A rush to the animal clinic is every family's worst nightmare. But as the experts at Crescent Springs Animal Hospital in Kentucky reveal, many of the most common dog and cat health problems can be prevented with a proper diet. The American Veterinary Medical Foundation says that dog owners alone will spend hundreds of dollars per year on veterinary care. But with these tips to tweak your furry friends' diets, you'll give them a leg up on staying healthy and out of the animal hospital.

Obesity

The obesity epidemic has hit American pets even harder than it has people. Thankfully, the chance you'll end up taking your pet to the animal clinic can be minimized simply by only feeding proper portions, reducing treats, and making sure no one slips table scraps under their chair at dinner. Keep your dogs dapper and your felines fit by reviewing the proper portions and feeding schedule with a vet at your local animal clinic. Sometimes one little change, like giving fewer treats, is all it takes to prevent a future pet emergency.

Bowel Problems

Diarrhea is one of the most common issues dog and cat owners face. There are many factors that can contribute to gastrointestinal problems, but this one is most often caused by the animal's diet, and vets say that a low-fat, high-fiber diet works best for upset tummies. Check the nutrition facts on your dog or cat food—is there a lot of wheat or soy? If so, you may need to switch to a higher-quality chow, as these ingredients are fillers that aren't great for cats and dogs. Make sure your furry friend drinks plenty of water as well, as this can help keep things moving to clear out the intestines.

Bladder Stones

Especially common in stressed-out dogs and cats, bladder stones are a serious condition that can cause your beloved dog or cat lots of pain and can even require surgery to remove. Thankfully, keeping your pet well hydrated goes a long way in preventing them from forming. On top of that, maintaining a diet low in calcium and phosphorous helps keep bladder stones at bay without any panicked emergency vet visits.

As a general rule of thumb, cheap pet food tends to less healthy than the fancier stuff. But even with the best pet foods, some animal clinic visits are unavoidable. When that day comes, Crescent Springs Animal Hospital is there to take care of your every pet care need. From a one-stop spay and neuter clinic to microchipping and just about any kind of pet emergency, your furry family members will be in good hands. To learn more, visit them online or call (859) 331-6608.