When you think of a veterinarian, you likely picture routine check-ups, vaccinations, and perhaps the occasional emergency surgery. However, veterinarians offer a wide range of services that can benefit your pet in unexpected ways. Oliver Animal Hospital’s veterinarian in south Austin explains lesser-known veterinary services that can help ensure your four-legged friend stays happy and healthy.

The south Austin veterinarian can provide nutritional counseling

Ensuring your pet has a balanced and nutritious diet is crucial for their health and well-being. Pet nutrition can be complex, and each pet has their own unique dietary needs. Our team can help you navigate this difficult topic and offer professional nutritional counseling tailored to your pet’s specific requirements. We can help by:

  • Assessing nutritional needs — Your pet’s nutritional needs vary based on their age, breed, size, health status, and activity level. We can assess these factors and determine the best diet for your pet. For example, a growing puppy has different dietary requirements than a senior cat or an active, working dog.
  • Identifying and managing health conditions — Certain health conditions require special dietary considerations. Pets affected by kidney disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal (GI) issues, heart disease, and allergies, need carefully managed diets to control their signs and improve their quality of life. Our team can diagnose these conditions and recommend specific diets or therapeutic foods designed to effectively manage your pet’s health issues.
  • Weight management — Pet obesity is a common problem that can lead to severe health issues, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and arthritis. Our team can design a weight management program to help your pet lose their excess pounds. We will determine your pet’s ideal weight, set realistic weight loss goals, and recommend an appropriate diet and exercise routine that will achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

The south Austin veterinarian can provide behavioral counseling

Behavioral issues, such as urinating outside the litter box, barking excessively, aggression, and anxiety disorders, can be challenging and frustrating for pet owners and often lead to stress and strained relationships. Our team can offer effective behavioral counseling that will include:

  • Identifying underlying medical issues — Behavioral changes in pets are sometimes the result of a medical problem. For example, pain, hormonal imbalances, neurological conditions, and sensory impairment can cause sudden behavioral changes. Our team will perform a comprehensive health check to rule out or address any underlying medical condition that may be contributing to your pet’s behavioral problems.
  • Managing anxiety and stress — Anxiety and stress are common issues in pets and can often lead to behaviors such as excessive barking, destructive chewing, and inappropriate elimination. Our team can recommend anxiety-management strategies, such as providing a pet-safe space, calming aids such as pheromone diffusers, and environmental enrichment to reduce stress.
  • Referring to a specialist — If your pet’s behavioral issues are particularly complex, our team can refer you to a veterinary behaviorist or a certified professional dog trainer. These professionals have advanced animal behavior training and will work with us to provide intensive support and treatment.
  • Prescribing medication — In some cases, behavioral issues can benefit from medication. Our team can prescribe appropriate medications to help manage anxiety and other behavioral problems. 

The south Austin veterinarian can provide grooming services

Grooming is an essential pet care component of your four-legged friend’s overall health and well-being. Our veterinary team is well-equipped to provide services that ensure your pet is groomed in a safe and medically sound manner. Considerations include:

  • Health assessment — Our team will perform a thorough health assessment to identify health issues, such as skin conditions or painful joints, that may affect the grooming process.
  • Professional bathing — Our team can provide professional bathing services, using medicated products that cater to specific skin conditions.
  • Nail trimming — We can ensure your pet’s nails are trimmed safely, avoiding damaging the quick and causing bleeding or pain. We can also care for ingrown nails and nail disorders, such as fungal infections.
  • Ear cleaning — Our team can clean your pet’s ears thoroughly, removing debris and wax buildup while checking for issues such as infection, parasites, and foreign objects.
  • Anal gland expression — Anal gland expression is necessary for pets with impacted or infected anal glands. Our team can safely perform this procedure to prevent discomfort and infection.
  • Dental care — Dental care is an important aspect of overall pet hygiene. Our team can perform thorough professional dental examinations and cleanings and provide at-home dental care advice. 

Our veterinary team is a valuable resource beyond routine check-ups and emergency care. By taking advantage of these unexpected services, you can ensure your pet enjoys a healthier, happier life. Contact Oliver Animal Hospital’s veterinarian in south Austin to schedule your pet’s appointment.