Nutrition is one factor the veterinary healthcare team can affect, writes Kara M. Burns, MS, MEd, LVT, VTS (Nutrition). Burns advocates for involving veterinary nurses as nutrition counselors for pet owners and the practice team. She discusses the values of nutritional education, the challenges of misinformation and shares details on the NAVC Pet Nutrition Coach Certification.
Source: Today’s Veterinary Nurse, Summer 2021. Link. Pet owners truly do believe that their veterinary team members are experts in pet health as well as pet nutrition. In an AAHA study, 90% of pet owners want nutritional recommendations, yet 15% perceive they are given one. The AAHA compliance study revealed 7% of the pets that could potentially benefit from therapeutic foods were actually employing that therapy.
INSIGHTS: Incorporating nutritional coaching in the practice is good medicine, good business and right for the animals. Certification will establish expertise, trust and improve client experiences. It is also a role that could be included in remote services.