Why Cats and Dogs Don't Always Get Along

Are you all having a ruff day? Don’t worry – its CJ here, with Rex and our feline pal, Whiskers; we’re here to make it better! While we three may be close friends, we know that other cats and dogs are the reason why humans have the expression, “fighting like cats and dogs.” Though we may compete for food scraps, leftovers and attention, we also can live in perfect harmony. Right, Rex?

Rex: Exactly, CJ - woof! It all starts with humans understanding where our personality differences lie and how we essentially speak two different languages.

CJ: Couldn’t have said it better myself – woof, woof! I mean, come on, what does “meow” mean anyway?

Whiskers: *eye roll* I think Rex was referring to our body language differences, CJ. For example, you two love to run around and wag your tails where I run away when I’m scared and only wag my tail when I’m feeling a tad aggressive. Meow.

Rex: Ah, that helps explain your reaction to me playing with your yarn ball the other day.

CJ: Woof! Even I know, as close as we all are, you don’t touch Whiskers’ yarn ball. Anyway, it’s obvious that cat and dog communication styles are complicated. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t train and teach your cats and dogs to understand each other and get along better.

Whiskers: It starts with territory! Us cats, we need our protected space – a territory that is just ours. Make sure this space has tall surfaces as us felines are pawfectly natural climbers.

Rex: And while your cat is romping around, make sure your dog has had lots of stimulation! If we’re able to run around or play with toys then we will be less likely to chase things (or cats!) in the house.

CJ: Let’s not furget to mention that this process takes time! While it starts with a first impression, it needs to be a process that gradually takes place overtime. Schedule your cat-dog meetings during mealtime, because who doesn’t love food, but keep your dog on a leash and both animals on opposite sides of a closed door.

Whiskers: Then, once you, the human, feel comfortable, you can continue feeding them separately, but on either side of a gate or screen, before finally removing the barrier all together.

Rex: Let’s be honest though, sometimes, cats and dogs are just not going to be friends. We come from different descendants and all have different backgrounds. However, that doesn’t mean you should listen to the stereotypes and not at least try to have us cohabit!

CJ: Well said Rex! Jeez – this talk has me grateful that I have you two as my best friends furever.

Whiskers: Purrr – you’re too sweet! Now come on CJ and Rex, I believe I have a yarn ball that’s calling all our names.

CJ and Rex: Bark, Bark, let’s get to it!

If your humans ever have any questions about pet care, just have them contact Bulverde Animal Hospital.

Keeping Pets Safe and Cool During the Hot Summer

Well, it’s that time of year again – it’s HOT outside! This time of year I love hanging out in the air conditioned living room where it’s cool and comfortable! Howdy all, it’s CJ and I’m hanging out with my friend Rex thinking about how lucky we are to be spending time in a nice, cool house. How about it, Rex? “Woof, I like being outside…. woof woof!” You like being outside in the heat, Rex? “Yup, I can watch the birds and chase the squirrels. It’s boring inside. Woof!” Fair enough! I just don’t know how you do it - it’s unbelievably hot out there.  This is probably a good subject for all of our friends to hear about, listen up guys!

“It’s really hot woof woof, but my mom makes sure I stay nice and safe in the shade!” How does she do that, Rex? “I hang out under the trees in the backyard – perfect for bird watching, woof!” Oh that’s smart, Rex. “Yup, my mom also got me a cool dog house –it’s big and shaded. She keeps fresh treats and cool water in there for me.” Wow, Rex you’re one lucky dog! “Yup, I am woof woof!” Let’s hope everyone’s parents take such good care of them on the hot days of summer!

Friends, keep in mind, if you ever get too much sun and you feel sick, make sure your mom or dad brings you to Bulverde Animal Hospital in Bulverde TX! “Good thinking, CJ! Woof, woof! Now it’s time for a snack in the shade.”

CJ and Rex Talk about Pancreatitis

Hi Everyone, CJ and Rex here! It's hard to believe it, but the holidays are quickly approaching. It's such an exciting and busy time of year! Rex, what's your favorite part of the holiday season? "The yummy food scraps... woof woof! Turkey, pie, stuffing - yumm!" Rex! We've been through this before - you shouldn't be eating table scraps because it can cause pancreatitis, which is no fun at all. "Pancreatitis? woof woof, what's that?" It's inflammation of the pancreas – in layman’s terms it’s a bad tummy ache that can be caused by eating human foods, i.e. cake, turkey, pie, stuffing. "Oh that's right, woof woof. I like food, so I always forget about (or try to ignore) tummy problems."

Rex, this year you really should be careful. You won't be able to enjoy the holiday season if you're eating human food and ending up with pancreatitis. Oh don't make that sad face at me! You'll be thanking me when you feel healthy and aren't throwing up! “Woof, woof yeah, I guess you're right.”

Well, if you end up not listening to me remember that Dr. Kothmann at Bulverde Animal Hospital is a great vet. While he may not be pleased if you eat human food and get sick, he will help you feel better soon. "Thanks CJ, but you're right, woof woof. No human food for me this year!"

CJ and Rex Celebrate the Fourth of July

Well, it’s that time of year again – loud, scary noises, lots of people and lots of food! Hey all, it’s CJ, and I’m preparing for my least favorite holiday of the year, July 4th. Luckily, since I’m a cat, I have the luxury of hiding under the bed, and not leaving the house all day! On the other hand, my friend Rex the dog, isn’t as lucky.

Rex what are your plans for the Fourth of July? “Well, last year my parents had a big party for the Fourth of July. – woof woof! I snooped around the back yard and ate yummy scraps people had dropped off their plates - which was great until I woke up with an awful stomach ache the next day! Late at night, after it got dark these colorful, loud lights kept exploding in the sky. I’ve never heard such an awful, loud noise in my whole life and I never want to again. I was so scared I tried to run away. Luckily, the yard is fenced in, so I couldn’t get out. I ended up going inside and hiding in the corner. And that’s where I’m planning on staying this year – inside, away from the people, yummy (but bad) food and scary noises.”

Smart plan, Rex! Getting sick is no fun, and you don’t want to run away. You would be lost, scared and could get hurt. Spread the word – tell all of your friends to stay inside on the 4th of July!

Flea Season Continues for CJ and Rex

Hi there, CJ here, and I’ve got my pal Rex with me! You might remember us from last month. We were telling you about flea bites and how awful they are. Hey Rex, remember last month I told you to have your mom bring you to see Dr. Kothmann for flea medicine? Did she ever do that? “Yup! I’ve been feeling A- Okay for a few weeks!” said Rex. Wait, what medicine did Dr. Kothmann give you? I’m surprised you’re feeling better so fast! Rex said, “Ummmm I don’t know, it begins with an A, but it’s a big word, so I have trouble saying it (Rex’s face turns bright red).” It’s okay Rex, I’ve got my handy dandy i-Pad with me today, I “borrowed” it from my human brother, shhhh! Let’s do some research and see what we find.

Rex, what’s so good about this medicine? Does it do things other medicines don’t? That will help me find it. “Well, my mom only has to give it to me once a month, big relief, woof! It also dries really quickly, so I can start playing as soon as my mom puts it on me. It doesn’t smell, so I don’t sneeze from it, and it’s waterproof, so I’m still allowed to play in the creek, woof woof!”said Rex. “Oh and one other thing, it works super-fast! I haven’t been itchy in weeks! said Rex. Wait, that’s enough, I found it! It’s a medicine called activyl. It seems like the perfect flea fighting medicine.

Well, Rex I learned a lot today! I’m going to tell all of my furry friends to visit Dr. Kothmann for activyl. He’s the best and activyl will get rid of those nasty fleas in no time!