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Dogs and Kids

The image of your child and dog as inseparable, best friends is a great one that we'd all love to be reality. With the right awareness, our children and pets CAN have the wonderful relationships we hope for. Here are some tips that all families with children and dogs will want to know.

4.7 million people are bitten by a dog each year according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
No child under age five should be left alone with any dog. Not even for a minute. The age may be even older depending on personalities. Young children do not yet understand that a particular action may be hurt a dog. Their innocent tail pulling could lead to aggression or fear and become a recipe for disaster. Supervise all young children when around dogs, even the most gentle pet.

Do your homework.
Research which breeds best suit your family. Pay attention to genetics. Just because you pick a Golden Retriever doesn't mean he will be exactly like your neighbor's Golden Retriever. Assess the dog's personality and that of his parents. All puppies should go through a puppy socialization class. More time invested with your new puppy now will make him a cherished member of your family for years to come.

If you have an older dog, it's not too late.
All dogs will benefit from training. Have the whole family attend the classes. This way, everyone will know the same commands and how to enforce them. Training will be much more successful if you're all on the same page. Consider using a Gentle Leader or Halti when walking and training your dog. These are head collars that use gentle pressure. They are wonderful for controlling pulling and even a small child will be able to walk the dog safely if used correctly.

Neutered dogs may be less likely to bite.
Dogs can harbor parasites that are of particular concern to children. Hookworms and roundworms can be transmitted to people. In some cases, they can even lead to blindness in humans. Hookworms and roundworms are intestinal parasites that dogs get from the ground where other infected dogs have defecated.

Children are more prone to ingesting the worm eggs and larvae unknowingly.
Infected dogs will shed eggs and larvae in their stool. A child who has played in that area is at risk for infection if they put their unwashed hands in their mouths. Keep your dog on monthly heartworm preventative year round. It controls hookworm and roundworm infection in your dog.

Ticks can carry diseases, like Lyme disease and Ehrlichia, to which humans are susceptible.
The fix for this is to Keep your dog on monthly flea and tick preventative. The risk of an infected tick detaching itself from your dog and attaching to the child will be greatly decreased. Many problems can be prevented by following simple steps. Your children and dogs can have a lifetime of safe, healthy friendship and companionship!

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Top Ten Dog Books for Kids

Books about dogs have entertained us for decades. Here are some of our favorites!

1. The Poky Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey

2. Clifford the Big Red Dog Scholastic Series

3. Biscuit Storybook Collection by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

4. Henry and Mudge: The First Book series by Cynthia Rylant

5. A Day in the Life of Murphy by Alice Provensen

6. Walter the Farting Dog by William Katzwinkle and Glenn Murray

7. Sally Goes to the Vet by Stephen Huneck

8. Lassie Come Home by Eric Knight

9. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

10. The Call of the Wild by Jack London

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Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:30 am-1:00 pm

2:00 pm-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-1:00 pm

2:00 pm-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-1:00 pm

2:00 pm-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-1:00 pm

2:00 pm-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-1:00 pm

2:00 pm-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "I love Callahan Drive Animal Hospital! Best Veterinarian & Staff in Knoxville been going here for 15 years ! Only place I trust with my fur babies ! Everyone is helpful and friendly and they really care about your animals highly recommend !"
    Tracy S.
  • "Took my 3 y/o tortoise recently and I was pleasantly surprised. Not only was the vet knowledgeable and kind, but the overall visit (including an x-ray) was reasonably priced. I definitely recommend and I will be returning for future services"
    Valerie B.
  • "This group loves animals! Everyone is so kind and helpful! This Vet loves sharing information too! Wouldn’t go anywhere else!"
    Karen W.
  • "This is the best vet I’ve ever took my dog to I couldn’t see myself going anywhere else they took very good care of my son and I feel so much better knowing exactly what’s wrong with him very very sweet staff thank you soooooooo much Dr.Hilla and staff"
    Diane J.
  • "Doc Villa ALWAYS takes care of Studly Dudley!! I will ALWAYS recommend Callahan Drive Animal Hospital & their entire team as they truly do care for your animal in the same way you do!! Dr Villa has cared for Dudley for most of his SIXTEEN years & he’s still happy, healthy & strong!! I strongly believe, Stud has made it to this old age so gracefully due to the care he’s been given with this facility!! I would not trust another team than Callahan Animal with my “first child”, the only place for us to go!! Highly recommended!!"
    Lauren H.
  • "10/10 experience was even better than hoped for. As a snake owner, you hear things about vets that make you question taking them and it was very comforting and nice to have someone who not only helped but took the time to talk about caring for them properly. Thank you guys so much!"
    Lydia B