Nutritional Counseling is Important For Dogs

Every dog is unique. Nutritional counseling addresses the age, physical condition, breed, illnesses, and other characteristics of your dog. It’s hard to know the best way to feed your pet. A veterinarian is trained to the science of nutrition They are trained in the science of nutrition. Feeding your pet the right food can keep them healthy during their lifetime. Nutritional counseling addresses nutritional deficiencies, skin and coat disorders, obesity, allergies, and many different illnesses.

The right dog food and supplements can help manage chronic illness in dogs and keep them healthy. Nutritional counseling is used to manage serious illnesses like kidney disease, cancer, food allergies, weight problems, and even behavioral issues. When you go for nutritional counseling, providing a detailed diet history of what your pet eats helps the vet determine the best diet for your pet. Nutritional counseling can help your dog live a long healthy life.

Diet History of Your Dog

Know the ingredients in the pet food your dog eats and be able to tell the vet. Is it dry, moist or canned? Is it grain free or organic? Does it contain fruits and vegetable, by product or additives? Do you feed your pet commercial dog food or prepare the meals yourself? List the ingredients that you use for home cooked meals. Write down the brand of dog food, type and even flavor. Some dog foods, treats, and supplements can contribute to health problems. Even home cooked meals can be deficient in the right nutrients. A diet history can help the vet determine the best diet for your dog. Don’t forget to include treats you feed your pet commercial or table scrapes, dental products, medications and dietary supplements.

Your vet needs this information to recommend the right pet foods for your dog and make a sound nutritional assessment. The nutritional analysis is a complicated process. Your dogs age, physical condition, illnesses and other factors will determine the end result. Each dog will receive a customized diet for their particular needs.

Nutritional Counseling Helps Pets With Health Problems

Nutritional counseling helps to find the best diet for your dog. One examples is a special diet is used to dissolve bladder stones in some dogs. When a dog has bladder stones, the vet will tell you to have your dog drink more water and strive to reduce ingredients and foods that cause kidney stones. This diets include protein, minerals, and more water. Your vet will recommend treat options that are good for your pet. Often though, stones have to be removed surgically and cannot always be dissolved by diet.

When your dog suffers from kidney disease, a special diet helps. The vet will often recommend a diet low in phosphorous. It is believed to slow the disease and improve chances of survival. This diet stresses eating lower amounts of protein to reduce the buildup of waste products. Diets for kidney disease are low in sodium and low in acid. That is why nutritional counseling for pets helps maintain their health.

Your vets diet analysis will help them determine the best nutritional diet for your dog when they have a chronic illness. A customized diet that meets your dog’s special needs is important. To learn more about how we can help you at Radford Hills Animal Clinic, visit our website or give us a call to book an appointment!

Testimonials

Everyone that works there are so nice! They love all the pets that come into the office. We lost our 14 year old Border Collie Oreo and they were... read more

Denise I.

I have known Dr Leavell for many years. He is a great man and a very intelligent and compassionate veterinarian. If you want top care for your pet... read more

Victoria W.

Dr. Leavell is so wonderful. I can tell he loves animals and that’s great because I put my fur babies in his care! Dr. Leavell and his staff are... read more

Heather C.

Dr. Leavell has been our families vet for years, this was my first visit. Not only was he patient and gentle with my dog but he answered all of my... read more

Ashely S.

Dr. Leavell and his staff are so caring and knowledgeable. Our fur babies are our babies, and we wouldn't trust them with anyone... read more

Sandie R.

Denise I.

Everyone that works there are so nice! They love all the pets that come into the office. We lost our 14 year old Border Collie Oreo and they were so Loving and Caring to arrange Cremation for us. They Treated us so kind and even sent a card to us. They are now taking care of my Grand-dog. I would highly recommend them to anyone!

Victoria W.

I have known Dr Leavell for many years. He is a great man and a very intelligent and compassionate veterinarian. If you want top care for your pet you would be wise to choose Radford Hills.

Heather C.

Dr. Leavell is so wonderful. I can tell he loves animals and that’s great because I put my fur babies in his care! Dr. Leavell and his staff are amazing. Amos, Floyd and I thank you all for everything you do!!

Ashely S.

Dr. Leavell has been our families vet for years, this was my first visit. Not only was he patient and gentle with my dog but he answered all of my questions and more, gave me recommendations for my dog and his care and the prices were very good. The entire staff was wonderful and now I know why he's the family vet!

Sandie R.

Dr. Leavell and his staff are so caring and knowledgeable. Our fur babies are our babies, and we wouldn't trust them with anyone else.

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