Knoxville TN Animal Clinic, Knoxville Veterinarian
Volunteer Veterinary Hospital: What Sets Us Apart as Your Veterinarian
When it comes to choosing a veterinarian, we know you have a lot of options, which is why we’d like to let you know what you can expect from our team of veterinarians and support staff. Besides our strong knowledge base, focus on keeping up with the latest research, and state-of-the-art facility, our staff takes a caring and individualized approach with each patient.
Our commitment to healing and prevention, combined with the importance we place on the relationships we form with you and your pet, is what makes our team at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital so special.
The Crux of the Matter: How Regular Pet Dental Care Reduces Disease
When we’re in the dentist’s chair, we’re at the mercy of the technician measuring the pockets between our teeth and gums. Sometimes, a single pocket can be large enough to create painful problems for us, and the same is true for our pets. A normal depth in dogs is about 3 mm; in cats, it’s 1mm. When pockets measure between 4-5mm, it’s really important to get on the ball. Without routine pet dental care, your pet could be in for a world of hurt.
A Nod and Paw to 2017: Our Five Best Pet Blogs
While you’re busy writing your 2018 resolutions or working off those holiday pounds, the start of a new year is also a great opportunity to focus on your pet’s health and wellbeing. When we launched our pet blog in 2014, our goal was to provide top-notch information regarding all things pets.
Whether the topic is something health related, such as pet dental care, or something fun like exploring the great outdoors with your best friend, we hope you’re looking forward to another great year of pet health and wellness blogging!
Now, on to the blogs!
Packing on the Pounds: Pet Obesity
A fluffy pet is super cute, but what about a fat one? Despite the adorable images of roly poly cats and dogs, there really is nothing cute about an overweight pet.
Pet obesity is a huge factor in the health and quality of life of our animal friends. At Volunteer Veterinary Hospital, helping your pet maintain a healthy weight is a top goal.
Diabetes in Pets 101
It is Pet Diabetes Awareness Month, and what better time to take a minute to learn about this common affliction in both our dog and cat family members? Join Volunteer Veterinary Hospital as we explain everything you need to know about diabetes in pets.
Diabetes in a Nutshell
Diabetes is one of the most common diseases in the human population in this country, so most of our pet parents have some concept of what this disease is and how it can affect the body. Many people are shocked to find out, though, that our pets can develop this disease, too.
Understanding Urinary Tract Infections in Pets
If your pet is urinating frequently, straining to urinate, or having accidents, there are many possible culprits. At Volunteer Veterinary Hospital, the most frequent reason we find for these symptoms is a urinary tract infection. Urinary tract infections in pets are a common (and painful) problem that is very important to treat right away.
UTIs Explained
Normally the bladder is a sterile place where bacteria are not found. Urinary tract infections in pets start when rouge bacteria from the environment breach the normal defenses of the body and take up residence within the urinary tract.
The Scoop on Why Dogs Eat Poop
Every dog owner knows their beloved pet sometimes engages in rather distasteful acts – licking themselves at inappropriate times, rummaging through the trash for tasty morsels, investigating dead things, and, arguably the grossest canine behavior: poop eating.
Whether they eat their own poop, raid the litter box, or chomp on wildlife droppings at the park, poop eating (also known as coprophagia) is a disgusting and potentially dangerous habit. Although not every dog owner has to deal with this particular issue, it’s common enough that we want to discuss why dogs eat poop and help you figure out what to do about it.
Continue…
Canine Flu: Outbreaks and Updates
Canine Flu Has Reached Knoxville! Dog Flu Outbreak Has Owners On Edge! These are headlines you may have read, seen on social media, or heard about on your nightly news program. And it’s true: canine influenza virus has been spreading throughout the United States since its arrival in 2015. Indeed, it is in Knoxville, along with other parts of the South.
However, while the headlines may seem frightening, we want to assure all pet owners there are ways you can help protect your best fur friend from canine flu. This includes becoming informed of the risks, vaccinating your pet, and staying up-to-date on what’s happening with canine flu in your area.
Knowledge Is Power: Understanding Canine Parvovirus
Canine parvovirus is considered a core vaccination for dogs, and you have probably heard it mentioned briefly during a pet’s wellness appointment. Some of us know a bit about the disease, or may even know someone who has lost a puppy or adult dog to canine parvovirus.
Because parvo is so prevalent, and so deadly, it’s important for pet owners to be aware of the specifics surrounding its symptoms, how it’s contracted and treated and, most importantly, how you can prevent it from becoming a reality for your pet.
Working with Your Veterinarian: The Basics of Pet Pharmacy Refills
Your dog’s ears are at it again. She has had more ear infections than you can count, and you know all the signs. Her ears are red, she is scratching like crazy, and you can smell them from across the room. You call your established veterinarian and ask for a refill on the ear medication that was prescribed last time… and are told that you need to make an appointment.
This all too common occurrence is very frustrating to most pet owners. After all, you know what the problem is and you know what helped before. Pet pharmacy refills aren’t always so straightforward, though. Read on to learn how veterinarians & staff at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital is working to be sure we do right by you and your pet.