Green Trails Animal Clinic

06/27/2024

Storm Anxiety

It wouldn’t be summer in Texas without a few thunderstorms rolling through. While many people find the sound of rain relaxing, others may dread storm-filled forecasts if their pets have storm anxiety. Pets experiencing storm anxiety not only suffer mentally but are also at risk for destructive behavior and even self-injuries. This article features tips on how to help your pets cope with storm anxiety and keep them safe during stormy weather.

Pets that experience anxiety during storms can be soothed by medication, pheromones, pressure wraps, behavior modification and having quiet spaces.

06/26/2024

Fourth of July

One of the most treasured traditions of Fourth of July is the fireworks. However, the sounds can frighten pets, specifically those with fireworks anxiety. Here are a few ways to ensure your holiday goes smoothly for both you and your furry friend.

Pets who experience anxiety during fireworks not only suffer from the mental effects of anxiety but also are at risk of destructive behavior.

06/12/2024

Making Your Pet’s Boarding Experience a Great One

Summer vacation is here! While we soak up the sun, will your pet be enjoying a little vacation of their own? If you're boarding your pet, check out this helpful article on making their boarding experience a great one. It’s full of tips to ensure they’re happy and comfortable while you’re away.

Dog sitting tips are hard to come by because you want to make your pets boarding experience the best it can be and its not impossible, follow these steps.

06/05/2024

Take Your Pet to Work Week: June 17-21

Whether you are working from home or back in the office, our pets continue to be our best (and worst) coworkers. Take time to celebrate your furry coworkers this week with some extra love and treats! Drop a photo in the comments and let us know what your coworkers are up to.

06/05/2024

Pet Appreciation Week: June 2-8

Happy Pet Appreciation Week! There are so many reasons to express appreciation for your pets, one of which is that they enhance your well-being. Learn about all of the numerous health benefits of having your furry friend.

What are the health benefits of owning a pet? Some of these include how pets improve our physical, emotional, and mental health.

05/30/2024

Adopt-a-Cat Month

How are you celebrating “Adopt a Shelter Cat Month” and “Adopt-a-Cat Month?” If you're in the market for a feline friend, be sure your cat undergoes a spay or neuter procedure, as it helps prevent some cancers and other serious medical issues as well as reduce the feline overpopulation problem. We have many cats ready for adoption here at Green Trails Animal Clinic. All are fully vaccinated, neutered, and micro-chipped. Some of our cats come with FREE veterinary care, food, and flea control for one year.

Addressing the feline overpopulation problem is just one reason why it's important to have your feline friend spayed or neutered.

05/29/2024

Heatstroke in Animals

Summer is officially here! The weather is warm and the days are long so it's natural to spend more time outside with our pets. However, all that fun in the sun can cause heatstroke, especially in indoor animals that are not acclimated to the heat. This article outlines tips on keeping your pet safe as the weather continues to warm.

Heatstroke, a life-threatening condition, can be prevented by removing pets from extreme heat, providing a fan and a wet towel.

04/29/2024

Heatstroke in Animals

As the weather warms up and the days get longer, it is natural to spend more time outside with our pets. However, all that fun in the sun can cause heatstroke, especially in indoor animals that are not acclimated to the heat. This article outlines tips on keeping your pet safe as the weather continues to warm.

Heatstroke, a life-threatening condition, can be prevented by removing pets from extreme heat, providing a fan and a wet towel.

04/25/2024

Sunburn in Animals

Do you have a white pet that spends time outside? Any pet is subject to sunburn, but a predominantly white dog or cat is the equivalent to a fair-skinned person in terms of sunburn potential. Click the link for tips on keeping your pet from getting burned.

Sun protection for your dogs, cats, and other pets is essential, because they can get sunburned, too; learn how to prevent sunburns for your pet.

04/24/2024

Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

Is your dog or cat keeping you up at night with his itching, licking and chewing? Does he get “hot spots” or ear infections every spring? He may have an allergy! Allergies can be frustrating because they cannot technically be cured, but here are some tips to keep your pet happy and itch-free.

Just like humans, dogs and cats can suffer from allergies. Here's how you can prevent and manage your pet's allergies.

03/27/2024

Heartworm Awareness Month

It's National Heartworm Awareness Month, a perfect time to discuss heartworm prevention with your veterinarian. It’s especially important to be proactive about protecting pets in Texas, where the vehicle for heartworm disease—mosquitoes—runs rampant. Preventing heartworms is far easier, safer and more affordable than treating the disease, so partner with your veterinarian to protect your pet now.

Heartworms disease can affect dogs and cats, among other pets. Know more about this deadly disease and how to prevent your beloved pet from catching it.

02/28/2024

A Comprehensive List of Toxic Houseplants

One way to recognize National Poison Prevention Week is to read this article about houseplants that are toxic to dogs and cats, one of which is sago palm; a popular ornamental plant in landscaping.

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Harmful houseplants to dogs and cats look great, but could hurt your pet; know which precautions to take for the safety of your Texas pets.

01/31/2024

Pet Dental Health Month

It's easy to think of our pets as part of the family and we go above and beyond to ensure they stay healthy, including vaccinations, heartworm prevention and quality nutrition. But let's talk about something that might not get as much attention: their oral health!

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Facts and information on Texas pet dental care; mouth hygiene for your canine and other pets.

12/14/2023

Sharing holiday foods with pets can be deadly
Chocolate, grapes, fatty foods, garlic, onions, yeast breads and sugar-free treats are the top holiday foods that can cause severe illness and even kill cats and dogs. Instead of sharing our food with pets, buy healthy treats made specially for them.

12/13/2023

National Cat Lover's Month

As many cat lovers know, cats can be quirky about how they like to receive affection. This article gives you some tips on how to show affection to your cat while respecting their boundaries. Current • Reliable • Peer-Reviewed

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Cats are particular about how they are pet. It's important to monitor their body language to guage whether they enjoy or dislike the tactitle affection.

11/16/2023

Veterinarians' do's and don'ts for sharing holiday meals with pets
Veterinarians' do's and don'ts for sharing holiday meals with pets
(Nbc/Getty Images)
Sharing even a small piece of turkey with a pet can trigger life-threatening pancreatitis, and it's best for their health not to share any table scraps. Fatty foods are particularly bad for pets, as are creamy foods and anything containing alcohol, chocolate, garlic, onions, raisins or the artificial sweetener xylitol, according to the AVMA. If you must share, green beans, pumpkin, cut carrots and sweet potatoes are generally pet-safe as long as they are unseasoned and in very small amounts.
Full Story: WBTS-TV (Boston) (11/15)

11/13/2023

Nov. is Pet Cancer Awareness Month
Nearly 50% of dogs that live past 10 years develop some form of cancer, according to the AVMA, and the best way to diagnose canine cancer at an early stage, when they are most responsive to treatment, is through in-person veterinary exams at least annually. In between veterinary visits, owners should keep track of their dog's behavior; check them for lumps, bumps and skin discolorations; look at their teeth, gums and eyes for abnormalities; and talk with their veterinarian about anything unusual.

10/25/2023

Thanksgiving

It may be tempting to share your Thanksgiving leftovers with your furry friends, but some of those delicious table scraps are toxic to pets.

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Knowing what not to feed dogs and other pets can save your dog from health complications, so it's best to know how your table scraps can be a risky treat.

08/30/2023

Natural Disaster Preperation

September marks National Disaster Preparedness Month––a time to raise awareness of how families can prepare their pets for disasters and all types of emergencies. Developing a pet disaster kit and evacuation plan in advance ensures you’re prepared when disaster strikes or emergency situations arise.

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Pet safety must be part of the natural disaster preparedness plan of any household; here are a few tips to keep your pets safe in a natural disaster.

07/27/2023

Itchy Pet Awareness Month

August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month! We all get itchy sometimes, so why is there an awareness month for it? After all, itching is nothing new or scary, right? Skin conditions account for approximately 20 percent of the patients presenting to veterinary hospitals. “Why is my dog so itchy?” is one of the most common questions they get!

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https://www.texvetpets.org/article/why-is-my-dog-so-itchy/ !/em>

Skin conditions account for approximately 20 percent of the patients presenting to veterinary hospitals. “Why is my dog so itchy?” is one of the most common questions we get! What Are the Signs of Itchiness and What Causes it? Dogs presenting to the hospital with itching (pruritis or pruritic) o...

07/05/2023

Storm Anxiety

It wouldn’t be summer in Texas without a few thunderstorms rolling through. While many people find the sound of rain relaxing, others may dread storm-filled forecasts if their pets have storm anxiety. Here are a few ways to calm your pet's nerves.

Current • Reliable • Peer-Reviewed

Pets that experience anxiety during storms can be soothed by medication, pheromones, pressure wraps, behavior modification and having quiet spaces.

07/03/2023

Keeping Pets Cool in the Texas Heat

There are several misconceptions about what keeps furry friends cool in hot weather. This article debunks those myths and helps pet owners make well-informed decisions to ensure their dog’s health and safety in the heat.

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Pets risk developing heatstroke in high temperatures. To ensure people protect their pets from the elements, we debunked six myths surrounding proper care.

06/29/2023

Fourth of July

One of the most treasured traditions of Fourth of July is the fireworks. However, the sounds can frighten pets, specifically those with fireworks anxiety. Here are a few ways to ensure your holiday goes smoothly for both you and your furry friend.

Current • Reliable • Peer-Reviewed

Pets who experience anxiety during fireworks not only suffer from the mental effects of anxiety but also are at risk of destructive behavior.

06/28/2023

Heatstroke

Summer is in full swing! As temperatures continue to be high, it’s important to keep your furry friends cool and prevent the possibility of heatstroke. Learn how to prevent and treat this life-threatening condition.

Current • Reliable • Peer-Reviewed

Heatstroke, a life-threatening condition, can be prevented by removing pets from extreme heat, providing a fan and a wet towel.

06/08/2023

Wildfire smoke is hazardous to pets, including birds
Clouds of wildfire smoke blanketing parts of North America are harmful to human and animal health, with birds, flat-faced dogs and cats, older animals and those with heart, respiratory or lung conditions at particularly high risk. Pets that are coughing, gagging, stumbling, lethargic or not eating or drinking should be seen by a veterinarian, say AVMA President Dr. Lori Teller and American Kennel Club Chief Veterinary Officer Jerry Klein. Keep outdoor excursions short until smoke clears, and exercise pets indoors and give them puzzle games to keep them occupied, Drs. Teller and Klein say.
Full Story: The New York Times (6/7)

02/27/2023

Keeping Toxic Foods Away from Dogs and Cats

As we recognize National Poison Prevention Week (March 20-26), we’ve shared some information about foods that are toxic to dogs and cats. Accidental ingestions of these toxic foods account for the majority of emergency clinic visits, especially near the holidays.

Some human foods may be toxic for your dogs and cats including raisins; know the symptoms of your pet eating some of these foods and know what to do.

02/16/2023

It's never too late to start taking care of pets' teeth
It's never too late to start taking care of pets' teeth
(Unsplash)
Eighty percent of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of dental disease by the time they reach 2 years old, but dental disease is preventable by giving pets regular dental care at home and taking them to a veterinarian for annual dental exams and cleanings. It's never too late to start a dental hygiene routine, and a veterinarian can offer guidance and tips to make dental care easier.

02/08/2023

10 things pet owners can do to make vet visits better for all involved
You can tell your physician what's wrong with you, but a veterinarian's patients can't verbalize what's wrong. Veterinarians rely on the person attached to the other end of the leash or lead rope to provide information about that animal that can be critical to their assessment of that animal's health. If the person who brought the pet to the vet knows nothing of his or her history or current problem, it makes it difficult for veterinarians to help. Visit AVMA's website for tips on what you can do to make veterinary visits better for everyone involved.

02/01/2023

Houston implements microchip requirement
As of Wednesday, dogs and cats in Houston must be microchipped, in addition to being registered with the city and vaccinated against rabies. Owners who flout the requirement could be fined as much as $500 under the new ordinance.
Full Story: Houston Public Media (1/31)