Back To School: Helping Your Pet Cope

A girl saying bye to her dog before school.

The start of the new school year can be a time of great excitement for students and parents alike. But in the hustle and bustle of school supplies, backpacks, and first-day pictures, it’s easy to overlook our four-legged friends.

Chances are, your pet has been enjoying the extra time with the kids during the summer break and he or she may wind up feeling lonely or anxious once your children are back at school. Help your pet beat those “back to school blues” with our tips on helping your furry companion cope this fall.

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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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Winter Hazards in the Home

cat looking out the window.

The great outdoors can be invigorating, but also creates a lot of potential hazards for pets. 

Winter pet safety at home is a critical topic. Without a careful approach to items stored or displayed inside the home, pets can be at risk in a place they should feel absolutely safe from harm. With a little bit of attention, you can keep your pets safe all season long.

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How Hot is Too Hot? How to Prevent Heat Stroke in Pets

dog infront of fan.

Summer temperatures are here, and many of us are enjoying the great outdoors with our family and friends. Often these seasonal outings include our pets. The heat can be dangerous, though, especially for those wearing a fur coat. Volunteer Veterinary Hospital knows how important summer pet safety can be. Please have a great time outside, but take a few of our pointers along to prevent heat stroke in pets.

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What to Worry About: Considering Spring Pet Safety

Dog smelling flower.

Spring is about embracing life-affirming positivity, joy, and abundance. The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and nothing can get us down. It’s the best time of the year to pivot towards health, vitality, and a happy, full future. Chances are, your pet has a keen sense for clocking the vibe shift between winter and spring. They can feel the potential, just like us. Unfortunately, that means they can come across less-than-ideal situations that threaten your approach to spring pet safety. 

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Our Winter Pet Safety Tactics Keep Paws Warm

Dog paws with human hands on top.

It’s that time of the year again: sweater weather! There is so much to enjoy about winter in Knoxville, but not everyone loves the shorter days or chilly mornings. Pets might not necessarily know what’s going on with the weather, but they are certainly affected by it. The good news is that there aren’t too many extremes to worry about. However, winter pet safety is a concern that benefits from a proactive approach. 

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Supporting the Needs of an Overweight Pet

Chubby dog.

Just as it is with our ever-expanding waistlines, extra pounds on a pet don’t appear overnight. Successive weeks or months of a few extra treats a day, or a little less exercise, create the perfect storm for weight gain. The fact is, pet obesity is on the rise. Knowing what’s at stake for an overweight pet can help turn the tide and with a proactive, consistent approach, pet owners can have a direct impact on a pet’s overall health and longevity. 

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