Trumann Animal Clinic

09/21/2025

September is . Animals may be better at hiding illness or injury, but they experience pain just like humans do. If you notice any of these common signs of pain from your pet, contact your veterinarian immediatly.

09/20/2025

09/19/2025

Happy from Jill and Doc! It's always a good Friday when Doc brings out the Cat Treats !

09/18/2025

Have you ever had a cat that has ninja-like hiding skills? 🤣

09/18/2025

Did You Know We Offer Veterinary Medical Manipulator Services?

In addition to the many other holistic treatments we offer, we are proud to offer this chiropractic-like service for your pet.

Just like people, animals can experience stiffness, soreness, and mobility issues. This treatment plan that's similar to chiropractic care can help support their comfort and movement.

🐾 Common Reasons Owners Choose This Service:
Difficulty getting up or lying down
Limping or favoring one side
Stiffness after play or exercise
Age-related mobility issues
Recovery support after injury (alongside vet care)

🐾 How It Helps:
Gentle adjustments to improve joint motion
Reduce tension & discomfort
Support overall mobility and quality of life

09/18/2025

Please protect your cat and dog from Heartworms

09/17/2025

What Your Dog’s Change In Eating Habits Could Be Telling You

Did you know that if your dog picks at their food or walks away, they may be telling you something?

🐾 Decreased appetite: a red flag
Decreased eating can be a warning sign or red flag that something may be wrong. Many times, reduced eating is the first sign – and may be the only sign – that a dog is sick.

Changes in eating can vary from dog to dog. The most obvious is when a dog completely refuses to eat. Some dogs, however, may eat less than normal, take more time to eat or start picking at their food.

🐾 What causes changes in eating behavior?
There are many potential causes for changes in eating behavior:
* Aging, infection or pain
* Stress or changes in environment, routine or diet
* Medication side effects
* Chronic medical conditions, such as kidney disease, heart disease, gastrointestinal disease and cancer
Whatever the cause, it’s important to take action since decreased eating can lead to serious nutritional issues and impact your dog’s quality of life.

🐾 Why is appetite important?
When a dog won’t eat their regular food, it’s only natural to try coaxing them to eat, offering treats or human foods. After all, it’s a relief to see your dog eat and know at least there’s something in their stomach. However, treats and human food don’t usually provide the balanced nutrition your dog needs.

It’s especially important to watch for eating changes in dogs who are aging, stressed or living with a medical condition. Even small changes in food consumption can deprive them of nutrition that is essential for healing, keeping muscles strong and defending the body against illness and infection. It also provides energy to help dogs stay active and enjoy life.

PHOTO CREDIT: DOGSTER

09/17/2025

Pet Carbon Monoxide Safety Day: Protecting Your Pets from the Silent Killer
Every year, thousands of pets are put at risk by a danger that can’t be seen, smelled, or tasted—carbon monoxide This odorless, colorless gas is often called the “silent killer,” and while most people are aware of the risks it poses to humans, many don’t realize that their pets are just as vulnerable.

Just like people, pets can suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning—and because many of them are smaller than we are, they may be affected even faster.

🐾 Common symptoms in pets include:
* Sudden weakness or lethargy�
* Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing�
* Vomiting�
* Uncoordinated movements or confusion�
* Seizures or loss of consciousness�
Unfortunately, these symptoms can mimic other illnesses, making it crucial to consider carbon monoxide exposure if they appear suddenly, especially in multiple pets at once.

🐾 Prevention is the Best Protection
1. Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Place detectors on every level of your home, especially near bedrooms and areas where pets spend time. Choose models with battery backup and test them monthly.
2. Service Heating Systems Regularly
Have furnaces, fireplaces, chimneys, and gas appliances inspected annually to ensure they’re working properly.
3. Never Leave Cars Running in Garages
Even with the door open, dangerous carbon monoxide levels can accumulate quickly.
4. Have an Emergency Plan for Pets
If your alarm goes off, leave the house immediately and take your pets with you. Contact your vet right away if you suspect exposure.

🐾 What to Do if You Suspect Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Your Pet
If your pet shows sudden signs of illness and you suspect carbon monoxide exposure:
1. Get everyone—including pets—out of the home immediately.�
2. Call emergency services.�
3. Take your pet to the veterinarian for evaluation and oxygen therapy.�

09/16/2025

Pet Talk by Dr Norette L Underwood: Preparing Your Hunting Dog for the Season: Avoiding Injuries

Hunting season brings excitement for you and your canine partner. However, ensuring your hunting dog is in peak physical condition before the season begins is crucial in preventing injuries such as strains or sprains, which could leave your companion out of commission.

Conditioning your hunting dog well in advance of the season is key to building strength, endurance, and flexibility. Dogs that are inactive for extended periods may lose muscle tone and stamina, making them more prone to injuries when they suddenly experience the rigors of hunting activity. Gradual physical conditioning not only prepares your dog for long days in the field but also reduces the likelihood of stress on muscles, joints, and ligaments.

Start with short, low-intensity exercises that closely mimic the types of movements required during hunting, including walking through uneven terrain, retrieving, and swimming. Consistent activity strengthens muscles while improving cardiovascular health. As your dog builds endurance over time, you can increase the duration and intensity of these sessions, always being mindful of not overexerting your dog.

Proper weight management plays a critical role during conditioning. Overweight dogs may have a higher risk of joint injuries and exhaustion. Feeding a balanced, high-quality diet and adjusting portions based on exercise levels will ensure your dog maintains an ideal weight. Don’t forget the importance of hydration, especially during training sessions in warmer weather.

In addition to physical conditioning, regular veterinary checkups are essential. A pre-season visit to assess your dog’s overall health ensures there are no underlying issues that could be exacerbated by strenuous activity. This is also a good time to update vaccinations, test for parasites, and discuss appropriate joint supplements or pain management if necessary.

By preparing your hunting dog before the season begins, you'll minimize the risks of strains, sprains, and other injuries, keeping your partner healthy and ready for the action. A little effort early on can lead to safer, more enjoyable hunts for both you and your dog.

If you have questions about getting your dog ready for hunting season, contact Dr Norette L Underwood of the Trumann Animal Clinic at [email protected]

09/16/2025

It's Tarsha Tuesday y'all and you know what that means. Tarsha's here giving hugs whether you want them or not? Come bring your pets to see us and get a hug from Tarsha! We promise it will almost always make your day better!

09/15/2025

What Your Dog’s Coat Says About Their Health
Your dog’s coat tells a story. Dull or shiny, dry or oily, hair loss or itching—all paint a picture of how healthy your dog is. Nutritional status, disease state, and allergies are all reflected in the quality of your dog’s skin and coat. Look for the following clues that something is off.

#1. Skin conditions/Smell
Skin irritation or infections, such as those caused by allergies, wounds or scrapes, parasites, or a yeast infection can all cause an unpleasant odour. Allergies, fungus, hormonal imbalances, parasites, and inflammation can all lead to an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria on the skin and cause a less-than-pleasant smell. Excessive scratching and licking due to discomfort can cause a secondary bacterial infection.
Call your vet if you notice any redness, swelling, oozing, or bleeding from the skin, or if your dog is excessively licking or biting a particular area. Remember that skin conditions become more difficult to treat the longer you wait.

#2. Dull Coat
A lackluster coat is often a sign of poor nutrition. If your dog has a dull coat, look at their diet. Important nutrients may be missing. To get a sense of the quality of the food, you need to look at the list of ingredients. A high-quality dog food will have meat listed within the first three ingredients. On the other hand, if chicken meal is the first ingredient listed, you know that there is far more chicken in the food, because meal is light in weight. Pro tip: supplement with an Omega-3-rich fish oil.

#3. Excessive Shedding
Certain breeds, like Huskies, blow their coat seasonally. If your dog is shedding excessively outside their normal, it could be the result of stress, poor nutrition, allergies, or a medical problem. Symptoms of Cushing’s disease, for example, include hair loss, thin or fragile skin, and recurrent skin infections. Thyroid disorders can also cause itchiness and hair loss.

#4. Matted Fur
Mats can occur when your dog is rubbing or scratching at their fur, often due to allergies or another irritation. Make sure to brush or cut out mats as they can cause skin issues as the fur mats increasingly closer to the skin as time passes.

#5. Bald Spots
Bald spots in your dog’s fur can be due to an allergic reaction to food or pollen. If you notice your dog licking or biting at the area of concern, parasites, such as fleas or mites, may be the culprit.

#6. Oily coat or seborrhea
Any dog can develop oily or greasy coats or skin, though it’s important to remember that some breeds have naturally oilier coats. If your dog’s coat is oilier than their normal, seborrhea, which causes excessive oil and/or dandruff may be the cause. Conditions that can cause seborrhea include allergies, hormonal disorders, natural oiliness, parasites, or primary seborrhea. Commit to regular bathing—look for a shampoo with ingredients like natural citrus or baking soda. Regular grooming encourages good circulation and distributes the natural, beneficial oils that keep your dog’s coat healthy.

If your dog has skin or coat issues, a visit to Trumann Animal Clinic can help determine and address underlying causes.
https://trumannanimalclinic.com/