Natchez Trace Veterinary Services

The best thing about working in veterinary medicine according to Marc Smith DVM, MS, is all the team members working at NTVS! #StaffAppreciation #VeterinaryClinic #VetTechLife #Veterinarian #SmallBusinessOwner #MarcSmithDVM

No one likes to see their pet in pain. Since our pets can’t speak, it can sometimes be hard to tell if they’re truly in pain or not. Marc Smith DVM, MS, a veterinary minimalist, shares three warning signs every pet owner should know. If your pet shows any of these behaviors, take them to your veterinarian right away: 1. Bloating in dogs: A puffed-up appearance could indicate a life-threatening condition. 2. Cats in distress while urinating: If your cat is yowling, straining, or unable to urinate, this is a medical emergency. 3. Lameness in dogs: If your dog cannot bear weight on a leg, it may be due to a broken bone or another serious injury. Don’t wait. Call your vet immediately if you notice any of these signs in your dog or cat. #PetEmergency #PetHealth #PetParents #PetOwners #Veterinarian #VeterinaryClinic #BestAdvice #MarcSmithDVM

NTVS will close at noon on Christmas Eve and remain closed on Christmas Day. We will be open in the morning, answering the phone, and checking emails between 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve for routine questions. The clinic will be closed and unavailable by phone and email on Christmas Day. We will reopen as usual on Thursday, December 26th. If your pet has an emergency during non-office hours, please get in touch with Blue Pearl Pet Hospital (615) 383-2600. We wish you and your pets a healthy and happy holiday season. #HolidayHours #MerryChristmas #SmallBusiness #VeterinaryClinic #Veterinarian #MarcSmithDVM

Another thing that Marc Smith DVM, MS likes about working in veterinary medicine is meeting people and building relationships with them while he cares for their pets. #VeterinaryMedicine #Veterinarian #VeterinaryClinic #MarcSmithDVM

5 Tips to Keep Pets Safe During the Christmas Holiday Season: 1. Avoid Dangerous Decorations: Keep fragile ornaments, tinsel, and small decorations out of reach. These can be choking hazards or cause blockages if ingested. 2. Pet-Proof Holiday Plants: Many festive plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly are toxic to pets. Opt for pet-safe greenery or artificial alternatives. 3. Secure the Christmas Tree: Ensure your tree is tethered to the wall to prevent tipping if pets climb on or play around it. Avoid edible decorations like popcorn garlands. 4. Monitor Food and Treats: Keep holiday foods like chocolate, raisins, and rich dishes away from pets. Offer pet-friendly treats instead and inform guests about feeding rules. 5. Be Mindful of Noise and Stress: Loud music, parties, and visitors can stress pets. Create a quiet, cozy space where they can retreat when they feel overwhelmed. #PetSafety #PetProof #VeterinaryClinic #Veterinarian #PetParents #MarcSmithDVM

Marc Smith DVM, MS has been a veterinarian since 1998 and is a sole practitioner. One of his favorite parts about veterinary medicine is facing and overcoming the varied challenges of pet health. This led him to learn alternative veterinary medicine treatments to give pet owners more options on how to treat their pet. In the coming days, Dr. Smith will share more about what he loves most about veterinary medicine, including building relationships with clients and appreciating his staff’s skills and contributions. #VeterinaryMedicine #Veterinarian #HolisticVet #VeterinaryLife #MarcSmithDVM

Who remembers last March when Megan shared her love for veterinary medicine? She had just attended an inspiring industry conference and was bursting with renewed passion for living her dream to keep your pets happy and healthy. And how could we forget her excitement and contagious giggle? So sweet! #VeterinaryAssistant #VetTechLife #VetMed #Inspiration #LivingTheDream #PetLover #Happy

Several seasonal holiday plants can be toxic to pets if ingested. Keep these plants out of reach of your pets: 1. Poinsettia - Causes mild irritation to a pet's mouth and stomach if ingested. 2. Holly - Especially the berries, contain compounds that can be toxic to pets if ingested. Signs of toxicity may include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. 3. Mistletoe - Ingesting mistletoe berries or leaves can lead to GI upset, difficulty breathing, slowed heart rate, and even more severe symptoms. 4. Christmas Tree Pine Needles - Ingesting them may cause stomach upset and irritation and/or irritate the stomach lining. 5. Amaryllis - Ingestion can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain. 6. Christmas Lily - Can be extremely toxic to cats (mildly toxic to dogs). Ingesting any part of the plant, including the leaves, flowers, or pollen, can lead to severe kidney failure. Always check with your veterinarian, or call the number below, if you suspect your pet has ingested any part of a potentially toxic plant, as early intervention can be crucial in preventing serious health issues. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, 24-hour emergency poison hotline (888) 426-4435. #AnimalPoisonControl #AnimalPoison #PetEmergency #PetSafety #PetVet #ToxicPlants #Veterinarian #VeterinaryLife #ASPCA #HolidayPlants Publish now

Thinking of adopting a shelter dog this holiday season? Marc Smith DVM, MS shares 5 tips for a successful dog adoption: 1. Consider size and breed (mixed breeds are common in shelters) 2. Ask about the dog’s history, especially previous adoptions. 3. Be aware of potential behavior issues from being rehomed. 4. Spend time with the pet to assess compatibility. 5. Choose a pet that fits your lifestyle and experience level. Adopting a shelter pet is rewarding, but choosing wisely ensures a happy match for you and the dog. #PetAdoption #ShelterDog #AdoptDontShop #DogAdoption #RescueDog #Veterinarian #MarcSmithDVM

Remember this popular video from January? Marc Smith DVM, MS shared his thoughts about caring for our pets. What does he think is the biggest mistake pet owners make? Worrying too much! Dr. Smith reminds us that our pets are surprisingly resilient and often better at taking care of themselves than we think. #VeterinaryMedicine #PetVet #Veterinarian #Minimalist #BestAdvice #PetHealth #MarcSmithDVM