Sick Dog? Ask These Questions

SICK DOG?

Ask These Questions!

Only through expressive body language can your beloved four-legged friend explain discomfort. Long stares or the absence of an ordinarily affectionate dog leads to worry. In wanting to ensure good health, the owner’s first step is to answer a list of vital questions!

Is there a distinct change in energy levels?

“Slothfulness” and “sluggishness” are rare terms to describe a four-legged friend. This symptom alone is a condition of the circulatory system. Dog lovers must be aware of the nutrition levels within a brand of food. Brands differ from flavor to flavor; therefore, the label can help you find the right ingredients to support body functions and temperature, leading to a boost of energy levels.

• Modifying meal times and frequency can impact blood sugar and serotonin levels.

• Commit to a daily routine of exercise, including long walks, off-the-leash runs, and games.

• Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition affecting the hips. Consider supplementing your dog’s diet with a veterinarian-grade chewable version of glucosamine chondroitin to ease arthritic pain.

How is the interest in food?

The Alpha has (i.e., you have) a vital role in a dog’s well-being. The caregiver has a more detailed knowledge of eating and daily habits than anyone else in the household. The slightest change in meals immediately raises a “red flag” of warning, especially if a dog walks away from food or wants to eat, but noses through the morsels. It could be only stress, environmental changes, or an upset stomach; factors which resolve within 24 hours. Try an alternative diet for 24 hours, comprising boiled chicken breast, white rice, and low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth. A blockage of bowel movement or the effects of diarrhea and vomiting require an examination. Beyond two days, the refusal to eat more than two meals is uncommon. One possibility is a dental disease resulting in bad breath and pain. Check the mouth for red gums, a broken or loose tooth, or severe gingivitis.

Any difference in the consumption of water?

A canine’s body structure is quite similar to a human’s. Liquids reduce the temperature for fevers. The presence of contaminated water may deter interest. Since water is a direct link to health, its vital that fresh water is available at all times.

Is there a new symptom resulting from a prolonged thirst?

Excessive dehydration may lead to additional symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or fever. Repeated gagging, sneezing, or coughing, for instance, are signs linked to an allergy or infection. Veterinarians can pinpoint problems if it’s an infectious disease, such as rabies, periodontitis, or Parvo, or a disease related to the hormones or kidneys, or diabetes.

Knowing the timeline and symptoms will help determine the diagnosis and treatment. Be prepared for a question concerning your dog’s stance when urinating. Descriptions of a hunched back, yelping cries, and blood are all reasons for immediate care. BY LISA S.T. DOSS

Is there a snap or growl when touching a particular area of the body?

The act of petting is more than just a symbolic display of love; it allows the Alpha to discover a tick or bite, dry skin, or an area of discomfort. If the response is a show of teeth, the attempt to bite, or a deep, long growl, Identifying the location can lead to relief.

• Check the ears for a yellow or brown discharge that may cause allergies, excessive moisture, or overproduction of wax. A shake of the head encourages the softened wax out of the ear canal. Use a cotton ball to wipe it out.

• Skin allergies are often attributable to environmental factors, such as pollen, grass, dust mites, indoor heating, and air-conditioning. Excessive licking or scratching indicates a need for treatment.

While you can use specially formulated shampoos and provide a Vitamin E supplement or oil, some dogs require an annual shot to resolve problems.

Prevention

As a pet, a furry friend’s health changes with age. Through daily interaction and care, you can combat illness. Awareness of the symptoms is just one way to prevent a prolonged illness. Even 10% of healthy pets have an underlying disease only noticeable through preventative care screening. If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian!

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”

~ Vincent Van Gogh

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Annette Curti 11th Grade West Forsyth High School Elizabeth Betson, Art Teacher

Anastasiya Kirillova 7th Grade Southeast Middle School Diahann Betzner-Tabor, Art Teacher

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Tony Alvarez-Cornejo 5th Grade Diggs-Latham Elementary Amanda Gordon, Art Teacher

Mackenzie Jackson 11th Grade East Forsyth High School Susan Johnson, Art Teacher

The View from My Section – A Father’s Perspective

Saving for a Special Occasion

BY A. KEITH TILLEY

When I was growing up, my mother used to do something that I didn’t readily understand as a young child. She used to have company, or show, towels. Now, many of you know what I’m talking about. Those towels that you were never supposed to use and were for guests only. They were always clean and neatly pressed, and sometimes had frilly flowers going out to eat and seeing a

or some other type of design that was uncomfortable on those occasions when you did try and dry your hands on them. Don’t get me wrong; I don’t mind that mom did that. It showed that she cared about how her home looked when others came to visit. After all, there’s nothing wrong with having pride in your home and family.

The thing is, I did it myself when I first moved out of the house and into my very first apartment. I don’t say this as good or bad; just that I, too, wanted to put off a clean vibe for my guests, only mine had Mallard ducks on them. To this day, I have certain shirts that I really like. The problem is, I don’t wear them often because I don’t wish to wear out the fabric in the wash. Okay, I know that may sound odd, but I’m sure if you think hard enough, you’ll find you probably have something special that you don’t use as often because you want to keep it looking new. No… just me? this will go on permanently. I’m

Okay, I’ll own it.

The good news is that as I grow older, I’ve begun to realize just how fast life passes by. I’ve learned that it isn’t worth not taking advantage of those things like your nice China (Ahh! See, I knew there was something you were saving for a special occasion.) Life throws enough crap our way over our lifetime; it’s only right that we appreciate those things that that perfume you’ve been saving, and that nice shirt or outfit

bring us joy while we can, and they’re not dry-rotted from lack of wear.

I think that’s what impresses me most about something I read. It referenced how Millennials are more into the possessions. I’m not sure how long this lasts, or whether it’s just a life stage thing for them. Regardless, I like that they’re in the moment knowing there will be time to collect things as they go along; they don’t have to have everything all at once. And the experiences they’re having and the memories they’re making are often way more emotionally and sentimentally valuable than actual material things anyway.

It’s a fine line we walk between being careful with our things and enjoying them to the fullest. With our lives as they are today, however, haven’t we all learned the value of enjoying those good things in life while we can? Sheltering in place helped make us aware of just how much fun shopping can be (I say this as a man who’s not a big fan of shopping), movie in the actual theater, or enjoying a sporting event with our friends. It’s time we got out the good dishes and just had a nice regular Wednesday night dinner with our family in the dining room, as opposed to on trays in the family room while watching television. Our family has started doing this since the beginning of the stay-at-home orders, and it’s turned out to be pretty nice, as you might expect. We talk to each other more without our phones interrupting. We also learn more about each other.

I’m not naive enough to think sure, in time, we’ll gradually migrate back to our comfortable spots in the family room with our food trays, and enjoy TV again during dinner. But for now, as Carol Burnett used to say, “I’m so glad we had this time together.” (Minus the virus reasoning, of course.)

So, if you’re not doing this already, I encourage you to give it a try, if only to just break up the monotony. Oh, and wear experiences of life than into accumulating material

you’ve stored in the back of the closet. We all deserve to enjoy something a little special right now.

Stay safe.

In

BY HEATHER SPIVEY & About with the Arts Council and the “MASK-UERADE Parade” in Winston-Salem

On August 9th, The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, the first arts council in the country, hosted a virtual “Mask-uerade Parade” launch party for its community-wide MASK designing competition. The competition will support the Council’s 2020 Community Fund for the Arts campaign.

The event was the brainchild of Arts Council Board member, Holly Pavlika. Philip Powell of the Little Theater and Eric Dowdy of EDO Media volunteered their time arranging for live streaming of the event. The launch party was hosted by Talitha Vickers of WXII and featured entertainment by local artists and arts organizations who graciously donated their time and skills in artwork, dancing and music.

The MASK designing competition will culminate with the MASK-UERADE virtual parade on September 19th. There will be winners named in several categories. A mask entered into the competition must be an original creation that can be painted, sewn, welded – use your imagination. The submission must include a 30-second video or photo which will be featured on the Council’s social media accounts. All of the submissions will be compiled into one video and streamed on September 19th as a virtual PARADE OF MASKS! The winners will be selected by a panel of judges.

Eryn Crews, the Council’s director of annual giving observed “as we struggle through these challenging times, we remember that the arts and our amazing arts constellation in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County are a part of our community’s very foundation.” Arts Council President Randy Eaddy said, “Participating in the virtual MASK-uerade parade launch party and parade, which people can do safely with friends and neighbors, and giving generously, is a great way to show support for the arts community.”

For more information, please visit www.intohearts.org/mask.

Alyssa and Jonathan Wells JACKSON GRANT Born July 1, 2020

Sara & Evan Wiles ARDEN HADDOX WILES Born July 22, 2020

Siobhan Lorraine Photography Photo by Shayne Duncan

Taryn & Leo Jerez ISAIAH TERENCE JEREZ Born July 6, 2020 LEE PETERSON Happy 100th Birthday to Lee Peterson! Lee has enjoyed 100 rich years that have included a stint playing professional baseball and working at Parkway Ford. Most notably, Lee has been a husband to Helen and dad of 10! We hope his 100th birthday is full of joy, laughter, and many wonderful memories.