Pets Struggling with Obesity
- It is important that there are appropriate levels of quality fat, carbohydrates, and proteins in your pets diet.
- It is important that your pets diet includes an appropriate level of quality grains. For most pets, a grain inclusive diet may be beneficial.
- It is important to ensure that your pets diet is balanced and contains all of the essential vitamins and minerals. Additional supplementation may be indicated based on individual needs.
- It is important to feed appropriate daily food amounts. Many food companies provide misleading quantity recommendations, in order to sell more product. Our staff is more than happy to help you calculate the appropriate daily caloric requirements for your pet!
- Daily exercise plays an important role in your pets health. Exercise also develops and maintains muscle, which plays an important role in the metabolism of calories.
- It is recommended to refrain from offering your pet table scraps. Certain human foods can be toxic to your pet, and will increase the number of calories your pet is consuming. Additionally, feeding your pet table scraps can lead to intestinal disorders, pancreatitis, and allergies.
We are fortunate that there are so many diet options available, but we know this can make it confusing and difficult for owners to choose the right one for their pet. In general, we advise owners to search for a diet with a single, quality, moderate-high level protein source, quality grain/carbohydrate source, and one that is complete and balanced. Other beneficial ingredients includes Taurine for heart and organ health, Carnitine for fat metabolism, Omega fatty acids as a source of antioxidants, and supplementation for joint support in senior pets. Typically, high quality diets will have a short ingredient list, and will list the ingredients you are looking for in the first five ingredients.
Simparica Trio is Now Available on MyVetStore
Zoetis offers an online rewards program for rebates! All you have to do is download a copy of your receipt, and receive a $25 rebate on 6 packs, and a $50 rebate on 12 packs.
Click the links below for more information!
Simparica Trio Rewards Information
Why is WVH Conducting Curbside Care?
Curbside veterinary care is currently recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as a way to achieve physical (social) distancing and limit the spread of COVID-19 in our industry.
While every curbside visit will look a little different, the general patterns is as follows:
- You call the hospital to schedule an appointment and provide a brief summary of your concerns.
- You may be asked to fill out our new patient form prior to your pet's appointment.
- Upon your arrival in the parking lot, you must call the reception desk to let us know you arrived.
- A technician will obtain pertinent information over the phone and meet you in the parking lot to retrieve your pet.
- Your concerns and pet's medical history are reviewed. Bringing a written list of concerns for the veterinary team can be a big help in conveying detailed information!
- The veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination on your pet. Depending on how your appointment has been scheduled, you may be asked to wait in your car during your pet's visit, or you may be given a pick-up time later in the day.
- The veterinarian will call you to discuss your pet's exam and provide information on the recommended diagnostics and treatment plan.
- Diagnostics and treatments are performed as authorized.
- Your pet is returned to you and payment is collected.
Exceptions to curbside care are rare. If the practice were to make an exception for one client, there may be another 20 clients that have will have an equally good reason to request an exception. The benefits of curbside care would quickly be lost in this scenario. The one exception to curbside care are euthanasias. This is an emotional time, and we strive to allow clients to be with their pets during euthanasia appointments, while following distancing and masking protocols.
With curbside care, it definitely helps to be prepared! It can be helpful to bring a written list of concerns to any sick appointments, and lists of medications and supplements to wellness visits. Be sure to include any pertinent information and any special requests. If you are bringing in a new patient, please be sure to fill out all of the required forms ahead of time. Being prepared for your visits will ensure you get the maximum time with the veterinarian during your pet's visit.
Any videos or images that pertain to your pet's visit may be emailed to our front desk at frontdesk@wvhcares.com. It can also be helpful to mark at lumps or bumps that need to be assessed with a washable marker.
Be sure to bring your cell phone to your visit! You will need your phone to alert the receptionist when you arrive, and to communicate with the veterinary team while your pet is in the hospital.
While curbside care may offer some unique challenges, it truly is in the best interest of you and your pets. Thank you to all of our clients for being flexible, patient, and understanding during this challenging time and please trust that we are doing our best to be as thorough and efficient as possible!
