"Diagnosis is not the end, but the beginning of practice." - Martin H. Fischer
We will be happy to see any pet that is sick - please call for an appointment!
What to do when your pet is sick:
If your pet is vomiting: withhold all food and water and call the office to schedule an appointment. You will be asked to bring a stool sample, as many times intestinal parasites are a concern.
If your pet has diarrhea, but is still eating and drinking: Be sure to feed a bland, fat-free diet with no people food or treats until you can get an appointment. You will be asked to bring a stool sample.
Vomiting and diarrhea can be caused by multiple issues, from a change in food (different type of food, different flavor, or a fatty treat or table scraps), to intestinal parasites or life-threatening organ failure.
It is always a good idea to bring a stool sample to be checked.
If your pet is lethargic, call for an appointment. Take notice if he seems sore to be touched, and if he still wants to go outside to urinate and defecate. Make sure he is alert and responds to his name when called.
At any time you need to make an appointment for a sick pet, it is a good idea to make sure your pet does not eat for 12 hours before coming to the doctor, in case blood-work needs to be done.
Making sure your pet has a full bladder in case a urinalysis is warranted is also helpful to the doctor when diagnosing illness. You can do this by not allowing your pet to go outside for a few hours before the appointment, and not allowing your pet to urinate on the way to the car or on the way into the clinic.