Nutrition Consultations

Animal Doctor provides nutrition consultations based on your pet’s age. We accept referrals and provide second opinions.

Description: One of the biggest contributors to your pet’s health is their diet. Not only does diet contribute to weight gain or loss, but it also contributes to overall health and well-being. Choosing the right diet can be tough as each pet is different and has different needs. We are very open to discussing nutritional concerns with our clients about their pets so that we can improve the well-being of their lives.

Symptoms & What to look for: Most commonly nutritional concerns affect appetite, weight, mobility, growth, defecation, and emesis (vomiting). However, many times diet could be contributing to issues that we may not be aware of.  

How does it happen? Some of the major things to watch for are excessive weight loss or weight gain, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, general lethargy, and issues with skin. However, diet can always be improved and we would love to help you find the best options for your pet!

What questions do we ask?

  • Has your pet changed weight dramatically over a short period of time?
  • How is his/her appetite?
  • What brand and type of food are you feeding? How much per day? Any table scraps/ treats?
  • How is your pet’s thirst and urination?
  • Has your pet exhibited any vomiting?
  • Has your pet exhibited any diarrhea?
  • What have you tried at home?
  • Are you noticing lethargy or any other behavioral changes at home?
  • Is the patient on any medications? Include dosage and frequency.
  • What heartworm prevention are you using and how often are you giving it?
  • What flea/tick prevention are you giving and how frequently are you giving it?

What steps do we take to treat your pet?

  • Depending on the extensive history and physical examination, this will drive our priorities in treating your pet.
  • Some metabolic diseases can affect physical condition and eating habits so blood testing may be recommended.
  • Dietary recommendations will be made based on our findings and discussion of how to implement the plan will take place.

How do we arrive at a diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan?

  • This is all dependent on our physical exam and extensive conversation in regards to the patient’s relevant history.

Animal Doctor Nutrition Consultations potential treatment plans?

  • Mainly dietary and exercise recommendations with routine weight checks or bloodwork will be recommended. However, if there is a broader issue at hand in regards to metabolic disease or digestive conditions, other treatment options will be discussed including oral medications, injections, topical medications, or surgery.

What are the risks if nutrition is left unmanaged?

Excessive weight gain or a diet high in fat can contribute to other health issues such as diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, arthritis, pancreatitis, among many other issues.

Excessive weight loss can lead to other medical conditions such as liver issues, gastrointestinal conditions, heart issues, among others as well.

Not getting to the bottom of the issue for the cause of the physical condition can only decrease the prognosis of the patient and increase the trouble of treatment with the patient.