Sick Pet Visits

Veterinarian examining lethargic beagle during sick pet visit exam in Midlothian clinic

Your pet isn't acting right, and the next routine opening is weeks away. A sick visit at our Midlothian clinic, on Steam Avenue off Midlothian Turnpike, is built around the problem: an exam, the tests that fit, and a plan you understand before you leave.

Call (804) 603-9509. We hold a few same-day spots each day, so calling first is the fastest way in.

When it's an emergency: Go straight to a 24-hour emergency hospital for trouble breathing, collapse, seizures, heavy bleeding, a swollen belly with retching, a male cat straining with no urine, or a suspected poisoning. Our Midlothian clinic is open 8 AM to 6 PM, seven days a week, and we don't provide overnight care.

Signs That Call for a Sick Visit

Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than a day, or returning.
Not eating for a day (sooner for cats and small puppies).
Limping, stiffness, or reluctance to jump.
Head shaking, ear odor, or scratching at one spot.
Coughing, sneezing, or eye discharge.
Drinking or urinating much more than usual.
A new lump, or one that's changing.

AAHA's list of pet health signs you should never ignore covers more signs worth a call.

Close-up of vet taking temperature of sick tabby cat during Midlothian pet visit

Sick Visit, Urgent Care, or Emergency?

Sick visit: a problem that's real but stable, like an ear infection, a limp, or a few days of soft stool.
Urgent care: a problem that shouldn't wait until tomorrow, like a cut that needs care or repeated vomiting.
Emergency hospital: anything life-threatening, or anything after 6 PM that can't wait until morning.

Not sure which? Call us. Describe what you're seeing, and the team will help you decide.

Alert golden retriever mix recovering after sick pet visit treatment in Midlothian

What Happens at the Visit

You go straight to an exam room and stay with your pet. The doctor asks what you've seen, examines your pet, and explains what's likely and what would confirm it. Most lab work runs in our clinic, and X-rays are on site, so many answers come the same day.

Before any test or treatment, you get an estimate and decide what to do.

"I made an appointment easily online same day for my daughter's kitten who wasn't feeling well. All the Vet techs and Vet were so sweet and did a thorough exam."
— Vivian J., Petfolk client.

Pet owner giving prescribed medication to elderly cat at home after Midlothian vet visit

When You Can Watch at Home

A single vomit in an otherwise bright, eating adult dog, or one soft stool after a diet change, can usually be watched for a day. Offer water, skip treats, and call if it repeats, your pet stops eating, or you see blood. Puppies, kittens, and seniors get less time; call sooner.

Winter in Midlothian: Road Salt and Ice Melt

When winter weather hits, Midlothian Turnpike and neighborhood sidewalks get salted, and ice melt ends up on paws. It can crack and irritate pads, and dogs who lick it off can get an upset stomach.

Wipe paws with a damp cloth after winter walks.
Use a pet-safe ice melt on your own steps and driveway.
Book a visit for red, cracked, or bleeding pads, or for vomiting after a dog licks or eats ice melt.

What a Sick Visit Costs

A sick or urgent exam is $135, or $36 with a PetfolkCare membership ($199 a year). Tests and treatment are priced separately, and you get an estimate before anything is done. Members save 10% on lab work and X-rays.

Call Us First

If your pet isn't right, call our clinic on Steam Avenue. We'll help you decide what kind of visit fits and get you in when we can. (804) 603-9509.