Veterinarians are widely recognized for their crucial role in diagnosing and treating illnesses and performing lifesaving surgeries. However, their role and expertise extend far beyond providing these services. Our Milford Animal Hospital team encourages you to take advantage of the many benefits we offer to enhance your furry friend’s life. Consider the unexpected ways our veterinarians can help your pet lead a happier, healthier, and more vibrant life. 

Nutrition counseling for pets

Nutrition is the basis of health for all life, including pets. While pet owners often rely on favorite commercial pet food brands, not all products meet every cat’s or dog’s specific dietary needs. Our veterinarian can provide a personalized nutrition plan that caters to your pet’s unique health requirements. Whether your pet has an allergy, chronic condition, or weight issue, our team can recommend specialized diets or supplements that promote overall well-being and longevity.

Behavioral training and support for pets

Many pet owners struggle with their pet’s behavioral issues. Unexpected behavioral issues can be distressing for you and your furry friend. Our veterinary team can diagnose underlying medical issues that may be causing your pet’s behavioral problems such as pain or a neurologic condition. We can also collaborate with you to develop training and management plans that address pet behavior issues, such as anxiety, aggression, and destructive behaviors, and recommend private and group training options. 

Pet dental care 

Dental health is often overlooked but is vital for a pet’s overall health. More than two-thirds of cats and dogs older than age 3 have dental disease. Our veterinarian can perform dental cleanings, extractions, and other oral surgeries to prevent and treat your pet’s periodontal disease, which can lead to serious systemic issues if left untreated. We also advise on at-home dental care, including demonstrating toothbrushing techniques to ensure your pet’s pearly whites remain healthy and bright.

Mental enrichment for pets

Boredom is responsible for many negative pet behaviors. Each pet requires exercise, mental health activities, and high-quality time with you to fully thrive. Our team can assess your pet’s energy level, health, and age to develop a perfect exercise and enrichment regimen to beat boredom and encourage mental health and physical stimulation. Consider these at-home enrichment options, including:

  • Cat cubes and window shelves
  • Interactive toys such as laser pointers and sturdy tug-of-war ropes
  • Indoor agility courses
  • Soft toys designed for indoor fetch
  • Treat- and food-dispensing puzzles
  • Trick training 

Preparing pets for travel

If you’re planning a vacation with your pet this year, ensuring they are travel-ready is crucial. Airlines require pets to be fully vaccinated and have a certificate of veterinary inspection, particularly if you are traveling out of the United States. Our veterinarian will thoroughly examine your furry friend for any health issues that might impede their well-being during travel. Knowing your pet is healthy enough to hit the road with you will also give you peace of mind. 

Life stage preventive care for pets

Our veterinary team’s goal is to not only treat illnesses but to prevent them. Preventive care is your pet’s best defense against infectious diseases and chronic conditions. By detecting problems early, we can treat or effectively manage your pet’s illness signs to give your pet a better quality of life. Preventive care focuses on life stages: puppyhood and kittenhood, adulthood, and old age. From necessary vaccines and parasite prevention to blood testing and other diagnostic tools, our focus is always on prevention. Our veterinarian will help to ensure your pet’s health is optimal at every life stage. 

Pet end-of-life care and counseling

Making decisions about end-of-life care for your beloved pet can be incredibly challenging. Our compassionate team can guide and support you during this difficult time. We help you understand the signs of declining health, discuss pain management options, and, when necessary, offer humane euthanasia services. Additionally, our veterinarian can recommend grief counseling resources for coping with pet loss.

Veterinarians play a multifaceted role in pet care, providing more than the usual services to encompass comprehensive health and wellness support. By leveraging our skills and expertise, we can ensure your pet lives longer and enjoy a good quality of life. Contact our Milford Animal Hospital team to learn more about the veterinary services we offer and how we can better support your four-legged friend.