Prescription Pet Food in Nora, IN, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Nora is a vet in Nora, Indianapolis, that prescribes medical diets for dogs and cats. A prescription food is part of the treatment for some health problems, like bladder stones, kidney disease, food allergies and a sensitive gut.

These foods need a vet's OK because they change nutrients in ways that help one condition but would not fit a healthy pet.

Call (317) 245-3750 or book online to talk about your pet's diet.

Does my pet need a prescription diet?

The vet may suggest one for:

• Bladder stones or crystals, where some diets can help dissolve certain stones or stop new ones

• Kidney disease, with less phosphorus and gentler protein

• Food allergies, using a hydrolyzed or new-protein diet for a food trial

• Stomach and gut problems, with easy-to-digest food after vomiting or diarrhea

• Weight loss, with fewer calories but enough nutrients so your pet isn't always hungry

• Diabetes, liver disease or joint care, in some pets

The vet looks at your pet's exam, lab results and history before suggesting a diet. The Petfolk Nora clinic page notes that every diet change is reviewed with your veterinarian first.

How do I switch my pet to the new food?

Unless the vet says to switch right away, change foods slowly over about a week:

1. Days 1 and 2: mostly old food, a little new.

2. Days 3 and 4: half and half.

3. Days 5 and 6: mostly new food.

4. After that: new food only.

For a food allergy trial, the new food must be the only thing your pet eats. No table scraps, flavored chews or old treats.

How do I get the food?

Ask the team at Petfolk Nora how to get the diet your pet needs, and how to keep it coming so you don't run out. Order a refill when the bag is about a quarter full. Store dry food in its own bag inside a closed bin, so the label and lot number stay with it.

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Checking that the diet works

A prescription diet is not set-and-forget. The vet will plan a recheck to see if it is working, often with a weight check, a urine test or blood work. Some diets are for a few months, others for life. Your pet's needs can change, so the plan does too. See blood work and lab testing in Nora.

Treats on a medical diet

Treats can undo the diet. Ask the vet which treats are safe, or use a few pieces of the prescription kibble as treats. Many brands make a matching treat. Keep treats to a small share of daily calories.

Picky eaters

If your pet won't eat the new food, don't give up and don't go back to the old one without asking. Warm canned food a little, try a different flavor or texture, or ask about another brand. A cat who stops eating for more than a day needs a call to the clinic.

A calm diet visit

Fear Free handling is part of every Petfolk visit, including weigh-ins and rechecks. The team uses treats that fit your pet's diet.

What a diet plan costs

You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit. A PetfolkCare membership starts at $199 a year.

Diet signs that need a vet fast

Vomiting many times, refusing all food, or a male cat straining in the litter box with little or no urine needs care fast. If Petfolk Nora is closed, go to a 24-hour emergency hospital such as MedVet Indianapolis in Carmel. Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Nora is at 1340 E 86th St #52, Indianapolis, IN 46240.

Book a visit at Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Nora, or see all veterinary services in Nora.