Diet: The Right Stuff
Nutrition is an important part of your pet’s life. Just like humans, your pet’s dietary needs can be as individual as they are. The staff at Whitworth Animal Clinic can make recommendations on diets for puppies and kittens all the way up to the geriatric years.
Growing Dogs & Seniors Have Special Needs
Proper diet is important for growing puppies and kittens in order for them to get the vitamins and nutrients needed since they are so active. As they become adults, a proper maintenance diet is recommended so that they do not eat an excess of calories since their metabolism and sometimes activity level change. There are also special diets if a certain need arises in your pet’s life. For instance, if you notice that your animal is lethargic, extremely thirsty, or urinating frequently these are all common signs that he or she may have diabetes.
Overweight Pets Are Not Healthy
Obesity can also become a serious medical problem. As one of the most common nutritional medical disorders affecting companion animals, obesity lessens pets’ quality of life and leaves them more at risk for surgery, more prone to injury, and with more stress on heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and joints. Excess weight can even worsen osteoarthritis and cause respiratory problems in hot weather and during exercise. Common factors that can lead to obesity include overfeeding, age, breed, gender, thyroid disease, hormonal abnormalities, and inadequate amounts of exercise.
Obesity in your pet can also lead to diabetes. Dr. Whitworth offers a wide range of veterinary diets for Madison area pet owners. Please call our staff with concerns or for information on specific needs for your pet. Whitworth is a full-service vet clinic. We not only take care of your pet’s health. We board and groom animals too.