Your veterinarian plays an essential role in your pet’s health and well-being, but they can help with much more than your pet’s annual wellness examination. From ensuring your pet’s food meets their nutritional needs, to demonstrating how to brush your pet’s teeth while keeping your fingers intact, your veterinarian is there to support you and your four-legged friend through every life stage. We give you four unexpected ways your Creature Comforts Veterinary Service veterinarian can help your pet.
#1: Nutritional counseling for your pet
Do you ever wonder what you should or shouldn’t feed your pet? Do you feel inundated with food choices when you are at the pet store? Deciding what to feed your pet can be overwhelming. Your first resource for this important decision should be your veterinarian, who can answer any questions you have about your pet’s diet, including:
- What basic nutrients does my pet need?
- How many calories should my pet eat per day?
- Does my pet need any supplements?
- Which pet food is best for my pet’s unique health needs?
#2: Weight monitoring for your pet
More than half the American pet population is overweight or obese, which increases their risk of many weight-related health issues. Unfortunately, many pet owners are unaware that their pet is too heavy, so it’s important that your pet be examined regularly by your veterinarian, who will evaluate your pet’s weight using a combination of their body weight and their body condition score (BCS). Your veterinarian will also look for conditions in your pet, such as arthritis pain and joint or soft tissue injury, that may have reduced mobility and caused weight gain, and hormone-related disorders, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease, that can slow metabolism. Your veterinarian can also recommend a customized diet and exercise plan to help your pet reach and maintain a healthy weight.
#3: Training resources for your pet
If you are concerned about your pet’s behavior, you should first visit your veterinarian so they can rule out any underlying health condition. Then, your veterinarian can provide insight into other contributors to your pet’s behavior issues, such as stress, discomfort, or inadequate exercise and mental stimulation. They can also provide training resources and recommend a pet behaviorist or certified positive reinforcement trainer who you can work with you to address your pet’s behavior issues.
#4: Grooming guidance for your pet
Some pet owners prefer to leave pet grooming to the professionals, and others prefer to tackle these tasks at home. However, every breed and species requires different grooming, and you should consult with your veterinarian to determine your pet’s specific needs.
- Nail trimming — Long nails can cause your pet discomfort and often pain, so it’s important to keep their nails trimmed. Nail trimming can be nerve-wracking, but your veterinarian can show you the correct technique, the appropriate length to cut your pet’s nails, and how to avoid the sensitive quick (i.e., the soft cuticle-like structure at the nail’s center that contains a blood vessel and nerve).
- Toothbrushing — Periodontal disease is one of the most commonly diagnosed pet diseases. Fortunately, daily toothbrushing with a pet-specific toothpaste can help prevent plaque and tartar buildup on your furry pal’s teeth. Pets also need regular oral exams and dental cleanings to keep the tooth structure below the gum line healthy. During your pet’s dental exam, your veterinarian can provide tips on introducing your pet to a toothbrush and how to brush most effectively, which involves focusing on the outer, cheek-side surface of the teeth, since your pet’s tongue usually does a good job of removing plaque on the inner surface.
- Anal gland expression — Many pets involuntarily express their anal glands, but some need their glands manually expressed, which is a smelly—and sometimes messy—part of grooming that is best left to a veterinary professional. Incorrect techniques can cause your pet pain or serious harm, and our team is trained to perform this task safely and effectively.
You and your veterinarian are a team who work together to ensure your pet enjoys a happy, healthy, and long life, and we are always happy to answer your questions about your pet. Contact Creature Comforts Veterinary Service if you have any concerns, or to schedule your pet’s next wellness exam.
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