Animal Emergency & Specialty Center of Knoxville

03/25/2025

🐾 March is Pet Poison Prevention Month! 🐾

As pet parents, it's important to be vigilant about the potential dangers around your furry friends. Here are the Top 5 Tips to keep your pets safe from poisoning:
1. Exercise caution with houseplants - Many plants are harmful to pets. Keep them out of reach or swap for pet-friendly options.
2. Be mindful in the kitchen - Many human-safe items can be dangerous to pets. Always double-check before feeding!
3. Store medications securely - Keep pills, prescriptions, and other toxic substances safely out of your pet’s reach.
4. Watch closely while outdoors - Ensure your pets aren’t consuming something harmful while outside.
5. Be prepared for emergencies - Know the signs of poisoning and have a plan in place.

🚨 Top 10 Poisons of 2024 for Dogs:
Chocolate
Grapes/Raisins
Bromethalin (rat poison)
Xylitol
Ibuprofen
Ma*****na (THC)
Anticoagulant Rodenticides
Vitamin D3 (overdose)
Carprofen (overdose)
Onions/Chives/Leeks/Shallots

🚨 Top 10 Poisons of 2024 for Cats:
Lilies (Lilium species)
Chocolate
Onions/Chives/Leeks/Shallots
Garlic
Ibuprofen
Alstroemeria/Peruvian Lily
Vitamin D3 (overdose)
Amphetamine Combos
Carprofen (overdose)
Tulips

⚠️ Signs & Symptoms of Pet Poisoning ⚠️
Gastrointestinal: Inappetence, drooling/hypersalivating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Internal Bleeding: Pale gums, racing heart rate, weakness, collapse, coughing up/vomiting blood
Kidney Failure: Vomiting, excessive thirst or urination, decreased urination, "uremic" breath
Liver Failure: Yellowing of the skin, eyes, or gums, weakness, collapse, vomiting, diarrhea, black-tarry stools

💡 Steps to Take if Your Pet is Poisoned:
Move your pet to a safe environment.
Monitor for abnormal behavior or symptoms.
DO NOT induce vomiting without professional guidance.
DO NOT try home remedies.
Reach out to the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680 or ASPCA Poison Control at 888-426-4435 for help.
Contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency clinic immediately.

Let’s keep our pets safe and healthy! Share these tips with your fellow pet parents. 💚🐕🐈

02/20/2025

It's "Love Your Pet Day," and we would be paws-itively thrilled to see pictures of all your beloved furbabies!

02/19/2025

We take sNOw days off around here--no matter the hour or season!

We trust you're cozy and making the most of the snowy weather with your loved ones. But if the need arises, don't worry! We are just a call away.

02/17/2025

Let's "Beat the Heat" this February for Spay/Neuter Awareness Month! Check out the link below to gain more insight on a few of the reasons we recommend spaying/neutering your pet.

https://www.aaha.org/resources/spay-or-neuter/

01/27/2025

Did you know that January is also Train Your Dog Month? Training and socializing your dog are essential for their well-being and for creating a positive environment for everyone around them! Contemporary training methods emphasize humane, science-backed techniques that focus on building a strong, respectful relationship with your dog through communication and trust. This approach ensures both you and your dog can truly enjoy your time together.

When looking for a trainer or practicing on your own, prioritize positive reinforcement methods, such as clicker training and using rewards like treats, toys, and praise. It's important to steer clear of practices that involve fear, pain, or anxiety, including tools like choke collars, prong collars, and shock collars. Below, you'll find some highly recommended local trainers and helpful resources to make your training sessions fun, effective, and rewarding for both you and your furry friend!

https://somerspetbehaviorsolutions.com/

https://www.caribbeancanines.net/

https://thebarkknoxville.com/dog-training/

https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/learning-theory-101-modern-training-techniques/

https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/kit/training-101/ -content

https://cattledogpublishing.com/i-am-pet-owner/

01/26/2025

January is recognized as Walk Your Pet Month—an excellent opportunity to kick off the new year on a positive note for both you and your furry companions. Regular walks provide numerous benefits, including improved physical health, mental stimulation, enhanced socialization, and opportunities for training. It’s also a wonderful way to strengthen the bond between you and your pet.

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. 🇺🇸