Animal Emergency & Specialty Center of Knoxville

01/22/2025

Ever wondered what your cat is thinking? Well, today is National Answer Your Cat's Question Day! This playful and insightful observance encourages pet owners to dive into the mysteries of their feline companion’s mind, fostering a deeper connection through greater understanding and communication. Check out the resources below to learn more about your cat’s behavior and tendencies:

https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/kit/cats-101/

https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/understanding-feline-language

01/21/2025

Happy National Hugging Day! It’s been said that a warm hug can speak volumes, offering comfort and connection in a way words often can't. Not only do hugs make us feel good, but they also come with a host of health benefits—reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and boosting both heart and mental health. So, embrace those you care about today and share the love!

01/20/2025

This educational post from Elanco provides some insight into just how cold is too cold for dogs. Check it out!

01/20/2025

It's FURR-eezing outside! Help keep your pets safe with these cold weather animal safety tips: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/cold-weather-animal-safety

12/20/2024

This time of year presents numerous potential risks to pets. Here are some recommendations from the American Veterinary Medical Association to help ensure your pets remain safe during the holiday season.

It’s the most festive time of the year…but it can also be a risky time for your pets. Keep your holidays happy and safe by following these “Holiday pet DON’TS.” AVMA members - you can download and print this helpful flyer to display at your clinic by visiting https://bit.ly/3VdkDeG

12/16/2024

Congratulations, ladies! We are incredibly fortunate to have you on our team!

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving! We are so thankful for each one of you! Here are a few tips to help keep your pets safe this holiday! If an emergency should arrive, our caring staff will be here and ready to help!

Prevent stress by providing a safe space away from people and loud noises
Provide mental enrichment to keep pets busy and entertained (treats, toys, etc)
Check I.D. tags in case they were to escape or get lost
Keep pets away from the trash

Important Numbers to Know:
Animal Emergency & Specialty Center 865-693-4440
ASPCA Poison Control Center 888-426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661

Foods to Avoid:
Bones (especially cooked bones which are likely to splinter)
Turkey (seasoned, skin, bones, brine)
Raw poultry
Pork (ham, sausage, bacon)
Alliums like onions (raw, cooked or fried), garlic, shallots, leeks, scallions, and chives
Corn on the cob
Mushrooms
Dough, yeast rolls and bread
Raisins or grapes
Chocolate, cookies, pies, ice cream and other sweets
Nuts
Artificial Sweeteners (xylitol)
Foods containing spices (nutmeg, sage, salt, pepper, etc)
Foods with a high fat content - anything with excessive seasoning and high sodium content, fatty meats, sugar, or butter such as sour cream, gravy, fat trimmings, meat or vegetables cooked in oil, stuffing, cranberry sauce
Alcohol (beer, wine or anything else)

Foods to Enjoy*:
*Even “safe” foods can be dangerous if you feed too much, so don't let your babies gobble until they wobble!
White meat turkey breast (plain, unseasoned)
Pumpkin Puree (plain)
Green beans (rinsed, unseasoned)
Carrots (rinsed, unseasoned)
Sweet Potatoes, (unseasoned)
Peas (rinsed, plain)
Apples (rinsed, plain, no seeds)
Blueberries (rinsed)
Strawberries (rinsed)

11/26/2024

November is recognized as Pet Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the impact of cancer on our pets. Did you know that pets are susceptible to cancer, too? In fact, cancer is one of the leading causes of death among pets, with MedVet statistics revealing that one in four dogs and one in five cats will be diagnosed with the disease. Common signs to watch for include lumps, non-healing wounds, unusual odors or discharge, unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, changes in behavior or appetite, and difficulty breathing.
Routine veterinary visits are crucial for early detection, significantly improving the chances of successful treatment by identifying issues that may not be evident at home.
In addition, preventive measures play a vital role in reducing the risk of cancer. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and minimizing exposure to harmful substances such as to***co smoke and pesticides can promote your pet’s overall health. Furthermore, spaying and neutering pets has been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
At Animal Emergency and Specialty Center, we recognize the emotional toll that a cancer diagnosis can take on both you and your pet. Led by Specialty Director Jeff Phillips, our board-certified oncologist, and supported by our dedicated oncology team, we are committed to offering both compassionate care and the latest advancements in chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. When facing a cancer diagnosis, our team works closely with you and your family veterinarian to develop a personalized, affordable treatment plan focused on your pet's specific needs and goals.
For more information, please visit our website https://animalerspecialty.com/oncology/ or contact one of our client service representatives at 865-693-4440. We are here to assist you and happy to answer any questions you may have.

11/11/2024

Happy Veteran’s Day! Today, we pay tribute to the courageous men and women who have served our country. Your unwavering commitment to defend our nation’s freedom and safeguard its citizens is a debt we can never fully repay. We extend our deepest, heartfelt appreciation to your service, sacrifice, and selflessness. 🇺🇸