Diet Change

Your veterinarian has prescribed a diet change for your pet. It is imperative that you follow the doctor's guidelines very closely. This diet change has been made to address either an exsisting medical condition with your pet and/or to improve the coat, skin, internal organs, muscular or skeletal systems of your pet.

Studies have shown that over 85% of diet failures can be attributed to pet owners NOT following the veterinarians directions, such as introducing the diet to quickly, feeding incorrect amounts, and not feeding at proper times. Diet changes can be made successfully. Remember, you the pet owner are responsible for success of this diet changeover!

These directions have been reviewed by your veterinarian, studied at the veterinary college level during feeding trials and have been shown to be the easiest to follow, and most successful method available....if they are followed!

If your pet is a small to medium breed feed as follows;

• Day 1 - Decrease present food by 1 teaspoonful.

 Add  1 teaspoonful of new food.

• Day 2 - Decrease present food by 2 teaspoonfuls.

Add 2 teaspoonfuls of new food.

• Day 3 - Decrease by

Add 3....and so on until food is completely changed over.

If your pet is a large to giant breed, SUBSTITUE A "TABLESPOON" FOR THE "TEASPOON" and follow the same numbers for decreases of the present food and the additions of the new food as shown above. (Day 1 = 1 tablespoon, Day 2 = 2 tbsp.Day 3 = 3 tbsp., ect.)

If you need further clarification of these feeding changeover  instructions, call our office anytime and one of our staff  will assist you - PLEASE DON'T ASSUME!!

If you find your pet leaving some food in the feeding dish STOP any further additions or decreases of either the new or former food, and continue to feed that same mixture that was not fully consumed until the pet eats all the food presented. This particular refusal, or hesitation, is considered to be the "turning point" as to whether the pet will continue in the food changeover. *( He is now thinking about the "new food" and deciding whether or not he likes this particular idea...)

*In the unlikely event you notice any type of bowel changes please call our office but be positive you've followed the above stated directions as per amount fed at one feeding.

Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should your pet consume table/human food of any kind. "Begging" is normal for a dog. Treats can be fed only at the direction of your veterinarian. Should you have any questions or concerns please call our office and we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you for your confidence in our hospital and staff.