Knoxville TN Animal Clinic, Knoxville Veterinarian

In both human and veterinary medicine, we are faced with many illnesses that are outside the realm of our control. Despite our best efforts, some pets may develop one of those unpreventable disease. However, there are some illnesses that we can protect our pets from; heartworm disease is one of those that, with a little work and persistence, we can knock off the list!

What is Heartworm Disease?

Heartworm disease is a serious illness that we see too frequently in Tennessee. Heartworm disease is caused by the parasitic worm, Dirofilaria immitis; this parasite is transmitted from an infected animal to others through mosquito bite. It only takes one mosquito bite to transmit heartworm disease to your pet. Continue…

Talk about bad houseguests: Ctenocephalides felix, the cat flea, is a parasite found on both domestic and wild animals almost everywhere on earth. It’s hard to believe a creature smaller than the “a” on this page causes so much misery in animals and humans, but they do. Besides their “vampirism”, sustaining their life by drinking the host animal’s blood, the cat flea can carry everything from tapeworm to the plague. Continue…

At some point or another, you may have had some experience with an itchy, miserable pet. Unlike allergies in people, pet allergies most often result in skin problems, such as red, smelly ears or skin rashes and intense scratching.

Before you can battle allergies in your pet, though, you must understand their cause. Read on to learn what causes pet allergies and what you can do about them.

Flea Allergies in Pets

Flea Allergic Dermatitis (FAD) is the leading cause of allergies in both dogs and cats. Just as some people can an extreme reaction to a mosquito bite, some pets are very allergic to flea saliva.

For these pets, even one flea bite can set off a severe itchy allergic response. In these patients, it is essential to provide comprehensive flea control to prevent flare ups. Continue…

Getting to the bottom of a pet’s ailment can often be as easy as looking inside the mouth. Painful oral infections can lead to serious health issues; however, with regular dental maintenance, your pet may avoid certain problems related to poor dental hygiene and even lead a longer life.

Let’s explore how pet owners, through easy pet dental care habits, can help bolster increased pet health and longevity. Continue…

If the word “laser” brings to mind images of Star Trek, light sabers, and the movie Independence Day, Volunteer Veterinary Hospital is about to change your world. Just as in human medicine, lasers are being used with increasing frequency in veterinary medicine, too; and we are happy to be able to help our pet patients with our state-of-the-art K-Laser.
So, what is laser therapy for pets and what exactly does it do? Look no further for the answers… Continue…

With so many things competing for the top slot on our holiday to-do lists, we hope that  ensuring your pet’s safety throughout the chaos of the season is one of them. Without a doubt, your pet will be delighted with all the new smells (and tastes) that abound during the month of December; however, you can protect your pet from some pretty dangerous items that are hiding in plain sight.

We at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital encourage you to take an active role when it comes to holiday pet safety, in hopes that your vigilance may thwart any potential risks before they arise. Continue…

Thanksgiving is a time for sharing, celebrating, and remembering our loved ones. It’s easy to be thankful for those who make our lives so rich and meaningful, including the sweet pets who entrust us to their care and well-being.

While we’re busy preparing the feast, passing the turkey, and relaxing with the fam, our pets may be perusing some scraps or that inviting, brightly colored new plant. Taking the hazardous out of holidays, however, can be as simple as taking a few steps and asking others to help us in keeping Mittens or Monty safe and secure. From risks such as overindulgence in fatty foods to accidental poisonings or intestinal blockages, no pet guardian wants to spend this day of thanks at the veterinary emergency clinic.

To help keep you and your family pet safety-savvy, consider discussing how to avoid these Thanksgiving pet hazards… Continue…