  Sometimes you don't want to have a lot of pressure on a dogs neck so a harness is a great option.  Plus they come in a million colors and are easy on and off (over the head, one paw in the loop and snap).  They also don't tend to get tangled like nylon strap harnesses.  It's really clear how they go on and off.  Remember you are going to be putting this thing on and off a million times over the life of your pup (or it just feels that way).  I don't love the step in harnesses for little dogs.  I call them bra harnesses, you'll know why when you see one.  You have to line up two moving paws with the static loops that make the harness and then snap them where the leash attaches and they often have two D rings back there too.  Keep it easy, get one that looks like this.

Dog Harnesses for Adventures

Great for adrenaline junkies with dogs that can run for days.  Ruffwear makes a ton of great outdoor gear for your dogs...packs, booties, climbing gear, life jackets you name it!  Amazballs!  Here's their description of their adventure harness Omnijore....

The Omnijore™ Joring System is designed for any dog-pulling activity such as skijoring, mountainboard-joring, skatejoring, bikejoring, or canicross. Enjoy joring all year long in any climate conditions. 

My old dog probably would suggest that I wear the harness and she get pulled along but that's a subject for another day.  So get out there with your dog.  A tired dog is a happy dog.  Let me know what works for you.

Top 5 Arlington, MA parks to walk your dog

1. Menotomy Rocks is a great place to take your pup.  Pro's: pond that pups can cool off in, off leash hours in the morning, nice woods to walk around in.  Con's:  pond gets a little funky towards the end of the summer and it's a beautiful spot but not huge.  Maybe takes 45 mins to stroll the whole park.  Still your pup will love it.  There are also community bulletin boards, trash cans, and a playground for the little humans.  Street parking on Jason St. in Arlington.
   
2. Thorndike Dog Park- Arlington's Dog Group, A-Dog, fought long and hard for this beautiful park.  Great location on the bike path.  Pro's: Fenced in dog park with big tree in the middle so there is shade.  Fresh water available in warmer months and shoveled gates in the colder ones.  Dog owners galore texting on phones and chatting with their neighbors.  Lots of trash cans and bags for picking up "presents". Con's: sometimes there is a crazy crowd like any dog park.  My pup doesn't love the pebbled substrate. 
   
3. Mystic River-  Follow the path on the Arlington or Medford side about 30 mins from River St to Pleasant St and back.  No trash cans.  But lots of places for your pup to sneak in a swim in the river.  Not far from busy roads so this only applies to pups that are spot on with recall. 
   
4. Alewife Greenway Bike Path- Across from the Thorndike Dog Park, there's a board walk leading to a sandy path that follows Rt 16 towards Medford.  Heads to Dolby Field and Mystic Valley Parkway.  Not as highly used as the Minute Man Bike Path, more greenery, but pups still have to be comfortable with bikes, runners and other dogs passing in close proximity.  Not many trash cans.
   
5. The Res- you can reach the res trail from the Minute Man bike path and Hurd Park or there is parking on Lowell St.  Dogs are allowed off leash on the Lexington side but not allowed in the water.  Arlington residents can swim in a section of the res during the summer so parking can be tight when they are open.
   

Everyone has neighborhood place to take their pup for a stroll.  What's your favorite park?