Green Trails Animal Clinic

10/28/2026

November is National Senior Pet Month!

Is your senior dog showing signs of anxiety? As dogs get older, changes in their health, senses, and daily routines can sometimes lead to increased anxiety. You may notice restlessness, clinginess, or behaviors that seem out of character. Understanding what might be causing these changes is an important step in helping your four-legged friend feel safe and comfortable.

Learn more about anxiety in senior dogs and how you can help:

🔗 https://www.tvmf.org/articles/anxiety-in-senior-dogs/

As dogs age, some show a significant increase in anxiety and other behavioral issues in addition to signs of physical decline like achy joints.

10/19/2026

National Veterinary Technician Week: October 18-24

It’s National Veterinary Technician Week! This year’s theme, “Credentialed Veterinary Technicians: Endless Compassion, Expert Care; Celebrating the Soul of Veterinary Medicine,” recognizes the knowledge, skill and compassion credentialed veterinary technicians bring to veterinary medicine every day.

From supporting patients and pet owners to working alongside veterinarians to deliver high-quality care, veterinary technicians are an essential part of the veterinary healthcare team.

In their honor, take a moment to learn more about the many professionals who work together to care for animals in “Who’s Who in Veterinary Medicine? The Veterinary Health Care Team.”

And to all of the veterinary technicians across Texas—thank you for everything you do for animals and the people who love them!

https://www.tvmf.org/articles/whos-who-in-veterinary-medicine/



Reptile Awareness Day: October 21

Today is Reptile Awareness Day! From snakes and turtles to lizards and tortoises, reptiles are fascinating animals with unique behaviors, environments and care needs.

Reptile Awareness Day is an opportunity to learn more about these incredible animals and a reminder that appreciating reptiles also means understanding and respecting what they need to thrive.

Thinking about welcoming a reptile into your family or simply curious to learn more? Check out “Owning a Reptile: Introduction to Exotic Animals” to learn more about responsible reptile care.

https://www.tvmf.org/articles/reptiles-as-pets/



National Cat Day: October 29

Happy National Cat Day! Today is all about celebrating the cats who bring companionship, joy and plenty of personality into our lives and raising awareness for the many cats still waiting in shelters and rescues for families of their own.

If you’re thinking about adding a feline friend to your family, consider opening your home to a cat in need. And if you’re already lucky enough to share your home with a cat, today is the perfect excuse to give them a little extra love!

One way to celebrate? Make their world a little more interesting. Play, climbing spaces, scratching opportunities and other forms of enrichment can help support your indoor cat’s physical and mental well-being.

Learn more in “How to Enrich Life for Your Indoor Cat.”

https://www.tvmf.org/articles/how-to-enrich-your-indoor-cats-life/



New World Screwworm Resources

FDA has issued a new Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for CLiK Extra wound spray, an over-the-counter product that helps prevent New World Screwworm infestations in livestock and wildlife. If you have sheep, goats, cattle or other livestock, ask your veterinarian whether this product is right for your animals.

https://www.tvma.org/Resources/New-World-Screw-Worm-Resource

Animal shelters play an important role in NWS detection and prevention. TBVME has published guidance to help shelters partner with local veterinarians to protect the animals in their care. If you volunteer at or support a shelter, share this with them.

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-another-country-export/pet-travel-us-mexico

Planning to travel to Mexico with your dog or pet bird after August 3? New World Screwworm has changed the rules. You will need NWS inspection documents from your veterinarian before you go. Pet cats are not affected. Talk to your veterinarian soon so you are ready in time.

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-another-country-export/pet-travel-us-mexico

The New World screwworm is a serious parasite that can affect warm-blooded animals, including dogs, cats, livestock, and wildlife. Awareness is one of the best tools for protecting your pets. If your pet has a wound that isn't healing, develops a foul odor, or you notice unusual movement or larvae in a wound, contact your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian is your best resource for keeping your pets healthy and identifying concerns early. Pet owners can find more information on protecting their pets at the link in our bio.

https://www.tvma.org/Portals/0/Images/Advocacy/Issues-Advocacy/tvma-25-public-screwworm-flyer.pdf

New World Screwworm is in the news, and your veterinarian is your best source for accurate information. Texas Veterinary Medical Association has equipped Texas vets with a plain-language fact sheet to help answer your questions:

https://www.tvma.org/Portals/0/Images/Resources/Public/NWS Myth Busters.pdf

Even a small cut or wound can attract unwanted pests. That's why it's important to check your pets regularly, especially during the warmer months. The New World screwworm is a parasite that can infest wounds on dogs, cats, livestock, wildlife, and other warm-blooded animals. Staying informed and addressing wounds promptly can make all the difference.

Experts recommend:

Check your pet regularly for cuts, scrapes, or unusual wounds.
Clean and monitor any wounds as they heal.
Keep your pet up to date on routine veterinary care and parasite prevention.
Contact your veterinarian right away if you notice a wound that worsens quickly, has a foul odor, or contains visible larvae.

Learn more from the veterinary experts at Texas A&M about how to help protect your pets:

https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/protecting-pets-from-new-world-screwworm

New World Screwworm Resources Now Available in Spanish

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has translated its New World Screwworm educational resources into Spanish, making it easier to communicate with Spanish-speaking clients.

These materials, including fact sheets, flyers, and guidance documents, are available on the TAHC New World screwworm resource page and may be helpful for client education and outreach.


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Learn how to protect dogs and cats from New World screwworm by recognizing early signs, preventing infestations, and knowing when to seek veterinary care.

10/17/2026

Lone star ticks expand range, putting more pets in danger
Tick-bite-related emergency department visits in the US have reached an all-time high, coinciding with the peak activity of the lone star tick, which can carry pathogens that cause ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. "Unlike many other tick species that wait for a passing host, lone star ticks actively seek out pets, moving through lawns and brush to find them,", the expansion of the tick's range beyond the Southeast and south-central regions. Pet owners should consult veterinarians about local tick activity and use tick preventives year-round.

10/14/2026

National Pet Obesity Awareness Day: October 14

A healthy weight can make a big difference in your pet’s health and quality of life.

Today is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, a reminder that those extra pounds can put our pets at greater risk for health problems, including joint pain, diabetes, respiratory issues and heart disease.

The good news? Small changes can help! Measuring meals, choosing treats wisely, encouraging regular activity and talking with your veterinarian about your pet’s ideal weight are all great places to start.

And remember—hugs, kisses and playtime are calorie-free!

Learn more about maintaining a healthy weight and helping your pet live an active, healthy life in “Obesity Puts Your Pet at Risk.”

https://www.tvmf.org/articles/obesity-puts-your-pet-at-risk/

There are many risks in pet obesity that a Texas pet owner should be aware of; learn to manage your pet's weight by looking at the following tips.

10/01/2026

National Walk Your Dog Week: October 1-7

Grab the leash—it’s National Walk Your Dog Week! Regular walks are about more than getting out of the house. Staying active can help support your dog’s overall health and well-being, and even a little extra movement can make a difference.

Whether it’s a stroll around the neighborhood, a trip to the park, or a longer weekend adventure, this week is the perfect excuse to get outside and get moving together!

Learn more about keeping your dog active and healthy in the article, “Texas Canine Fitness: Get Your Dog into Shape.”

https://www.tvmf.org/articles/getting-your-dog-in-shape/

Fitness in dogs is essential for a long and happy life in your pet. Use this article to get your dog into shape with tips on physical exercise and nutrition.

09/30/2026

Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

October is Adopt A Shelter Dog Month! Here are three reasons to adopt your next pooch from your local animal shelter or rescue organization.



https://www.tvmf.org/articles/top-three-reasons-adopt-shelter-dog/

Consider adopting your next pet from your local animal shelter. Here the top three reasons why the local animal shelter may be your best resource.

09/02/2026

September is Happy Cat Month!

A happy cat is a healthy, engaged cat—and a little enrichment can go a long way. From interactive play and scratching surfaces to cozy hiding spots and opportunities to climb and explore, creating an enriching environment helps support your cat’s physical and mental well-being at every life stage. And don’t forget that regular veterinary visits and preventive care are an important part of keeping those purrs coming, too. Check out our tips for enriching your indoor cat’s life:



Cats require just as much attention and stimulation as dogs. Provide activities for your cat that enhance their social, mental and physical health.

08/31/2026

Animal Pain Awareness Month

Unlike humans, pets cannot tell us they are in pain. They can only show signs and rely on our ability to identify them. In observance of Animal Pain Awareness Month, we encourage you to learn the common signs of pain in dogs and cats. Left untreated, pain can lead to a host of problems.

Pet pain management can imply a better health regimen, medications, and more, so let us help you figure out what the best thing for your pet is.