Check out photos from the Pukekohe ANZAC parade

ANZAC DAY 2021

For two years running, ANZAC services were demobilised; recently, however, locals returned in force to the colours, as these photos taken at Pukekohe’s civic service reveal.

OVERWEIGHT DOGS – THE RISKS

Dr Nikki Frost, senior vet at Franklin Vets Pukekohe discusses the risks that overweight dogs face.

Dogs carrying extra pounds place extra demands on virtually all the organs of their bodies including:

Damage to joints, bones,

and ligaments – Serious joint complications from damage caused when the joints carry excess weight including cruciate tears and arthritis

Diabetes mellitus – Fat hinders the body from being able to respond to insulin. Digestive disorders – Increased risk of constipation.

Decreased immune function –

Lowered resistance to viral and bacterial infections.

Skin and hair coat problems – The skin forms more and different types of oils, the skin may fold in on itself creating pockets, which are ideal for the accumulation of oils and the development of infections.

Decreased quality and length of life –

• The over-all health, ability to play, even to breathe, are diminished in overweight dogs. • Often become more irritable due to being hot, in pain, or simply uncomfortable. • Die at a younger age.

Heart disease and increased blood

pressure – An increased workload pumping additional blood to excess tissues can lead to congestive heart failure.

Difficulty breathing – Additional fat in the chest and abdomen restricts the expansion of the lungs. Increased quantity of tissue puts an increased demand on the lungs to supply oxygen.

Decreased stamina – Carrying all that extra weight takes a lot more work, placing strain on the heart, muscles, and respiratory system.

Decreased liver function – An increased amount of fat building up in the liver decreases its function.

Increased surgical and anaesthetic risk –

• Takes longer to come out of anaesthesia. • Increased fat in the tissues makes it harder to find or get at what you are looking for in the body, lengthening the procedure and hence the risk.

Now you know the risks, if your dog is a bit pudgy, don’t despair; we are here to help you.

SOME TIPS:

• Exercise is a must! Be consistent and do it daily. • Fast weight loss can be dangerous so aim to lose no more than 1-2% of their body weight per week.

Swap to a satiety diet which provides safe weight loss and reduces begging behaviour. • Take any treats from their daily food allowance.

Are you concerned about your pet’s weight? We can help. Talk to us today.

KIDS BOOKS

MY CAT CAN SEE GHOSTS

When she was five, Emily Joe’s favourite animal was a leopard; it still is. However, her housecats were the inspiration for this book. Boasting a sixth sense of which M. Night Shyamalan would be amazed, her quirky felines are not only attuned to paranormal activities, they respond in some most unusual ways too. Can Emily’s kitties keep ghosts at bay? There’s only one way to find out, unless we’re psychic, in which case, well never mind.

Emily Joe: My Cat Can See Ghosts | RRP $30 | Beatnik Publishing

KATE IN WAITING

As a certain former ‘Heartbreaker’ used to assert, sometimes waiting really is the hardest part. Heartbreak could be on the horizon for Kate as a love triangle threatens to derail a friendship in the latest book by rom-com queen, Becky Albertalli. Suited to readers aged 12 and up, Kate in Waiting promises to shine a spotlight on the importance of stepping out of the shadows in all things from life and love to theatre.

Becky Albertalli: Kate in Waiting | RRP $21 | Penguin

THE CALLING

Nineteenth century New Zealand was not exactly a time and place renowned for options, especially for young women. Her mother’s dying wish was for Molly to become a nun; her Methodist father, however, expects her to marry. In seeking the remarkable Mother Mary Joseph Aubert, Molly might just discover a calling all of her own as this novel (for young readers aged 12 and up) unfolds.