Knoxville TN Animal Clinic, Knoxville Veterinarian

Call it the Achilles heel of our canine friends, but a torn ACL in the knee (more properly called a CCL in the dog) is the nemesis of many a pet. Injuries to the cranial cruciate ligament are one of the most common orthopedic problems diagnosed in dogs. Rupture of this ligament makes the knee joint unstable, and it can be an extremely painful condition. Thankfully, your friends at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital can help. 

Fireworks and pets go together like oil and water. Many pets—cats and dogs alike—are terrified of the loud, cracking sounds that dominate the sky every 4th of July. The team at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital is here with tips to help manage fireworks anxiety in pets. 

Cats are known for their variety of beautiful coats. Just like hair color and eye color in humans, cat colors come down to genetics. If you’ve ever wondered “what color is my cat and why,” you can learn more about cat colors, genetics, and coats with this guide to the different shades of cats:

Heartworm disease is something most pet owners know about, but may only have a vague understanding of, overall. Public education on heartworm disease is lacking, and many pet owners are unaware that it is one of the deadliest diseases threatening our dogs and cats.

What Is Heartworm Disease?

Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm, Dirofilaria immitis, which is transmitted via mosquito. Mosquitoes pick up heartworm from feeding on an infected animal. Dogs, cats, coyotes, wolves, raccoons, opossums, and other mammals can be infected with heartworm.

While rambling along a trail towards Clingmans Dome or hiking near Paint Rock, it’s easy to immerse yourself in the scenic wonder of our state. But knowing what is in store for you and your dog while on an outing is paramount for a great time as well as a safe return for both of you.

Before exploring, do a bit of research about the different types of wildlife, terrain, and weather hazards in your area. Although it may seem a bit preconceived and to spoil the surprise of discovery, it can actually reinforce the strength and impact of the experience.

Before venturing out on your next adventure, take a moment to ingrain some of these very important outdoor pet safety tips and tricks, and keep your pup safe while you’re both immersed in the great Tennessee wilderness and Smoky Mountains National Park.

While we don’t often think about our pets being stressed, stress can definitely impact our animal friends. While your dog or cat may not be worried about the big project due at work next week, they certainly have concerns within their world. Do you know if your pet is stressed? If, so, how can you help? Join Volunteer Veterinary Hospital in exploring how stress can affect pet wellness.

The great outdoors can be invigorating, but also creates a lot of potential hazards for pets. 

Winter pet safety at home is a critical topic. Without a careful approach to items stored or displayed inside the home, pets can be at risk in a place they should feel absolutely safe from harm. With a little bit of attention, you can keep your pets safe all season long.

Frigid temps and low humidity collide in the winter for a combination that wreaks havoc on the hair and skin of humans along with our pets! And when the wind picks up, winter’s icy chill cuts even deeper, so it’s important to take extra measures to protect your pet’s skin and coat.

At Volunteer Veterinary Hospital, we love caring for your pets from head to toe, and our team has put together some helpful tips for keeping your pet’s skin and coat healthy this winter.

Most pets enjoy a good neck scratching from time to time, but if your cat or dog is spending more time than usual clawing and gnawing at his own skin, he could be feeling the effects of seasonal allergies. Animals can be sensitive to the same allergens that plague people, but there are plenty of ways to help. 

At Volunteer Veterinary Hospital, we want your pets to be comfortable in their own skin, and that includes finding ways to ease their discomfort from seasonal allergies. Read on to learn more about seasonal allergies and how they impact pet health.

As we head into the cooler months of the year, many pet owners make the choice to save a little money on flea and tick control. Skipping your pet’s parasite preventions isn’t always the smartest choice, though, and Volunteer Veterinary Hospital is here to help explain why.