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Reasons Why You Might Schedule a Sick Visit

Any time you are worried about your pet's health or behavior, never hesitate to reach out to your local BetterVet team. You can book a sick visit appointment on our convenient website or mobile app. As a pet parent, you know your pet better than anyone and can sense when something’s not right. Your vet will be able to assess your pet’s condition and recommend further testing if necessary. Below is a list of common reasons to book a sick visit for your pet:

  • Changes in your pet’s appetite or thirst 
  • Changes to the appearance of your pet’s eyes
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Lethargy (low energy)
  • Sudden weight gain or weight loss
  • Excessive whining, pacing, or shaking
  • Other behavioral changes or health concerns 


What Happens During a Sick Visit?

Each in-home sick visit includes a nose-to-tail examination of your pet. Unlike in a veterinary clinic, you’ll be able to stay with your pet through the entire process and can help keep them calm and relaxed. Your BetterVet team will come prepared with all the equipment necessary to give your pet a thorough exam, including blood pressure monitors, intraocular pressure tools, digital stethoscopes, and mobile ultrasound machines. 

If lab testing is required for your pet, your doctor will follow up with a phone call or email to talk through the results. If your pet requires medication, your doctor will provide a prescription during your visit. Additionally, you can schedule a video call to follow up with your vet if you have any additional questions or concerns. 


Should You Book a Sick Visit or Video Consultation?

Our video consultations provide expert telemedicine for a variety of non-urgent issues. Virtual visits are a great option when you have concerns about your pet, but are unsure whether they should be seen. Our veterinary care team is available during regular business hours, so please reach out to us if you are unsure which type of appointment to book. Any time your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, do not hesitate to bring them to the nearest Veterinary Emergency clinic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can you tell if a dog is not feeling well?

Any changes to your dog’s behavior could indicate that they are not feeling well. These include: 

  • Changes in your dog’s appetite or thirst
  • Changes to the appearance of your dog’s eyes
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Lethargy (low energy)
  • Sudden weight gain or weight loss
  • Excessive whining, pacing, or shaking
  • Other behavioral changes or health concerns
How do dogs act when they’re sick?
In addition to the list above, other signs that they are not feeling well are that they may not be interested in their usual activities, shy away from attention, and may even hide.
What can you do for a sick pet?
The best option when you are concerned about your sick pet is to schedule a telemedicine video consultation or a home visit with one of our veterinarians.
How do cats act when they are sick?

Similar to dogs, cats often demonstrate changes in behavior when they are feeling ill. These include:

  • Changes in your cat’s appetite or thirst
  • Changes to the appearance of your cat’s eyes
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Lethargy (low energy)
  • Sudden weight gain or weight loss
  • Pacing or shaking
  • Hiding 
  • Resistance to being pet
  • Meowing or other vocalizing
  • Other behavioral changes or health concerns
How long do cats feel sick for?
How long a cat is sick depends on what is the cause of their discomfort. Usually, cats recover quickly from minor illnesses, but if it is a more serious condition, your veterinarian may need to monitor them for a longer period of time and recommend additional treatments.


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