Life Styles

WHEN IS MY DOG A SENIOR CANINE? By E. Dowdy DVM of Horizon Veterinary Clinic

 

You probably remember well when your puppy crossed into dog territory. He or she grew rapidly and lost that puppy look and those puppy habits. But what about the transition from adult to senior dog?  As a general rule, a dog that is 7 years old has crossed into senior territory. Smaller dogs may be considered seniors even younger. You may notice a change in your dog’s activity level and some weight gain. Older dogs are more susceptible to many diseases such as dental, heart, and kidney disease. They are also more likely to have diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. Talk with your veterinarian about putting your dog on senior dog food. Watch your senior dog for any behavior or other changes.

 

Although a dog of any age should receive regular check-ups from a trusted veterinarian, when a dog reaches senior canine status it becomes even more important. At HORIZON VETERINARY CLINIC, located at 2730 E. Bridge St., Brighton, we can help your older dog stay healthy, and as a result live longer. Please call 303.659.0385 right away to schedule a check up for your senior canine. Our state of the art surgical facitlity allows for the highest quality care available for your pets.

 

P.S. A senior dog requires more trips outside to urinate.

FASHION ABBY

by Nichole Sayler

 

Closet Participation

 

Hey there fashionistas!  “What Not to Wear” on TLC is one of my favorite TV shows.  You do not need TLC’s Stacey London and Clinton Kelly to tell you to clean out your closet.  Every six months gather some fellow fashionistas and take that long (or short) walk to your closet and get to cleaning!  These fellow fashionistas must be fashionable, honest and organized.  Otherwise you might as well take on this task alone!  Everyone is sure to show whenever there is a closet cleaning; your trash may be their new fashion statement.  The items in your closet need you!  You can’t expect to keep a fabulous closet with no participation.  We all must participate weekly in our closets.  If you aren’t wearing it, just give it up.  Give up the emotional attachment to pieces that you just don’t like and aren’t wearing.  Holding on to things in hopes that it will come back in style or because someone special gave it to you just clogs up space and ultimately your life.  There are many ways to keep items you just can’t let go of.  I recently gathered up all of my favorite old t-shirts from old jobs, sports teams, my childhood, my first pair of bell bottom jeans and a signed pair of jeans from my favorite band.  I bagged it all up and as soon as I get some free time I am going to cut everything up and make my very own special quilt with all of my memories.  Framing certain pieces is also a very unique way to hold onto those special garments you are refusing to let go of.  Closets, drawers and those secret corners full of bags and old shoes need constant care!  Other people are always in need of clothes and why would you keep these items around when someone in need could be enjoying them.  Be a good fashionista and attack the big stuff every six months and give your clothes and closet some daily love.  In return you will feel organized, liberated and fabulous in the pieces you actually love and wear.

 

Yours truly,

Always fashionable,

Fashion Abby

HEART DISEASE AND GUM DISEASE By Dr. Bauman of Riverside Dental

 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women.  Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries of the heart become narrowed or even blocked by plaque (a deposit of fatty material in the lining of blood vessels).

 

One of the risk factors for coronary artery disease is periodontitis, otherwise known as gum disease.  Many of the bacteria and poisons found in gum disease are also found in heart disease.  Your dentist can treat gum disease and help you learn techniques to prevent gum disease. 

 

If you already have heart disease, you may be taking prescription medications to control blood pressure, regulate heart rhythm and reduce cholesterol levels.  Some of these medications may make your gums enlarge and trap bacteria and poisons.  This enlargement can be reduced by your dentist and they will work with your medical doctors to find medications that don't have these kinds of side effects.

Teen Fashion By Mekenzi

I promised you a report on every day of dress up week.  I’ve got one last day to tell you about and then I’ll be done.  The last day was Spirit Day and we all wore the school colors of the Thunderhawks.  Those colors are Black and not just gold, but Vegas Gold!  I guess there is a difference between just gold and Vegas Gold.  I think Vegas Gold is probably shinier and more special than just gold.  Anyway, it was really fun to dress up all week, but if we did it all the time, I’m sure it wouldn’t be anything special.  Next time I’ll write about what to wear for the holidays and what to wish for under your tree.  Hope you had a great turkey day!