Nutritional Counseling

Nutritional Counseling

Nutrition is one of the most important factors in maintaining good health. Obesity can shorten your pet’s life span by 25%, impair the heart, cause digestive distress, and lead to chronic conditions like arthritis. Did you know…

• Over 60% of pets, 3 years and older, are overweight?
• Maintaining a pet at his/her ideal body weight can improve life expectancy by 20%? That means a 10 year old fit dog could live an extra 2 years at the right weight!
• Many skin problems have a nutritional component to them?
• Many gastrointestinal disturbances can be linked to inappropriate diet, or allergies to certain foods?

When we examine your pet, we will evaluate their nutritional status and make specific recommendations regarding proper nutrition for your pet. We have a variety of prescription diets for each life stage and medical condition that we may be faced with.

A few tips to keep your pet at a healthy weight…

1. Avoid feeding table scraps and excessive treats.
2. Instead of filling the bowl, use amounts recommended.
3. Observe your pet over time to see if you need to adjust the amount of food given in order to maintain ideal body condition.
4. Observe your pets figure. In most breeds, you should not be able to see the ribs but feel them without having to apply significant pressure.
5. Exercise! 30-60 minutes a day of activity keeps your pet mentally and physically satisfied.