‘A MEMBER OF THEIR FAMILY’

Q‘A MEMBER OF THEIR FAMILY’ A&

A Q&A with Krysta Fox at Pug & Hound about becoming a pet parent and navigating health issues

By Chris Walker | Photo provided by Pug & Hound

Whether you’re a longtime lover of pets or someone considering becoming a pet parent for the first time, there’s a lot of knowledge that can be gained by seeking out experts. Recently, Kane County Magazine talked with Krysta Fox, co-owner of Pug & Hound Pet Apothecary in Geneva, a bit about our beloved furry friends. This interview has been edited slightly for length.  KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE: How do you help pet owners who have animals with health issues?

KRYSTA FOX: Since all of our staff are veterinary technicians, and I am a veterinary technician myself, this is our specialty. We help owners by providing information about their dog’s issue, alternatives to support their pet through their condition, and food options to help support them therapeutically.  KC: How does a proper diet improve an animal’s life?

KF: A fresh, whole food diet improves every animal’s life, and there is a lot of scientific research and studies to back this up. From lowering inflammatory markers, to providing a healthier microbiome, and being overall much safer. Unfortunately, most veterinary professionals were taught by processed pet food companies, so it takes a skilled veterinarian with objective training in nutrition to understand this. We bridge that gap by providing information that pet owners can give to their vets to help make the switch.  KC: What is the fresh food movement for animals?

KF: The fresh food movement is just as it sounds: It is a movement dedicated to advocating for pet parents to feed fresh, whole, unprocessed foods to their pets to see the extraordinary health benefits it provides.  KC: How do we move forward so that pet parents understand the commitment of getting a pet? KF: It really has to start with the person you’re getting the pet from. They need to properly prepare pet owners for their pet’s expenses instead of just selling them (or adopting to them) the pet without much preparation. From there, usually the next person a pet parent will encounter is their vet. This is going to be the person responsible for managing your pet’s health (other than the owner). They also need to be a more proactive, integrative vet that focuses on PREVENTION of disease rather than just treatment and management of it. I think we are already making progress in this area, since many pet parents don’t look at their dog as just a pet, but rather as a member of their family.  KC: What do you suggest a family/person does before becoming a pet owner for the first time? KF: Read the book “The Forever Dog” by Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Becker. The information provided in that book does an amazing job of preparing anyone for owning and maintaining a happy and healthy dog.  KC: Why should pet lovers check out Pug & Hound? KF: Because we are here to help educate and advocate. We are knowledge-based, and our focus is heavy on education, rather than just trying to sell people cute pet supplies. Our staff is all trained and experienced veterinary professionals, and we are dedicated to helping pet owners navigate the confusing world of pet nutrition and health.  PUG & HOUND 308 W. State St., Geneva 630-465-0727 www.pugandhound.com