Importance of Heartworm Prevention

We like to have fun when we write this blog, but today we want to get serious about a disease that affects thousands of dogs and cats every year. If this is you first time reading this blog, my name is CJ, and I’m one of the canine co-authors here at the Bulverde blog! I’m joined by my fellow dog pal, Rex, as well as our feline friend, Whiskers. And, we’re all here to talk about why it’s so important to prevent Heartworm!

CJ: Woof, woof! So Rex, maybe we should start with the basics. What is heartworm?

Rex: Heartworm Disease is a very serious, sometimes fatal disease in pets in the United States and other parts of the world. Pardon our squeamish readers, but it is caused by foot-long worms, known as heartworms, that live in the heart, lungs and other blood vessels of animals that are affected. This can cause severe lung disease, heart failure and damage to organs in the body. WOOF.

CJ: Yuck! And how do those heartworms enter the infected host in the first place?

Whiskers: Meow; Mosquitoes are the culprit here. When a heartworm lives in an infected animal, it releases baby worms that circulate around the host’s bloodstream. A mosquito that sucks the blood out of the animal will carry these baby worms, which turn to larvae, and drops them off to a new host when they bite again. It then takes about 6 months for those babies to turn into adult heartworms.

CJ: Hmm… So what are the signs or effects of Heartworm Disease?

Whiskers: Well it’s different for cats and dogs.

Rex: That’s right, Whiskers. Dogs will show no signs of infection in the early stage of Heartworm Disease. Give it more time, and owners should notice a mild persistent cough, an aversion to exercise, fatigue after activity, decreased appetite, and weight loss.

Whiskers:The effects that Heartworm Disease has for cats can go from 0-100. Cat owners should look out for asthma-like attacks, vomiting here and there, lack of appetite, fainting, seizures; heartworm for cats can even sudden death.

CJ: WOOF. This disease seems scary!

Rex: It’s definitely a cause for concern, but there are ways to stay on top of this infection. One of them is through annual testing at the veterinarian. Heartworm Disease is something that gets worse over time, so even getting it diagnosed within the first year will save your pet from a lot of pain.

Whiskers: Testing in cats can be a bit more complicated because it’s harder to tell whether or not they have an infection. This is part of the reason why prevention is so key.

CJ: It sounds like prevention is important for both species. So how can an owner prevent the spread of heartworm from getting to their furry best friend?

Whiskers: In addition to annual testing, owners should talk to their pet’s veterinary care provider about taking a monthly heartworm preventive. Meow. These two strategies are the most recommended method of heartworm prevention.

Rex: Couldn’t have said it better myself – woof!

CJ: To learn more about what you can do to protect your pets against Heartworm Disease,
contact the professionals at Bulverde Animal Hospital. They can talk you through preventive care as well as testing – so call today! Woof, woof!

Helpful Knowledge Regarding Therapeutic Laser

While the words “Laser Therapy” may have you think of some super-futuristic way of taking away pain, it’s actually a viable option of veterinary treatment today! CJ here, with my pal, Rex; and our favorite feline friend, Whiskers! We’re back in the writer’s room this week to talk to all of the Bulverde-San-Antonio area pet owners about the possibilities of Therapeutic Laser. While we may not be certified practitioners of veterinary medicine, we do have some general information that we’d like to share with you on this topic!

CJ: Woof, woof! So, furry friends, what exactly is a Therapeutic Laser?

Rex: Well, CJ - the Therapeutic Laser itself comes from professional, medical equipment at a veterinarian facility. The deep-penetrating light allows for the relief of pain, and this method of therapy has been cleared by the FDA.

Whiskers: I must say I find it disappointing that it is not the type of magical laser you’re able to catch – meow –   much like the one I often see crawling up my wall when my owner is home! I never seem to be able to catch that thing… but little does it know; I’m coming for it next time it creeps up on me… 

CJ: You’ll get it one of these days, Whiskers! The Therapeutic Laser is definitely different than the magical one you’re speaking of, though – this one is not magic, it is science.

Rex:Woof; science indeed! Therapeutic Lasers are used to target areas on the body that are experiencing pain. The light itself stimulates the release of endorphins, promotes freer blood flow,
and stimulates injured cells to heal at a faster rate.

CJ: Interesting! What sorts of things can Therapeutic Laser help to treat?

Rex: Lick Granulomas and chronic ear infections are great for Laser Treatment, as the laser can provide almost instant relief from the discomfort that these afflictions cause.

Whiskers: Other good uses for Therapeutic Laser include treating the pain of wounds, fractures, infections, inflammation and post-surgical procedures!

Rex: Not to mention, it can also be an alternative treatment to pharmaceuticals if you have a pet in your life that doesn’t take medication easily! For them, laser treatment may be a better option. Woof, woof.

CJ: Wow, and all this time I thought lasers were just a weapon in space… So is there a certain kind of pet that Laser Therapy is recommended for?

Rex: Therapeutic Laser can be used for all kinds of dogs, but it’s most typically used for geriatric dogs with arthritis. Some older dogs have livers that are unable to process pain medication, so Laser Treatment is a much more viable option.

Whiskers: Meow. This method of pain relief is also great for kitties! A lot of pain control options are not considered safe for cats, but Therapeutic Laser is definitely a suitable alternative. Birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, ducks, and more are also candidates for Laser Therapy!

CJ: It sounds like everyone is invited to this laser show! Rex, Whiskers, I appreciate your seemingly endless supply of relevant veterinary information. Thanks for letting the readers know more about this emerging trend in pet pain relief. If they want to find out if Therapeutic Laser is right for their furry friend, they can contact the experts at Bulverde Animal Hospital to learn more!

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 your Pet Healthy

We hope everyone had a happy holiday and is looking forward to the New Year! It’s CJ here with my good old pal Rex and we wanted to take some time to discuss our new year’s resolutions. Rex and I decided we’re going to be healthier in 2019 and wanted to remind all pet parents that we need their help to accomplish our goals!

Rex: Woof, woof! That’s right! My mom takes me over to the experts at Bulverde Animal Hospital for routine wellness checkups to monitor my health. Dr. Kothmann is the best and he makes sure I’m at a healthy weight and am eating right.

CJ: That’s great, Rex. A balanced diet is fundamental in keeping us healthy. Like our human companions, diet has a direct effect on our skin, coat, weight, and energy level. It’s important for our parents to research the ingredients of dog food before they buy it, or learn how to make a homemade diet!

Rex: Woof – my mom and I also go on long walks and play ball at the dog park. It’s so much fun and it’s a good way for me to release my energy.

CJ: We need at least 1-2 hours of exercise per day, so exercise is a great way to release some of that energy! However, being outside a lot means we’re more susceptible to fleas and ticks, so it’s important for our parents to take the proper preventative steps, such as vaccinations, to ensure we don’t get sick!

Rex: Woof, woof – you’re right, CJ! I had a tick once and boy did that hurt! My parents took me to Dr. Kothmann and he created a prevention plan that was best for me.

CJ: It sounds like the professional veterinarians at Bulverde Animal Hospital know what they’re talking about! If your parents have any additional questions regarding pet health, just have them give Bulverde a call – woof!

CJ and Rex Talk about Dog Flu

Hi y’all! CJ here, and I’ve got my good pal, Rex, with me! This month we’re here with some serious business. Have you ever heard of dog flu? If not, don’t worry, Rex and I didn’t know about it either. Did we, Rex? 

Rex: Woof woof, no! I just found out about it from my sick buddy, woof woof. He had dog flu something awful, but luckily Dr. Kothmann made him all better.

CJ: Oh Rex, that’s such a relief. I heard if it’s taken care of properly it’s not terribly dangerous, but if not, it can cause pneumonia. 

Rex: Woof woof yeah, it’s no fun. I’ve also heard it’s real catchy. I’m scared to go anywhere… woof woof.

CJ: Well, Rex the good news is Bulverde Animal Hospital is requiring all dogs who board there be vaccinated for dog flu. That will really help prevent the spread of the flu. You should have your mom and dad take you down to Bulverde for your vaccine. It’s just two shots. 

Rex: Ouch! I don’t like shots, they hurt.

CJ: It’s okay, Rex. The vaccination lasts an entire year AND it means you won’t get dog flu. I think you’d much rather get a little pinch than a full blown sickness. 

Rex: You’ve got that right, CJ. Woof woof! Where do I sign up?

CJ: Have your parents bring you to Bulverde Animal Hospital, they will take good care of you. Stay healthy! P.S. See the fine print below from Bulverde Animal Hospital!

“As of November 1, 2017 we will require all boarding dogs to be vaccinated for the canine flu. The initial vaccination requires two doses, given 2 to 4 weeks apart. When making boarding reservations, please make plans on doing the initial flu vaccine 2 weeks prior to your boarding reservation. This way we are able to do the final vaccination when you drop off for boarding. Thereafter, an annual booster is recommended for continued protection. It is important for your pet to have an exam prior to each vaccine. If we have given your pet, their annual vaccinations during the past year, we are going to wave the exam fee to help with the cost of this new protocol. We will be giving this complementary exam until January 1, 2018. The cost of this vaccine is $33.77 per dose.”