A BLOG FOR CHARLESTON PET PARENTS 

If you've lived in the Lowcountry for any length of time, you already know the drill. Bottled water disappears from shelves, generators sell out, and everyone starts checking the tropics a little more often. Hurricane preparation is just part of life here. Hurricane preparedness for pets is easiest when you start before a storm is anywhere near the coast. When you've already sorted out supplies, transportation, records, and a place to go, a hurricane watch becomes a lot less

Many pet parents worry about heat and hot pavement during the summer, but sunburn is another important risk. Learn which dogs are most vulnerable, how to recognize the signs of sunburn, and practical ways to protect your dog while enjoying the outdoors.

Hot, humid summer days don’t cancel your meetings, clear your calendar, or shorten your commute. Your dog may still need a bathroom break, attention, movement, and enrichment in the middle of the day, even when the usual neighborhood walk no longer makes sense. So what actually happens during a dog walk when the heat and humidity settle in? The short answer is that the visit adapts. On especially hot days, that may mean choosing a shadier route, slowing the pace, allowing mor

If your dog gets anxious the second fireworks start, you’re definitely not alone. July can feel extra stressful for pet parents in North Charleston and surrounding areas. Between neighborhood fireworks, holiday celebrations, long weekends, and summer thunderstorms, many dogs struggle with the unpredictability. The good news? A little preparation can make a huge difference in helping your pet feel calmer, safer, and more comfortable. So if you're a pet parent in North Charlest

If you work long hours, whether you're commuting to the office or working from home, you know how difficult it can be to give your dog the midday attention they need. Regular dog walks are not just about exercise. They also play an important role in your dog’s mental stimulation, routine, behavior, and overall well-being. That’s where a professional dog walker can make a huge difference. At PAWS UP!, our midday dog walking services help Charleston dogs stay active, mentally e

Bringing home a shelter dog comes with hope, excitement, and a lot of unknowns. By the time you reach the three-month mark, many adopters are either starting to feel relief or questioning everything. Sometimes both. When Maggie joined our family after spending nearly three months at Dorchester Paws, a local Charleston shelter, we knew she would need time. What we did not know was how much growth, patience, and perspective those first three months would require from all of us.

If you’ve ever come home to find your plants knocked over, a mug shattered, or your cat sitting smugly on the kitchen counter like he pays rent, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, more than once, with my cat, Charlie, who has perfected the art of controlled chaos. Here in Charleston, many indoor cats struggle with boredom, especially during hot summers or rainy weeks when the windows stay closed and the wildlife is just out of reach. Charlie’s always been a curious guy, but a

Bringing home a shelter dog is a leap of faith, and the first several weeks are often a mix of sweet moments and pure chaos. When Maggie joined our family after nearly three months at a local Charleston shelter, we knew she would need time to unwind and understand that this really was her new home. Now that we have made it through the first month together, we are finally seeing her relax, settle, and let her true personality shine. This is an honest look at how our Charleston

It’s tempting to think your independent kitty will be just fine on their own for a couple of days. After all, they nap 18 hours a day, right? Just leave out a little extra food and water, scoop the box before you leave, and they’ll hardly notice you’re gone . . . right? Not. So. Fast. While cats may seem low-maintenance compared to their canine counterparts, the truth is that even short absences can cause big stress for your feline friend, and health or behavioral issues can

Bringing home a new dog is always emotional, but adopting one who spent nearly three months in a shelter? That’s something else entirely. There’s joy, uncertainty, stress, and hope all tangled together in those early days. This is the story of Maggie’s first week with us and what we learned from welcoming her into our home. How We Found Maggie We first saw Maggie on the shelter website. Her bio mentioned she had spent time with children, other dogs, and even a couple of cats

Bringing a new dog home is one of life’s greatest joys. But let’s be honest, it is also a big shift, especially for your new pup and any pets already living in your home. A thoughtful introduction helps everyone feel safe, secure, and comfortable right from the start. Whether you are adopting a puppy, fostering a rescue, or welcoming a second or third dog into your pack, these seven tips will help create a smooth transition for your new dog, your current pets, and your entire

Finding pet care you can truly trust is harder than it should be. You’re not just hiring someone to let the dog out or top off the food and water, you’re trusting them with a member of your family. And in a city like Charleston, where options are plenty but consistency isn’t, that decision can feel like a leap of faith. If you’ve ever felt uneasy booking a pet sitter or struggled to find a dependable dog walker, you’re not alone. When you’re juggling a full calendar, a high-e