The Knudsens celebrate their choice of pet.

Honestly? I like when I’m right. Not in a prove-other-people-wrong kind of way, but rather a plan-has-come-to-fruition kind of way.

About this time last year, we were entertaining our son’s request for a pet fish. Much hemming and hawing ensued, and in December we welcomed four tropical fish into our home.

We’d lose three fish before our tank completely cycled, and introduce our son to loss in a way he hadn’t experienced before—for better or for worse. We would go on to add 10 more fish with great success, save for one sickly tetra, and find our groove as pet owners.

I’ll admit we thought we were ready to take on a bigger tank this past summer, but then that whirlwind called “the school year” began again, and our family became engrossed in all of its associated activities. Even our son hasn’t asked about a larger tank in weeks.

For now, I think our 10-gallon community is perfect for us: the kids appreciate the fish, and love to watch their antics at feeding time. My husband and I enjoy them, and strive to keep them happy and healthy (both the kids and the fish!). As an added bonus, I manage to make time for the minutes of maintenance each week, with help from my son.

A happy status quo is where being right comes in—we’ve actually managed to make decent (but hardly perfect) decisions. It’s a good place to be. I feel for friends—and their pets—who are less than happy with their choices. And I like to think we did something right, in addition to being lucky.

This is where we end our initial journey to become pet owners, and if we haven’t already, shift to the journey of pet ownership. I’m not sure whether we’ll pick up more fish along the way, nor am I sure how long we’ll keep pets. But I’m certainly better for having had the experience, and I know my family is, too.

“The Last Kid on the Block” has been a series following the Knudsen family’s progress selecting and caring for their first pets. Andrea Knudsen lives in suburban Chicago with her husband and two children.

Feeding your pets has become a little safer with the adoption of the PETNet system.

Feeding my family is a big deal. We eat a vegetarian diet and make natural, organic food a priority. But for all my effort, I still worry about the safety of our food. Vegetables are susceptible to E. coli, too!

While there have long been national resources to protect humans, a 2007 melamine contamination of cat and dog foods was a tragic example of how powerless pet owners were. Within a month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration received several thousand reports of cat and dog deaths from renal failure after eating contaminated food.

Companies began to voluntarily recall their products, but in a self-regulated industry, there was no way for owners to ensure their pets’ food was safe.

We didn’t have pets at the time, but we watched helplessly as friends lost their beloved cat. The media reported they weren’t alone, but deaths continued. It felt like a crime.

Four years have passed, and earlier this month, the U.S. government’s Partnership for Food Protection and FDA announced the launch of the Pet Event Tracking Network, or PETNet (clever, eh?).

The network will allow the FDA and Federal and State agencies to exchange information about pet-food related incidents. The result is a real-time means of sharing critical information about pet-food contamination or other defects. The hope is that many fewer pets will die before a problem is identified.

While PETNet is working in your favor, you can be proactive as a pet owner. The Humane Society posts a listing of recent recalls. If you find your pet has consumed a recalled product, call your vet—even if your pet isn’t exhibiting symptoms.

You also can protect your pets by cleaning their food dishes between meals, and water dishes every day or two.

We have fish, who we feed tropical fish flakes. Unfortunately, if the flakes were contaminated, I doubt their little bodies could survive poisoning. But it’s good to know that if a problem arises, a system is in place to help before it becomes a national or global problem.

*     *     *     *     *

If you’ve been following our adoption of 11 fish, I don’t have much news to report. All are healthy and happy, but our new tank acquisition has stalled. Hopefully we’ll get our act together and I’ll have something exciting to share soon!

“The Last Kid on the Block” is a continuing series following the Knudsen family’s progress selecting and caring for their first pets. Andrea Knudsen lives in suburban Chicago with her husband and two children.

Parents and pet owners should work together to ensure kids and pets can be best friends.

My daughter has a love-quake relationship with many pets. If it’s bigger than a bread box, she’s most likely “terrified” of it. Except when she’s enchanted by it.

Cats and dogs are the usual objects of her two-faced obsession. She’s uncertain around cats for a few minutes, but eager to follow them like a shadow. And then it’s love.

As you can imagine, it’s not always mutual.

But dogs? She loves them from afar. Loves them. But once she gets close, all bets are off. A couple of neighborhood dogs that are about her size have moved a little too fast and jumped a little too high, imprinting paranoia on her brain. Even the most docile dogs are now suspect.

I have mixed feelings as a mom: I think caution around strange dogs is a good thing, and I don’t want to teach her that all dogs are friendly (I don’t want her to be too comfortable). I also feel that not having a dog is doing her a disservice (she’s not comfortable enough).

What’s a parent to do? And likewise, what’s a pet owner to do?

I’m learning that parents can help in two ways. First, familiarize your child with common dog behavior. How can you tell when a dog is happy? Scared? Playful? (For a pet novice like me, that means learning myself.)

Second, teach your child the appropriate way to approach a dog. If someone approaches you running and screaming, are you going to feel cuddly? Me neither! A child should approach a dog calmly without making eye contact—eye contact can be perceived as a threat.

Kids should always ask the owner before touching or talking to a dog. If the owner gives permission, the dog needs to meet a child by smell first, while everyone involved is calm and still. When the owner says it’s OK, gently pet the dog under its chin or on its side, not on the top of its head.

In case a dog is overly-enthusiastic and jumps on your child, he or she needs to learn to quietly and calmly turn away from the dog and cross her arms over her chest. The dog should calm down; meanwhile the child is less susceptible to bites. Calmly asking the owner to help is a good idea, too.

Pet owners also can take a two-step approach. Start by socializing your dog around kids who are calm and comfortable, arming kids with dog treats to reward your pup for positive behavior. Regardless of the presence of children, never tolerate growling. Also remember that a dog leaning on you or touching you is dominant behavior—affection should only be given when the dog is calm and submissive. Provide rules and boundaries for your dog, just like parents do for their kids.

Also be prepared to teach kids who meet and know your dog the appropriate way to act around your dog. Parents like me may not know what to do. Educating kids keeps everyone safe.

I understand I haven’t been approaching my daughter’s fears in a helpful way, so I have work to do. I’ll need to work at her pace, but hopefully dogs will soon be among her best friends.

“The Last Kid on the Block” is a continuing series following the Knudsen family’s progress selecting and caring for their first pets. Andrea Knudsen lives in suburban Chicago with her husband and two children.

On hot summer days, a cool pet is a safe pet.

This summer is proving a season of extreme weather in Chicago. After a very snowy winter and a very cloudy spring, we recently experienced two “small” tornadoes and a severe thunderstorm with damaging winds, which wreaked havoc on our area’s very old electrical grid. Now we’re under an excessive heat warning—and let me tell you, it’s excessively hot.

We’re grateful everyone has managed to stay safe so far (knock wood), but days-long power outages and serious heat have tested our moxie. It’s tough enough to manage a family in times of crisis, or at least great discomfort. What about our pets?

Severe Weather
Tornado season isn’t over, nor is hurricane season, for that matter. Have you thought about an emergency plan for your pets? I know to herd my family into the basement if we’re under a tornado warning (unfortunately, the fish are more difficult). What if your pets are prone to hiding during a storm? What if you lose power and the filter and heater on your aquarium stop running?

One idea is to put your pets in their cages or carriers as soon as a tornado watch is issued.  Stick to the basement or a room where you’ll all be safe to ride out the storm. Calm your pets by talking to them and offering a favorite toy. Cover birds. Keep everyone away from windows.

As the storm approaches, try to keep pets indoors. If your dog needs to do his or her business, use a leash: storms can be scary! Your dog may be stressed, and could become disoriented and wander away from home. After a storm, a leash is important, too. Be wary of debris and downed power lines.

If you lose power—or worse—have an emergency kit already prepared for your animals:

• Food: Consider keeping an extra bag of dry food on hand. If canned food is required, stock about a week’s worth and replace/use it every two months so you don’t end up with expired emergency grub. And don’t forget a manual can opener!
• Water: Bottled water is a necessity for humans, but don’t forget your pets, too. A water dish will be helpful. A week’s supply is ideal.
• Transport: Be sure you include a safe way to transport your pet: cages, carriers, kennels, leashes, etc. If you’re pressed for time, you can use pillowcases off your bed for cats.
• Potty: If your pet resides in a cage or uses a litter box, you may want to set aside newspapers or a box of kitty litter (some lids can be used as a litter box).
• Health and safety: Keep a copy of your pet’s vaccinations on hand, as well as any necessary medications (two-weeks’ worth for peace of mind). Consider keeping a first aid booklet on hand. Collars with ID tags are a must.
• Fish and exotic pets: If you have fish, invest in a battery-powered air filter for your aquarium so your pets don’t suffer from lack of oxygen. If you have snakes or other temperature-sensitive animals, keep extension cords handy to plug in heat lamps when you have power (or go somewhere that does!).

Excessive Heat
I, for one, cannot handle heat and humidity, but I might make it look easy compared to a dog. Dogs can only sweat through their footpads and cool themselves by panting, making them susceptible to heat stress, injury or death.

When it’s hot, the best place for your pet is indoors in the AC. If that’s not possible, the second best place is in the shade with a constant supply of fresh, cool water. Animals’ ears and noses are especially prone to sunburn, and footpads can burn on hot surfaces.

The worst place for any animal is in a parked car, even if it’s only a minute (so don’t even think about it).

Be especially vigilant if your pet is elderly and/or overweight. Pets with flat faces, including pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke.

Signs of a serious heat-related condition include restlessness, heavy panting, vomiting, lethargy and lack of appetite or coordination. You can lower a symptomatic dog’s body temperature by providing the dog with water, applying a cold towel to the dog’s head and chest or immersing the dog in tepid (not ice-cold) water. Then immediately call a veterinarian.

It figures that we’re under another severe thunderstorm watch. Please keep your fingers crossed that it misses us—and be sure you’re prepared for your next storm!

“The Last Kid on the Block” is a continuing series following the Knudsen family’s progress selecting and caring for their first pets. Andrea Knudsen lives in suburban Chicago with her husband and two children.

A frog can make a great pet, but be wise and purchase one from a trusted pet store.

My son and his baseball teammates were recently accompanied in the outfield by frogs—seemingly hundreds of tiny frogs! What more could a boy ask for? Not surprisingly, several boys asked mom or dad if they could bring home a frog or two as pets.

One dad said yes (to his wife’s chagrin), and his son left with four frogs. Why not? Frogs make great pets!

Correction: they make great pets if the frogs are prepared for captivity and if you are prepared to provide the proper food and habitat.

What this frog-laden family didn’t know is that it’s illegal to keep wildlife as pets in the state of Illinois: “It is unlawful to take, possess, sell or offer for sale, any such wild birds . . . or such wild mammals . . . contrary to the provisions of the Illinois Wildlife Code.”

For the majority of us who may not consult our state’s wildlife code with much frequency, it’s wise to think twice before bringing wildlife into your home.

Legality aside, wild animals cannot be domesticated by being captive-born or hand-raised. According to the Humane Society, dogs and cats have been domesticated by selective breeding for desired traits over thousands of years. A wild animal’s instinctive nature makes it unsuitable as a pet.

If you’re not easily swayed, consider the following:

• A cute, cuddly young animal may become very aggressive and try to escape as it matures.
• Many wild animals are most active at night, disturbing your sleep and proving “boring” pets during the day.
• Feeding wild animals is not as simple as buying a bag of squirrel chow: their dietary needs are different from domestic pets and specific to their habitats. A wild pet may suffer and die from malnutrition.
• Diseases carried by healthy wild animals can make people sick. Diseases of sick wild animals may be unfamiliar to veterinarians, or vets may choose not to treat a wild pet because of legal implications.
• A wild animal’s life span might be longer than you’ve bargained for, possibly more than 40 years.

As for our froggy friends—or my son’s friend with frogs—I’m not exactly certain of the frogs’ species. Do these frogs require live insects as part of a healthy diet? Do they fare best at a particular temperature or humidity level? Will they need to hibernate for the winter? And how big will they grow to be?

I’m sad to say that one of the four frogs has already met an untimely death, dropped above its tank and paralyzed by the fall. Three remain, but my son’s mom hopes they don’t last long. Does an animal deserve such a fate?

You can help! Share this information with friends. And before you bring home a wild pet, ask yourself:

• Is what I’m doing legal?
• Am I willing to provide the animal an appropriate diet and habitat?
• Do I realize I can’t change an animal’s instinctive behavior?
• Am I willing to risk my health?
• Am I willing to risk the animal’s life?

If your answer is “no” to any of these questions, please let wild animals live in the wild. Visit a pet store you trust to find a pet (frog!) that’s perfect for you.

“The Last Kid on the Block” is a continuing series following the Knudsen family’s progress selecting and caring for their first pets. Andrea Knudsen lives in suburban Chicago with her husband and two children.

Medicine may be helpful to you, but harmful for your pet.

My most important and most challenging job happens to be the one for which I was never given a job description: mom. Whether you’re parent to a child or pet or some combination thereof, you know the general idea: love, feed, shelter, protect. My preparation for the arrival of my children always included “baby proofing”—slightly amusing, since babies are typically stationary for the first few months. But the removal of household cleaners, alcohol and medications (among other things) is critical to a safe home.

Our fish let me off easy: they’re quite safe in their aquatic home, as long as their water is free of chlorine and soaps. But this week a friend experienced a serious scare when his pup got hold of his daughter’s asthma inhaler and punctured the canister, releasing an overdose of medication. The medicine critical to opening a person’s airways also speeds up the heart, and can be fatal to pets without emergency treatment (potassium and beta blockers).

I also use asthma meds, and I understand how you could overlook the danger, particularly when the medication seems safely stored inside a metal container. And inhalers are hardly the only danger to pets in and around our otherwise safe homes—just because a substance is safe for humans does not mean it’s safe for other animals.

With summer upon us, pet owners especially should be aware of dangers lurking in their yards and other outdoor areas.

Fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides can be dangerous and should not be ingested. Easy enough. But did you know decomposing and decaying matter in compost bins can be toxic—yes, toxic!—to pets and other wildlife?

Tomato plants and rhubarb leaves can cause gastrointestinal irritation, garlic and onions can cause anemia (particularly in cats), and mushrooms can be poisonous. Grapes and raisins, of all things, can cause renal failure. Lilies are extremely poisonous to cats, and any ingestion requires immediate emergency attention.

If your pet is in or around water, know that algal blooms/cyanobacteria in stagnant water can be fatal if ingested. Stagnant water also can mean mosquitoes, which carry diseases such as West Nile Virus.

Just as I couldn’t attempt to provide you an exhaustive list of how to baby proof your home, I won’t try to list all of the potential hazards to your pet. But do ask your veterinarian about keeping your pet safe. Be prepared for an emergency, and have contact information for your vet readily available. Program it into your home and mobile phones. Keep the address to an emergency clinic in the glove box of your car.

If you do become concerned that your pet may have eaten something poisonous, remove your pet from the area and be sure he or she is breathing and acting normally. If you’re able, try to identify what the poison could have been, and collect a sample in case it might help your vet determine appropriate treatment. Do not attempt home remedies or inducing vomiting (some poisons can be harmful on the way up, too) without talking to your pet’s doctor first.

I’m a firm believer in Ben Franklin’s old adage: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Know the dangers to your pet(s), and be prepared for an emergency. May you never experience one.

“The Last Kid on the Block” is a continuing series following the Knudsen family’s progress selecting and caring for their first pets. Andrea Knudsen lives in suburban Chicago with her husband and two children.

Forethought and financial preparation will help you make the best decision regarding your pet's care.

I received a call from my son’s school nurse yesterday: my son had a tummy ache, and wanted to come home. While I figured it was just a virus (which it likely is), we paid a visit to the pediatrician anyway. “Paid” is often the key word with human healthcare providers, as I know it can be with their animal counterparts. We consider ourselves lucky to have health insurance for our family, but we haven’t extended that safeguard to our fish.

You’re likely shaking your head in one of two ways: either you think I’m playing roulette not insuring our pets, or—like me until earlier today—you’re wondering how, exactly, someone would go about insuring her fish.

I had heard of pet insurance from family and friends, usually in conversations regarding whether they should purchase it. And I understand their waffling—is pet insurance a nice to have, a need to have, or is it a bad idea altogether?

According to American Pet Products Association, the number of insured pets is on the rise. In the United States, an estimated 3 percent of 78 million dogs and 1 percent of 93 million cats are insured. Providers include companies like VPI, which issued its first policy in 1982, and more well-known brands such as Nestlé Purina and ASPCA.

So, how do you decide whether to purchase insurance for your pet(s)? Take my crash course:

Start by considering what you would do if your pet were to have an accident or become ill. Then, talk with your veterinarian about emergency and long-term care. Would finances impact your pet’s treatment? Would you have reservations about euthanizing your pet? If you have the financial means to cover expenses (based on your conversation with your vet), or if euthanasia would be your preference, pet insurance may not be for you.

Some pet owners open a savings account for unexpected pet expenses, but this plan only works if you are disciplined enough to continue to make regular deposits (direct deposits may be the way to go). There’s still no guarantee the amount you save will be the amount you need, when you need it. On the other hand, if you never need it, you could find yourself with unexpected savings.

Any insurance policy protects you from the unknown—it may benefit you, or you may be lucky enough not to use it. It may be worth the peace of mind alone!

Much like determining the coverage of your own insurance policies, the amount of coverage you choose for pet insurance is a personal decision. You might want your pet’s coverage to go beyond emergency care and include spaying/neutering or regular dental care, but you should expect to pay more.

Policies may include:
•    Accidents
•    Hospitalization
•    X-rays
•    Surgery
•    Illness
•    Spaying/Neutering
•    Standard Vaccines
•    Annual Physical Exam
•    Heartworm Prevention
•    Annual Dental Cleaning
•    Advanced Vaccines
•    Ongoing Conditions

Some policies may even cover:
•    Obedience Training
•    Flea/Tick Medications
•    Preexisting Conditions
•    Coverage for the Life of Your Pet
•    Accidental Death
•    Theft or Straying
•    Third Party Liability
•    Boarding Kennel Fees
•    Fees Incurred While Traveling

Prioritize. Seek recommendations from your vet and fellow pet owners. Check with the Better Business Bureau or your state insurance commissioner. Compare plans.

Before you sign on the bottom line, confirm when the policy you selected will become active; ask how premiums change depending on your pet’s age; review the network of vets covered (if applicable); and note any exclusions, claim limits or caps.

So far, I’m hoping to forgo pet insurance and personally provide any care our fish will need. We’re starting small, but as our family of pets grows, I reserve the right to change my mind.

“The Last Kid on the Block” is a continuing series following the Knudsen family’s progress selecting and caring for their first pets. Andrea Knudsen lives in suburban Chicago with her husband and two children.

An apple is a healthy option for a pet mouse.

My family and I had the pleasure of eating out today, but I admit I overdid it. I. Am. So. Full.

For what I fear was a few months, our fish were full too. Even though we were specifically told not to overfeed them, it was difficult to stop at so few flakes—especially when some fish would dominate feeding time, and others didn’t seem to get nearly enough. It took less-than-clear water to finally clue me in that too much food and waste was upsetting our aquatic ecosystem.

Fish are healthier when they’re underfed, and they’re not alone. Just as obesity is a dangerous epidemic for people in the U.S., the Wall Street Journal reported in February 2011 that it’s a dangerous epidemic for pets, as well: more than half of American cats and dogs are obese.

What may seem like opportunities to “treat” our animal friends actually contribute to diabetes, arthritis, kidney failure, high blood pressure, cancer and a shorter life span: a scary reality for any pet owner.

I know I didn’t intend to cause my fish any harm. On the contrary, I was trying my best to meet their needs. And if I had to guess, I’d say other pet owners feel the same way. Treats like table scraps can be expressions of affection for a furry member of the family. Food dishes are mindlessly overfilled the same way we overfill our own plates. When we celebrate, we eat! Why should our pets be left out?

Not all of our personal habits are healthy ones. As a nation, we do tend to eat too much and move too little. We know we should change, but change can be hard. Ideally, I’d love to see all of us improve the quality of life for our households. If we can’t make it all-inclusive, don’t we owe it to our pets to do everything we can to provide them happy, healthy lives?

With all of this in mind, I ask you to look closely at your pet: Would your veterinarian say he or she is close to optimal weight? Do you provide your pet an appropriate, balanced diet? Does your pet have the opportunity to exercise enough? If you don’t know the answers to these questions, please check with your vet.

As much as we love our scaled, feathered and furry friends, overfeeding them is not what will make them happy in the long run. Instead, try showing your affection through attention, play and caring enough to keep illness at bay.

“The Last Kid on the Block” is a continuing series following the Knudsen family’s progress selecting and caring for their first pets. Andrea Knudsen lives in suburban Chicago with her husband and two children.

It's hard to resist a baby animal, but a slightly older animal might be a better fit for your family.

It’s spring. At least it’s spring somewhere; I’m a little skeptical about its actual arrival in not-so-sunny Chicago. I’ve been yearning for spring and its promise of a fresh start—green grass, blooming flowers, bursting buds. Soon I’ll see bunnies in the backyard and ducklings at the pond down the street. And I can’t wait.

I can’t resist a fuzzy baby. It’s remarkable that I’ve returned from the pet store without a kitten (or puppy or bunny) in tow. They’re adorable! Can I get a collective, “Awwww”?

But there’s more—much more—to a pet than the “awwww” factor. Spring is a popular time of year for adorable gifts like baby animals, and the Humane Society continues to remind us that young, adorable animals mature quickly into adults and need daily care for the rest of their lives.

A friend who works at a local animal shelter shared sage advice about choosing a pet: consider skipping the babies and opt for a young adult dog or cat. Yes, puppies and kittens are undeniably cute, but like all babies, they are labor-intensive.

A one- or two-year-old, on the other hand, is still cute it its own right. But it’s been potty trained. It won’t cry all night or cut its first teeth on your sofa or shoes. And when you meet, you’ll be able to better determine its size and temperament.

As a mom, I knew going into our pet adoption that I’d be the one to pick up the pet care slack. I ensured I’d have the tools I need to clean our tank, and then I enlisted my son’s help (happily, he’s still enthusiastic about helping).

It’s not a bad gig—but it could have been if we’d relied on the “awwww” factor and opted for a fuzzy baby. I very easily could have ended up with a third “child.” That potential bundle would make an ideal addition for some families, but would have overwhelmed mine.

Or should I say, it would have overwhelmed me?

If we ever decide to move beyond our fish, a young adult dog (if you ask my daughter, she’d say a young adult cat) might be perfect: young enough to grow with us, old enough to skip the growing pains.

I continue to be humbled by the pet adoption decision, and how many factors a family should take into consideration. A young adult from an animal shelter might be the answer!

“The Last Kid on the Block” is a continuing series following the Knudsen family’s progress selecting and caring for their first pets. Andrea Knudsen lives in suburban Chicago with her husband and two children.

A thoughtful decision about adopting a pet helps ensure everyone in the family is happy.

I am nothing if not a planner. Sadly, this does not mean I have my act together—I’m just deliberate in making major life decisions. At least I like to be. And, for me, adopting a pet qualified as a major life decision.

Earlier this week I read a blog post by a mom who identifies herself as cat person, but bowed under pressure to get a dog. I know that pressure. After all, we are one of only two families on our block that doesn’t own a dog. But I’m disappointed by her suggestion that pressure led to her pet purchase rather than desire, or at least a plan.

Ideally, that blogger mom—and reluctant pet-owning moms everywhere—will grow to love her family’s new best friend. And kind of like not using birth control, a decision not to stop the adoption of a pet can become a decision to adopt a pet. If you let a pet through the door, maybe you’re not as anti-dog (or cat or snake) as you claim to be.

Still, her experience has left me wondering just how many parents acquire a pet and end up adding undue stress that they, in turn, take out on the pet through no fault of its own.

My neighbor adopted a dog this year to quell the wishes of her two young boys, taking their already hectic lifestyle to new levels. I’m not sure how happy anyone (dog included) in that household is right now—my neighbor certainly seems anything but happy. It may be that she saves her venting for me, much like complaining about kids: the good stuff outweighs the bad, but sometimes the bad stuff appreciates a sympathetic ear.

So far, blogger mom has given her family’s dog a lukewarm reception. I hope she’s more welcoming than she lets on, and open minded about allowing her pet into her heart.

If I could wave my magic wand, I’d ensure that pet owners were thoughtful and thorough in their decisions related to pet selection. I’d initiate pet scenarios that considered the needs of the entire family. And I’d keep pets safe and happy.

By the bye, our fish continue to be safe and happy, and so do we.

“The Last Kid on the Block” is a continuing series following the Knudsen family’s progress selecting and caring for their first pets. Andrea Knudsen lives in suburban Chicago with her husband and two children.