At Summit Veterinary Care, we believe in caring for the whole pet – not just treating symptoms. That means supporting not only your pet’s physical health, but also their emotional well-being and nutritional needs. As a Fear Free Certified Practice, our goal is to make every visit a positive experience while also helping you manage your pet’s health at home.

That’s why we offer nutritional and behavioral counseling for both dogs and cats – because behavior and nutrition are key pillars of lifelong wellness.

Nutrition: Feeding for Health, Longevity, and Quality of Life

Good nutrition is the foundation of good health. But with so many pet food options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Raw? Grain-free? Prescription diets? Home-cooked meals? We’re here to help you cut through the confusion and choose the right diet for your pet’s age, breed, lifestyle, and medical needs.

Our team can assist with:

• Weight management and obesity prevention
  
• Special dietary needs (e.g. kidney disease, allergies, GI issues)
  
• Life-stage feeding (puppy/kitten, adult, senior)
  
• Transitioning to prescription or therapeutic diets
  
• Evaluating treats, supplements, and feeding schedules

Because we know that every pet is unique, we take time to create personalized nutrition plans that actually work for your pet and your lifestyle.

Behavior: Understanding and Supporting Emotional Wellness

From barking and chewing to hiding and hissing, behavioral issues can be frustrating—but they’re often your pet’s way of communicating stress, fear, or unmet needs. As a Fear Free Certified practice, we are deeply committed to reducing anxiety and making every interaction as peaceful and positive as possible.

We provide behavioral counseling to address concerns such as:

• Separation anxiety
  
• Aggression or reactivity
  
• House soiling
  
• Destructive behaviors
  
• Excessive barking or vocalizing
  
• Socialization challenges
  
• Fear of the vet or grooming visits

For pets with more complex behavioral needs, we work closely with Dr. Amy Pike and the team at Animal Behavioral Wellness Center, one of the region’s most respected veterinary behavior specialists. We’re proud to offer referrals to their practice when needed to ensure your pet gets expert-level care. If your pet is already a patient at ABWC, we are thrilled to consult with your provider to ensure we create a positive experience for your pet at Summit! 

Fear Free Visits: Calmer Pets, Better Care

We understand that some pets experience fear, anxiety, or stress when visiting the vet. To make each visit more peaceful, we offer:

• Pre-visit pharmaceuticals (PVPs) to reduce anxiety
  
• Low-stress handling techniques and gentle restraint
  
• Pheromone therapies in exam rooms
  
• Specie -specific exam rooms
  
• A calm, compassionate approach from check-in to check-out
  

Our entire team is trained in Fear Free techniques, and we’re happy to walk you through how to make travel and visits less stressful for your pet.

Let’s Work Together—for a Healthier, Happier Pet

Behavioral and nutritional counseling aren’t just about fixing problems—they’re about setting your pet up for success. Whether you’re dealing with a new puppy or kitten, managing a chronic condition, or just trying to better understand your pet’s behavior, our team is here to help.

Have questions? Ready to schedule a consultation? Give us a call at 571-248-1175. We’d love to partner with you on your pet’s health journey—body, mind, and bowl.