10 - Unified Newspaper Group - May 9, 2013

Knowing household dangers can save your pets life

Household pets are adorably curious, but they cant read labels or plant their own gardens. One of the biggest mistakes pet owners can make is to underestimate a pets curiosity and overlook dangers of common household items, both indoors and outdoors. Its up to us to read labels for them, make sure cleaning chemicals and other toxins are out of reach and maintain gardens that stimulate our pets curiosity with safety in mind. Responsible pet ownership is about more than feeding your pet nutritious meals and going on walks. Its more holistic its a lot like caring for a child, says Dr. Tiffany Bierer, health and nutritional sciences manager at Mars Petcare US. You need to anticipate certain dangers and remove them from the realm of possibility. Thats what we did in our office, and it only takes a little effort to do the same at home. Mars Petcare US knows all about designing spaces with pet safety as a top priority. Safety measures are fundamental since the companys employees are encouraged to bring their dogs to work each day. Pet owners could borrow a few tips from the makers of Pedigree, Cesar and Sheba pet foods: Be mindful of toxic plants. Many common plants, such as Azaleas, Oleander, Daffodils, Lilies, Tulips and Hyacinth, are toxic to pets and should be avoided in indoor and outdoor areas where pets are free to roam. Many mushrooms also present dangers, including death. Its important to do your research since mushrooms can be difficult to identify. Use caution when applying garden poisons, insecticides and fertilizers. Many gardeners use traps for small rodents, snails and slugs. These are extremely toxic if consumed, requiring immediate veterinary attention. Most over-the-counter insecticides and fertilizers

Local pet profiles

Look inside this issue for photos and kind words from local owners about their favorite pets, including: Kona, a black lab-border collie mix who treats toys as if they were her own children Benji, a cat who only likes to make friends with rats

Page 11

Inside
Buddy of Mine prepares for its second summer as a bona fide charity by organizing a free heartworm clinic. Dental health is as important for pets as it is for children
Einstein-Fotolia.com

Page 12

Turn to Safety/Page 13

There are plenty of dangers to pets in your own backyard, from fertilizers to common plants.

Page 12

We Will

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May 9, 2013 - Unified Newspaper Group - 11

Pet Profiles
Pets a welcom re e the Pat on io!

3097 Sunnyside St., Stoughton 608-205-9300

Your Hometown Hardware Store

Photo submitted

Benji the cat and Toby, an old rat buddy, sharing breakfast.

Benji (and his rat friends)

Photo submitted

Kona, a black lab/border collie mix.

Kona
Owner: Brett and April Pet name: Kona Pets age: 9 What kind of pet do you have: Dog-black lab and border collie How long you have had your pet: 8.5 years What makes your pet special? Kona is loyal, loving, and sassy just like any other dog, but she is always by our sides when we are working on the house or cleaning it. She doesnt even need a leash in our yard; she stays until we say OK, then she will cross the street. She loves going to grandma and grandpas house, and yes she knows what this means, she will tilt her head and smile when we ask her this. She also, loves and gets very hyper if we mention the words walk or ride! Kona truly is the perfect doggy and anyone that knows her would agree! Funny or cute story about your pet? Kona was fixed as a puppy and could never have any puppies of her own, but we have always showered her with many stuffed babies, that she truly loves. She treats them as if they were her own flesh and blood puppies. One day we came home with a new baby for our Kona girl and she took it very carefully like she always did, kissed it, played with it, then laid down with her head resting softly on it. But one day we heard her in the kitchen pushing her food dish around and couldnt figure out what she was doing so we peeked around the corner to take a look. We found her with her baby face forward at her food dish and she was nudging her baby toward the food dish as to make sure her baby was to eat! She did the same thing one day with a stuffed duck grandma had given her, we found this duck in her water dish floating as if she knew ducks needed water.

Owner name: Carolyn OKeefe Pet name: Benji Pets age: 2 years old What kind of pet do you have: Domestic shorthair cat How long you have had your pet: 2.5 years What makes your pet special? Benji came to me as a 6-month-old kitten completely terrified. He had been fostered by a woman who rescued him from an abandoned farm and he knew nothing about humans. He is a very sweet-natured cat, and even though he is warming up to us and not so timid and shy, he seems to only want to make friends with my pet rat, Toby. Toby has since passed away but that doesnt stop Benji from making friends with another one of my male rats, Shorty. (He doesnt want to befriend my female rats) Funny or cute story about your pet? Toby, a black-hooded rat, and Benji played and chased each other as if in a game of cat and mouse (oops) rat. Benji was very careful not to bite too hard but squeaks still happened. They did this

until Toby just got too old to play anymore. It was a sad day when Toby passed away and it seem to affect Benji when he couldnt sit by Tobys cage anymore. But then I got another male rat we named Shorty and now Benji has a new friend. All is well.

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12 - Unified Newspaper Group - May 9, 2013

Local charity helps pets stay safe, healthy

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(608) 835-0551 Oregon, WI www.countryviewvets.com

The Buddy of Mine group has been busy helping Stoughton area pets in need and providing services for local pets, too. Most recently, the group held a heartworm clinic last month at the Stoughton Fire Station. Nearly 50 pets came to the event, and all were found to be heartworm free, according to the groups Facebook post. The group invited pet owners who couldnt normally afford to pay for the test to stop by the fire station and get a free heartworm test done by Oregon Veterinary Clinic. Heartworms are a parasite often spread by mosquitos that can cause lung disease, heart failure and death, mostly in dogs. The disease is preventable, and the clinic offered a chance for pet owners to find out if they were at risk. Local residents Larry Eifert and Mya Everson have made the groups presence in the community known, hosting the inaugural Buddy of Mine fundraiser last July. They raised more $1,500 to purchase supplies and essentials for pets in need, Eifert previously told the Hub. Pets were able to get their photos taken, cool off in pools and hang out with their four-legged friends while their owners raised money for pets in need. Eifert said the fundraiser was an expansion of an idea that started last year during

Photo submitted

Nearly 50 pets attended a heartworm clinic at the Stoughton fire station put on by Buddy of Mine and Oregon Veterinary Clinic.

the Holiday Fund campaign. The group collected money and purchased pet food, toys and supplies for families in need who had pets. In order to raise awareness for the inaugural event, Mayor Donna Olson issued a proclamation on behalf of the city declaring July 28 as Stoughton Loves Their Pets Day last year. In the proclamation, Olson cited stress

reduction, companionship, security and more as positive reasons families own pets and encouraged families to attend the event next Saturday. The group has plans to continue their fundraising efforts to help local pets in need. For information, visit the groups Facebook page at facebook.com/ BuddyOfMine. Mark Ignatowski

Dental health important for pets, too

Your Local Grocer for Everyone in the Family!
We carry Evangers, Daves, Premium Edge & Professional pet foods for particular pet parents.
We all know keeping our teeth clean is vital to our health and well-being. That is no different for our pets. Ideally, you should brush your pets teeth daily, said Dr. Johnathon Dodd, clinical professor at Texas A&Ms College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Make sure you are using special toothpaste that is made for pets and is safe for them to swallow. They cannot spit or rinse like we do. Having your pets teeth inspected and cleaned is an important responsibility many owners overlook. This seemingly slight slip of your pets dental care could be causing serious problems in your pets mouth. Gum disease is the most common disease occurring in pets today. It results from the build-up of soft dental plaque on the surfaces of the teeth around the gums. The bacteria in dental plaque irritate the gum tissue if it accumulates, which leads to infection in the bone surrounding the teeth. After plaque has formed hard dental tartar, calcium salts from saliva that has been deposited on plaque, begins to grow. If the surface of the tooth does not stay clean, tartar begins to form within a few days. The unbrushed tooth provides a surface that boosts further plaque accumulation, making tartar difficult to remove without dental instruments. Gum disease means bad breath and painful, irritated gums that can lead to bleeding, loss of appetite and even the loss of teeth. Bacteria surrounding the root of the tooth can also gain access to the bloodstream, which can lead to microscopic damage of the heart, liver, and kidney. As the severity of the gum disease increases, so does the damage. The best way to ward off potential oral disease in your pet is by keeping your pets teeth clean and checkups regular. Your veterinarian and local pet retail stores should carry toothbrushes and toothpaste for your pets. Different flavors of toothpastes are available for dog and cats. Your pet needs to get their teeth cleaned yearly, said Dodd. Most veterinary clinics should offer dental cleaning services, but if they

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do not they can refer you to someone who does. To help ward off gum diseases and bad breath, there are dog treats you can feed your pet that help improve and promote oral health. The right kind of treat should crumble, be easily crushed and contain chlorhexadine or a hydrogen peroxide-type additive that can help with the bacteria count in the animals mouth, Dodd said. The Veterinary Oral Health Council website has a compiled list of products that are intended to help reduce the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth of animals and have created the VOHC seal of approval. To see the full list of VOHC approved products visitvohc.org. Brushing your pets teeth, taking them for a yearly visit to the dentist, and giving them VOHC approved products are all ways that you can help make sure your pet has a clean and healthy mouth. Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University.

May 9, 2013 - Unified Newspaper Group - 13

Safety: Plants can be toxic

Continued from page 10 can upset a pets stomach, but some contain more dangerous chemicals that can cause death if consumed. Its important to follow directions when applying a chemical to your yard and keep pets away from the area. Inform neighbors when applying insecticides and fertilizers since these products can drift in light winds, and always store them in controlled areas. Always store household cleaning supplies in controlled spaces. Like insecticides and fertilizers, household cleaners should be stored in controlled spaces since they can cause death very quickly. Batteries, fire logs and glue should also be kept out of reach of pets. Keep toxic foods and medicines out of reach. Chocolate, raisins, sugarfree gum, star fruit and grapes are toxic to pets and should be kept out of reach, just like ibuprofen and amphetamine medications. Following these tips is the next best thing to teaching pets to read labels, says Dr. Bierer. It not only makes your home a safer place for your pets, it makes it safer overall. If you suspect your pet has consumed a toxic substance, immediately contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Hotline at (800) 231-6680. To learn more about preparing your home for pets, visitbanfield.com or petpoisonhelpline.com. StatePoint

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Have Your Dog Walked While Youre At Work

Photo submitted

Winston, a Great Dane, leads owner Meechelle Bordeaux, a Dane County Humane Society volunteer, at All Saints Assisted Living.

Assisted living facility gives back for Humane Society visits

Each month residents at All Saints Assisted Living and Memory have the opportunity to help with a community outreach project. Recently residents made tie blankets and pillows and decorated bandanas for the animals at the Dane County Humane Society (DCHS). Staff and volunteers from DCHS and two special fourlegged guests then visited All Saints to share information about the shelter and to thank residents for their gifts. The facility is part of the All Saints Neighborhood, a Catholic Charities company located on Madisons west side.

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UN286908

1621 E. Main St., Stoughton 873-8112

Adopt A Pet From Angels Wish

Additional information about these animals available for adoption can be found online at: www.angelswish.org 161 Horizon Drive, Verona, WI 53593 (608) 848-4174 These pets are sponsored by the following businesses:

Domestic Short Hair Black, Mix Located: Verona 203 W. Verona Ave., Verona 845-6700 www.vetcor.com/verona

Juanita

Calico/Domestic Short Hair Mix Located: Verona 233 W. Main St., Stoughton 877-0075 www.savingthyme.net

Maggie Mae

Malcolm The Dog Lover

Domestic Short Hair Gray & White Mix, FIV+ Located: Verona 210 S. Main St., Verona 608-845-6478

Domestic Short Hair Manx Mix Located: Verona

Poppet

Animal Hospital of Verona

Saving Thyme

Miller & Sons Supermarket

McFarland State Bank

207 S. Forrest St., Stoughton 873-6681 3162 Cty. B, Stoughton 873-2010

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Torbie Domestic Short Hair Mix Located: Verona 787 N. Main St., Oregon 835-3939

Sunshine

Domestic Short Hair Torbie Mix, FIV+ Located: Verona 3185 Deer Point Dr., Stoughton shawbuilders.com 800-699-7449

Tilly

Domestic Short Hair Tabby - Brown Mix Located: Verona

Sarah

Domestic Short Hair Gray & White Located: Verona

Apollo

M-F 9am-6pm Sat 9am-1pm Closed Sunday

Bills Food Center

Shaw Building & Design

235-2927 KBVerona@charter.net

Kathy Bartels Coldwell Banker Success

Country View Veterinary Service

1350 S. Fish Hatchery Rd., Oregon 835-0551

202 S. Main Street, Verona 848-8020 Check out www.myhometownrx.com

14 - Unified Newspaper Group - May 9, 2013

Adopt A Pet From Dane County Humane Society

View all of our animals and detailed descriptions at giveshelter.org Dane County Humane Society 5132 Voges Rd., Madison, WI 53718 838-0413 These pets are sponsored by the following businesses:

Female, Black Domestic Longhair Located: Dane County Humane Society

COOKIE - 13145409

Female, New Zealand Rabbit Located: DCHS Mounds East 2384 Jackson St., Stoughton 877-9548

MEL - 19201507

PEACHES - 18883556
Female, Lionhead Located: DCHS Mounds East

CONNIE - 19623602
Female, Siamese Mix Located: Dane County Humane Society

SAGITTARIUS - 16482031
Male, White/Brown Shorthair Located: Dane County Humane Society

Female, New Zealand Rabbit Located: DCHS Mounds East 787 N. Main St., Oregon 835-3939

NAN - 19201458

Verona Hometown Pharmacy

202 S. Main St., Verona 608-848-8020

Radio Shack

Andrea Zehner 608-381-5758 PetFriendlyMadison@gmail.com

Pet Friendly Sitting Services

Gerlach Wholesale Flooring, Inc.

112 Janesville St., Oregon 835-8276

608-848-1800 212 E. Verona Ave., Suite B, Verona

Unwin Chiropractic

Bills Food Center

BAMBI - 19697715
Female, Terrier mix Located: Dane County Humane Society

Male, Labrador Retriever Located: Dane County Humane Society 3185 Deer Point Dr., Stoughton shawbuilders.com 800-699-7449

TUCKER - 17961936

HONEY - 19372520
Female, Brown Tabby Located: Dane County Humane Society

ARCHIMEDES - 19684324
Male, Ferret Located: Dane County Humane Society

TIGGER OL TEDDY - 18947008

Male, Bichon Frise Located: Dane County Humane Society

Female, Muted Shorthair Located: Dane County Humane Society

PATCH - 19460401

Keith & Kinsey Schulz, Real Estate Team Great Rock Realty, LLC
492-2272 kschulz@keithAndkinsey.com

Shaw Building & Design

211 Legion Street, Verona 608-845-7625

Rockweiler Insulation

119 W. Verona Ace, Verona 608-845-7920

Verona Ace

3097 Sunnyside St., Stoughton 205-9300

Springers

All Saints Assisted Living & Memory Care

8210 Highview Dr., Madison 608-243-8800

ETTIE - 18832614
Female, Gerbil Located: DCHS Mounds East

AMBER - 19751509
Female, Dutch Rabbit Located: DCHS Mounds East 18 Maple St., Evansville 882-5330

Female, Domestic Longhair Located: Dane County Humane Society 5396 King James Way, Ste 210, Madison 608-442-1898 www.comfortkeepers.com

CUDDLES - 4027467

PENNY - 19237176
Female, Torteshell Located: Dane County Humane Society

MANUEL - 19532063
Male, Goat Located: Dane County Humane Society 210 S. Main St., Verona 608-845-6478

RON SWANSON - 19606620

Male, Domestic Gray Longhair Located: DCHS Adoption Center West

1324 Hwy. 51-138, Stoughton 873-8800

Conant Automotive

Evansville Veterinary Service

Comfort Keepers

235-2927 KBVerona@charter.net

Kathy Bartels Coldwell Banker Success

Miller & Sons Supermarket

2934 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg 608-288-7838 odysseyvetcare.com

Odyssey Veterinary Care

Female, Pit Bull Terrier Located: Dane County Humane Society 233 W. Main St., Stoughton 877-0075 www.savingthyme.net

LUNA - 17464400

Female, Lionhead Rabbit Located: Dane County Humane Society 5440 Caddis Bend, Fitchburg 608-270-9200 www.hylandparkrcac.com

ERIN - 18883245

Female, Black/White Shorthair Located: DCHS Mounds Middleton 203 W. Verona Ave., Verona 845-6700 www.vetcor.com/verona

ATHENA - 19465814

Female, White & Brown Shorthair Located: DCHS Mounds Sun Prairie 1621 E. Main St., Stoughton 873-8112

KITTY - 10174985

ROOSEVELT - 19532669
Male, Goat Located: Dane County Humane Society

Male, Boxer Located: Dane County Humane Society

ISAAC - 19663628

Saving Thyme

Hyland Park Community

Animal Hospital of Verona

Chalet Veterinary Clinic

Unied Newspaper Group

133 Enterprise Dr., Verona 608-845-9559

In Loving Memory of Sammy

The Larson Family Oregon, WI

Female, Pit Bull Terrier Located: Dane County Humane Society

MOO - 17933712

PHOENIX - 19105348
Female, Pit Bull Terrier Located: Dane County Humane Society

Male, Terrier/Shiba Inu mix Located: Dane County Humane Society

CONWAY - 19208882

Female, Border Collie mix Located: Dane County Humane Society

ALBANY - 19636556

Male, Chihuahua Located: Dane County Humane Society

INKY - 19694654

Female, Rat Terrier mix Located: Dane County Humane Society

VELMA - 19703098

Charlies Bark Park 350 Enterprise Ave., Belleville 424-1300 www.charliesbarkpark.com