Sick Visits

What is a Sick Visit? 

A sick visit is an appointment for pets showing signs of illness or not feeling their best. Unlike wellness exams that happen when your pet is healthy, sick visits focus on diagnosing and treating whatever's going on right now.

We'll examine your pet, ask about their symptoms and recent behavior, and may recommend diagnostic tests to figure out the cause. Our goal is to identify the problem quickly and get your pet on the path to feeling better.

Common Signs Your Pet Needs a Sick Visit

Pets are naturally good at hiding discomfort, so changes that seem small can sometimes signal something more serious. Here are signs that your pet should be seen:

• Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours

• Loss of appetite, unusual thirst, or unexplained weight changes

• Lethargy, low energy, or reluctance to move

• Excessive scratching, licking, or discharge from eyes or ears

• Straining to urinate, coughing, or labored breathing

If you're unsure whether something is worth a visit, it's always better to come in early than to wait and see if it develops.

What to Expect During a Sick Visit 

Every sick visit starts with a conversation. We'll ask when symptoms started, whether anything has changed at home (new food, new environment, exposure to other animals), and how your pet's behavior has been lately.

From there, we'll do a thorough physical exam. Depending on what we find, we may recommend diagnostics like bloodwork, urinalysis, x-rays, or a fecal test to get a clearer picture. In many cases, we can run tests and discuss results the same day, so you're not left waiting.

Once we have a diagnosis or a strong working theory, we'll walk you through the treatment options, expected recovery timeline, and anything you should watch for at home.

Tips Before Your Sick Visit 

A little preparation helps us diagnose your pet faster:

• Write down when symptoms first started and how they've changed

• Note any recent changes (new food, treats, cleaning products, visitors, travel)

• Bring a fresh stool sample if your pet has diarrhea

• Have a list of any medications or supplements your pet is currently taking

• If your pet vomited, take a photo of what came up (color, consistency, any foreign material)

The more details you can share, the faster we can get to the root of the problem.

How do I know if my pet needs a sick visit or urgent care?

Sick visits are for concerning but non-life-threatening symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, limping, or ear infections. For more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, seizures, collapse, major trauma, or suspected poisoning, your pet may need urgent care or a 24-hour veterinary hospital. If you're not sure what your pet needs, call us and we can help you figure out the right next step.

Can I get a same-day appointment for my sick pet? 

Yes. We prioritize sick pets and do our best to get you in the same day. Call us or book online. If we can't see you right away, we'll advise on next steps.

What should I bring to the appointment? 

Notes on when symptoms started and how they've changed. A fresh stool sample if your pet has diarrhea. A photo of any vomit. And a list of any current medications or supplements.

How much does a sick visit cost? 

The exam fee is straightforward. Additional costs depend on what diagnostics or treatments are needed. We'll always discuss pricing with you before moving forward.

My pet vomited once. Should I bring them in? 

A single episode in an otherwise normal pet isn't always a concern. But if your pet vomits multiple times, can't keep water down, seems tired, or has other symptoms, they should be seen.

My pet has diarrhea. How long should I wait before coming in? 

If it lasts more than 24 hours, if you see blood in the stool, if your pet stops eating, or if they seem weak, come in. Puppies and senior pets should be seen sooner, as they dehydrate more quickly.

Will my pet need to stay at the clinic? 

Most sick visits are outpatient. You'll go home with a care plan the same day. If your pet needs IV fluids, monitoring, or more intensive treatment, we'll explain why and keep you updated.

Can I give my pet over-the-counter medication at home? 

Don't give your pet human medications without consulting a vet first. Many common household medications are toxic to dogs and cats. Call us before giving anything so we can advise on what's safe.

My pet isn't eating but seems fine otherwise. Should I worry? 

Skipping one meal isn't unusual, especially in warm weather or a new environment. If your pet goes more than a day without eating or is less active than usual, it's worth having them checked.

My pet is drinking way more water than usual. What does that mean? 

Increased thirst can be a sign of kidney disease, diabetes, or hormonal conditions. If the change is sudden or lasts more than a day or two, schedule a visit so we can run some basic tests.

What if the first round of tests doesn't give a clear answer? 

It happens. Some conditions take more than one round of diagnostics to pin down. We'll discuss next steps with you, whether that's additional testing, a trial treatment, or referral to a specialist.

Should I withhold food or water before bringing my sick pet in? 

Unless we specifically ask you to, no. Keep water available at all times. If we need your pet to fast for a specific test, we'll let you know when you schedule the appointment.