Blog

Providing the very best care for your pet is our main focus and priority, but client education and community involvement is also a passion of ours. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to gain access to more information, including our uplifting stories, events and seminars, educational articles, “how-to” videos, featured products, special offers and of course, photos of our Animalia family and friends!
Anne Claire and Smoosh are making the best of their quarantine by enjoying some outdoor time and soaking up the sun together! What are you and your furry friend doing to pass the time?
Thank you for calling Animalia! This is Miles speaking, how may I assist you? ​
Eli and Corri are working on purrfecting the most heartfelt hug for when life goes back to normal!
Ozzy was the perfect gentleman during his puppy exam this week.
​Enjoy your new @fluffandtuffdogtoys alligator and we will see you again soon!
Our team members are sharing happy photos of life beyond work, especially during these stressful times.
​It’s important to stay active, so Jennie and her family go hiking after work with their pup, Mr. Charles!
What is your family doing to stay active this month?
Mila stopped by with her beautiful puppies for their next round of vaccinations and snuggles.
​To see more adorable photos of this crew and follow their story, visit our friends at @snooty_giggles!
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Our staff is continuing to practice social distancing safety measures with the help of a 6 foot slip lead!
Here is some excellent information about your pets and COVID-19 from the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Our friend Cooper is practicing social distancing while getting some fresh air and exercise!
​What are you doing to keep an active mind and body during this time?
Raleigh is enjoying the sights from the comfort of his car with our curbside service! ​
We are OPEN Monday-Friday 7:30am-6pm and Saturday 8am-1pm! Our curbside service and low contact appointments are allowing us to continue serving patients like Chelsea who needed an ear recheck today with Dr. Lewis. Thank you to our amazing clients and staff for working with us and being supportive of our new safety precautions!
Trumble is receiving curbside service and rainy day treats from Dr. Batey and Jennie! ​
Petunia is the newest member of our pharmacy staff! She may be small but she is a stickler!
Who is in need of some puppy breath today? I know we are! ​
The amount of love our doctors and staff have for our patients is unsurpassable. There are so many behind the scenes moments that we don’t share, but this sums them up. When your babies are at Animalia, they are met with love and compassion. Thank you for choosing us!
Say hello to Mila Ramone and her adorable puppies! She was found as a pregnant stray and delivered 9 big healthy babies at the shelter. The next day two orphaned newborns were brought into the shelter and Mila welcomed them into the family, nursing all 11 babies! This sweet mama has been working hard and we love her for it. Be sure to follow their story at @snooty_giggles!
In light of devastating events here in Nashville, we are reminded to be as prepared as possible. It is important to have a plan in place for your family in the event of an emergency. Below is a helpful emergency preparedness checklist for pet owners that will assist you in being prepared, not scared!
I wanted to share a personal story about my sweet little bearded dog, Gracie. I’m admittedly a helicopter dog mom and have made excuses for years as to why she didn’t need a dental cleaning. The expense and the terrifying thought of her being under anesthesia again was enough to send me spiraling. Her breath has always been awful, but recently she wasn’t eating as often or as quickly as she used to. It was almost as if she wasn’t enjoying mealtime. I finally scheduled an appointment to see Dr. Lewis and she gently (in all her wisdom) told me that it was time for a dental. I was a basket case through the entire surgery, but these before and after photos are proof of why dental cleanings are SO important and vital to our pet’s health. Gracie not only had a serious amount of tartar buildup that can lead to dental disease, but she also had 9 teeth that needed to be extracted! Those teeth were causing her pain and discomfort, which is why she wasn’t eating normally. Thank you Dr. Lewis, Dr. Moser, and the rest of the Animalia staff who took the time to explain why a dental cleaning was so important and for helping me make a scary decision and surgery not so scary ​
We won Booker over today with our Animalia charm...and a full jar of treats! ​
Lulu brought her adorable sister to her exam for moral support and cuddles.
Simon is a true Southern gentleman! He dressed to impress for his acupuncture session with Dr. Turner.
Our team is full of incredible human beings...and we would love for you to meet them! Misty has been with Animalia for four years and you have no doubt seen her smiling face throughout the hospital, but did you know her passion is to help our patients feel better both physically and emotionally? She focuses on the comfort of each pet while helping our clients cope with the stress and toll of caring for a sick or injured pet. Learn more about Misty and give her a big hello the next time you see that smiling face!
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Indy is one of our very best friends and an adventurous boy. Always exploring and making friends along the way!
Colonel Gumbo stopped by for a visit and stole our hearts with those soulful eyes and floppy ears!
February is National Pet Dental Health Month and we want to make sure our friends know the signs that signify a serious health risk for their pet. Regular dental cleanings, daily tooth brushing and healthy treats can help prevent periodontal disease. Check out the before and after photos below to see for yourself!

Periodontal disease affects 87% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of three. Early detection and treatment is key; poor oral health can lead to other problems such as kidney, liver, and heart disease. Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked annually by your veterinarian for early signs of periodontal disease. Please speak with your doctor if you observe any of the following:

- abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food
- broken teeth or roots
- abscesses or infected teeth
- misalignment of the teeth or bite
- broken or fractured jaw
- palate defects
- bad breath
- extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- discolored teeth or tartar
- reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- pain in or around mouth
- bleeding/swelling in or around mouth

Your pet should be seen by a veterinarian prior to scheduling a dental cleaning to determine the level and extent of cleaning required.

Routine veterinary dentistry includes the cleaning and polishing of your pet’s teeth. Periodontal cleanings and intraoral radiographs are safely and carefully performed under general anesthesia. Dentals are completed in one day, allowing your pet to return home that evening! Take a look at these before and after photos to see how a dental cleaning can drastically improve the health of your pet.
Mochi loves to be held like a baby almost as much as she loves giving kisses to Dr. Conklin.
Cooper sent us a special Valentine that was too cute not to share!
Congratulations to our Valentine’s Day winners, Tully and Bodie!! Stop by to pick up your goodies from our boutique and be sure to get some extra loving from our Animalia team before you leave. Thank you to everyone who played along, we loved seeing all of your beautiful babies! Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️
The love of an animal is powerful, unassuming and boundless. They ask for very little and give their entire heart in return. There is so much we can learn from that kind of unconditional love, so this week we are celebrating our fur companions! Share a photo of your lovable friend and we will choose one winner to receive a special gift from our boutique!
Clarabelle heard she was going to Animalia today and couldn’t stop smiling!
ALEX AROUND TOWN: Thankful for these ladies and the work they do for dogs in Tennessee! Snooty Giggles Dog Rescue, Animalia Health & Wellness thanks for having us by today! Story soon!
Puppies are good for the soul!
It’s a winter wonderland at Animalia! How are you spending your snow day?
Dr. Turner and Dayna visited our friends at Veterinary Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Group this week to learn the newest techniques in sports and regenerative medicine. Thank you for being an amazing host to Animal Rehabilitation of Tennessee!
Lionel takes the best selfies, no filter needed.📸 
That moment when peanut butter encouragement goes awry! ​
All puppy exams come with infinite hugs and Pongo approves
Banchi is going for that gold star and Fear Free experience!
We are excited to announce the addition of VitusVet! This new and enhanced veterinary client mobile app assists in the scheduling, communication, and organization of your pet's medical records. You can download the VitusVet Medical Records app for your Apple or Android devices.
This app will include:
- Complete medical records at your fingertips
- Ability to share vaccination records with your boarding and grooming facility, pet insurance company, and pet sitter
- Ability to share records, dietary restrictions, and medication information with family and friends
- Easily create medication reminders and receive dosage alerts
- Request appointments and medication refills
Additionally, we now have the ability to receive text messages through our main phone line at 615-595-7100. During our normal business hours you can expect a response from our customer service team within two hours. All communication received after hours will be answered the following business day. For emergencies, please call our main phone line so that we can assist you promptly.

Thank you for allowing us to care for you and your family!
Venture finished his last round of puppy vaccinations and got plenty of morning cuddles with Dr. Batey! ​
Aspen has never met a stranger and loves visiting her friends at Animalia.
Feeling kinda cute...might do surgery today.
Just a few more inches and those beef sticks are mine!
Happy 12th birthday to our girl, Miss Bethel Jane!
​Wishing you a very special day full of belly rubs and endless cookie jars! 
Did you know that we LOVE social visits? Stopping by Animalia just to say hello is a great way to set your pet up for a successful future visit. Stop by anytime so that we can love on your dog or cat and make going to the vet a positive experience!
Ladd never leaves the house without his buddy!
Wilson is looking extra handsome in his Auburn colors and wondering how Dr. Malone
​can focus around so much cuteness.
Did someone request a cute and fuzzy Monday? Well we’ve got you covered!
Casey stopped by to flirt with his Animalia ladies this morning. The feeling is mutual, handsome boy.
River thinks that if he can’t see the doctor, the doctor can’t see him...fairly good logic buddy! ​
Dez and his dad are enjoying our beautiful campus today.
​We invite our friends to stop by anytime to explore the grounds and play fetch with your pup!
Millie Lou decided that Madison needed a 15 minute cuddle break. Big dogs make the best lap dogs! ​​
What’s your New Year resolution?
​More catnaps and focus on self care sound good to us!
Rocco is the perfect gentleman...waiting patiently for Dr. Lewis and stealing our hearts with that soulful gaze.
2019 may have given us a few extra wrinkles from the stress of every day life, but if Frank has taught us anything, it’s that wrinkles can be adorable! Here’s to a new year full of blessings and good health!

Please note that we will close at 1:30pm today and will remain closed until 7:30am on January 2nd. For emergency care, please call Blue Pearl at 615-333-1212.
Piper is basically a Build-A-Bear in disguise.
​We’re on to your adorable scheme...
Sometimes it’s all about meeting our patients where they feel safe...the floor, a lap or even the sink.
​Don’t worry JJ, we’ve got this covered!
We had a few friends stop by to spread their Christmas cheer this week, so of course we wanted to share the cuteness. We would love to see photos of your furry friends as they prepare for Santa and all of the joy this holiday brings!

Please note that we will be closed December 24th and 25th, reopening on December 26th at 7:30am.
For emergency care, please contact Blue Pearl at
​615-333-1212.
This sweet little girl was named after her favorite veterinarian! Meet Lizzy with her pal, Dr. Lizzie Moser.
Adoptions are one of the many heartwarming moments we have the privilege of witnessing while working with Snooty Giggles Dog Rescue. It never gets old and we have happy tears when we see such a beautiful moment!
Sirius found the cookie jar! I think he earned himself a treat after being brave for his pre-op bloodwork.
Looking for some last minute stocking stuffers for the furry friends on your list? We’ve got you covered!
Roxy is dressed to impress while patiently waiting for her holiday manicure.
We still have three adoptable pups on our tree, Danza, Balma and Judson! We invite you to stop by and pick your favorite Snooty(s) to support and celebrate this holiday season. Choose from the three remaining adoptable dogs and shop for their wish lists or give a $25 donation towards the many forever fosters on our tree! For more ways to donate or volunteer throughout the year, visit www.snootygiggles.com.
Puppies tend to think everything is edible and delicious, even socks! Thankfully Venture’s mom noticed that something wasn’t right and brought him in to see his doctor right away. After an exploratory surgery, we were able to remove the material and send this sweet boy home, safe and sound!
Surgery of any kind can be scary for animals and their family. Floyd is slowly waking up from anesthesia and Dr. Moser didn’t want him to be alone and scared, so she climbed into his kennel and cuddled with him until he woke up and knew he was safe. If a picture is worth a thousand words, we hope this one shows how much we truly care about our patients.
Dottie is literally melting into our arms during her acupuncture session! The extra ear massage might have helped...
Rocco suffers from those pesky Middle Tennessee allergies and visits us for routine allergy injections. If you notice that your pet is battling itchy skin, hot spots, or biting and licking at their paws or belly, it may be time to speak with your veterinarian about allergy testing and/or beginning a food trial.
When Whiskey had his very first puppy exam, we sent him home with a tiny Fluff n’ Tuff fish that became his best friend. Today he found his favorite fish in a slightly larger size and couldn’t be happier!
Thank you The Spa at Leiper's Fork for helping us provide a day of pampering and
​retreat for our Animalia family this weekend! 
We’d like to give a shout out to our top fans this month. Thank you for stopping by to say hello and keeping up with us each week, Rhonda Presnall Cincere, Kathy Carter, Christine Toscano, and Christy Natcher Williams!
Thankful for our cohesive and skilled team of medical professionals! Ace was brought in for an emergency surgery due to bloat after being removed from a local shelter by our friends at Snooty Giggles Dog Rescue. We are so grateful for rescues and their tribes of compassionate fosters and volunteers who help save lives!
We are celebrating a very special birthday today!
Ty has been a patient and friend of ours for several years and is celebrating his 14th birthday.
​His family sent us a beautiful email that they asked us to share. Sending love and kisses your way, Ty!
“Today Ty made it to 14, a birthday we were unsure whether he would make. But when you bundle together so much love and the best medical professionals in the world into one handsome, stubborn lovable boy, everything is possible. Thank you Dr. Lisa, Dr. Kristal and Dayna for investing in our boy as much as us over the last few years and getting him to this milestone.”
We miss you all so much!
Mirry, Vance & Ty
The annual Snooty Giggles Dog Rescue Christmas Wish Lists are now on our tree! Stop by and pick your favorite Snooty(s) to support and celebrate this holiday season. Choose from several adoptable pups and shop for their wish lists or give a $25 donation towards the many forever fosters on our tree! All wish list items must be returned to Animalia by December 16th to ensure that each gift bag makes it under their tree before Christmas. For more ways to donate or volunteer throughout the year, visit www.snootygiggles.com.
Bailey visited Dr. Turner for his very first puppy exam and we are all in love!
Dr. Katie Conklin, Misty and Wallace join us today for a video about at-home ear flushing! If you have a dog who frequents water or baths, this is a great routine to start and will help prevent those nasty ear infections from forming. Use veterinarian approved ear cleansers only and if you suspect that your pet already has an ear infection (ear is tender or painful to the touch, continuous ear scratching, foul odor, etc), please schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. ​
It’s National Mutt Day! How will you celebrate the mixed breed in your life? We personally think that a pup cup and extra belly rub are a good place to start. Pick out your favorite photo to celebrate your mutt and share below!
This is your monthly dose of Stewart, because let’s be honest, we all need more of this little face in our lives! Stewart is receiving physical rehabilitation due to a recent back surgery. We are working on regaining his strength and neurological function through manual therapy. Stretch it out, Stewart, you’re doing great! For more information about the benefits of physical rehabilitation, visit www.animalrehabtn.com.
Wishing you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving from our family to yours! We have gratitude in our hearts and want to thank you for choosing to work with our dedicated Animalia team. May you find yourself surrounded by family, friends and plenty of pie this Thanksgiving!
Please note that Animalia will be closed today, November 28th, and will reopen for normal business hours on November 29th at 7:30am. In the event of an emergency, please contact Blue Pearl at 615-333-1212.
Nolen is fitting in nicely around here, quite literally!
​We may need to check Chelsea’s pockets before the end of the day...
When we remain grateful for the small things, big things and everything in between...we become happier and healthier from the inside out! We would love to hear what you’re thankful for and will be randomly choosing one comment from this post and one comment from the Animal Rehabilitation of Tennessee page post. The two winners will receive a care package from us as a THANK YOU for spreading positivity and gratitude this week! Be sure to follow and comment on both pages to double your chances!
As responsible pet owners, we need to be vigilant around the holidays to ensure that our pets are safe. Sometimes this means reminding guests not to feed your pet table food or keeping the trash can in a secure location to avoid an unsupervised dine and dash from the pup. These tips are a great reminder of how to prepare for a safe Thanksgiving! ​
That moment when you see a familiar face at Animalia and your visit doesn’t seem so scary.
Mayhem loves going to work with mom, especially when it involves lunch breaks with pup cups!
​How do you say no to this face?
Malachi is receiving therapeutic ultrasound sessions to reduce the effects of fibrotic gracilis myopathy. This is a condition that is more common in German shepherds. The tissue of the muscle becomes tight and is replaced with a more dense connective tissue, causing pain and lameness. Therapeutic ultrasound can be used to increase the elasticity in fibrous tissues (such as tendons), which can help increase range of motion around a joint. Therapeutic ultrasound can also be used to soften and break down scar tissue that is interfering with movement. By deep heating the tissue, therapeutic ultrasound increases blood flow to the area. This in turn can increase local blood flow and reduce inflammation and swelling. This form of therapy can also decrease pain and muscle spasms, as well as speed up wound healing. Contact our friends at Animal Rehabilitation of Tennessee for more information or visit www.animalrehabtn.com for a full list of offered therapies!
Jacks stopped by for his first puppy exam this week and received a clean bill of health and gold star by Dr. Lewis!
Looking for the purrfect cozy hideaway for your feline friend? Check out the newest additions to our boutique just in time for the holiday!
Misty and Elliott show us how to do a Fear Free nail trim! The use of a food motivator such as peanut butter or spray cheese can be very helpful during nail trims, especially if you’re attempting this at home by yourself. The goal is to make this experience a pleasant one, ensuring your pet doesn’t become fearful of nail trims in the future. Please remember that if you ever need help from our staff, we are here to support you! Simply schedule a nail trim appointment and we will walk you through a successful and stress free trim.
Thankful for the courageous men and women who have dedicated their lives to defend, protect and serve our country and our freedom. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank and stand with you.
Monday training sessions are tough on Scooter.
​Taking a power nap, brb! 😂
Thankful for an amazing work family that takes time to play together on the weekends! Cornhole tournaments and jenga are great team building activities, not to mention a fun way to spend your afternoon!
We love when our clients share photos from their exams, especially when it involves this much cuteness!
Tucker is one of our handsome senior pups who is receiving laser therapy and acupuncture to reduce chronic inflammation from lumbar spondylosis. These therapies, combined with manual exercises with Animal Rehabilitation of Tennessee, help to reduce pain and increase strength and mobility in his hind end.
Everyone at Animalia is having fun in their costumes today while channeling their inner critters! Does your pet have an adorable costume? Share it with us so we can fawn over the cuteness!
A special thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate the unveiling of Harvey, the beloved mascot of the 104th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. We can’t wait to see him in his permanent home in the new Carter House museum! Visit the link below for more photos and complete story of Harvey's journey!
​Williamson Herald
Focusing on a Fear Free mission means we understand and identify our anxious and timid patients, giving them the time and space needed to adjust to each visit at our hospital. Scooter was a little fearful at his recent exam, so we slowed things down, gave him plenty of loving and peanut butter distraction. Sorry for the messy nose mom!
Zetti is loving this crisp, leafy, pumpkin-everything season! It’s sweater weather, y’all! 🍁
October is “Adopt A Dog” month and a reminder to consider finding your next furry family member at your local shelter or animal rescue group! In the United States, there are over 6.5 million companion animals that find themselves in shelters each year. Some are homeless, lost, abandoned, or their family could no longer care for them. Adopting a pet is a life-long commitment, so please adopt with care and consideration. To see a full list of animals in your area, visit www.petfinder.com.
Gizmo arrives in VIP stroller-style for every wellness exam!
A special thank you to our Animalia family and loving clients who showered us with food, snacks and oh-so-chocolatey goodness during Vet Tech Appreciation Week!
We can’t wait to hear about your recent experience at Animalia! Your kind words and reviews not only make us smile, but they motivate our team to be better. We value you and want to ensure that each visit to Animalia is better than the last. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to love and care for your family!
Kona and Mochi are taking moral support to a whole new level!
Cezanne is working on weight management by braving the underwater treadmill and his many canine admirers. No performance anxiety here! He is rocking these hydrotherapy sessions and getting ready for a fun and fit 2020 with the help of Animal Rehabilitation of Tennessee! For more information on canine and feline physical rehabilitation, visit www.animalrehabtn.com
We’ll admit that the royal baby is cute, but THIS baby Archie has us swooning!
Ozzie is rocking his laser safety glasses, designed to block particular wavelengths of light and protect his sensitive little eyes. He is currently receiving laser therapy and therapeutic exercises from Animal Rehabilitation of Tennessee to reduce pain from chronic inflammation.
Veterinary technicians are the very heartbeat of our hospital and play a vital role in preserving animal health and well-being. National Veterinary Technician Week provides us with an opportunity to recognize and celebrate our coworkers and hard working animal advocates. Thank you for the outpouring of compassion and dedication that you bring to Animalia each and every day!
Have you met Lionel? If not, watch out because he will steal your heart! This handsome boy has been working hard to lose a few pounds with the help of hydrotherapy sessions at Animal Rehabilitation of Tennessee. Lionel also suffers from hip dysplasia, so he is receiving laser therapy to reduce painful inflammation. We love this goofy boy!
Everything is better when it comes in three...right? Especially puppy breath and wet noses!
Who doesn't enjoy a little trivia challenge? Let's see how much you know about animals! Play along by visiting our Facebook page and posting your answer. It’s that simple! *This challenge has ended, but check back each month for a new animal trivia question*
Dr. Moser visited Career Day at Hillwood HS earlier this month to discuss the exciting field of veterinary medicine. There may be some future doctors in this group!
Leo and Makayla are hoping to be SO completely adorable that it makes you forget that it’s only Wednesday. Is it working?
Dr. Turner ordered Stella to ice her knee, watch Animal Planet and return for laser therapy sessions twice a week. We have the most well behaved patients! You’ll be back to normal activity soon sweet girl.
Located in the heart of our historic 19th century home is an award-winning boutique, featuring products that pets and their people are sure to enjoy! While focusing on quality and design, we offer durable toys, interactive puzzles, and feeders for the intelligent and high energy canine. Choose from our hand-woven collars to functional, ergonomic harness and leash options. Our carefully selected treats feature all-natural ingredients with an array of novelty proteins for the allergy-prone pet. We offer a variety of tasty diets and highest quality certified organic supplements.
Allow us to serve as your pet concierge, utilizing our knowledge of animal nutrition and behavior to find a solution to any problem. As veterinary professionals, we look forward to empowering fellow pet owners to make informative decisions regarding the products they expose to their pet and family!
We had a nice surprise visit from Brooklyn Brothers Pizza Parlor today! They gifted Madison with her very own pizza for outstanding customer service. We love our clients and their generous hearts!
Max had his first session with Animal Rehabilitation of Tennessee, focusing on building strength and mobility in his hind legs through hydrotherapy. Sometimes all you need is a cheer squad and you can accomplish anything! To learn more about adoptable Max and follow his story, visit Williamson County Animal Center!
With the rise in heartworm disease cases in Middle Tennessee, our veterinarians recommend year-round protection for your pet. Animalia is offering complimentary testing with the purchase of a 12-month supply of Interceptor Plus. If you are new to heartworm prevention or have additional questions, please give us a call to speak with one of our customer service representatives or to schedule an appointment with your doctor!
Meet Harvey, a beloved bull terrier mascot of the 104th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, also known as the Barking Dog Regiment. When Harvey's owner Daniel Stearns joined the Federal Army in 1862, Harvey came along as a companion and comrade. In fact, there were at least three canine mascots, squirrels and raccoons. Harvey was said to have worn a collar that read "I am Lt. D.M. Sterns dog; whose dog are you?"

By the time Harvey reached the Battle of Franklin, he had been in many battles and served as one of the very first therapy dogs. He was wounded twice, once in Virginia and again in the Battle of Franklin, but thankfully both Harvey and his owner survived the battle. After the war, the men of the 104th had Harvey's portrait painted for display at reunions, and his image was also incorporated into keepsake buttons.

Animalia and Animal Rehabilitation of Tennessee are excited to partner with The Battle of Franklin Trust in creating a tribute statue to Harvey and his important role in the War. Most of us have no concept of the fear a soldier may endure during wartime, but we can relate to how our beloved pets help us through today. Harvey offers a piece of relatable humanity and speaks to all ages. Artist Janel Maher of Janel Maher Fine Art, known for capturing the heart, soul, and very essence in her sculptures, brought Harvey to life so all future visitors could experience the beloved mascot.

The unveiling will take place on October 24th at 6 p.m. at the Carter House Visitor Center, 1140 Columbia Avenue. This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided by Menu Maker Catering and Triple Crown Bakery. For more information, please contact hannah@boft.org.

Sources:
Joanna Stephens, Battle of Franklin Trust Curator
Marilyn Seguin, Dogs of War
Michael Zucchero, Loyal Hearts, Histories of American Civil War Canines
Mr. Coco Shah spent the day with us to have his periodontal cleaning and we are just plain smitten!
Green living is easier than you think! By making a few small changes in our routines, we can dramatically help to make our environment a cleaner place...all while feeling better about our eco footprint.
Our beautiful ladies represented Animalia at the recent Art for Animals event, benefiting our friends at Pet Community Center. It was an amazing night filled with great food, drinks, company and art!

​For more information about PCC, visit www.petcommunitycenter.org or click on the image below.
September is National Preparedness Month and the perfect time for a refresher course on disaster safety for you and your pets. Life happens, so we need to be prepared to act quickly with a clear head! This emergency checklist can help you be prepared with the pet essentials in the event of a fire, flood, storm or disaster.
If you’ve ever wondered what motivates us to work in the veterinary field, just take a look at this photo of Sara and Darcy Jo. We are all here because we love animals and want to do everything we can to comfort and protect them, starting with keeping them safe and healthy. We enjoy getting to know you and your pets on a personal level and having the opportunity to create a trusting bond that grows with each visit!

​Animals suffer from pain just like people do. Pain comes in many forms and has many causes. Acute pain is obvious and distressing, where as chronic pain can be subtle and often masked as "getting old" or "slowing down." There are many options to treat the various causes of pain in animals including pain medications, physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, laser therapy, and therapeutic massage. The key is noticing when your pet is in pain, and sometimes that can be difficult. Below are a few tips from our team:

1) Keep an eye on behavior. Most often, behavioral changes are the most obvious sign that your pet may be in some sort of distress. The most common signs that your pet might be in pain are decreased activity, inability to climb stairs or jump onto surfaces, decreased appetite, over grooming or licking a particular area, and difficulty standing after lying down.

2) Use caution when your pet is in pain. Even the most loving animal can lash out when experiencing discomfort, so make sure to use caution if you suspect something is not right with your pet.

3) Pill popping isn't the only solution. While your pet may need medication, there are other avenues such as integrative medicine, physical rehabilitation, and weight management. Don't hesitate to call us to discuss scheduling a consult with Dr. Turner if you are interested in these forms of therapy. She focuses on integrative care and physical rehab at Animal Rehabilitation of Tennessee.

4) Your veterinarian can check for pain. As part of a routine visit, your doctor will check for any indications of discomfort. Annual exams are very important because they create a baseline for your healthy pet, which makes it more obvious if/when their health changes from year to year.

5) There are some easy ways to minimize pain. As a pet parent, it's our responsibility to keep an eye on our pets' dental hygiene and weight. Proper nutrition and exercise go a long way. Ask your veterinarian for advice on any of these topics!
Fiona gives the best kisses! It must be her extra scruffy little face!

​September is National Healthy Cat Month! We would like to dedicate the entire month to celebrating our feline friends and their well-being. Below are 8 ways to make your cat happy and healthy during the month of September:

1) Visit your veterinarian. Annual exams are important to monitor the health of your pet and ensure the happiness and wellness of your cat. We know that travel can be scary for some cats, so ask your veterinarian about Fear Free tips that will make the experience easier and less stressful!

2) Provide preventive medications. Part of keeping your cat happy and healthy is keeping up with flea, tick and heartworm prevention year-round. Even if your cat is strictly indoor, they can still come into contact with little critters that cause big problems.

3) Microchip your cat. In addition to collar and identification tags, consider microchipping your feline friend. If your indoor or outdoor cat ever gets lost, having this type of permanent ID will make a reunion much more likely. Ask your veterinarian about this low cost service!

4) Provide toys. Every cat loves a new toy and mental stimulation! Each cat has it's own preference, so experiment between toys with squeakers, feathers, string, and catnip.

5) Train together. Cats are intelligent and can be trained to do fun tricks. The mental and physical stimulation of training is great for felines and it will strengthen the bond between you and your buddy.

6) Work for food. Feline obesity is a huge problem and one way to combat it is to make cats work for their food. Toys are available that slowly release kibble in small amounts as the cat uses its natural hunting instinct. This is great physical and mental exercise!

7) Go outside. Broaden their horizons by walking your cat on a secure leash with a harness or confine them in a special outdoor play pen so they can experience the world outside their window. Always supervise your cat's outdoor time to maintain their safety.

8) Think about getting another cat. Cats are social animals, so if the time is right, consider visiting your local shelter and adopting a buddy for your kitty. Cats love to play, and a playmate will make them happy! Remember that adopting an animal is a life-long commitment, so be sure to consider the cost and attention required to bringing a new animal into the family. Looking for a local rescue or shelter? Check out some of our local organizations or search www.petfinder.com to easily search multiple shelters at once.
Aspen loves toys almost as much as she loves making new friends!

​Living in Middle Tennessee has a few challenges for pet owners, including environmental allergies, higher than average heartworm disease cases, and the scorching summer heat. It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of heat stroke in pets, especially where smoosh-nosed/short muzzle, dark coat, senior or overweight animals are involved. Below are some tips to help you and your pet stay safe this summer while continuing to live an adventurous outdoor life!