Preparing Your Pet for Fireworks: Coping with July 4th in Knoxville

a dog hiding

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. 

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Where Can Dogs Find the Super Bowl in Pet-Friendly Knoxville?

Cat on table with football on tv in the background.

Although Knoxville is very pet friendly, it can be hard to find a dog-friendly spot that also shows live broadcasted sports. Conversely, many traditional sport bars or pubs don’t have outdoor seating that can accommodate pets. Don’t worry, we’ve done the heavy lifting for your and your dog so you can find the perfect spot for you both to enjoy all the Superbowl has to offer.

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What Foods are Safe (and Unsafe) for My Pet During the Holidays?

Dog eating safe holiday treat

The holidays are just around the corner! If you’re anything like us, one of the things you’re looking forward to the most are all those festive holiday treats. Your dog(s) would love for you to know that holiday treats aren’t just for humans. 

Of course, when it comes to festive treats, keeping your dog healthy and safe is our top consideration. Nobody wants to be making a surprise trip to the vet because your dog swallowed a rawhide splinter. 

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Pancreatitis in Pets: Signs and Symptoms

cat on thanksgiving table.

Thanksgiving day is almost here. We loosen our belts and prepare to feast with all our favorite dishes on the table. While catching up with family and friends, it can be easy to forget your pets are nearby hoping for some scraps. There are a lot of Thanksgiving foods that can mean health problems for your pets, however.

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The Big Bang: Preventing Noise Anxiety in Pets

dog hugged by owner

Fireworks, thunderstorms, summer parties, and the list goes on. Loud noise this time of year is common as we celebrate graduations, ball games, the Fourth of July, and more. It is not so surprising, though, that animal shelters wind up with more lost pets after these loud events. 

If your pet is anxious every time there’s a clap of thunder or firecrackers popping in the neighborhood, you’re not alone. Noise related anxiety in pets is a serious concern for many pet lovers and the team at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital is here to help alleviate the problem. 

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Holiday Pet Safety Made Simple

dog with antler costume

The winter months already seem to be in full swing as we prepare for the big holiday season. Shopping for gifts, visiting family and friends, and preparing for those big traditional feasts define this time of year. But do you have your pet’s safety on the to-do list of priorities?

Holidays send many pets to animal emergency hospitals for a variety of reasons. Ingesting a toxic treat or a bite of mistletoe or escaping out of an open gate are some of the many risks to our pets. The team at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital want you and your furry one to have the most amazing season ever, and that includes holiday pet safety.

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Let’s Talk Turkey: Thanksgiving Pet Safety

dog licking lips at dinner table

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. 

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No Chocolate for You! Halloween Pet Safety Tips From the Pros

dog in halloween costume

Halloween marks the beginning of the holiday season, and kids and adults alike look forward to this fun time of year. After all, what could be better than costumes, pumpkins, and of course – candy? 

For our pets, this beloved fall holiday can be fraught with danger. Here at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital, we see cases of pet poisonings, missing pets, and other emergency situations every year around this time. Preventing dangerous situations for your pet means being aware of the many ways they can get into trouble, and we are here to help! Check out our Halloween pet safety tips for a healthier, safer, and less scary holiday for your furry loved ones.

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Pet Safety: Determining if a Gift is Safe for a Pet

pet safetyWhat 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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The Howl-O-Ween Blog: All About Pet Halloween Safety

veterinarianThe 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…