Knoxville TN Animal Clinic, Knoxville Veterinarian

Early summer in Knoxville brings longer days, warmer weather, and more opportunities for dogs to explore the outdoors—especially local creeks and streams. But after heavy rains, these inviting waters can carry hidden risks. Increased storm runoff affecting pets in Tennessee can introduce bacteria and contaminants that may impact your dog’s health.

In this blog, our team at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital helps pet parents like you understand these seasonal hazards so you keep your pet safe while still enjoying time outdoors.

When your pet is in distress, your top priority is helping them get comfortable and happy again. While this is what your veterinarian wants, too, it is important to figure out the cause, type, and level of your dog or cat’s discomfort in order to find the right solution. Keep reading to learn more about how vets assess pain.

We often think of summer as the prime time for parasites, but here in the Volunteer State, we’re lucky enough to get an early parasite season. We’re being sarcastic, of course—we’re not lucky at all. But the team at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital is here to help you mitigate the risks of spring parasites for your East Tennessee pets. 

Here’s what we want you to know. 

As the weather warms and Knoxville’s streams and ponds begin to awaken, pet parents should be aware of a subtle but serious health risk: salmonella transfer from wildlife to pets. While turtles may seem like cute, harmless creatures, these slow-moving reptiles can carry salmonella, which can pose a danger to both pets and people.

February may be the shortest month of the year, but it packs a powerful message for pet parents: strong smiles matter at every age. At Volunteer Veterinary Hospital, your trusted vet in Knoxville, we’re celebrating National Pet Dental Health Month by highlighting the importance of keeping teeth clean, comfortable, and healthy from puppyhood to the golden years.

When it comes to modern veterinary medicine, few innovations have made as effective an impact as laser therapy. Best of all, laser therapy is gentle, non-invasive, and useful for a range of issues.

Here’s what the team at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital wants you to know about this groundbreaking canine recovery treatment. 

Here in East Tennessee, we’re lucky enough to have beautiful hiking all year long. Sure, it’s chilly in the winter in the Smoky Mountains—but there’s something magical about hiking among frosty trees and the occasional snow. 

But as any Knoxville, TN vet knows, there are winter pet hiking safety concerns to know about. Here’s what our team at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital wants you to know. 

If your pet starts spurning food she usually gobbles right up, it’s easy to dismiss the change in appetite as a phase. But any change in food intake—especially paired with other symptoms—can be an early sign of illness or disease. 

Here’s what the team at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital in Knoxville wants you to know about pet appetite changes. 

Your dog used to zoom through the yard like a furry rocket. Now? He’s hesitating at the stairs and skipping playtime. Maybe your once-spry cat avoids leaping onto her favorite perch. It might seem like your pet is just “getting older,” but changes in movement can signal something more.

At Volunteer Veterinary Hospital in Knoxville, we know how important it is to catch mobility issues early. A simple checkup could be the first step to helping your pet feel like themselves again.

As the leaves change and the weather cools down, fall is a perfect time to cozy up, slow down, and check in on your pet’s health. Scheduling a seasonal wellness visit can help your pet stay healthy and catch any issues before they become more serious.

Here are five great reasons to book your fall pet wellness appointment with a trusted vet in Knoxville—like the friendly, local team at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital!