Kcc pet guide 2018

PET GUIDE 2018

Critter Sitters Pet Sitting Service Sandy and her team of pet sitters are looking forward to taking the very best care of your pets.

• Daily Dog Walking

• Home Security Checks

• Vacation Care

• Loving your pets for over 25 years

What’s inside Great places to adopt a pet................ 4 Simple ways to save on your pet’s medical costs...................... 6 Tips to keep your pet healthy in the heat ........................................... 8

(630) 844-9554 www.alltopcrittersitters.com

Dogs can catch the flu?

What dog parents need to know........ 9 The best nutrition for your backyard chickens ............................. 10

Dogs • Cats • Birds • Exotics Susan J. Cechner, D.V.M.

SM-CL1537158

Now offering acupuncture & chiropractic for small animals

403 E. North Street • Elburn

630.365.9599

2 • Pet Guide 2018

333 N. Randall Road, Suite 1 St. Charles, IL 60174 630-232-9222 kcchronicle.com

Pet Guide 2018 • 3

Pet

Adoption S

helters and animal rescues are full of wonderful animals just waiting on a forever home. Adopting a pet can mean lower costs, and often the animals already are trained and housebroken.

Here is a list of local organizations where you can find the perfect pet for your family. Check them out online, and call for hours and details:

Fur Angels Animal Sanctuary Aurora www.FurAngelsAS.com A Heart for Animals PO BOX 986, Huntley www.AHeartForAnimals.org Help a Pooch Rescue Algonquin www.HelpAPoochRescue.com HELP-Homes for Endangered and Lost Pets PO Box 972, St. Charles www.HelpingAnimals.org Hoof, Woof and Meow Animal Rescue 129 E. Higgins, Gilberts www.HoofWoofMeow.org Humane Society of Aurora 600 S. River Road, Aurora www.HumaneSocietyofAurora.org

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Kane County Animal Control 4060 Keslinger Rd., Geneva www.KaneCountyPets.com

Animal House Shelter 13005 Ernesti Road, Huntley www.AnimalHouseShelter.com

A Little R&R Animal Sanctuary Elgin www.RR-Sanctuary.org

Aurora Animal Control and Care Facility 600 S. River Road, Aurora www.Aurora-il.org/animalcontrol/

Paws and Purrs Humane Society PO Box 541, Montgomery www.PawsAndPurrs.org

The Barn on Baseline 16173 Baseline Road, Geneva www.TheBarnOnBaseline.org

Rescue Warriors Corp 842 Bode Road, Elgin www.RescueWarriorsCorp.org

Casey’s Safe Haven PO BOX 103, Elburn www.CaseysSafeHaven.org

Rover Rescue PO BOX 4074, Aurora www.RoverRescue.org

Fox Valley Animal Welfare League 11 John St., North Aurora www.FVAWL.org

Anderson Animal Shelter 1000 S. La Fox St., South Elgin AndersonAnimalShelter.org

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SIMPLE WAYS to save on

YOUR PET’S MEDICAL COSTS June is National Pet Adoption Month, a great time to consider providing a home to a pet from a local shelter.

(BPT) - Pet parents know that there’s nothing like the love of furry family members. Keeping your pets healthy is a priority because you want them to live as long as possible. However, health care costs for pets are expensive, and if you are dealing with additional expenses such as prescriptions for chronic conditions, it can become a burden to your budget.

Fortunately, there are several things pet owners can do proactively to keep pets healthy and save money on health care costs.

INVEST IN PREVENTATIVE CARE

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is just as applicable to pets as it is to their human caregivers. One of the most important things a pet parent can do to ensure the ongoing health of any animal is to bring them in for annual checkups whether they are experiencing health issues or not.

During wellness checkups, veterinarians can screen for a variety of health conditions.

They provide insight on diseases, agerelated concerns, dental health, nutritional considerations and so much more. Plus you’re able to provide your pet with important vaccinations. Regular checkups help vets identify problems sooner rather than later, and this can translate to more affordable health care costs to pet parents in the long run.

GET AN INSIDE RX PETS PRESCRIPTION CARD

Costs for managing your pet’s health can be a bear with pet owners spending more than $8 billion on prescription and over-thecounter medications annually. The Inside Rx Pets program offers savings on commonly

6 • Pet Guide 2018

prescribed medications such as insulin and antibiotics, as well as seizure, glaucoma and anti-inflammatory drugs. The Inside Rx Pets savings card is not insurance; it is a savings card you can use for certain human medications that may be prescribed for your pet. A complete list of the medications with which you can use the Inside Rx Pet card, as well as pricing information and other details, can be found at https://InsideRx.com/Pets.

Benefiting from these discounts is easy for pet parents: If your pet’s veterinarian writes a prescription for an applicable medication, simply download the free discount card from the Inside Rx Pets website and present it with the prescription at one of the 40,000 participating pharmacies located across the U.S. that fill prescriptions for animals.

These include national chains such as Kroger Family of Pharmacies, CVS and Walgreens (yes, the same pharmacies you go to for your own medications).

EXERCISE AND FOCUS ON NUTRITION

Obesity is a growing concern for many pets.

Poor nutrition paired with limited exercise causes pets to put on additional weight.

This weight can put them at higher risk for health concerns like diabetes, osteoarthritis and ligament injuries. These health concerns not only risk the quality of life for Fluffy or Fido, but also can deeply impact your pocketbook.

Pets, just like humans, require exercise and proper nutrition to stay healthy and feel their best. Whether that’s letting your rabbit out of the cage to run or going on a walk with your dog, be sure to make regular exercise a part of your fur family’s routine. If you’re unsure what is appropriate for your pet, call your veterinarian or bring it up at a wellness visit. They’ll be delighted you reached out for more information to keep your pet healthy.

START AN EMERGENCY FUND

Choosing between a pet and an unexpected health expense

Planning a Day Trip, Weekend or Vacation?

is something no one wants to experience. Being prepared can make a big difference when facing difficult decisions, so it’s wise to have savings set aside in case of a rainy day.

Tanglewood Kennels LLC

Some people are starting pet health savings accounts (HSAs) that are similar to the accounts that people hold for themselves to pay for medical expenses.

Whether you choose that path or a traditional savings account, when you have an emergency fund you won’t have to worry about any unexpected expenses, so you can simply focus on getting your pet well again.

is always here for you.

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Being proactive is important for keeping your pets healthy for many years. From scheduling annual wellness visits to taking advantage of the Inside Rx Pets discount card, there are many easy actions pet parents can take today to reduce costs so furry family members stay well.

43 W. 030 Empire Rd. St. Charles 630-365-2388 SM-CL1537516

We treat every client like a friend and their pets as if they were our own.

A Healthy Pet is a Happy Pet • Preventative Dentistry and Oral Surgery • Cold Laser Therapies • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Repair • Pocket Pets and Reptiles Welcomed

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info@gatewayvetclinic.com • gatewayvetclinic.com Pet Guide 2018 • 7

TIPS your pet healthy

to keep

in THE HEAT

(BPT) - Spring is here, summer is approaching fast and it’s time to get outside and start taking advantage of the warmer weather. Dr. Jeff Werber, Emmy award-winning celebrity veterinarian, has a few tips and tricks on how to keep your pet happy and healthy in the heat.

Before you start your jogging treks, hiking excursions or bicycle touring with your furry partner by your side, it’s important to understand these spring/summer safety measures to keep your pet happy and safe.

EASING INTO EXERCISE After sitting around all winter, it is not a good idea to jump right into a full exercise regimen full speed ahead. The best approach to get your pet ready for more activities outside is a gradual introduction into exercise. A game of fetch is a perfect way to get your pet up and moving. The Chuckit! Launcher and Locator Sound Ball provides an easy way for your pet to increase their stamina, with the added entertainment of retrieving a ball that emits an audible pulse sound every few seconds to help pet parents and dogs locate the ball in any terrain after launch.

If your pet enjoys chasing ground pursuits (think rabbits and squirrels), the Chuckit!

RingChaser is a great option to satisfy their instincts. Again, short bursts of chasing and retrieving are a fun way to get your pup back into shape.

It’s also critical to choose the best time of day to exercise - and noon is not it. The best time to enjoy your pet’s company is early in the morning or early in the evening. Keep in mind that in the evening after the sun is down, the pavement can still be pretty warm, as it retains heat for quite a while. Where possible, try to exercise on a grassy or dirt surface to avoid burning or irritating their paws.

8 • Pet Guide 2018

KEEPING COOL AND STAYING HYDRATED

hazard. Don’t do it, not even in the shade or “only for a few minutes.” Enough said.

What we love so much about our dogs is how loyal they are and how much they want to please us. This can be a problem when it comes to potential overexertion, as they will keep going just to be with us, even though they may be overheating. Moreover, many dogs and cats can overheat from lying around the house or backyard as well. When leaving pets outside during the spring or summer, make sure that shade and fresh water are always available. There are many devices available that can provide water automatically or ondemand, like the Petmate Replendish Waterer, which provides a constant flow of fresh water throughout the day for pets even when the pet parent isn’t home. If you’re out and about with your pet, consider the Replendish To-Go Water bottle that conveniently includes a travel bowl for your pet. For longer excursions, or for hotter climates, wet a bandana and place it in the freezer the night before so it will remain nice and cool a little longer. Also, make regular stops in a shady area to allow both of you to catch your breath.

LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES, WHILE ON A LEASH

Indoor dogs and cats also need to escape from the heat. Make sure the house isn’t kept too warm. Keep at least one room cooler by leaving the shades or drapes closed. Enough has been written about pets and parked cars, so I’m sure you are all aware of that potential deadly

You and your pet are finally enjoying the great outdoors, and the fun activities with Fido are endless. Our pet nation has a huge population, and it’s important to be a good citizen.

Remember to respect other pets’ “space” and boundaries, and don’t assume every dog is dying to play with yours. Wherever you and your pet decide to roam, be mindful of the local leash laws. You don’t want to turn a fun outing into an emergency room visit for you or anyone else.

If you’re heading off to a park or hiking area, make sure you have everything you need for your trek. Travel treats and water bottles are always a good idea to keep with you, to make sure you and your pet are well fueled and hydrated. Keep essentials, like your keys, lip balm, waste bag, etc., all in one place with the Petmate Zipp Leash that features an expandable pouch built right into the leash to hold all dog-walking basics while on the go.

Regardless of whether you choose to run, romp, hike or trek, spring and summer are great times of year to bond with your pets. I encourage all of you to get outdoors, enjoy the warmth and sunshine, and to include your fourlegged kids in your activities. Just remember to play it smart and keep them safe.

Dogs can catch the

FLU? WHAT DOG PARENTS NEED TO KNOW

Dog flu is a year-round illness that can easily spread from dog to dog, but isn’t contagious to humans. Spring is a great time for pet parents to talk to their veterinarians about vaccinating their dogs against dog flu, either for the first time or for revaccination, because warmer weather means more time spent outside socializing with other dogs - and more social time can increase a dog’s chance of getting sick.

“Dog flu is highly contagious and we’ve seen thousands of cases being reported over the last year,” says Kathryn Primm, DVM, co-author of the Pet Parent’s Guide to Infectious Disease of Dogs.

“The good news is that it’s also vaccine preventable. Dogs can be protected against both strains of dog flu with a single vaccine.”

To help pet parents across the country, here are answers to some common questions pet parents have about dog flu.

What exactly is dog flu? There are two strains of the canine influenza virus - H3N2 and H3N8. H3N2 is relatively new and is responsible for most of the recent cases. Common symptoms of dog flu include high fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, cough, runny nose and, in some cases, pneumonia - which can be life-threatening.

How do dogs get dog flu? Dog flu is highly contagious and can pass between dogs through virus particles in the air, physical contact with other dogs, indirect contact with an infected dog or contact with a person who has interacted with an infected dog. Since dogs have no natural immunity against dog flu, almost all unvaccinated dogs that come in contact with the virus will become sick.

Are certain groups of dogs more susceptible to dog flu? Pups that travel with their families or are frequently in contact with other dogs at places like dog parks, doggie daycare, grooming facilities and boarding kennels are at increased risk and should be vaccinated against both strains of dog flu.

Why should I get my dog vaccinated now? Dog flu is not seasonal, it is year-round; but because dogs tend to be more social in the spring in many parts of the country, they are more likely to encounter a contagious dog. Plus, with summer approaching, dogs that will be boarded should finish the dog flu vaccination at least two weeks before the planned date of boarding. Dogs vaccinated for the first time need two vaccinations, two to four weeks apart. Annual revaccination just requires one vaccination.

Can dogs transmit the flu to humans? No. To date, there is no evidence that humans can catch canine influenza virus from dogs.

Did you know that humans are not the only ones who can catch the flu? Unfortunately for man’s best friend, dogs are also susceptible to their own version of it.

Can I vaccinate my dog against both strains? According to the American Animal Hospital Association, dogs at risk, such as those that are boarded at kennels, attend doggie day care or visit dog parks, should be vaccinated against both strains of dog flu, available in a single vaccine. Dogs should be vaccinated on an annual basis to prevent illness or decrease the severity of symptoms if they do become sick. To find a vet that carries the dog flu vaccination, you can visit dogflu.com and search by your zip code.

How long has this vaccine been available? Bivalent vaccines, which are vaccines that contain both strains of dog flu, were introduced to the market in 2016 and 2017. Millions of dogs have been vaccinated against dog flu.

Spring weather is exciting for both pet parents and their dogs - it means it’s time to get outside and play. Avoid the risk of dog flu by talking to a veterinarian about vaccination and visiting dogflu.com to find a veterinarian and schedule an appointment for a dog flu vaccination for your pet. (BPT)

Pet Guide 2018 • 9

The best nutrition for your

BACKYARD CHICKENS (BPT) - Raising backyard chickens has been a growing trend in the United States over the past several years. Consumers crave choice in their family’s diet, which often includes food they have grown or raised themselves. Raising a backyard flock helps consumers have more control over the eggs their family eats, but bringing home chicks for a backyard flock is just the beginning.

The happiest backyard chickens have the healthiest diets, and the best eggs come from hens eating the most nutritious feed. Today, we are increasingly focused on the impact food has on our family’s health. Hobbyists like to feed their flock the way they feed themselves: non-GMO, organic, soy-free, omega-free and all natural.

Having a say in what goes into the food their family eats is one of the main reasons people choose to raise backyard chickens. There are 2.9 million households in the U.S. raising chickens, and 62 percent of backyard hobbyists anticipate adding to their flock in the next three years.

Raising chickens is a way to extend food supply,

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10 • Pet Guide 2018

With companies like Whole Foods Market reporting 426 percent growth in non-GMO sales from 2010 to 2014, it’s evident that consumers want to know what they’re eating. That’s why Nutrena also offers a USDA-certified organic line of poultry feed that is non-GMO. The Nutrena poultry feed portfolio includes three different feed lines for each type of poultry hobbyist. Whether you’re starting your chicks, supporting your layers or raising meat birds, Nutrena poultry feed offers the nutrition they need.

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and hobbyists don’t plan to scale back.

Providing healthy food for your family begins with the source. Nutrena poultry feed makes it easy by using wholesome ingredients in its selection of affordable, homegrown, healthy poultry feeds. By providing your chickens with the highest-quality nutrition, you’re sure to have the freshest eggs for that Sunday morning family breakfast.

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Pet Guide 2018 • 11

MEGA Adoption Event Saturday, July 7th, 11am - 5pm AND Sunday, July 8th, 11am - 4pm At Anderson’s Bloomingdale Adoption Center (inside Petco on Army Trail Road)

Your BFF is waiting www.andersonanimalshelter.org

With hundreds of animals available for immediate adoption, we’re confident you’ll find your new BFF at one of our three locations today!

Anderson Animal Shelter South Elgin 1000 S. LaFox (Rt 31) Anderson Animal Shelter North Aurora 180 Randall Road (next to Pet Supplies Plus) Anderson Animal Shelter Bloomingdale 412 Army Trail Road (inside Petco) SM-CL1536673

12 • Pet Guide 2018