Obesity is proving to be as much of a health challenge for pets as for humans in the United States. Untreated obesity contributes to a host of serious health conditions and shortens the lifespan of your pet as well as compromising their quality of life.
Nutrition plays a critical role in your pet’s overall health and well-being. Did you know that your pet’s nutritional needs change with age and activity level? Do you know the amount of calories your pet should have each day and whether you are over or underfeeding? Nutritional counseling and a customized diet for your pet play a key role in the management and prevention of kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and other health issues. Most often, pets become overweight due to the diet choices made for them by their owners. This not only includes a poor diet, but also a lack of exercise.
Feeding your pet a nutritionally dense diet is essential for maintaining optimal health for every pet. The massive selection of pet foods available in your pet store can be overwhelming. Many pet owners take for granted that all of those selections provide a balanced and nutrient-dense diet for their furry companions. Our staff is here to walk you through the process of sorting out the info on a pet food nutrition label, learning which ingredients are healthy and which are unhealthy for your pet.
Additionally, there are cases where pets may be suffering from food allergies. Pet owners may be unknowingly contributing to their pet’s food sensitivities by feeding them the wrong foods. Symptoms of food sensitivities can include:
Knowing the symptoms of allergies and food sensitivities is important when formulating your pet’s diet. Scheduling an appointment for nutritional counseling with your vet can help you choose the healthiest foods for your pet.
Whether your pet has special dietary needs or simply needs to shed a few pounds, the veterinarians at Avondale Animal Hospital are will partner with you to maintain your pet’s health. We offer counseling in food selection and feeding practices for pets during various life stages, such as growth, pregnancy, nursing and the “golden years.” If your pet has a medical condition, such as heart disease, bladder stones, diabetes or kidney failure, we can help you select a complementary diet. All of our programs are designed to safely lower your pet’s weight without starvation or cruelty. We offer multiple choices and you are able to choose the options you think best fit you and your pet’s lifestyle.
Giving your pet a balanced and healthy diet is the first step you can take, before medications and medical treatments, in order to keep them in optimal health. Contact us at Avondale Animal Hospital to learn more about nutritional counseling for pets in Birmingham, Alabama
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