Posts in Category: Pet Toxins

Autumn in East Tennessee brings rolling color, crisp air, and wooded trails carpeted in gold and rust. But alongside the beauty of the season comes something less picturesque: the annual drop of nuts and acorns known as a mast crop.

While acorns, hickory nuts, and walnuts are a natural part of the ecosystem, they can contribute to fall pet hazards when curious dogs decide they look like snacks instead of forest debris. Understanding these risks is an important part of pet poison prevention during the autumn months.

Among the other items known to cause problems for pets, holiday plants can be terribly toxic. Whether your pet is simply curious, or has a fondness for chewing up greenery, there are certain holiday plants to be avoided at all costs. 

The love of plants and the love of animals often go hand-in-hand. Many plants, however, are toxic to pets and the avid gardener must always have this in the back of their mind. Volunteer Veterinary Hospital knows, though, that plants and pets can coexist harmoniously. Read on to learn how to be sure that your gardening is pet-safe gardening. 

The world is chock full of things our pets can get into. From human food to houseplants, the list of fascinating things your pet will want to chomp on is endless.

Most things may not be that harmful, but certain substances and items around the home can cause a pet emergency. Since we cannot rid the world of these things that are potentially poisonous, we can create greater awareness.

To observe national Poison Prevention Awareness Month, your team at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital is here with some tips on how to better protect your cherished friend.

Thanksgiving is fast approaching, a fact that has most Americans jumping for joy. Between the turkey, stuffing, casseroles, and desserts, there’s something on the Thanksgiving table for everyone. But wait – does that include our pets? 

Most of us have a hard time resisting those puppy dog eyes, but there are some things you should know about Thanksgiving. When it comes to Thanksgiving pet safety, we aren’t just talking turkey. 

Keep reading to find out about some of the common holiday pet disasters that can land you in the emergency animal clinic this year, as well as ways to keep your pets safe on Thanksgiving and beyond. 

Your dog’s ears are at it again. She has had more ear infections than you can count, and you know all the signs. Her ears are red, she is scratching like crazy, and you can smell them from across the room. You call your established veterinarian and ask for a refill on the ear medication that was prescribed last time… and are told that you need to make an appointment.

This all too common occurrence is very frustrating to most pet owners. After all, you know what the problem is and you know what helped before. Pet pharmacy refills aren’t always so straightforward, though. Read on to learn how veterinarians & staff at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital is working to be sure we do right by you and your pet.

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