Posts in Category: Seasonal Pet Care

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. 

No matter what kind of winter we’re having in Tennessee, it’s worth it to prepare for the worst. This means placing your pet’s needs front and center. While we may not have to contend with sub-zero temperatures and severe wind chill factors, pets can be highly sensitive to seasonal changes. We’ve got some essential tips for keeping pets warm, cozy, and safe this winter so you can both enjoy all the season has to offer. 

Most pets enjoy a good neck scratching from time to time, but if your cat or dog is spending more time than usual clawing and gnawing at his own skin, he could be feeling the effects of seasonal allergies. Animals can be sensitive to the same allergens that plague people, but there are plenty of ways to help. 

At Volunteer Veterinary Hospital, we want your pets to be comfortable in their own skin, and that includes finding ways to ease their discomfort from seasonal allergies. Read on to learn more about seasonal allergies and how they impact pet health.

As we head into the cooler months of the year, many pet owners make the choice to save a little money on flea and tick control. Skipping your pet’s parasite preventions isn’t always the smartest choice, though, and Volunteer Veterinary Hospital is here to help explain why. 

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? 

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. 

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. 

We’re number one in southern hospitality–a fact not lost on the pets we know and love. In fact, we probably go a little over the top when our four-legged friends are concerned. Pet friendly Knoxville is the place to beat when it comes to activities to share together, and we’ve got the low-down on how and where to start and end any summer day in town.

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. 

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.