Knoxville TN Animal Clinic, Knoxville Veterinarian

Volunteer Veterinary Hospital prides ourselves on being your trustworthy source of important and helpful information about your animals. If you regularly read our blog, you have probably learned a thing or two from us. If not, what are you waiting for? Get up to speed by reading the posts that our readers have made our top pet blogs of 2016.

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What chew-happy dog doesn’t enjoy a rawhide bone? What curious kitty doesn’t love a ball of yarn? Unfortunately, we forget to consider our pet’s safety when choosing a gift and some of the playthings we associate with our pets aren’t safe or appropriate.

Shopping for a much loved family pet can be a great source of fun – after all, their delight over a new toy or tasty treat is contagious. However, before you make your pet gift list this season, be sure to know which gifts are safe for a pet and which are definite no-no’s.

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Pet laser therapy is an exciting healing modality used by veterinarians to treat injuries, expedite surgical recoveries, and reduce pain. Also called photobiomodulation, laser therapy has been embraced as an effective, noninvasive, painless treatment option. Keep reading to learn more about this complement therapy and its benefits.

What is Pet Laser Therapy?

Laser therapy is the use of wavelengths of light to stimulate cells and increase blood flow to a targeted area. This has many therapeutic benefits. As circulation is increased, so too are oxygen levels, endorphins, and nutrients, all of which aid in reducing inflammation and pain. It also promotes faster healing and recovery.

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The leaves are changing, the air has cooled, and is tinged with the smell of wood smoke. Everywhere you turn there are carved pumpkins on the porches, spooky cobwebs in the trees, and bags of candy disappearing off the store shelves. There’s no doubt about it, Halloween is right around the corner.

While you and your family are getting ready for a night of costumed fun, Halloween festivities can have some serious consequences for our pets. Not only does your pet potentially have access to more toxic foods this time of year, his or her risk of injury increases as well. Help keep your pet happy, calm, and safe this year with our Halloween pet safety tips. Continue…

In the digital day and age, the timeless excuse that the dog ate your homework may not be as relevant as it once was. That doesn’t stop us, however, from seeing a wide variety of items that pets have ingested.

Foreign bodies in pets can be serious business, but if Fido or Felix eats something he shouldn’t have, a trusted veterinarian near you is ready to help.

You Are What You Eat

All too often our pets ingest things they shouldn’t. This may be due to curiosity, boredom, or even carelessness. While some items are actually toxic or can cause a secondary illness like pancreatitis, others pose a physical risk. Even inert objects can become stuck or lodged in the digestive tract, wreaking havoc on your pet’s insides. Continue…

While we love their adorable, squishy faces, brachycephalic breeds (or brachys) have physical limitations that come with their unique features.

Flat-nosed dogs include breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, boxers, and King Cavalier Spaniels. Although cute, these animals are more susceptible to heat-related conditions due to structural challenges that affect breathing and panting. As a result, owners of flat-nosed dogs should take extra care when heading outdoors in hot, humid weather.

Flat Nose, Short Muzzle: The Health Risks

Hundreds of years ago, humans began selectively breeding dogs (and cats) to produce specific, beneficial traits. Consequently, some genetic mutations occurred more rapidly than they would have naturally, leading to the emergence of certain physical conditions. In brachycephalic pets, this process has impacted their ability to breathe. Continue…

Every species has an appreciation for water, mostly because we all depend on this powerful element for survival. Water recreation is also the go-to option for family fun this summer; it’s even more enjoyable with your splash-loving dog. To help ensure a rip-roaring good time, we’ve compiled the latest pet wellness tips and water safety.

Are You Prepared?

Early exposure to water play is recommended. Try gradually increasing swim time and depth once your pet displays confidence and ability.

A fitted personal flotation device is quite possibly the single most important item your pet needs this summer. Without a high-quality life jacket, your pet could be at risk of drowning – even if you consider him or her to be a strong swimmer. Continue…

Bringing a beloved pet along on a fun summer outing, vacation, or keeping an important veterinary appointment can present many challenges. For some, car rides are the BEST EVER(!). Trips like these can cause anxiety and stress, especially in cats.

Since car travel is a part of most pets’ lives, addressing issues of intense fear, phobia, or anxiety can help lessen the stress both for pet and pet owner while traveling with a pet.

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You may have already begun the household preparations for our tumultuous spring and summer storms, such as securing shingles on the roof, cutting back rotten tree limbs, and ensuring your shutters are ready to protect your windows. But there’s one more thing you have to do to get ready for hail storms, thunder, and tornadoes – and your pet will be grateful you did.

Wondering how you can keep your pet safe in severe weather? Volunteer Veterinary Hospital has your furry friend covered.

First Things First

It’s not uncommon for animals sensing danger to flee, and it’s best to bring your pet in as soon as you know a storm is on the way. Tornadoes, high winds, hail, and thunder often send a ripcurl of anxiety through many pets, causing them to bolt. Continue…

For a holiday that’s all about love, Valentine’s Day can also be about inadvertently exposing your pet to dangerous chemical compounds. Not at all romantic or dreamy, a pet poisoning can have dire consequences. But if you remain vigilant and invite your pet to play or snuggle (instead of check out your candy stash), the love fest can stay on schedule. Continue…