Pet Diet & Nutritional Counseling at Wickham Animal Hospital in Vero Beach FL
At Wickham Animal Hospital & Boarding in Melbourne, Florida, we believe a healthy diet is the foundation of a long, happy life for your pet. Nutrition impacts everything from energy levels and weight management to disease prevention and recovery. That is why our veterinarians offer personalized nutritional counseling, prescription foods, and weight management programs designed to meet the unique needs of dogs and cats at every stage of life.
Why Diet Matters for Pets
Just like humans, pets thrive when they receive balanced nutrition. A proper diet supports healthy growth, strengthens the immune system, maintains muscle tone, and keeps organs functioning at their best. Poor nutrition can contribute to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and digestive issues. With so many pet food options available today, it can be overwhelming for owners to know what is truly best. That is where our veterinary team steps in.
Nutritional Counseling: Guidance for Every Pet
Every pet is different. Age, breed, activity level, and medical history all play a role in determining the right diet. Our veterinarians provide nutritional counseling to help pet owners make informed decisions about food choices. During a consultation, we evaluate your pet’s current diet, discuss health concerns, and recommend adjustments to align with your pet’s needs.
For puppies and kittens, we focus on growth and development. For senior pets, we emphasize joint health, kidney support, and maintaining lean muscle. Pets with chronic conditions such as diabetes, allergies, or gastrointestinal disorders benefit from specialized diets to target specific health challenges. Our goal is to create a nutrition plan to support long-term wellness and prevent disease before it starts.
Prescription Foods: Advanced Nutrition
We offer prescription diets when over-the-counter pet foods are not enough. These foods are scientifically designed to address medical conditions, provide therapeutic benefits, and improve the quality of life.
Prescription diets may be recommended for:
- Kidney disease: Low-protein, low-phosphorus formulas reduce strain on the kidneys
- Diabetes: Diets used to regulate blood sugar and promote a healthy weight
- Allergies: Limited-ingredient or hydrolyzed protein diets to reduce allergic reactions
- Urinary health: Formulas used to prevent bladder stones and promote proper urinary pH
- Cardiac disease: Diets with controlled sodium and added nutrients for heart support
Our veterinarians work closely with pet owners to select the right prescription food and monitor progress, adjusting recommendations as needed.
Weight Management: Helping Pets
Pet obesity is one of the most common health issues seen. Extra weight increases the risk of arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and even certain cancers. At Wickham Animal Hospital, we provide weight management programs combined with diet, exercise, and regular monitoring to help pets reach and maintain a healthy weight loss.
Wickham Animal Hospital begins with a body condition assessment to determine if your pet is overweight or underweight. From there, we design a customized plan to include portion control, calorie-appropriate foods, and safe activity recommendations. Regular weigh-ins and progress checks keep owners motivated and ensure pets stay on track. We celebrate every milestone, from the first pound to long-term maintenance.
Partnering with Pet Owners
Pet food labels are often confusing, and marketing claims don’t always reflect true nutritional value. That is why our veterinarians take the time to explain options clearly, answer questions, and provide ongoing support. Whether you are navigating puppy nutrition, managing a senior cat’s weight, or dealing with a chronic condition, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
A Commitment to Health & Happiness
At Wickham Animal Hospital & Boarding, our mission is simple: keep pets happy, healthy, and thriving. Through nutritional counseling, prescription foods, and weight management programs, we empower pet owners to make the best choices for their companions. By combining compassionate care with advanced veterinary knowledge, we help pets live longer, healthier lives.
If you are ready to take the next step in your pet’s health journey, schedule a nutritional consultation with our team today. Together, we will create a diet plan that supports your pet’s unique needs and ensures they enjoy every stage of life.