General Guidelines for Pet Nutrition

Welcome back, humans (and fellow pets that learned how to read)! It’s CJ and Rex here, and we are once again joined by our fine feline friend, Whiskers, to talk about pet nutrition. It’s assumed that pets are naturally bubbly and energetic – but this is only partly true. A lot of your furry friend’s temperament will be a result of a balanced diet rich in nutrition! Can I get a woof woof, Rex?

Rex: Woof woof indeed, CJ! Dogs like us require six basic nutrients in our diet: water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. 

CJ: Well said, Rex! And how should our humans go about providing us with a diet that includes those nutrients? 

Rex: There’s a lot of information out there about picking the best dog food, and a lot of it can be misleading. When it comes to choosing a nutritious option, pick a food that includes recognizable, whole-food ingredients. The price tag and the ingredients don’t necessarily indicate the quality, so just make sure that you find something that contains important ingredients that dogs want and need. 

CJ: Sounds good to me! For the feline side of things, we’ll turn to Whiskers!

Whiskers: Thank you for allowing me to share my purr-spective, CJ! While dogs can enjoy an omnivorous diet – meaning they can get all of their necessary nutrients from plant and meat-based sources – cats require an animal-based diet to meet their nutritional needs. The amino acid known as taurine helps with cats’ heart function and vision, and that can only be found in meat-based proteins. 

CJ: Interesting! So cat owners should I always keep chicken or fish around for kitty?

Whiskers: Right! Or it would be a real fur paw… y’know, like faux paus?

CJ & Rex: Hmm… 

Whiskers: Anyway! A high-quality, animal-based diet – paired with free access to fresh, clean water – will keep cats happy and energized! Meow.

 

CJ: Thanks for the insight, Whiskers! So is there any reliable rule of thumb to follow when picking out a pet food? Even though we don’t have thumbs?

Rex: Yes! When searching for a pet food company, it’s best to select a well-established company with a long history in the business. 

Whiskers: These companies are more likely to have robust test feeding systems that improve their products and achieve the best nutritional content possible. Can I get a meow, boys!?

CJ & Rex: Woof! Woof!

 

Whiskers: That’ll do!

CJ: With that said, I think this is a great place to stop; we’ve covered a lot! Thank you, Rex and Whiskers, for sharing your thoughts with us. If any of our readers have more questions about pet nutrition, reach out to the expert veterinarians at Bulverde Animal Hospital.

How to Keep your Pet's Dental Care on Track

Hi everyone! CJ & Rex here with our good friend Whiskers who has surprised us with another visit! We’re here to share some important information about dental hygiene because having dirty, smelly teeth is nothing to smile about! Dental health is a very important part of our overall health, wouldn’t you agree, Rex?

Rex: Woof. Unfortunately, yes CJ. I hate when my mom brushes my teeth, but I do feel cleaner once it’s done!

CJ: That’s great, Rex - woof! Your teeth should also be cleaned at least once a year by your certified veterinarian, like Dr. Kothmann, to check for early signs of problems and to keep your mouth healthy. If left untreated, plaque and tartar buildup can progress to painful inflammation and gums disease. You wouldn’t want that, right Whiskers?

Whiskers: Meow – nope! But even worse, you’ll have bad breath!

CJ: That’s why it’s really important for our parents to brush our teeth two to three times a week to prevent this from happening! Also, plaque builds up and bacteria can infect the gum tissue and even the roots of teeth, which will result in tooth loss. This can end up affecting more than our oral health - bacteria can travel though the bloodstream from vessels near the gums. This puts other organs, such as the lungs and kidneys, in risk of also getting an infection. WOOF.

Rex: Woof. Woof. That sounds scary, CJ! One time my friend’s gums got really red and began to hurt him, woof. It hurt him so bad, he couldn’t eat sometimes! When his mom took him to the veterinarian it turns out he almost had gingivitis!

Whiskers: I hear that most dental disease occurs below the gum line, where it’s harder to see. That’s why it’s so imperative to brush your teeth!  

CJ: Well said, Whiskers – sure glad you were able to be part of this conversation! If your parents have any questions about dental care, feel free to call the experienced veterinarians at Bulverde Animal Hospital for more information.

Client Appreciation Month

Hello, everyone! We hope that you are enjoying the winter season, getting a chance to spend time with friends, family, and, of course, your beloved cats and dogs. Its CJ here with my good pal, Rex, and we’d like to share why January is such an exciting month for us here at Bulverde Animal Hospital.

We’ve been in business since January 1995 and are celebrating our 24 year anniversary – woof, woof! In celebration, this January has been client appreciation month at the hospital as we feel that our clients are more than deserving of some exciting offers!

Rex: Woof! Woof! We want to thank all of our fellow doggies and kitty friends for supporting us, and their parents for choosing Bulverde Animal Hospital!

CJ: Agreed! In order to show our appreciation, we’ve been offering all of our clients a 20% discount on tumor removals throughout the month of January and dental procedures for the months of January and February!

Rex: Wow!  That’s such exciting news, CJ – it sure makes me smile! I’m going to tell all of my friends to have their parents bring them down to Bulverde Animal Hospital for all their health needs. Here’s to all of the successful years in business!

CJ: Well said, Rex - woof! We look forward to seeing you all soon!



If your parents ever have any questions about pet care, just have them contact the professional doctors at 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!

How to Best Bond with your Pet

Hi everyone! CJ here; and I’ve got my good pal, Rex, with me and our dear friend, Whiskers, who surprised us with a visit! This is one cool cat – woof, woof – always making a grand entrance!

We’re all excited that winter is right around the corner, because this means we get to snuggle up closely with our parents under the covers! We love that we get to spend quality time together during the holidays!

Whiskers: I’m so glad to be here, guys – meow – I’ve missed you both! How’ve you been? Now that the holidays are around the corner, are you getting excited to spend some quality time with your parents?

Rex: Woof! I love bonding with my mom and dad! Woof, woof. They always give me belly rubs, and scratches on the head. I love it!

CJ: I love to hear that, Rex! Spending one-on-one quality time together is essential to keeping our bond strong. Whiskers, what do you enjoy?

Whiskers: I love sleeping and being independent. And, when I let my parents brush me, I can’t help but go “purrrrr.” It’s nice to treat yourself to some pampering every now and then!

Rex: My mom knows all my likes and dislikes too! She takes me on long walks, and then we snuggle when we get back home – woof. When we go on walks, she focuses just on me; that way I’m able to exercise and get all of my energy out!

CJ: It’s important for our parents to know which situations we’re comfortable with or uncomfortable in; so that’s great to hear, Rex – woof - it seems like your mom knows you very well!  Some of us love to cuddle, while others prefer their space – so this is important for our parents to understand.

Whiskers: That’s right, CJ! I appreciate my parents because they know when I need my space, and let me come to them whenever I feel comfortable. Sometimes I just like to be alone – meow!

CJ: That’s okay too, Whiskers! As long as you‘re not being forced into interactions, and you’re able to adapt to your environment on your own, I’d say you’re in good hands!

Whiskers: Meow – and my parents feed me my favorite treats and know just where to pet me! They’re the best.

Rex: Woof – are cat treats yummy?

Whiskers: not for you, Rex – meow!

CJ: Let’s just take Whiskers word on that one, Rex – woof! We’re lucky to have parents that treat us so great!!

If your parents ever have any questions about pet care, just have them call the professional doctors at Bulverde Animal Hospital. They’ll explain to your parents everything they need to know to take care of your properly. Whiskers – it was great seeing you and we hope you surprise us with another visit soon!

Pet Safety - Halloween Edition

Halloween is right around the corner, and we cannot be more excited! It’s CJ here with my good pal Rex and we want to remind everyone to have a fun and safe Halloween. It’s important to be extra cautious of our surroundings and what we eat, especially for us dogs.

Rex: Woof, woof! I love Halloween treats!

CJ: Same here, Rex, but it’s important to know what we can eat and what we can’t. All forms of chocolate – especially dark chocolate – can be dangerous to our health, as well as artificial sweeteners and too much sugar.

Rex: Woof – I didn’t know that, CJ. When I eat a lot of sugar it makes me hyper and I like to run around the house… and sometimes out of the house!

CJ: Oh no, Rex! With trick-or-treaters around every corner, your mom will be constantly opening and closing the door; I know this can seem like a great opportunity to run outside and explore, but that can be dangerous – ruff, ruff!

Rex: I understand, CJ – woof, woof. My mom likes to dress me in costumes for Halloween and I just want to show off my good looks! Woof, but sometimes it can be uncomfortable and I can’t move…

CJ: If this happens, Rex, make sure your mom knows that it’s uncomfortable for you! Some tell-tale signs that you’re uncomfortable are whimpering, chewing the costume to try and get it off, or putting your tail in between your legs. Your mom will know what to do then!

Rex: Thanks, CJ – if I ever get too uncomfortable then I’ll be sure to let my mom know, woof.

CJ: That’s what I’m here for, Rex! And remember, if your mom or dad has any questions regarding pet safety during Halloween then just have them give Bulverde Animal Hospital a call or a visit. They’ll be able to answer any questions that your parents may have!

Rex: Will do; woof!

CJ: Okay, great – woof, woof. Just one question for you, Rex – tricks or treats?  

Rex: Tricks and treats, CJ – I always get a treat when I do my “Roll Over” trick!

CJ: Oh, Rex – woof, woof – I do ruff that one! Such a classic!

How to Ensure Your Pup is Getting Enough Exercise

Happy fall everyone! It’s CJ here with my good friend, Rex. We’re super excited because the holiday season is quickly approaching.  This month we want to discuss our health and the proper amount of exercise that is right for us during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Just like our human companions, we need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Rex: Woof – I love going outside and playing fetch with my Mom!

CJ: That’s great, Rex! Exercise is really important for controlling our weight, keeping us happy, and reducing any digestive issues. It also keeps us fit and healthy. 

Rex: When I see my Mom pull out my leash, I get so excited, I can barely control myself! And I can tell she enjoys the walk too! We’re a good team when it comes to our walks; we always seem to keep the same pace and then guzzle water when we get back home – woof! – Mom doesn’t drink out of a bowl though because I’m special.

CJ: That’s so fun! I always know my Dad is ready for a walk when he puts on my favorite sneakers of his – woof! I love that it strengthens the bond between us and leads to a stronger, more trusting relationship.

Rex: That it does, CJ – it’s great! Woof!

CJ: Yeah, it is – and another thing that’s great is Bulverde Animal Hospital; they always have helpful ideas for keeping us in shape! Woof, woof - what’s your favorite type of exercise?

Rex: Woof, yeah! I love walking, hiking, Frisbee, ball throwing, and swimming!

CJ: Those are all great forms of exercise! We need to take part in some form of daily physical activity, so that’s great you love exercising – woof – Exercise tones the muscles, helps our body and metabolic system to function properly, and engages the mind!

Rex: Without exercise I get bored and end up chewing on shoes and furniture, or getting into the trash. Woof.

CJ: I’d never chew my Dad’s sneakers! I do agree that boredom sets in though and I wonder what I can do to get out my energy.  Good thing we both have such fun parents to keep us active!

Rex: You’re right, CJ – now I have to go bother my Mom to take me for a walk. All this talk of exercise is making me energized! Woof!

CJ: Sounds good to me, Rex. Woof, woof - Enjoy!