Elk River Veterinary Care

05/14/2026

Some friendships are sweet, some are silly, and some are a little bit of both. We’d love to know, does your pet have a bestie at home? Tell us in the comments! 💛🐾

05/12/2026

Dehydration can sneak up on pets faster than many people realize, especially during hot weather or when they’ve been vomiting or having diarrhea. ☀️🐶 Common signs to watch for include dry or sticky gums, tiredness, sunken eyes, a decreased appetite, heavy panting, and skin that doesn’t bounce back quickly when gently lifted.

If your pet seems off, isn’t drinking well, or is showing several of these signs, it’s a good idea to have them checked sooner rather than later.

05/11/2026

We may buy the food, scoop the litter box, and pay the vet bills… but let’s be honest, the cat runs the house 😸
What’s your cat’s favorite way of bossing you around?

05/10/2026

05/08/2026

Keeping your pet healthy starts with the right information 🐾 From nutrition and parasite prevention to behavior, mobility, and everyday wellness, small questions can make a big difference in your pet’s care. That’s why we’re always happy to help guide you with trusted, veterinary-based advice.

If your pet is a current patient and you have questions about their health, call (931) 240-4001, we’re here to help.

05/07/2026

Cats have around 230 bones, while humans have 206. 🐱🦴 Those extra bones, especially in the spine and tail, help give cats their amazing flexibility, balance, and jumping ability. It’s one of the reasons they can twist, stretch, and squeeze into spaces that seem impossibly small.

Cats are built for agility, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to injury. If your cat is limping, reluctant to jump, or moving differently than usual, it may be time for an exam. Call (931) 240-4001 if you have questions about your cat’s mobility or wellness.

05/06/2026

Big News: Expanded Hours + Urgent Care Now Available! 🐾

We’re excited to share that we’re growing to serve you and your pets even better!

Starting June 1st, our updated hours will be:
Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

✨ What’s new?
We are now offering urgent care appointments during the day AND during these extended hours—so when your pet needs prompt attention for unexpected illness or minor emergencies, we are here for you!

No more rushing, waiting days, or heading out of town to the ER—quality care is now available when you need it most!

📞 Call us at 931-240-4001 to schedule or ask about urgent care availability. Walk-ins welcome! Calling ahead so we can be better prepared to serve you and your pet preferred!

We’re proud to continue providing high-quality, personalized care—now with more convenience for you and your pets! 🐶 🐈 🐾

05/05/2026

Open play with your dog is safest when they have reliable recall, respond to basic cues, and are in a secure, enclosed area. 🐶 Before unclipping the leash, make sure your dog will come when called, can refocus on you around distractions, and is not likely to run toward people, wildlife, roads, or other dogs.

If your dog tends to ignore cues, bolt, guard toys, or become overstimulated, more training may be needed before off-leash play is a good idea. A good rule of thumb: if you’re not confident you can call your dog back right away, it’s not the right time for open play yet. Questions about safe exercise, behavior, or whether your dog is ready for more freedom? Call (931) 240-4001.

05/04/2026

Not all store-bought bones are safe for dogs. 🦴 Some are hard enough to crack teeth or cause choking, stomach upset, or blockages. When choosing a chew, look for one that matches your dog’s size and chewing style, and avoid anything too hard or easy to swallow. Not sure which chews are safest? We’re here to help, call us at (931) 240-4001 for our vets’ recommendations.

05/01/2026

Dog parks can be fun, but they’re not risk-free. Before you go, make sure your dog is up to date on vaccines and parasite prevention. Once there, watch for signs of stress like stiff posture, staring, or rough play. Bring water, supervise closely, and don’t be afraid to leave if your dog seems overwhelmed. A safe visit is always better than a stressful one.

Questions about whether the dog park is a good fit for your pet? Call (931) 240-4001.

05/01/2026

🐾 Join Us in Welcoming Our Newest Associate Veterinarian! 🐾

We are so very excited to introduce the newest member of the Elk River Veterinary Care team, Dr. Kendall Gunderson!

Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Dr. Gunderson completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Kentucky before earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University (Class of 2024).

Her professional interests include urgent care and emergency medicine, critical care, toxicology, surgery, and shelter medicine—bringing a well-rounded and compassionate approach to patient care.

When she’s not in the clinic, you can find her fishing, baking, or traveling. At home, she stays busy with her three Labrador Retrievers—Oakley, Duke, and Gunner—and even two cows, Chewy and Tater!

We’re thrilled to have her on board and can’t wait for you and your pets to meet her in just a couple weeks!

🐶💙