Nutritional Counseling
Everyone knows that people should eat a balanced diet. We want to make sure that we get all of the right nutrients for our needs. Your pets deserve the same consideration. They have unique nutritional needs, too. Many pet owners do not consider these needs when shopping for pet food, but they should. That is where pet nutrition counseling comes in. At Village Veterinary Clinic in Burke, we offer top-quality pet care, including pet nutrition counseling weight management. Below are some of the important reasons for getting nutritional counseling for your pet.
Weight Management
Proper weight management is one of the more frequent concerns people have when bringing their pets to a veterinarian. Pet obesity, in particular, is a common problem. Just like people, pets can get more sedentary as they get older, and excess weight becomes an issue. Poor or inappropriate nutrition is also linked to a number of problems, as discussed below. Under these circumstances, it may become necessary to adjust a pet’s nutritional requirements to ensure proper hydration, a balanced diet, healthy weight, and optimal health for your furry friend.
Obesity in pets can impact joint pain and disease. It has been linked to many types of cancer, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, hypertension, osteoarthritis, and a faster degeneration of affected joints. It may also predispose a pet to urinary bladder stones and can pose anesthetic complications as pets are less heat tolerant. Poor nutrition and obesity may also contribute to a pet’s difficulty in fighting infectious diseases. Or, it may be an indicator of diseases such as an underactive thyroid gland or overactive adrenal glands (Cushing’s disease). By visiting an animal clinic that specializes in nutrition and weight management, you can prevent some serious health problems for your furry friend.
Allergies and Skin Conditions
Our veterinarians see many pets with allergies and skin conditions that can make them miserable. Medication can provide relief, but it could be your pet’s food that is causing the reaction. With nutritional counseling, we can pin down the food-related culprit and make recommendations for new food options.
Personalized Nutrition
For weight management, allergies, and other health conditions, a one-size-fits-all solution may not work for your pet. All pets have similarities with the other members of their breed and species, but each pet has its own unique needs, too. What works for one animal may not work for another. Many factors come into plan, including age, genetics, routine, and more.
Our veterinarians will help you personalize your pet’s nutrition plan to meet her or her needs. We will talk to you about goals and concerns for your pet, recommend a plan, help you implement that plan, and then follow up with you in case you have any questions.
Get Pet Nutritional Counseling in Burke, VA
Having a healthy, happy pet means giving it the nutrition it needs. If you are concerned about your pet’s weight or other health conditions, contact our veterinarians at Village Veterinary Clinic. Our animal clinic offers personalized nutritional counseling for all kinds of pets. Let us help you find the right food plan for your furry friend. Call our team today at 703-978-8655 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.