by Pam Ranheim | Oct 21, 2020 | cats, dogs, pet care, pets, puppy
Otis, Dog, of Plymouth, MA in his 2020 Halloween Costume. Follow him on Instagram @goldenotis0805
The leaves are at their peak, pumpkins have new homes on every porch in the neighborhood, and, if you’re like me, you have too many bags of candy in your online grocery cart. These seasonal traits mean Halloween is Just Around the Corner. This year we are making it a pet friendly Halloween for those precious fur babies who have been keeping us sane in 2020. This spooky holiday isn’t usually on the list of “Favorites” for our pets. In fact, trick-or-treaters, costumed kids and adults, and scary noises can add up to a stressful day or night for your dog or cat, in addition to your stress worrying about someone getting out of the house with all the door openings. But there are ways to make Halloween safe and exciting for your pet! Grab your bucket of overpriced candy and get ready because Halloween is coming up PAWESOME this year.
Tim Burton film, Frankenweenie.
Fright Night Festivities
The best way to have a pet friendly Halloween is to include your pet in as much of the holiday fun as possible! Get your pet in the spirit of Halloween with a few of our favorite pet-centric games the whole family can enjoy. The public activities of your town may be cancelled this year due to COVID-19 but the holiday itself is not so let’s dive into some fright night fun to give your pet a Halloween they won’t soon forget! Be sure to scroll all the way down for our delicious Pumpkin Spice Pet Snacks recipe.
Watch pet approved Halloween movies.
Do you find your dog or cat watching along when you have the TV on? ME TOO! So, play them a movie they can see themselves in to really keep the All Hallows Eve spirit alive this time of year. Here are our pet must-sees for Halloween.
- It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
- Frankenweenie (Tim Burton version)
- The Dog Who Saved Halloween
- Scooby Doo: The Movie
- Hocus Pocus (for our feline friends)
Take your pet for a drive!
If your pet loves the car take them for a socially distant car ride to enjoy the sights and sounds of Halloween in your town. From your Main St. to the neighborhood with the spookiest decorations hop in the car and take it all in with your furry friend. Halloween can be a dangerous time for pets who are out and about on their own, particularly our beautiful black cats and dogs (stay tuned for details on this in next week’s blog). Be sure to keep your pets close and have current ID tags on them at all times. Go for a family car ride and don’t forget to bring your Pumpkin Spice Pup Snacks.
Play Halloween Games.
If you are staying in or even having a few friends over this Halloween, why not play some pet friendly games with your dog or cat! It is time to get creative on this one. Think about what your pet enjoys and come up with a game that involves that “thing” or activity you know they love. While you are thinking about a custom game just for your fur baby try out one of our Spook-tastic activities your pet will die for.
- Bob for Bones – Grab a bucket or basket and toss in a delicious bone or two. For cats make it their favorite toy or a few of their treats. Be sure to have a few other items in the bucket for them to “bob around”. You can make it as challenging or as simple as you want based on what your pet will enjoy most. Have fun Bobbing for Bones!
- Costume Show – If your pet enjoys being dressed up, then chances are you have more than one costume. Let your dog or cat be the star of the evening and show off multiple costumes, even if it’s just the two of you. Don’t forget take pictures and tag us on Instagram @jac_pet_care. If your dog is like my Lola Bear, who thinks costumes are out to get them, skip this activity and try one that is more up their alley.
- Tricks For Treats – Let’s get literal! Our pets love to please us so doing tricks is not a chore but something that gives them a real sense of belonging and accomplishment. Time to put those tricks to the test. Give your dog (or cat for those fancy felines) a command to do a “trick”, and when they perform it perfectly (we know they will) give them a treat! Have your bucket of treats or platter of Pumpkin Spice Pet Snacks close by all night long and play Tricks for Treats every time trick or treaters come to your house. No trick or treaters? Play as you please.
Pumpkin Spice Pet Snacks. Dog, cat, and kid-friendly Halloween treats.
Pumpkin Spice Pet Snacks
It’s Fall and the aroma of Pumpkin Spice Latte fills your nose and your heart like the gentle touch of a new flannel. Replace Pumpkin Spice Latte with your fall favorite and you get the picture. Now think about your pet and how much they would love to experience the excitement of seasonal sensations just like that. If there is one thing I know it is that the way to our pet’s hearts is through their stomach with a pet-friendly treat. These Pumpkin Spice Pet Snacks are quick and easy. With only 5 ingredients and no cooking involved these treats are a hassle free, make em’ anytime kind of recipe! YAY!
Ingredients
1 cup pumpkin puree (use canned for “hassle free”)
1/2 tbsp. cinnamon
5 tbsp. natural peanut butter (I use Teddie All Natural Peanut Butter)
1 cup coconut flour
1/3 tbsp. ginger, freshly grated
Optional: Use quick oats or powdered carob for rolling–if making for your cat we suggest a sprinkle of cat nip.
Lumi and Lola both approve of Pumpkin Spice Pet Snacks! Follow these two on Instagram @lumiandlola
Combine pumpkin puree, peanut butter, coconut flour, cinnamon, and ginger in a mixing bowl. Mix by hand, add additional peanut butter as needed to keep the dough from becoming crumbly. Once the contents are fully mixed it is time to roll them into balls. The size of these round snacks should be based on the size of your pet. For kitties and small dogs, we suggest marble size rounds, for large breed pups you can go for golf ball size if you like. Of course, the smaller they are the more this recipe makes. Once they are rolled into balls you can spice them up a bit by rolling them in quick oats or carob powder and…Voila! In 10 minutes or less your Pumpkin Spice Pet Snacks are ready for consumption by some incredibly happy four-legged Halloweeners.
Download our FREE Recipe Card for Pumpkin Spice Pet Snacks
Halloween at home with our fur babies is going to be a blast and we can’t wait! From delicious pet friendly snacks to bobbing for bones your pet is sure to fall in love with Halloween this year. Have recipes or games of your own planned? Share with us what you do to make this holiday a special one for the four-legged trick and treaters in your life.
Boston Terrier in Halloween costume.
Got Halloween Plans?
Do you have Halloween plans that don’t include your pet? Do you wish you did but feel guilty or anxious about leaving your beloved fur baby home alone? Maybe you aren’t into Halloween at all but would love to plan a fall adventure if only you had someone to take care of Fido and Fluffy. Just Around the Corner is here to help! We offer customizable scheduling to best fit you and your pets’ needs. With every visit JAC provides love, affection and even adventure for your furry family members We may not be mom or dad to them, but we certainly care for them like our own. Get out there and enjoy this fabulous time of year and leave the pet care to the professionals. Book a Meet and Greet today! Call or text 508-245-1389
Just Around the Corner offers pet care of all kinds, including daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
by Pam Ranheim | Oct 14, 2020 | birds, cats, dogs, pet care, pet health, pets, Plymouth MA, puppy
Every year a week in October is dedicated to veterinarian technicians. This week is a time to celebrate all the wonderful things they do for our precious fur babies day in and day out. These special people are the first to greet us and our pets when we go to the vet. They work tirelessly to provide comfort in uncomfortable situations, and they hold our pet’s paws when they need it most. Their daily duties go well beyond the front of house smiles we see checking in and out. In fact, you might be surprised at what all falls under their job description.
Duties of a vet tech
- Assess animal behavior
- Monitor vitals (heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, etc.)
- Help the Vet with physical exams
- Prepare/assemble equipment and tools
- Give injections and other medications
- Take blood/stool samples
- Assist surgeries
- Maintain safe and sterile working environment (and, COVID-free as well)
- Explain animal status to owners
- Feed and care for animals who are staying at the Vet’s
- Clean, bandage and wrap wounds
- Collect and record animals’ medical histories
- Perform diagnostic tests and x-rays
- On Call for ICU
- And so much more!
How to thank your vet tech
The above list is but a fraction of the things a vet tech does to keep veterinary clinics running smoothly. Wow, right?! Not to mention our fur babies LOVE THEM, don’t they? A vet tech is the warm hug our pets receive to take that “vet visit” edge off. To show our favorite vet techs how much we appreciate them we have come up with 5 fantastic ways to thank your vet tech this week!
- Write a Thank You note
The classic Thank You note is a wonderful way to let your vet tech know how much they mean to you and your pet. Write down a few reasons why you believe they are excellent at their job and how much you appreciate what they do. We all need encouragement, especially when we work hard and passionately every single day. Reading a card that describes the type of positive impact they have had is a gesture your vet tech deserves.
- Send flowers
Who doesn’t love to be surprised at work with a bouquet of flowers? It is sure to be a bright spot for your vet tech and will set the tone for an uplifting workday. Let the florist know who it is for so they can spice it up with an animal theme. Sign the card from your pet to avoid “secret admirer” talk and keep it fun!
- Create a Gift Basket
Think “pet lover” and go nuts! Purchase things like poop bags (you can NEVER have too many), a collapsible water bowl, paw print socks, animal themed coffee mug, (these days) a facemask, pet supply store gift card, the list could go on forever. Put it all together and BOOM, you have a gift basket that will be the envy of all the other vet techs.
- Leave a positive review
Nothing goes further these days than a positive review online! Everyone is reading reviews nowadays to make their decisions of where to go, what to do, and when to do it. Recognizing your vet tech in the cyber world will go further than most any physical gift. It is something that will be noticed not only by clients but their superiors and future employers. A positive review for your vet tech is the gift that keeps on giving.
- Make a donation
Choose an animal charity that you love or know your vet technician supports and donate. Whether it is an animal rights group or a local shelter, we animal lovers find that a gift to our furry friends is a gift to ourselves as well. Make your thank you one of impact when you donate to an organization hard at work to aid the animal world. Don’t forget to send along a card making them aware of your donation and the reasons behind it. A donation is a thank you that reaches beyond you and your technician to have a greater influence on the planet.
Whether you have had the same vet tech for the last 10 years or you had your first encounter with a wonderful tech last week now is the time to show them your appreciation. Write a thank you card for their hard work or put your thanks to work in a review online. Send them something to brighten their day whether it is beautiful flowers or a fun pet themed basket. You can even donate to animal organizations near or far to show your thanks. Whichever you choose take the time to appreciate your vet tech in a positive way.
Share a positive vet tech experience you have had with us! How did you thank them? Share your Thank You ideas, the more the merrier.
Looking for a Veterinarian in the Plymouth, MA area? Click here to download our list of local Vet Clinics in the Plymouth, MA area.
Just Around the Corner offers pet care of all kinds, including daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
by Pam Ranheim | Oct 7, 2020 | cats, dogs, pet care, pets
The benefits of pet grooming go well beyond an emotional pick me up for our furry friends. Regular grooming is essential to avoid certain health risks for your pets. Think of grooming your pet like a primary care visit to the doctor rather than a lavish trip to the beauty parlor. It goes well beyond a nice haircut and boost to the old self-esteem. Grooming can protect your pet from irritating and potentially dangerous conditions such as skin irritation, nail complications, flea and tick diseases, and ear infections. Sounds important right? That’s because it is! When you have your precious pooch or fluffy feline groomed professionally you are not only giving them the gift of an improved appearance but increasing their day to day quality of life and making them happier at home. Think of all the time they spend scratching or licking themselves due to hair or skin irritation. Doesn’t your fur baby deserve the reward of vitality for all the love and joy they bring to your life?
Benefits of Grooming
- Improved hygiene & smell
- Reduced shedding
- Healthy coat
- Better quality of comfort day to day
- Full body flea and tick check
- Less chance of ear infections
- Enhanced appearance
- Early detection of skin issues/physical irregularities
- Nail Care: keeps pet comfortable and avoids bone deformities
Convinced to give professional grooming a try? Or maybe you have used a groomer in the past but need to find a new one because your location or type of pet has changed. We have compiled a list of local groomers for you right here in Plymouth. Developing a relationship with a groomer in your area is an investment for your pet that will pay great dividends, as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Much like a hair salon or primary care doctor, each client has specific needs and preferences. If you give one or two groomers a try and the services you receive are not exactly what you are looking for don’t be afraid to give another groomer an opportunity to nail it for you and your fur baby. We have come up with this exhaustive list of Plymouth groomers to create options for you as a consumer. As always, do your due diligence, read reviews, talk to folks with experience at certain establishments and don’t be afraid to be upfront with your pets’ needs.
Pet Groomers in Plymouth
- The Barker House
- 4 Elm St., Plympton, MA
- 508-866-0605
- In Home Cat Grooming
- Rachael Palmer
- 609-774-7887
- Full cat grooming, plus dog nails, in your own home
- Nail trims for cats and dogs
- Mariah Callahan
- 508-776-7412
Whether you’re brand new to pet grooming or looking to give somewhere new a try there is a perfect groomer for you right here locally. What better way to support a local business and improve your pet’s vitality and overall wellbeing? Your pet will thank you. Remember to tell them JAC sent you!
Just Around the Corner offers pet care of all kinds, including daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
JAC Mascots Misha & Quinn say “Thanks for reading!”
by Pam Ranheim | Oct 1, 2020 | cats, pet care, pet health, pets
JAC Mascot Cat, Tobey posing with his favorite sunflowers.
Keeping our precious kitties healthy is essential to us cat owners but it is not always cut and dry on how to do it. No matter their age, how long you have had them, gender, or breed, you can have a positive influence on your cat’s health starting TODAY. There are many things you can begin implementing now that will have a big impact on your feline’s health. Follow these 7 simple tips to give your cat the health they deserve.
1. Cat Friendly Vet
When it comes to a veterinarian for your cat, you can’t go wrong with a vet who specializes in feline care such as, the Cat Clinic in Plymouth, MA. Some clinics can be quite canine dominant which can be a little daunting for our kitties. If your vet of choice is not a Cat (only) Clinic, ask if you and your cat can wait to be seen in a separate waiting room or wait in the car until they are ready to see you. Limiting the amount of time they spend in a waiting room with noisy dogs and other animals will leave your cat more relaxed for the vet. Choose a vet clinic that actively works to make your kitty feel at ease.
2. Brush Daily
Our kitties do much of the work themselves but help them out by giving them a nice brushing once a day. Brushing daily helps to cut down on hairballs! Want a trick for making your cat fall in love with the brush? Do it during a “happy” time of day, for example after mealtime, or give treats before and after so they begin to associate brushing with a yummy snack. They will be far more agreeable when they have something to look forward to.
3. Litter Box Etiquette
Luckily there have been cat owners who have gone before us and discovered a few rules of thumb when it comes to litter box etiquette. If you are having trouble getting your cat to consistently use the litter box you provide it is possible that one of these faithful rules is being missed even if only by a hair, literally. Proper litter box etiquette is as follows.
- One box per cat plus one. Ex. 1 cat = 2 boxes; 2 cats = 3 boxes; 3 cats = 4 boxes
- Each box should be 1.5 times the length of your largest cat.
- Scoop 2x/day and change litter fully once a week; clean the box thoroughly before adding the new litter.
In addition, just like you might have a preference in toilet paper, your cat may prefer one litter over another. For example, one of my cats will ONLY use a Breeze System litter box; my other three cats are very happy with their regular litter box with The World’s Best Cat Litter. Just like with a pet’s food, you can’t change a cat’s litter abruptly. Introduce any new litter slowly, mixing it in with their regular litter and slowly changing the ratio until they are comfortable with the new smell and feel. There are always exceptions to the rules but these three tips are an excellent starting point for any cat owner. Your kitty will thank you for the extra box, the spacious room, and clean litter.
4. Clean Dishes
Give your furry feline the gift of clean food and water dishes every day! Even if your cat bowls appear clean to the naked eye because kitty has licked everything up, bacteria is always growing. Wash with hot (150’F will kill 99% of bacteria) and soapy water at least once a day and preferably after every use. By keeping their dishes sparkling clean you can avoid the dreaded biofilm which can cause urinary tract infections, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular diseases and more! Cleaning their dishes is one of the simplest ways to keep your kitty healthy and happy.
JAC client, Wade, ready to lap up his fresh water!
5. Regular Feeding Schedule & Limited Snacks
If you have had a cat for any amount of time you have probably noticed that they are creatures of habit. The number of times a day a cat should eat can vary but one thing you want to be sure of is that you are being consistent. A dependable feeding schedule will make your cat feel more comfortable and secure at home. Does your cat enjoy the occasional human food? Before giving your feline friend a table scrap snack double check that it is not a toxic food to cats. There are many human foods you may not expect that are extremely harmful to cats. Chocolate is a well-known one, but some not so obvious ones include dairy products (yes, that means cheese) and yeast dough (bread). Always double check toxic foods to cats.
6. ID Tags/Microchipping
Cats are excellent escape artists! Whether you have indoor or outdoor cats always keep a collar with an ID tag on them. If your cat will not wear a collar or you worry about it catching on something with their outgoing behavior a great alternative is having your cat micro chipped. A Microchip is a small electronic chip (about the size of a grain of rice) placed just under the skin of your pet. There is an ID number assigned to your cat/dog. If your pet goes missing the person checking the chip will have the animal’s name and owner’s contact information to get in touch and return your pet safely home. Of course, you can always use both an ID tag and a microchip to doubly ensure their safety.
7. Spay & Neuter
Getting your cat spayed or neutered, even for those indoor-only kitties, is necessary. Have your cat “fixed” to help control the homeless cat population. Cats who are spayed/neutered also tend to avoid certain types of cancers, such as breast cancer and testicular cancer, and even uterine infections decrease. After being “fixed” your cat will be less likely to escape/runaway as they will no longer go into heat. Cats who have been spayed or neutered behave better overall than those who have not, which makes a happier and healthier kitty.
JAC Client, Sigmund, enjoying a nice stretch.
Next stop: healthy and happy!
A healthy cat makes a happy home. Take the time to find a vet that will make your cat feel at ease and purchase a collar with ID tags and/or get them microchipped. Each day lend a hand to minimize hairballs, clean their dishes, feed according to their schedule, and follow proper litter box etiquette. Don’t forget, always spay/neuter your pet. Do these things and your cat will undoubtedly be the healthy feline they deserve to be!
Just Around the Corner offers Cat Sitting as well as daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
Sources:
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/fedding-times-and-fequency-for-cats
https://www.batcopetsitting.com/biofilm-bacteria-pet-dishes/
https://www.vets-now.com/2017/02/foods-poisonous-to-cats/
by Pam Ranheim | Sep 23, 2020 | dog walking, dogs, pets, Plymouth MA, puppy
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, National Dog Week! As canine lovers we hardly feel there is a week full of more love, fur, and slobbery kisses than this one. We have an entire week to celebrate the beloved pups that make our lives full, but what the heck IS National Dog Week? NDW is dedicated to celebrating dogs and generating awareness of causes that focus on improving the lives of all dogs. Human personal education and mindfulness as a dog owner, lover, or even an acquaintance is as much a part of this special week as celebrating the dogs themselves. Without further ado let’s jump into how to celebrate this glorious week, shall we?
Volunteer
Volunteer, Volunteer, Volunteer! Local dog shelters and dog adoption organizations always need volunteers especially those passionate about our furry friends! This is something we can do all year round but if you are looking to give it a try for the first time what better time to start? This is a great option for individuals and families with older children to make a big impact right in their own town. Becoming a foster home is also an excellent way to volunteer. Bringing a homeless pup into your life while they wait for their forever home is one of the most rewarding ways to help the dog community. As a starting point below is a list of a few local volunteer opportunities. Happy Volunteering!
Local Volunteer Opportunities
Friends of Plymouth Pound (Plymouth, MA) www.Friendsplymouthpound.org
Papas Pet Project (Manomet, MA) https://papaspets.org/ 774-205-5151
Helping Hands for Plymouth Animal Shelter (Plymouth, MA) 508-888-1186
www.helpinghandsforpas.org
[email protected]
Standish Humane Society (Duxbury, MA) www.standishhumane.org 781-834-4663
Support Local
Celebrate Dog Week by supporting the places your dog likes to shop. Head to your locally owned pet supply store for those special treats for Fido or that new rope toy for Gino. Stores like Papas Pet Project in Manomet, MA are non-profit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of animals. Supporting local businesses with a passion for helping the dog community is like donating and pleasing your pup at the same time, it’s a win-win! Local pet supply stores often have volunteer opportunities as well as strong ties to animal advocacy/adoption organizations. Get to know the locally owned pet shops near you and discover ways you can become involved. If you are in the Plymouth area check out Papas Pet Project & Pet Supplies Plus.
Donate
Donations are the life blood of local shelters, adoption agencies, and advocacy organizations, during National Dog Week and all year long. Whether you donate your time as a volunteer or your money these organizations can’t do what they do without you! Research organizations that interest you and find one that aligns with your beliefs when it comes to the dog community, such as adopting less adoptable dogs or groups with a mission for stopping animal cruelty. Wherever your dog passion lies there is a place to match for you to donate.
Education
Celebrate National Dog Week by giving yourself the gift of education. Read books, blogs and articles dedicated to awareness in the dog community. Discover how you can be an advocate for dogs in a sustainable way all year long. Take some time to understand your own dog or any dogs you encounter regularly. Get to know the breed/mix, learn how to be the best dog owner/friend you can be! Knowledge is power, as the saying goes, what you learn will translate into your daily dog loving life. From understanding the current needs of your local shelters to learning how you can socialize your own dog the list of things to learn is endless!
Break the mold
Okay, so we have talked a lot about how to help the dog community but what about the precious pup in your home? Branch out from your dog’s regular routine and explore new places, friends, and fun! Try a dog friendly trail that is new to you and your pooch (see Dog Friendly Trails in Plymouth, MA Part: 1 & Part 2 for local options). Eat out at a restaurant that loves when you bring your pup, like Stack Shack in Plymouth. Head to the dog park to meet new friends! Does your dog LOVE a special type of bone they only get on Christmas or their birthday? Treat them to one or two during a week devoted entirely to them! Break the mold of your dog’s normal routine and spice it up for them this week.
Time to Celebrate!
National Dog Week is here and it’s time to get out there and celebrate! Whether you volunteer your time, donate, support local, educate yourself, or get out there and experience new people, places and things with your fur baby there is no better time. During your newfound advocacy don’t forget to provide some special touches for the pup that loves you unconditionally at home. Fun new toys and tasty treats go a long way with our fur babies. Let us know how you are choosing to celebrate National Dog Week; we can’t wait to hear from you!
Just Around the Corner offers daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
Sources
dog.com – National Dog Week article
https://www.facebook.com/NatDogWeek/
by Pam Ranheim | Sep 15, 2020 | dog walking, dogs, pets, Plymouth MA
The sun is out, a light chill fills the air, and the tourists have all gone home. It is a perfect day to explore a dog friendly trail with your precious pooch right here in Plymouth. Summer has faded fast and fall is quickly approaching which means our furry friends are once again welcome to roam on most beaches and trails, yay! If you are looking to spice up your routine with Buster or get Lucy out for a nice run why not hit a wide, well maintained, trail that offers scenic views just minutes from home. On the surface our town is stunning, this we know, but hidden throughout its 100 square miles are trails you never knew Plymouth had to offer. Did you catch Part 1 of our Dog Friendly Trails in Plymouth series? Learn about 5 more totally PAWesome trails that you and your pup will love here.
What to pack?
Anytime we take our dog somewhere there are basics we want to have on hand, right? For example, we can all agree that it is never a good idea to leave home without poop bags. But what about when you are planning for a long-distance hike in a pretty remote location? When you are preparing for a venture to one of these trail locations the list of essentials is a bit more extensive. Being prepared is paramount to ensure the safety of you and your pup as you embark on your new adventures. Download our FREE list of Excursion Essentials for Your Pup and share with friends!
5 Plymouth Hiking/Walking Trails
ATTENTION: Check the Massachusetts Toxic Algae Pond Advisory list before you or your dog enter or drink the water of any pond listed in the following descriptions.
Little Pond Loop @ Morton Park
We could not resist starting the list off with Little Pond Loop at Morton Park. The towering forestry and beautiful blue water of Lout Pond and Billington Sea are unlike any other trail views in Plymouth! The wide, well worn paths make for easy use and keeps social distancing effortless. There are picnic tables and a recreational area near the parking lot at the main entrance. Your pup is sure to enjoy running the open trails and taking a dip before the car ride home. The trail itself is not clearly marked so if you are not interested in exploring a few paths that lead to nowhere we suggest downloading the All Trails app to ensure your 2.7 miles does not turn into 5+. Overall, the beauty, easy to use trails, and variety of activity options in Morton Park make this trail a must use!
Trail Length: 2.7 miles
Address: Morton Park Rd.
Route Type: Loop
Parking: Large lot just down from the main entrance
Map: Morton Park Trail
Cranberry Bogs via Eel River Preserve Trail
If you love observing nature this is the trail for you! The abundance of wildlife in their natural habitat all along this trail is well worth the low land sludge you may encounter. The trail is low lying land so depending on recent weather patterns it may be quite muddy. If you are looking for a lesser known trail to explore all to yourself, this is the way to go! Excellent option for dogs who do not prefer the company of other dogs or humans. Come prepared with your waterproof shoes and bug spray to make this trail a positive experience.
Trail Length: 2.2 miles
Address: 204 Long Pond Rd. Plymouth, MA
Route Type: Loop
Parking: In lot at 204 Long Pond Rd.
Map: Eel River Preserve Trail
East Head Pond Trail @ Myles Standish
Rated the number 1 trail in all of Plymouth according to All Trails, East Head Pond Trail will not disappoint. This picturesque trail leads you around the full loop of East Head Pond. Stunning views of the water and blooming flowers are sure to keep your attention throughout the entire 2.6-mile loop. The flat terrain makes it an excellent choice for all skill levels and all size dogs. Its easy use and clearly marked signs will keep you on the right path without a second thought about it. Note that the trail is a bit narrow, but the light foot traffic makes social distancing easy. Wonderful choice for the whole family!
Trail Length: 2.6 miles
Address: 194 Cranberry Rd. (area of)
Route Type: Loop
Parking: Parking areas along the entrance of the State Park
Map: East Head Pond Trail/Myles Standish
Bentley Loop @ Myles Standish
Measuring in at just under 4 miles, Bentley’s Loop will get the blood pumping and lungs working for you and your pooch. Popular activities on this trail include mountain biking, horseback riding and of course hiking. Most importantly, dogs are more than welcome but must be kept on leash for this loop. Soak up the lovely seasonal flowers and foliage while catching a glimpse of the many varieties of birds who occupy this area. On a trail nearly 4 miles clearly marked navigation signs are a must and Bentley’s Loop does an excellent job of it. While there is no direct access for pond swimming there are a few access paths that lead to various small ponds for you and your pup to take a dip. Be sure to check the list of local Toxic Algae Ponds before letting your dog (or you) dive in.
Trail Length: 3.8 miles
Address: 194 Cranberry Rd (area of)
Route Type: Loop
Parking: Parking area near east entrance off Upper College Pond Rd..
Map: Bentley Loop/Myles Standish
Gramp’s Loop Trail @ Halfway Pond Conservation
Enjoy the gentle hills and impressive forestry while exploring 2 miles of well-kept trail. The hills increase in some areas of this trail making it ideal for larger dogs or fur babies not so low to the ground. Sneak peaks of Halfway Pond and benches at the most opportune times make Gramp’s Loop a wonderful spot for picnicking or an afternoon relaxing in the great outdoors. This is a lightly trafficked trail with clearly marked navigation signs to ensure you are never lost. Dogs are welcome here year-round, so don’t miss out on this hidden gem!
Trail Length: 2 miles
Address: Mast Rd. Plymouth, MA (area of)
Route Type: Loop
Parking: Parking area at entrance of the Conservation off Mast Rd.
Google Maps directions HERE
Map: Gramp’s Loop/Halfway Pond Conservation Area
Tick Check? You bet!
Don’t forget to do a tick check on your pup as well as yourself after every trail adventure. No time of year is 100% free from ticks as they can survive in temperatures as low as freezing. Even if your pet is on a tick preventative you should still give them a once over after having been in wooded and thickly settled areas. Don’t let a splendid adventure turn into a pest nightmare for you or your furry friend. Need more information about ticks? Check out our Blogs 6 Tips to Keep Your Dog and Cat Flea- and Tick-Free and Ticks Trailside
We’d love to hear from you!
Have you been convinced to get out there with your pup and start exploring? Are you feeling reinvigorated to try a new trail in Plymouth? Comment below with your favorite trails, comments, or questions about the trails we talked about today, let us know if you visit one of them. Check back for more local trail info soon!
Just Around the Corner offers daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
Resources:
www.Alltrails.com
https://www.plymouth-ma.gov/marine-and-environmental-affairs/pages/town-plymouth-trail-maps
https://www.mass.gov/alerts/harmful-cyanobacterial-bloom-advisories-in-massachusetts#undefined
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