Your veterinarian may be a family friend or someone you see only sporadically. Most pet owners know that a veterinarian’s traditional role includes providing medical care for sick or injured animals, including diagnosis and treatment, performing surgeries, and vaccinating against diseases. But, you may be surprised that veterinarians can offer pets and their owners various services beyond primary medical care. 

Your veterinary team at Palm City Animal Medical Center advocates for your pet, so we encourage you to seek our advice on the following topics. 

Addressing problem behaviors in pets

Sadly, more pets are relinquished to shelters for behavioral problems than for any other reason, and typically the problems arise because of lack of training. If your pet is aggressive, fearful, eliminating improperly, demand barking, or has separation anxiety or other behavioral challenges, your veterinarian can help. Veterinarians are experts in behavioral support for pet owners, including desensitization and counterconditioning for fearful pets, training for behavioral issues, and recommendations for reducing separation anxiety. 

  • Desensitization and counterconditioning for fearful pets — Sometimes, pets experience events that cause fear and uncertainty, and your veterinarian is well-versed in these issues and can offer guidance on helping your pet overcome their fear. Positive reinforcement training can benefit your pet but requires skills and techniques, which your veterinarian can discuss. 
  • Training advice for behavioral issues — If your pet has a specific behavioral problem that you find difficult to change, your veterinarian can help you with ideas and advice on addressing the problem. Veterinarians also are connected to other behavior professionals, such as trainers and veterinary behaviorists, and can refer you if necessary.
  • Recommendations for reducing separation anxiety — Separation anxiety is debilitating for many pets, but they can be helped. Talk to your veterinarian about training techniques, pheromones, supplements, and anti-anxiety aids.

Providing nutrition guidance for pets 

Good nutrition is the foundation of every pet’s optimal health. However, with so many choices on the market today, not to mention many online “expert” opinions, it’s no wonder pet owners are confused when deciding what to feed their pet. Our veterinary team can offer nutritional guidance by customizing a diet for your pet based on their specific health conditions and lifestyle, assist with dietary adjustments, and recommend appropriate treats and supplements. Our customized diet will also include appropriate portion sizes and calorie amounts to keep your pet at their optimal weight. 

Weight management assistance for pets

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, more than 50% of U.S. pets are overweight, which can lead to various health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. Our veterinary team will assess your pet’s weight and body condition score and, if necessary, recommend a tailored weight loss program that keeps their health in mind. We may recommend a diet change, regular weight checks, food and treat intake measuring, and an exercise program to slim down your pet and improve their health. 

Grooming support and husbandry information for pet owners

Some pet owners prefer that their veterinarian take care of their pet’s grooming needs. Others like to care for their pets themselves, and our veterinary team will gladly teach you how to trim their nails and clean their ears, as well as essential pet first aid skills. If your pet becomes pregnant, your veterinarian is an invaluable resource on caring for the pregnant mother, being prepared for their labor and delivery and what they require during the birth, and giving the puppies and kittens a great start in life. 

Mental health and environmental enrichment in pets 

Not only is your pet’s physical health essential, but also their emotional and mental health. Veterinarians can play a crucial role in supporting your pet’s mental health and general well-being through environmental enrichment and mental stimulation. They can recommend the most mentally stimulating toys and activities, especially for indoor pets and seniors who are less active. They will likely suggest puzzle feeders, interactive games, and teaching new tricks, which all provide excellent mental exercise, no matter their age. Our veterinarian can also offer advice on creating enriched living spaces for your pet, such as pheromones and white noise that can help them relax.  

End-of-life counseling for pet owners

When our beloved pets are in their final life stage, veterinarians are crucial in providing end-of-life counseling and support and can offer valuable guidance on palliative care to ease your pet’s discomfort or pain and the difficult decision of euthanasia. They can help you with compassion and understanding to navigate this deeply emotional time.

You may not have realized the many ways your veterinarian can help your pet. We encourage you to ask our veterinary team for advice on any pet-related subject. Call our team at Palm City Animal Medical Center to schedule an appointment and learn the many ways we can help your pet live a happy and healthy life.