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adrenalineguide · 4 years

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2019’s Top Rides: Part 3/Buick Regal GS, Subaru Ascent and Golf R

By Michael Hozjan

Buick Regal GS AWD: Buick gets it right

At 12, I wanted to be a car designer. Fate however had different plans for me. With an eye for automotive design, I grew up loving Buicks; from the ’57 Special to the ’59 Invicta, with the ’64 Wildcat stealing my heart time and again. Cadillacs took a close second, Fords were ok but I found Chevs too feminine. Buicks, were masculine with broad shouldered front fenders and creased lines, personifying the designing cues of GM greats, Harley Earl and Bill Mitchell.

Then came the Riviera. One snowy December afternoon as I headed to my post office, there on St. Lawrence Boulevard, with six inches of snow on the ground sat a ’65 Riviera. My heart skipped several beats and I must have studied its lines for what seemed like an eternity.

Well into the ‘70s there were some noteworthy designs that came out of Buick’s design studios however, the last four decades have been anything but exciting. That has all changed with the launch of the Regal GS – the sexiest Buick to come out of Detroit in, well the last four decades.

The Grand Sport designation is nothing new to the Buick line up, having been associated with ‘70s era muscle cars but this is the first time that it has been used in a European sports sedan context. The stylish GS goes up against some well established rivals like the Acura TLX, Lexus ES, BMW 3 series and the like, a tough field to say the least. The Regal GS is more than just good looks, it’s a bona fide sports sedan. In fact a rebadged, German built, Opel Insignia, so the GS starts with the right genes. European engineered handling makes it the best tarmac gripping Buick ever.

Red Brembo brake calipers immediately tell everyone that this is not your typical Buick.

While different drive options/trim levels are available elsewhere around the globe, we Canucks get only one trim/drive option- also the most desirable one - the all-wheel-drive version motivated by the 310 horsepower DOHC, 3.6L V6 with variable valve timing punching out 282 lb-ft of torque through a 9-speed automatic.

Entry price is $44,045, my tester came with the Buick Experience Package ($3,495) that included the moonroof, a Bose premium 8-speaker sound system, wireless charging, an 8” touch screen, HD radio, LED leveling headlights, The Driver Confidence Package (yes you read that right) at $1,995 includes adaptive cruise, forward collision alert with automatic braking, lane keep assist, front pedestrian braking and heads up display. The Ebony Twilight Metallic paint was a premium option at $495.

The all-wheel-drive gets a torque vectoring rear axle, which only improves traction in slippery conditions and makes the Buick eat up the corners. Buick has also given us three driving modes to choose from, Touring, Sport and GS

Inside you’ve got one color choice, black. The supportive Recaros have a massage feature as well as being heated/cooled. Both driver’s and passenger seats have 14 adjustments to suit your body, including adjustable bolsters. Following with the German sport sedan traits, it includes a flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Rear seat passengers get ample legroom, but headroom is tight for taller occupants. With 30.cu.ft of space under the hatch with the rear seats up, with over 60 cu.ft with the rear seats folded, it betters many compact crossovers!

Is it perfect?

Non-functional air intakes in the front valance are mickey-mouse and a step backwards. Why not leave them open and help cool the brakes? No spare tire but a useless tire fix kit –that’ll help when you have a blow out or bend a wheel on Quebec’s pot holes. On the comical side, the audio system had mixed up the Cirius station numbers it’s 60s on 6 and not 660s on six….and the same could be said for 50s on 5 not 550s on 5, as well as 70s, 80s and 90s.

You can go through the gears manually with the console mounted shifter but paddle shifters would have been a nice touch to compliment the smooth 9-speed automatic.

Will the GS steal buyers away from BMW? I hardly doubt it but it does give of us a formidable option to keep our performance dollars with domestic manufacturers, and the GS buyer has nothing to be apologetic for.

Price as tested: $52,050*

*Includes destination charges and a/c excise tax

Subaru Ascent: If at first you don’t succeed…

If you thought that Subaru already had a large SUV you’re right. The magic word here being had. The B9 Tribeca, later shortened to just Tribeca debuted in 2005 to, lets just say a less than stellar sales, and by 2014 had moved into the automotive history books of what once was.

It takes guts to admit that you were wrong, and it takes even big cojones to come back with a similar sized vehicle. Truth be told the SUV market has also changed over the last decade with SUVs growing increasingly larger, just like the population. Subaru appears to have been ahead of its time back in 2005 when 3-row SUV’s didn’t proliferate our roads, and minivans still reigned supreme for getting the platoon to school. But times have changed and so the new Ascent is the company’s answer to the latest trend.

The Ascent is also Subaru’s largest vehicle to date, with 142 mm longer wheelbase and 134 mm longer in length than the Tribeca, so yes passenger comfort has been greatly increased. The midsize SUV is built on the company’s Global Platform, a chassis that is easily adaptable; serving as the basis for everything from their Impreza and Crosstrek to the Ascent.

Available in four trim levels – Convenience, Touring, Limited and Premier - with the entry level 8-passenger Convenience starting at a meager $36,695. Regardless of trim, there’s a new 2.4L direct-injected, turbocharged boxer four cylinder dolling out 260 horses and 277 lb-ft of torque through the High-torque Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission).

Talk to anyone who’s ever driven a Subie in less than ideal conditions and they’ll swear by the symmetrical full-time all-wheel-drive system. A new feature, X-Mode, pushes the traction envelope even further; at the push of a button, it monitors and controls four different vehicle dynamics, including engine, transmission, torque splitting and braking.

There’s a lot of standard driver-assistance technology in each Ascent without having to step up to trim levels, Items like automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist through the company’s EyeSight system. The base model gets a 6.5 inch infotainment screen while upper trim buyers will see an 8 inch screen. GPS however is only available in the two higher end trims (Limited and Premier). Both Touring and Limited are available in either seven or eight passenger configurations with captain’s chairs taking up the second row. My tester, the Premier trim comes only with the second row captains chairs. While all trims get heated front buckets it’s only the two higher trims that pamper their second row passengers with heated outboard seats. The third row looks a lot more inviting than some of it’s competitors but it’s still on the tight side with limited leg room. Still bear in mind this is a mid-size seven passenger and the seats are padded and comfortable to keep the small fry happy for longer drives. Oh and a pair of third-row USB charging ports become available in the Limited trim and are in addition to the standard two you’ll find in the front and second rows.

Rear cover blind and tow loop are stowed neatly under the cargo bay’s floor, the latter an option on some pricier suvs

Whether you’re out in the boonies or negotiating city streets, the Ascent doesn’t feel like a large bulky SUV. With above average handling and a minimum of body roll for a three-row SUV, Subaru’s use of the boxer engine and its advantageous low center of gravity immediately become apparent. It’s stable, with a soft luxurious ride and is generally quiet during normal highway cruising. But it does get loud when pushed hard.

Is it perfect?

The drone of the CVT does get annoying but once you get passed that, the Ascent is typically Subaru; it does everything what it’s supposed to and does it well. I averaged 9.8L/100 km which is unprecedented in a 7-passenger sport ute. It may not be overly luxurious but you get what you pay for. I know my Subaru driving friends will all be looking at the Ascent when the time comes to turn in their current drives, and that alone will keep this big Subaru around for a long time to come.

Price as tested: $52,795*

* Includes destination charges

Volkswagen Golf R: You’ll want one

If you’ve missed my installment of the Rabbit GTI, I urge you to scroll down the page and have a read.

Now take the GTI and turn it up a notch, or three. The formula for the Golf R is very simple; take one German built spacious hatchback that already has solid, tight handling, and add gobbs of turbocharged horses to a 2.0L inline four cylinder. How many ponies? Two eighty-eight to be exact – enough to propel you well past the posted speed limit in less time than it takes you to say posted speed limit. Now stir in all-wheel drive to put all that power to the ground. Slam it to the ground for added handling. Dress it up with killer 19” wheels.

Choose between the 6-speed manual available for $42,495 or the 7-speed dual clutch automatic with Tiptronic for $43,895. Now go have the most fun you can with your clothes on.

Doesn’t look like it but there’s nearly 300 horses in there

Quad exhaust tips tell you this is no ordinary Golf

The Golf R is everything you want in a performance sedan and then some. It makes no sense in a country with posted speed limits, but then neither do Porches, Ferraris and the like.

Price as tested: $49, 290*

*Includes destination charges and a/c excise tax

#buick regal #buick gs #sports sedan #subaru #ascent #suv #7-passenger #volkswagen #golf r

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centralparkpawsblog · 5 years

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How to Tell if a Dog is in Pain

https://www.centralparkpaws.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/41TkElDpY2L.jpg This is not an easy question to answer.

Dogs are so different from one another, and so are their reactions to pain.

Ginger started scream-crying when the vet sprayed her leg with alcohol before a blood draw, which was clearly not painful.

Daisy was hesitant picking up a tennis ball, and when she finally did, she dropped it right away.

Turns out, she had quite a painful abscess in her mouth. She required surgery on her jaw!

Calvin displays a downward dog yoga position when his pancreatitis flares up. Outside of his yoga moves, there’s usually no other signs he’s in pain.

During those times that I wish my dogs could talk, so they could tell me where they’re hurting.

Some Common Signs Your Dog Is in Pain

Panting

If you’re French, “dog in pain” means something much different

Hiding or acting aloof

Shaking or trembling

Being more vocal

Limping or other mobility issues

Unexpected aggression

Licking

Changes in activity level

Changes in daily habits

Those last two can show up in multiple ways such as:

Activity Level

Restlessness

Reluctance to move

Inability to get comfortable

Daily Habits

Decreased appetite

Lapses in house training

Sleeps more

Are Human Pain Meds and/or Anti-Inflammatories Safe for Dogs?

Now that you’ve determined your dog is in pain, what can you give them?

Obviously, you should bring them to the vet to diagnose the problem.

But what if you already know the source of the pain? For example, you know your dog has a pulled muscle or arthritis, what can you do to help ease their pain?

Over-the-Counter Medications

Aspirin & Ibuprofen

Dog-specific aspirin may be a good choice, but talk it over with your vet first

According to Coates, DVM, “It is not safe to give your dog any amount of aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen, or other anti-inflammatory meant for humans.”

Tylenol

Giving your dog Tylenol is typically not recommended, but there are rare cases in which Tylenol with codeine will be prescribed to dogs with severe pain.

According to the ASPCA, Tylenol in large doses “is one of the top 10 causes for poisoning in dogs.”

Aleve

This medicine is extremely toxic to dogs. “As little as one 220mg tablet can cause very serious symptoms (even death), even in a large dog,” Pamela Huyck, CVT, Pet Poison Helpline.

Prescription Pain Medicines

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Rimadyl (aka Novox), Deramaxx, Previcox, & Metacam. These are all NSAIDs.

They treat similar issues and share identical side effects. They’re commonly used for osteoarthritis and as an anti-inflammatory for dogs after surgery.

They also help to reduce fevers.

You can find some of these at VetApprovedRX, though they will require a prescription.

Side Effects

The most common side effects are a change in appetite, vomiting, black tarry or bloody stool, diarrhea, jaundice, and seizures.

Long Term Use

Long term use is not recommended, but it could be necessary for chronic pain such as arthritis.

Long term use can cause damage to the liver and kidneys, so regular bloodwork is recommended to monitor the dog’s health.

A dog’s teeth can defeat child safety caps, so keep non-doggy meds away from curious puppers!

Tramadol

This drug is in the opioid family, and is an analgesic without any anti-inflammatory properties.

It’s commonly used because it’s a safe painkiller with few side effects, plus it can be used in conjunction with other pain medications.

We’ve used this for Calvin for his pancreatitis flare-ups and felt that it worked well unless he had a severe episode.

Side Effects

Potential side effects include stomach upset that may lead to vomiting, constipation, diarrhea and/or loss of appetite.

Long Term Use

Long term use is not an issue. Tramadol is well tolerated and often used for chronic pain.

Note

In recent studies, “both preclinical and clinical research evidence suggest it is unlikely to have meaningful benefits in dogs,” according to Brennen McKenzie, MA, MSc, VMD, cVMA.

Studies are still being conducted to determine its benefits in dogs.

Gabapentin

This medication is often used for chronic pain, pain associated with cancer and pain of neuropathic origin.

It’s usually best when used for consecutive days but can take effect in about 2-4 hours.

Drowsiness isn’t too bad as far as side effects go, but it can still disrupt your dog’s quality of life

We tried this medication for Daisy, but it didn’t work as well as other medications. Also, it caused her to become unsteady and drowsy.

Side Effects

Per Dr. Barbara Forney, DVM, “Most-common side effects are mild sedation and ataxia.”

Long Term Use

Long term use is generally not an issue.

Galliprant

Galliprant (which you can find at VetApprovedRX) was released in March 2016 and is an “NSAID that uses targeted action to treat canine osteoarthritis pain and inflammation.”

However, unlike traditional NSAIDs, it doesn’t have the side effects from long term use.

We use Galliprant, and I would recommend this to anyone with a dog suffering from osteoarthritis.

We switched Daisy from Rimadyl to Galliprant because it was much safer and managed her pain far better.

The one big drawback is the cost; traditional NSAIDs are a lot more economical.

Side Effects

Side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, soft stool with mucus and watery or bloody stool.

Long Term Use

At this time, Galliprant has shown to be safe for long term daily use without risk of damage to the liver and kidneys.

Supplements & Alternative Options for Pain Relief

I believe in using prescription medication to manage pain.

However, I also believe supplements and alternative medicine can greatly contribute to your dog’s comfort.

Also, many of the supplements are pretty economical and can often help heal as well as manage pain.

These won’t help if your dog is in pain for gas, but there are other solutions for that problem.

Dasuquin

Dasuquin contains both Chondroitin Sulfate and Glucosamine, both have shown to aid in pain relief for those with arthritis.

We’ve used Dasaquin for over 5 years now, starting when Daisy was diagnosed with arthritis in her shoulders.

Chondroitin sulfate

“…promotes water retention and elasticity in the cartilage… chondroitin may also inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators that are destructive to the joint.”

Glucosamine

“is an essential building block of joint cartilage.” It aids in rebuilding cartilage and acts as an anti-inflammatory.

Turmeric

Turmeric is proven to work as an anti-inflammatory and joint pain reliever.

High doses of turmeric can also serve as a blood thinner and can cause stomach upset, so use caution when giving your dog turmeric.

According to Morgan, DVM, the estimated dose would be 15-20 mg of turmeric per pound. But as always, it’s still good to check with your vet first, as there may be possible drug interactions, especially if your dog is on blood thinners.

CBD

It is believed that CBD has many positive benefits, like pain relief, joint therapy, improved cognitive function, anxiety, cancer, and seizures.

There are many different varieties available and picking the right one can be difficult. It’s suggested you contact your vet for recommendations.

We use Super Snouts.

It comes in many forms, such as capsule form, which works best for Daisy.

Thanks to it, we’ve seen a definite improvement in her cognitive function.

Fish Oil

Fish oil is one of the most common and proven supplements on the market.

Some of the benefits include improving cognitive function, it’s an anti-inflammatory, and improves heart disease and kidney disease.

According to Kim Colvard, CVT, CCRP, from the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center, it’s essential to purchase a vet recommended fish oil and provide a high enough dose to see the benefits

She went further to say that currently, the FDA doesn’t regulate fish oil supplements, resulting in varying levels of DHA and EPA.

Nutramax Welactin is the brand recommended by Dr. Sandra Koch, a dermatologist at the University of Minnesota.

Feverfew

This herb helps to reduce pain and acts as an anti-inflammatory caused by arthritis.

Comfrey

This herb can be used for joint inflammatory disorders but does contain alkaloids which can cause liver damage.

This is one that you would want to consult your vet about before giving it to your dog.

Acupuncture

Acupucture has been used for pain relief, relieving inflammation, anxiety, allergies, the list goes on.

“The goal of acupuncture is to promote the body to heal itself” through nerve stimulation, according to Patrick Mahaney, VMD.

I’ve used acupuncture with Daisy for years, and she definitely showed improvement. It does take a few sessions to see the benefits.

Massage

The hard part is teaching your other dog how to give a massage

Massaging has been known to help with muscle atrophy, inflammation issues, pain, stress, and so much more.

There are trained professionals that specialize in massage therapy, both licensed vets and massage therapists.

However, in-home massage therapy has also proven effective.

K-Laser

K-Laser Therapy is a safe non-invasive pain relief and anti-inflammatory option.

The laser is “designed to target the body’s optimal light absorbing complexes to treat pain and accelerate the healing process.” (K-Laser)

We’ve been using this with Daisy since 2016, and it’s definitely helped. She receives laser treatment weekly at her rehab appointments.

Conclusion

If you’re reading this, you’re like me and just want to relieve our dogs’ aches and pains.

I’m a firm believer in using a combination of treatments to alleviate a dog’s discomfort.

Daisy is on Galliprant for her arthritis, but also on fish oil and Dasaquin. Plus, we do K-Laser therapy and in-home massage (when she lets us).

Keep in mind that every dog is different and it’s just a matter of finding the right combination that works for your dog.

FAQs

Never give your dog medicine intended for human use. Always use something designed for dogs!

Can you use Ibuprofen or Tylenol for dogs?

Generally, it’s not recommended. In rare instances, a vet may prescribe Tylenol with Codeine for severe pain, but in closely monitored doses.

What can I give my dog for hip pain?

Normally, an NSAID like Rimadyl or Galliprant would be prescribed.

If additional pain management is, needed tramadol or gabapentin might also be added to provide more significant pain relief.

What can I give my dog for pain and swelling?

An NSAID like Rimadyl or Galliprant would work, but also depending on the location, using ice packs for 10-minute intervals can also assist with swelling and pain management.

What painkillers for dogs with arthritis are available?

Besides the NSAIDs and pain meds listed above. fish oil, acupuncture, CBD, turmeric, and massage therapy are all excellent in aiding with dogs with arthritis.

The post How to Tell if a Dog is in Pain appeared first on Central Park Paws.

from https://www.centralparkpaws.net/pet-health/how-tell-dog-pain/

#dogs #cats #pets #reviews

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