The Importance of Nutrition for Pets in Canton
Today's pets have it pretty easy because of the sheer variety of commercial food preparations, or in some cases, "human food" available to them. That leaves you, the owner, with some confusing choices to make. What should you feed your pet, how much, and how often? How much should your pet weigh, and what do you do if he is obese? Fortunately, we can provide the necessary answers and (if necessary) treatment right here at Acres Mill Veterinary Clinic in Canton, GA!
You'd be surprised at the sheer scale of the pet obesity epidemic sweeping the country. More than 50 percent of all pets are packing excess pounds, and those pounds can lead to a slew of health problems. Extra stress on the weight-bearing joints, for instance, can cause premature arthritis, while systemic killers such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer and organ failure have all been linked to obesity. Keeping your pet at a healthy weight is therefore critical if you want him to enjoy a long, healthy, happy life. Unfortunately, too many pets are eating scraps off their owners' tables -- and these foods contain far too much fat, sugar and sodium for their needs. (Some human foods, such as garlic and chocolate, can even have toxic effects on animals.)
That doesn't mean that all commercial pet food is automatically a better choice though. Many of these preparations contain unhealthy additives, fillers, and occasionally even contaminants that prompt a product recall. Your pet might also be allergic to a common ingredient in pet food, which may cause everything from dermatitis (skin irritation and itching) to respiratory problems. All of these factors can make caring your pet a real challenge, unless you have the right guidance.
Nutritional Counseling and Programs from Our Canton, GA Veterinarian
Our skilled team at Acres Mill Veterinary Clinic can provide precisely that kind of guidance and care. Our Canton, GA veterinarian can weigh your pet to determine whether he is too heavy for his age and breed. If he needs to lose weight, we can recommend a healthy diet, feeding schedule and 
exercise routine to help him slim down safely and maintain his trim new look for life.
Are you confused about what products are healthy for your pet? We'll be happy to recommend pet food formulations prepared by trustworthy companies that have a genuine veterinary nutritionist on staff. If your pet exhibits signs of a food allergy, we can identify the culprit by administering an elimination diet, a method of substituting one ingredient at a time until the symptoms subside. Once our Canton veterinary team knows what your pet is allergic to, we can create customized diets that swap out a hypoallergenic protein or carbohydrate for the offending ingredient.
Call Acres Mill Veterinary Clinic today at 770-479-1905! We can help you feed your pet everything he needs and teach you about everything he or she doesn't in order to enjoy a higher quality of life!