Knoxville TN Animal Clinic, Knoxville Veterinarian

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…

This is the time of year when we reflect on changes we would like to make to improve our health and general wellbeing. As a pet owner, don’t forget to include your furry companion in your New Year’s resolutions.

Many pets struggle with similar issues of weight gain and age-related conditions, which is why including your pet is a great way to bolster energy, manage weight, and increase overall quality of life. Continue…

 As the days grow colder, it’s sometimes hard to motivate ourselves to get out of bed, much less grab the leash for a quick walk. Many times, our dogs are also more than happy to sleep in, but coming up with ways to keep your pet active is essential to good health and wellness. Continue…

Most of us enjoy a bargain, which is why we often shop online where discounts can be found on almost everything. In most cases, variations in condition or quality don’t have much impact, but this isn’t the case when it comes to pharmaceuticals. In fact, the FDA issued a consumer update on the risks associated with unregulated online pet pharmacies. Continue…

Have you ever seen a guinea pig demonstrate his or her popcorn moves, or a ferret show off their instinctual war dance? These animals – among others in the aptly named group known as “pocket pets” – may be small, but their charming personalities are anything but.

While pocket pets are certainly entertaining, each animal deserves to have their individual health needs recognized and met. Responsible pocket pet care should be fun for both you and your pet, and when it comes down to providing a safe, healthy, and comfortable life for whichever pint-sized pet you choose, we’ve got you covered.

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It’s Getting Hot Out There

When both the temperature and the humidity start to climb, the effects of the heat can be disastrous for pets and people alike. Hundreds of animals perish every year in the summertime, simply because their humans don’t understand how to keep their pets safe during hot weather. Learn the signs of heatstroke (hyperthermia) and what to do if you suspect your pet is suffering from heat exhaustion before you and your pet partake in any summertime activities!

It’s important to remember that if your pet is overcome with heatstroke, you need to call your veterinarian immediately  Even if you mitigate your pet’s symptoms and they appear to be doing better, heatstroke can claim a victim hours after their symptoms subside. Continue…