Lake Country - Best Paw Forward
Transcription
Lake Country - Best Paw Forward
The FREEMAN & ENTERPRISE Lake Country THIS MONTH AUGUST 2015 INSIDE PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WAUKESHA, WI PERMIT NO. 3 Coach of the year Page 7 Charles Auer/Freeman Staff Australian Shepherd Remmy looks up at owner Jose Aguirre following a class at Best Paw Forward Dog Training in the City of Pewaukee. The X’s and O’s of pet safety Car warnings only a part of keeping pets safe Barbara Eash antiques column Page 5 HARTLAND — Your Facebook feed might feature an entry on pet safety as you begin to read this article. Posts listing the dangers of locking a dog or cat in a warm car on a hot day are prolific, and with good reason. No one wants to see an innocent animal suffer, especially when that suffering is preventable. Lisa Schmick is the owner of Best Paw Forward, 1005 Richards Road in Hart- land. Schmick trains dogs for a living, and advises against leaving any pet in a vehicle on a hot day. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the temperature in a parked car on 78degree day can reach 160 degrees in a matter of minutes, even with the windows cracked. Keeping a pet safe in such circumstances is simple: Don’t lock them in a closed car on a hot day. Even cracking the windows is a dubious prospect, because animals are always warmer than humans. 245139001 By Chris Bennett Special to The Freeman Beyond car warnings Hazards are everywhere, and animal safety consists of more than making sure the windows of your car are cracked when temperatures soar. “A lot of people don’t know dogs can burn the pads of their paws,” Schmick said. “They can get very serious burns on the bottom of their feet if the pavement is too hot.” See PETS, PAGE 4 INSIDE: Waukesha County prep football preview section The daily Freeman is your source for coverage of local high school sports. Subscribe now as football season kicks off! Please call 262-542-2500 for home delivery. Or subscribe online at: gmtoday.com/subscribe 244449003 Page 4 • FREEMAN & ENTERPRISE LAKE COUNTRY AUGUST 2015 Finding food for furry friends Pet insurance gaining traction Do homework before settling on pet food Policy can help keep lid on medical bills By Chris Bennett Special to The Freeman HARTLAND — We would cook for our pets as we cook for ourselves in a perfect world. We would buy food suited for our pets and prepare it in a tasty way that is both healthy and nutritious. Fido or Whiskers would feast, and the banquet would serve both their tummies and their souls. That “perfect world” exists somewhere between Atlantis, Candyland and Narnia. “It’s a fact that we live busy lives, and we need shelf-stable, convenient, safe food for our animals,” said veterinarian Dr. Chris Bessent. “If we were the most dedicated pet owners, we would cook them real meals, like we do for ourselves. “How many people can do that? Most people don’t even do it for themselves.” Bessent owns Herbsmith, 455 E. Industrial Drive in Hartland. Herbsmith — http://www.herbsmithinc.co m — produces herbal supplements for dogs, cats and horses. Bessent also maintains her veterinary practice in Oconomowoc, and specializes in dogs, cats, horses and cows. HARTLAND — The phrase “pet insurance” might bring to mind images of the monocled gentleman from the game “Monopoly,” Mr. Monopoly, sitting about his mansion, drinking tea with an extended pinky and chortling over another windfall earned on Standard Oil stock. Pet insurance sounds like a luxury reserved for only the very well-off among us, but it is becoming a more mainstream part of American life. Chipotle started offering pet insurance as an employee benefit in 2002. MGM Resorts International, the largest employer in Las Vegas, started offering pet insurance in 2006, and the number of employers offering pet insurance has continued to rise over the last 10 years. “If it allows pet owners to get better preventative and emergency care in a timely fashion, it’s something we support, but it has to be an independent decision,” said Kimberly Brown Pokorny, executive director of the Madison-based Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association. “Because pet insurance is still fairly new, really, as a pet owner, compare apples to apples. Doing your homework is very important. All the plans vary quite a bit.” An investment like no other Bessent advocates a highend diet specifically tailored to the pet, regardless of cost. Your pet’s diet should take into account the pet’s age, activity level and current health profile. Bessent views the feeding of a pet as an investment in the animal’s health and livelihood. “You’ll pay now or you’ll pay later,” Bessent said. “After 28 years in veterinary practice, that’s what I see going on. Dogs and cats that get fed better live longer, healthier lives and don’t need as much veterinary care.” Where does one start when considering how to feed their pet? The amount of information available is as dizzying as the collision of color one sees on a trip through the pet aisle. “It’s challenging for the pet owners,” Heather Gehrke said. Gehrke is the executive director of the Elmbrook Humane Society, 20950 Enterprise Avenue in Brookfield. Charles Auer/Freeman Staff Frank, an Australian cattle dog, runs outside following a puppy class at Best Paw Forward Dog Training in the City of Pewaukee. Elmbrook serves the Lake Country communities of Chenequa, Nashotah and the Town of Delafield. “There are so many options, especially for new pet owners. When you walk into whatever store that sells pet food, that section in the store is overwhelming.” Start with good information. Discuss your pet’s health and physical condition with your veterinarian. “To me,” Bessent said, “the question is, ‘What type of dog do I have and what do I do with my dog? What’s the lifestyle of that dog?’” Bessent said a Labrador that hikes and swims with its owners will need a different diet than a pug that sleeps during the day and cuddles during the evening. “Those dogs are going to be fed very differently, even at the same age,” Bessent said. Shop at a local, independently owned pet store after consulting with your veterinarian. “Go to a high-quality pet store,” Bessent said. “In my opinion, the best pet stores are usually independently owned, and they’re very holistically minded.” Bessent said staff members at independent pet stores are usually capable of taking the advice of your veterinarian and finding a food that best suits your pet. Finding the right fuel Consider the first five ingredients when purchasing pet food. Bessent said those ingredients comprise the majority of the food. Look for meat and quality carbohydrates, such as peas or potatoes. Avoid corn and soy. “A lot of foods have great marketing and beautiful packaging,” Bessent said. “You’ll pay a lot for them, and they’re not good foods.” Less active animals do not need as many calories. Look for food with less fat, protein and carbohydrates. Carbohydrates in pet food are getting a lot of attention. Bessent said dogs are scavenger carnivores. Cats are hunter-killers. Carbohydrates are not a staple of either animal’s diet. “Cats are true carnivores and should have minimal carbs,” Bessent said. “Those really fat cats are carb junkies. They’re that way because of what we feed them.” If Fido or Whiskers get pudgy you must consider the quality and quantity of the diet. Pics on the Internet of fat pets might bring a chuckle, but Bessent said such an animal is in significant distress and its quality of life is diminished. You should also stress variety in your pet’s diet. Strive for what Bessent calls “guts of steel.” “In the real world, a cat or a dog isn’t going to say, ‘I only eat rabbits. I’m not going to eat that fish,’” Bessent said. “They’re going to eat whatever comes their way. That’s how it should be in their feeding as well. Change up their protein sources and what they’re eating all the time.” Is it worth it? The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates recurring annual medical costs of $235 for a medium-sized dog and $160 for a cat. Recurring medical costs are described as exams, vaccinations, heartworm prevention and topical flea and tick prevention. The ASPCA estimates health insurance costs of $225 per year for small, medium and large dogs and $175 per year for cats. Insurance costs can vary depending on the policy. Some policies cover spaying and neutering, vaccinations and heartworm medicine. The annual deductible can also vary, depending on the policy. The financial publishing house Bankrate reports that the cost of pet surgery can easily run into the thousands of dollars. It is easy to see where the concept of pet Pets From Page 1 If Animals Use It… We Carry It… And It’s Priced Right! “Feed & Pet Supply Stores” Visit us on-line at www.fonfeed.com for maps, info & special offers! Authorized Dealer for: • Nutrena Feeds & Buckeye Feeds • Wild Bird Seed, Feeders, Poles, Suets, Books, Bird Feeding Supplies • Horse Feed, Tack, Grooming Supplies, Pine Shavings, Stall Supplies • Dog & Cat Foods, Pet Beds, Treats, Rawhides, Leads, Collars, Toys • Small Animal Feeds & Supplies, Domestic Bird Supplies, Gifts, Cards % 15 off one regular 00 5 off any purchase $ priced item! Not valid with other offers, coupons or on any bag or can food items for dogs, cats, wild birds & horses. Limit 1-time use per person. Please present coupon. Not valid on any Carousel Saddlery items. Schmick said to place your bare hand flat to the pavement before going for a walk. If it’s uncomfortable for you, it’s uncomfortable for your dog. You should also apply the same maxims to traveling with pets in winter as in summer. Vehicles quickly become frigid once the heat is off, and the insulation of pets only goes so far. There are several general steps Schmick advises taking to ensure your pet’s safety on a daily basis. “Every owner should have ID tags on their dogs, and it’s a good idea to have them microchipped,” Schmick said. “If the tags fall off, (the chip) can be read by a reader.” Schmick also advises getting your pets spayed and neutered at an age-appropriate point in the animal’s life, and adhering to a schedule of check-ups and vaccinations. Be sure examinations include dental health checks. “Think about us humans,” Schmick said. “If you don’t brush and floss your teeth, that plaque and tartar grows. 15% off of $35 or more all Dog or Cat Toys! Not valid with other offers or coupons. Limit 1-time use per person. Please present coupon. Not valid with other offers or coupons. Limit 1-time use per person. Please present coupon. FRIENDS OF NATURE FRIENDS OF NATURE FRIENDS OF NATURE Expiration Date 9/30/15 Freeman Expiration Date 9/30/15 Freeman Expiration Date 9/30/15 Freeman Genesee Depot • 262-968-3333 Oconomowoc • 262-567-2699 W309 S4837 Commercial Dr. off Hwy. 59, just west of Hwy. 83 W359 N5920 Brown St. 245540001 245666001 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-8pm • Sat. 8am-5pm • Sun. 9am-3pm At Pewaukee Veterinary Service, we are committed to providing the most comprehensive care to our patients, focusing on their individual needs. — OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK — M–F 7:30am-8pm, Sat. 8am-5pm & Sun. 12-4pm Convenient Extended and URGENT CARE Hours Boarding, Dentistry, Diagnostic Imaging, Drive-Through Pharmacy, Dog Day Care, Grooming, Internal Medicine, Orthopedics, Pain Management, Preventative/Wellness, Rehabilitation including Hydro & Laser-therapy, Senior/Geriatric Health, Surgery, Vaccinations Charles Auer/Freeman Staff Lilly, a mixed breed puppy, pulls at the leash as she hears her owner, Kristy Lowell, call her during a puppy class at Best Paw Forward Dog Training in the City of Pewaukee. Pet insurance comes with caveats. Most carriers do not cover pre-existing conditions. For pet insurance to be effective, the policy must be in place from the time one starts caring for the animal or prior to a major health event. Brown Pokorny and Gilligan also said most pet insurance works through reimbursement. An owner must first pay any bills and then file a reimbursement claim with the insurance company. There are genetic conditions insurance will not cover. According to Consumer Affairs, a consumer advocacy group based in Lake Tahoe, Nev., this is most common with dogs. Brown Pokorny said hip dysplasia in large dogs is a common genetic condition that some policies don’t cover. It also costs more to insure some dog breeds. Rottweilers, Great Danes and Burmese mountain dogs are among the most expensive to insure because of genetic disposition to maladies such as cancer and, again, hip dysplasia. What that means is the pet owner will pay more if the policy covers hip dysplasia in large dogs. Factors such as your pet’s age at enrollment, gender, where the pet lives and whether it’s been spayed or neutered might also be considered. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that, regardless of the insurance provider, your pet be cared for as part of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship According to the AVMA, a such a relationship exists when your veterinarian knows your pet well enough to be able to diagnose and treat any medical conditions your animal develops. A conversation with your veterinarian is the best course of action when deciding to obtain pet insurance. It can affect other areas of the body. It’s the same with dogs.” Schmick also said to make sure your dog is trained and well-socialized. Work on developing solid recall so the dog will return if it gets offleash. Schmick said you also want to train a dog to leave alone anything it finds on the ground. “Make sure your dog is OK with other dogs and with other people,” Schmick said. “Most dogs lack good socialization. That starts when they’re young. There’s a window of opportunity for puppies to get well-socialized. Once that window closes, it becomes harder to get our dogs socialized.” Schmick also said for pet owners to discuss with their veterinarian simple first aid procedures, such as the Heimlich maneuver. Awareness of pet safety will forever be an unintended consequence of Hurricane Katrina. Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in the late summer of 2005. Many people did not evacuate because of uncertainty regarding the fate of their pets. “They’re concerned and aware of their situation, but their actions are dependent on whether they’ve made plans for taking their pets with them, or finding another way to keep their pets safe,” Kathy Schwei said. Schwei is a program analyst in the Waukesha County Emergency Management Office. Emergency preparedness and disaster planning personnel are now aware people are reluctant to evacuate without being able to take their pets. “If you evacuate, it would be best to take your pet with you, since you don’t know how long you might be gone,” Schwei said. “If you take your pet with you, it is important to have those really basic support items.” Schwei said a good starting point is food and a leash. The leash helps one control a pet, and keeps the pet and others safe. You will also want a supply of any medicine needed by your pet. The Waukesha County Office of Emergency Management offers several resources for disaster planning with pets on its website. The office’s website is accessed through https://www.waukeshacounty.gov. insurance is appealing. Whether it’s necessary is another question. “On the veterinary side, since all expenditures are paid out of disposable income, it’s not the expectation that the pet will have insurance,” Dr. Tom Gilligan said. Gilligan is the owner of North Lake Veterinary Clinic in Hartland and a past president of the WVMA. “Veterinary medicine is, I think, very reasonably priced compared to human medicine. “There are cases that absolutely the insurance has benefited the pet owner. Some companies are easier to work with than others, and you need to watch what they consider a pre-existing condition.” But there’s a caveat Genesee Pet Resort ALL INCLUSIVE DOG BOARDING Enjoy the final weeks of summer while your dog is boarded, exercised and expertly cared for in our air conditioned facility. We are the only boarding facility in the Waukesha area that has one low fee for all your dog’s boarding requirements including late drop-offs and pick-ups until 9:00 PM each day. In addition your small animal or bird can also be cared for while your dog is being boarded. Grooming and daycare are available Mon.-Sat. We can also accommodate emergency service since we reside on the property of our boarding facility at S40 W28170 State Rd 59. Call 262-521-2693 PewaukeeVeterinaryService.com for an appointment at Genesee Pet Resort 262-347-0787 Located on State road 59 just 5 blocks west of Rose Glen School. Bring in this coupon for $15 OFF your next visit. No cash value • Limit one per family Present this ad for 10% discount Expires 11/15/2015 245638001 By Chris Bennett Special to The Freeman