Countryside Animal Hospital

Panting is normal to an extent, but it is important to be mindful of what signs to look out for when it is unhealthy. If your doggy is breathing more loudly and raspier than usual, making a ton of effort to breathe, panting straight for 20 minutes or more, or appearing stressed, there may be underlying issues. Schedule a visit to our veterinary clinic by contacting us at (615) 758-6406.

Research concludes that cats cannot have autism; however, there are many behavioral similarities between special-needs cats and humans with autism. Since autism is focused on human behavior, cats cannot be diagnosed, but they sometimes exhibit autism spectrum traits. Examples include becoming obsessed with hunting or chasing certain things, enjoying their alone time, being easily overstimulated, easily spooked by noises or bright lights, and even being overwhelmed by too much attention. If you notice any strange behavior in your kitty, bring them in for a check-up with us so that we can identify if there are any issues affecting your cat’s behavior. Give us a call at (615) 758-6406 to schedule an appointment.

We are always here for our beloved pet patients! Please do not hesitate to contact us at (615) 758-6406 if you have any questions about your precious pets!

German shepherds are an athletic and high-energy breed of dog that demand multiple hours of daily activity. It isn’t always easy to know when your pup needs some extra exercise, but keeping these behaviors in mind will provide some better insight into whether you’ll need to make some changes to their routine. Symptoms of a restless dog include destructive behavior, excessive barking, weight gain, lethargy, and depression. Are you searching for more information about how to properly care for your dogs? We'd love to help with that! Call us at (615) 758-6406 for all your care questions.

We are CLOSED today for Labor Day. See you tomorrow!

Taking preventative measures against fleas, ticks, and parasites is extremely important. Never let your pet miss a vaccination, chewable tablet, or any topical medication. Let us know if you need your prescriptions updated so we can provide them on time. Contact us at (615) 758-6406!

An annual blood panel is an important health matter for every pet. The importance of this is even greater for senior dogs. One of the tests included in the panel is CBC. The results of this test provide a complete picture of the cells present in your pet's body and their condition. Don't forget to schedule your pet's annual appointment by calling us at (615) 758-6406.

These tests, along with a physical examination, let us identify diseases earlier and offer therapies that can prolong your pet's happiness and health. Schedule an appointment with us today at (615) 758-6406.

Taking care of your dog's dental health is a priority. Give us a call at (615) 758-6406 to schedule an appointment with us!

Grapes can be toxic for dogs. Ingesting them can cause kidney failure. Therefore, it is important to keep grapes out of your pets' reach. Stay current with your dogs' healthcare needs and schedule their appointment by calling (615) 758-6406.

Despite popular belief, dogs are actually omnivores! In fact, even wolves in the wild gain nutrition from both plants and animals. A balanced diet for dogs includes both plant-based and protein sources! Did you know this? Share your thoughts with us in the comments! For more fun dog-related information and care tips, contact us at (615) 758-6406.

It is possible for dogs to have obstructive sleep apnea. Unlike with humans, CPAP machines are not yet available for dogs. For obese dogs, it's recommended to change their diet to lose excess weight. If you notice your dog excessively snoring and gasping for air when they sleep, contact our office right away at (615) 758-6406!

Did you know that kittens are born with blue eyes? Indeed! By the time you bring them home at 8 weeks; however, it is likely that they have already begun to transform into their adult color. Kittens’ eyes begin to change between 3 and 8 weeks of age. The most common cat eye colors are brown, yellow orange, green, and amber. You may still notice changes in their eye color up until their first birthday. Stay current with your cats' healthcare needs and schedule their appointment by calling (615) 758-6406.

The most important aspect of maintaining your dog's dental care is to remember to schedule your regular check-ups with us! In your pet's wellness exams, we can confirm that your dog's overall health & oral health are in check. Your dog's well-being is our priority - give us a call at (615) 758-6406!

Don't miss your pet's vaccination appointment! Vaccines work by introducing a weakened form of a virus into the body which stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies. These antibodies then protect your pet from the virus, and can even prevent it from becoming ill if it comes into contact with the virus in the future. Is it time to get your pet vaccinated? Schedule a vaccination appointment with us today at (615) 758-6406.

Decorating with plants and flowers is a great way to beautify your home, but some of your favorite foliage can be toxic to your feline friend. Before adding new greenery to your home or garden, read up on poisonous plants to cats so that you can keep your kitty safe. Feel free to double check with us at (615) 758-6406 before adding a plant to your home/garden. Here is just a selection of plants and flowers toxic to cats:

Dog owners should be vigilant about checking what they give their dogs. It is possible for some ingredients to be remarketed under different names, which can lead to confusion. It is important to remember that xylitol poisoning can result in hypoglycemia, seizures, and even death in dogs. We urge you to contact us at (615) 758-6406 right away if your pet ingested this ingredient by accident.

Regular dental cleanings are an important part of your dog's overall health care regimen. This is because it helps to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, which can cause periodontal disease. It also helps to detect any underlying issues with your dog's teeth or gums and can prevent any from developing into more serious problems down the line. Schedule an appointment with us at (615) 758-6406

Kittens require a large amount of energy – almost two to three times that of an adult cat! They also need about 30% of that energy to come from protein. Make sure that the food you are feeding them is specifically formulated for kittens to ensure that they are receiving all the important nutrients your fur baby needs to grow strong and healthy! Your kitten will need to eat kitten-specific food until it reaches maturity at about one year of age. Not sure what is best for your cat? Contact us at (615) 758-6406 to set up a health plan purr-fectly tailored to their needs!

Typically, puppies require about 6 to 10 hours of sleep daily. Every puppy is different, with some needing up to 20 hours a day to maintain their high levels of energy. However, by 16 weeks, most breeds will be able to sleep throughout the night. Daytime napping is perfectly healthy for your growing baby dog and is nothing to be concerned about. Sleep is essential for healthy development, and creating a schedule will help your pupper get the right balance of sleep and play time. New dog? 🐶 We can't wait to meet your furry family member! Schedule their visit today at (615) 758-6406.

Keeping your pet healthy requires a balanced diet, exercise, and scheduling your check-up appointments with us! We're here to help you confirm that your pet's well-being is at its best & solve any health issues they might be experiencing. Give us a call at (615) 758-6406!

As the weather gets warmer, we often have pet parents ask us what is considered normal in terms of their pets panting. Anything under 30 breaths per minute is considered normal, anything above 35 may be a cause for concern and is worth contacting us at (615) 758-6406.

Just like kids, dogs can also deal with separation anxiety. This can cause changes in behavior such as pacing, loss of appetite, destroying furniture, and excessive drooling and/or whining. To prevent them from experiencing this, try not to let them be alone for a long period of time, do daily exercise, and give them toys they enjoy! In some cases, your pet may need prescription medication. Have questions? Contact us today at (615) 758-6406.

Cats are nimble, flexible, and quick due to the 230 bones in their body! Despite having an additional 24 bones to that of humans, who only have 206, the skeleton of a cat is very similar to ours. Cats have 13 ribs while humans have 12, and both have clavicles, but unlike humans, they are unattached to other bones. Stay current with your cats' healthcare needs and schedule their appointment by calling (615) 758-6406.

This is so true! Does your pet like belly rubs? Where is your dog's favorite scratch pad? Share with us in the comments below!

We all want our homes to smell nice and clean; however, as pet owners, we have to be extra careful that whatever we are using isn’t harmful to our fur babies. Incense is dangerous to cats as their sense of smell is 14 times stronger than that of humans and the smell can be too intense for them to handle. It also produces smoke, which can be bad for their respiratory system and increase the risk of your cat developing asthma. Opt for cat-friendly methods of keeping your house smelling fresh and clean by dusting frequently, using baking soda to absorb odors, having fragrant plants such as rosemary or sage, or simmering a pot of water with cinnamon sticks, apples, or vanilla. Stay current with your cats' healthcare needs and schedule their appointment by calling (615) 758-6406.

At our pet wellness visits, we will examine your pet carefully, administer vaccines, and recommend further testing if necessary. Don't forget to schedule your visits in a timely manner, we can be reached at (615) 758-6406.

Has it been a while since we've seen you and your pet? Remember, after a cat or dog has reached one year of age, they generally just have to visit us once a year. During this annual vet visit, animals will have a complete physical to check for any signs of concern. Additionally, updated booster shots will be given during these visits as needed. We can't wait to see you and your pet soon! Schedule an appointment with us at (615) 758-6406!