Posts in Category: For The Dogs

There’s nothing better than coming home to our furry pets at the end of a long day at work. If you’re anything like us, all you want to do till bedtime is snuggle up with your kitty, take your dog for a walk, or play with your ferret. And you often feel better after spending time with your pet. 

The physical and mental health benefits we get with our pets are significant. The team at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital would like to share the top three reasons why pets are good for your health. 

If you’re itching to get your dog outdoors, we highly recommend visiting one of Knoxville’s excellent dog parks. Knoxville is known for being one of the most dog-friendly cities in the United States—by design. Back in 2009, PetSafe partnered with the City of Knoxville to make the city the pet-friendliest in the nation. There are now 9 fabulous dog parks in the city. Most are equipped with doggie waste bags and water fountains. Which one will you visit first? 

The new year is the time for new beginnings, and while you’re making a list of New Year’s resolutions, make sure you include ways to enrich the lives of your pets as well. 

At Volunteer Veterinary Hospital, we want to help you make 2023 your pet’s healthiest and happiest year yet. Here are our team’s top wellness tips for the new year. 

At Volunteer Veterinary Hospital, we love our hometown for so very many reasons. One of our favorites, though, is all of the pet-friendly spots in and around the city. If you are looking for something to do with your pet in Knoxville, here are some of our top suggestions:

Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria

One of Knoxville’s favorite spots for pizza and beers, Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria has a dog-friendly patio. Bring Fido on your next dining excursion to enjoy the tasty menu selections and hard-to-beat atmosphere. The taproom is open until 10 PM on weeknights and until midnight on weekends.

Are you and your dog ready for warmer weather? As summer approaches, you will want to make sure your pup is groomed and ready to play outside. Always have plenty of water for both you and your dog when heading out for adventure. Don’t forget to bring some interactive dog toys to keep your best friend active and healthy. To help you prepare for this beautiful time of year, the team at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital developed a list of durable toys that will last all summer:

Animals are truly amazing at adapting to vision changes. Dogs can learn to interpret their surroundings despite impairment simply because the eyes are not their primary sensory organ. That doesn’t mean that a blind or visually impaired dog doesn’t need a little help from their human companion, though. In fact, taking care of a blind dog comes with its own specific set of safety and comfort requirements. We can assure you that each and every one of them is well worth the time and effort. 

You know your male dog has one, but it’s easier or more comfortable to ignore it. That is, until your dog’s penis appears to be…stuck. Many dogs will go through their lives without needing any attention to their nether parts. But it’s just as common for dogs to get into a predicament known as paraphimosis, and it can become a real pet emergency. 

The short days and cold weather this time of year can have all of us feeling a little glum. Pets can feel the vibe, too, and sometimes are affected by a down mood, just like people. Volunteer Veterinary Hospital hopes to help pet owners recognize if their dog is depressed so that they can help man’s best friend feel better. 

Drooling is just a fact of life as a dog owner. Whether it comes in the form of slobbery kisses or drooling before mealtime, this behavior is a natural part of a dog’s digestive process. However, at certain times, you may notice your dog is drooling more than their normal share or slobber. You may be asking yourself, why is my dog drooling? And is this normal? 

The team at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital is here to help you learn what is typical when it comes to your dog’s drool, and when it may be a symptom of something else. 

Allergy season in Tennessee is upon us, whether you be human or canine. Allergies in dogs tend to manifest a little differently than they do in us, however. While people suffer from stuffy noses, sinus pressure, and itchy eyes, our pets tend to deal more with itchy, inflamed skin.